Social Groups

Congregation Beth Jacob is a vibrant, warm and welcoming community where people of diverse ages and backgrounds build meaningful relationships.  At CBJ, there are a variety of ways to meet other members and be a part of that community.  These groups are open to all and always looking for new members. Come join us!

BOOK GROUP

CHAVUROT

MEN'S COMMUNITY

MUNCHKINS AND MISHPACHA

SISTERHOOD

WEDNESDAY BAGEL BUNCH

HAVDALLAH PJ'S NIGHT

BOOK GROUP

The 2009-2010 schedule is set and it looks like a great year of reading. emember, come to one of our discussions, or come to many.  I can honestly say that I have never been disappointed or uninterested in one of our Tuesday evening sessions these last eight years.  They always end up being educational and enjoyable, even when I don't care for the book.Our schedule is always open to change, so check back and look in the Voice.  Special thanks to the discussion leaders who have volunteered.

And remember to buy your books at Kepler's and CBJ gets 10%!  Click here to learn more.

  • January 12

Sunflower by Wiesenthal - This is a very short book that poses a powerful moral dilemma. On the same night, we'll discuss Address Unknown by K. Taylor that also challenges each of us to consider how we might act in a troubling moral conflict.  Dick and Sandi Harte will lead.

  • February 9

American Pastoral by Roth - Michael Katz leader. Several friends have told me this is their favorite Roth novel.

  • March 9

Shanghai Diary by Bacon - Fran Teisch leader.  Excellent reviews.

  • April 20

Marcelo in the Real World by Stork - Jerry Brodkey leader. This is an easy-to-read story of a young man with perhaps Asperger's Syndrome trying to find his way in the world.

  • May 18

Tale Of Love and Darkness by Amos Oz - Joel Teisch leader.  Wonderful reviews of this autobiography by one of Israel's greatest novelists.  Please feel free to call or email with any questions.

Any comments or questions contact Jerry Brodkey by email or at 650-917-8213.

CHAVUROT

A chavurah or havurah (plural chavurot) is a small group of like-minded Jews who assemble for the purposes of facilitating Shabbat and holiday prayer services, sharing communal experiences such as lifecycle events, and Jewish learning.

A chavurah is a great way to feel connected to other Beth Jacob members.  Small groups of congregants (6-8 families or couples, or 10 – 15 singles) come together to create connections and develop life-long friendships. Each chavurah takes on its own unique identity ober time, usually meeting monthly to celebrate holidays, have inspirational/educational gatherings, or just to socialize. Being in a chavurah can be like having a second family (without the dysfunction!)

We are currently looking for someone to fill the position of Chavurah Coordinator.  The job would entail helping those that want to join or start a new Chavurah. 

If you are interested in the Chavurah Coordinator position, joining or starting a Chavurah, please contact Eric Stone by email or at 650-366-8481.

CHAVUROT SHABBAT

Here is an opportunity for you to share a very special Shabbat with your Havurah.  Three Saturdays have been reserved for Havurot who will lead us in services and sponsor the Kiddush lunch to celebrate and honor the spirit of Ha urot.  Whether you belong to a "senior" Havurah or one with young families, this is a perfect way to connect yourfriendships with kedusha and the Beth Jacob family.

To reserve your date, contact Bill Futornick, Ritual Director.  Bill will help you organize the service and assist with preparation.

MEN'S COMMUNITY

Check back for news of the next Men's Community gathering.

MUNCHKINS AND MISHPACHA

Parenting, Preschoolers and Passover!

Sunday, March 21 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Together we will play, eat and shmooze. We'll do an arts and crafts project with our kids as an opportunity to learn about the coming holiday of Passover and we will explore issues of parenting through the the lens of the four children mentioned in the Passover Seder. 

No previous Jewish knowledge necessary to participate in discussion, just an open heart and desire to grow in your role as parent.

Come join other families with kids between the ages of 1 and 4 to explore child raising issues and building a Jewish home. We meet once a month to shmooze, eat, play and learn how to easily incorporate Jewish holidays into our child’s life through art and music and to support each other on the journey of being a parent by exploring specific parenting topics.

This program is run through Congregation Beth Jacob (CBJ) in Redwood City. Non-CBJ members are welcome. Families with multiple children are welcome even if they are older than 4 or younger than 1, but one of your children should be between 1 and 4.

Rabbi Laurie Hahn Tapper is the group's coordinator.

To sign-up or learn more, just fill out the information below and Laurie will contact you.

SISTERHOOD

First Annual Congregation Beth Jacob Sisterhood Weekend Retreat

Friday, May 14, 3:00 p.m. – Sunday, May 16, noon

Asilomar Conference Center, 800 Asilomar Blvd., Pacific Grove

Download a registration form.  Only 20 spaces available!

Led by Wendie Bernstein Lash, inspirational teacher of spirituality and meditation.

A time away in a beautiful setting with other Beth Jacob women to enjoy creative outdoor services, hiking, mediation, art, dancing, singing, study, games, relaxation, campfire, food, chocolate and laughter.

Our weekend theme is Yad v Yad (hand to hand).

WHAT IS SISTERHOOD?

Sisterhood is where Beth Jacob women of all ages can meet regularly for social activities, support, wisdom, learning, recreation, spiritual endeavors and service to the CBJ and the greater community.

Women through the ages have gained wisdom, support and inspiration from other women. CBJ women gather on a Sunday every month when the moon is new (Rosh Chodesh) to explore life together. We have engaged in guided mediation, learned to bake Jewish foods, planned and created rituals, studied with inspiring female teachers, listened to each other's stories, created art, enjoyed music, and have eaten a lot of food!

For more about Sisterhood, contact Karen Gould.

SISTERHOOD RECIPES

The women of Beth Jacob Sisterhood met before Rosh Hashanah to discuss forgiveness and share good food.  Here are recipes for some of the desserts that were enjoyed together.

We hope you enjoy these recipes, too!

WEDNESDAY BAGEL BUNCH

Fourth Wednesday of each month, 8:30 a.m. with speaker at 9:30 a.m., following the Wednesday morning Henry Rabin Minyan. A light breakfast, featuring bagels, will be provided, followed by a speaker.

February 24

Our speaker will be Chaplain Bruce Feldstein, M.D., who will present Bikur Cholim (Visiting the Sick): Stories from the Bedside.

Bruce, a member of CBJ and former emergency physician, will reflect on his past ten years as founder and director of The Jewish Chaplaincy at Stanford University Medical Center. He will speak about visiting patients at the hospitals, sharing stories of mystery and awe, love and miracles . . . stories that reveal the wisdom of Jewish tradition and the power of community.

Please RSVP by email to either Bernie Arfin or Joe Gruber, so that we may provide enough food.  We request a donation of two dollars to cover the cost of the food.

We look forward to seeing you!

HAVDALLAH PJ'S NIGHT

February 27 and March 13

Reservation deadline is the Wednesday prior

SIGN UP NOW!

Calling CBJ Parents!  Start the new week by celebrating Havdallah together with other families!  After Havdallah, leave your children (ages 5 and up) at Beth Jacob with experienced teachers for a couple hours of fun activities, while you go out and enjoy the evening.

Kids will enjoy:

Kids, please bring:

  • Sleeping bag
  • Your favorite PJ’s
  • And a big smile

Cost:

  • $25 for one child
  • $45 for two siblings
  • $55 for three siblings

Questions?  Contact the CBJ office by email or at 650-366-8481.

SIGN UP NOW!

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Do you have an idea for a Social Group that you would like to see at Beth Jacob?  Contact Eric Stone by email or at 650-366-8481.

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