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| News from Congregation Beth El |
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PASSOVER Starts Monday, March 29! For all the information you need for your family's Pesach, see Beth El's 2010 (5770) Pesach Page, including Rabbi Ruberg's Guidelines and Preparation Instructions and Beth El's Service Schedule. Posted: 3/2/10 |
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Judaism 101 Continues The first four Tuesday nights in March at 7:00 p.m., Rabbi Ruberg and Rabbi Tendler will continue their Introduction to Judaism series geared both for non-Jews wishing to get “a taste of Judaism,” and Jews who want to review some of the basics of Judaism and the Jewish people. Contact the Rabbis or Noelle in the office if you wish to join the class for the four March sessions. Posted: 3/2/10 |
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Pre-Pesach Lunch & Learn - Begins March 10 A series of Lunch and Learn sessions will be held on three Wednesdays in March, each dealing with a different aspect of the upcoming Passover holiday. The schedule is as follows: => March 10 – Leader Rabbi Ruberg Topic – A study of the most recent guidelines of what is kosher for Passover published by The Rabbinical Assembly of Conservative Judaism. => March 17 – Leader Rabbi Tendler Topic – Your seder this year. => March 24 – Leader Cantor Piltch Topic – Seder melodies Lunch and Learn is held on Wednesdays from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. The weekly cost is $5.00 per person for lunch. Please call ahead if possible before these special Lunch and Learns to indicate your attendance so that the proper amount of food can be prepared. Posted: 3/2/10 |
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Friday Night Service at Beth Shalom - March 12 On Friday, March 12th at 7:00 pm, Men’s Club will be leading the Friday Night Service at Beth Sholom Home. This is a project we run for the senior members of our community which includes services a couple times a year. The residents are always VERY appreciative of the Men’s Club leading their service, and our members are always complimentary of the event. This has become a family event for our members because children make the service even more special to those in attendance, so please bring yourself AND your family. An Oneg will follow after the conclusion of this short service. This event is FREE and open to the community. Thanks to Mark Schneider for running this program, and a special thanks to Brad Lazernick for serving as the spiritual leader! Please contact Mark at 451-0919 to claim a part or just to RSVP. Posted: 3/2/10 |
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Youth/Family Services - Upcoming Schedule - Mashmallows and Mitzvah: March 29 - Chocolate Seder: March 30 - Shabbat with a Story (Family Service): March 19 - Mini Minyan (Children and Parents up thru Kindergarten): March 13 & 27 - Torah Tweens (Children Grades 1 - 3): March 13 & 27 - Junior Congregation (Children Grades 4 - 6): March 13 & 27 Posted: 3/2/10 |
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Men's Club World Wide Wrap - March 14 The World Wide Wrap is an international program of FJMC that allows Jews from all over the world to join together to practice and learn about the performance of the mitzvah of wrapping tefillin. Please come and Join the Fifth and Sixth graders on Sunday March, 14th as they show off and put on the tefillin they have made in Religious School. They will also sing a rap song they made up about wrapping. If you have never put on tefillin, this will be a great opportunity for you to learn. If you don’t own tefillin, that’s ok, there will be extra for you to put on. THIS IS A GREAT MITZVAH YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR KIDS. The program will start at 9:15 a.m. in Myers Hall and should be over around 10:30 am. The Men’s Club will serve a light breakfast after the program. Please call the office at 625-7821 and let us know if you will be attending so we will know how to plan for food. Posted: 3/2/10 |
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Toast Marshmallows & Do a Mitzvah - March 29 The Torah informs us that hametz (leavened products) should not be eaten, seen or even located in one’s house during the festival of Passover. Therefore people go to great lengths and often create games to search the nooks and crannies to remove yeast products from their homes and burn them the morning before the holiday begins. This symbolizes cleaning out our minds and hearts, removing negative forces and renewal. This year, as we prepare a little early, bring your gathered leftovers to Beth El on Monday, March 29th and we will burn our hametz together in the parking lot at 11:30 a.m. We will supply the marshmallows to toast as we watch our hametz burn! Posted: 3/2/10 |
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Chocolate Seder - March 30 Calling All Kids! Come get a delicious, chocolaty taste of Passover with us! Tuesday, March 30th at 10:45 a.m. Laibstain Lounge Tots to 5th grade! (Tots through 2nd grade need adult accompaniment) Posted: 3/2/10 |
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Passover at the Norfolk Zoo! - April 1 Thursday, April 1st 1:00 p.m. Meet at 12:30 pm. at the front entrance to the zoo come take a “behind-the-scene” tour & help feed the giraffes. Admission: Adults: $7.00 Children: $5.00 (ages 2-11) Senior citizens: $6.00 (ages 62 & older) Children under 2: Free Virginia Zoo members: free RSVP to the synagogue office at 625-7821 bring a camera to capture the memories! Posted: 3/2/10 |
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Yom HaShoah at Virginia Holocaust Museum - April 11 ATTENTION: FAMILIES WITH 8TH-12TH GRADERS This year on Yom HaShoah-Holocaust Remembrance Day, April 11th, we will be taking a trip to the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond for students and parents. Leaving Beth El parking lot at 9:00 a.m. and returning by 5:00 p.m., we will have a guided tour of the museum and attend a one-hour Yom HaShoah memorial service different from our own. Trip includes kosher box lunch. $5 reserves your seat and covers your cost RSVP to the synagogue office 625-7821 Trip is underwritten by The Melvin Zimm Holocaust Education Memorial Fund Posted: 3/2/10 |
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Pennies for Peace One of the toughest challenges a teacher of the Holocaust faces today is putting six million individuals— men, women, and children, into perspective. This challenge is double sided. First, how many people is six million? How can one truly comprehend how many people that equals. For example, if you put all six million in one space, how much room would they take up? Our goal is to collect 60,000 pennies by April 18th, the week following Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Our hope is that this will aid our understanding of how many six million is, and the impact the Holocaust had on our people. Sixty thousand pennies sounds like a tremendous amount. It is, but multiply that by 100 and that is how many Jewish lives were taken. Divide it by 100 and it is only $600. Please bring your pennies with you and help our cause. At the end of our project the money will go to combat violence and hatred in the world today or to a Holocaust memorial or organization. On Sunday, April 18th, our Religious School Day of Chesed (day of loving kindness), our 8th and 9th graders who are focusing on Holocaust Education, will count our pennies in order to create a visual understanding of how many Jews perished during the Holocaust. The students will also research several Holocaust remembrance agencies, anti-hatred groups, and organizations committed to making a vital difference in the world. Together the class will decide where to donate our money. Please support us and please join us in our efforts! Posted: 3/2/10 |
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Passover Food For the Needy Passover Food For the Needy Carly Roesen is spearheading a food drive as a project for her upcoming Bat Mitzvah. As you are cleaning out your food pantry for Passover, please consider donating unopened food products as well as Passover products to Beth El. These items will be delivered to JFS. Carly hopes to get an ample supply of Passover products so needy Jewish families in the area can observe the Passover traditions. Posted: 3/2/10 |
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Family Bingo Night 2010 - February 6 BINGO IS BACK!!! Our annual Bingo Night for 2010 will be Saturday, February 6th starting at 7:00 p.m. We look forward to continuing Beth El’s most popular (non-religious) family-oriented event! All money raised will go toward the Men’s Club’s mission of educating our Beth El youth. Once again, Richard Gross and Mark Kozak have graciously volunteered to be the event chairs. RSVP/Cost: If you RSVP by January 29th, the cost of admission is $15 per adult and $10 per child (12 and under). The cost of admission at the door (or after January 30) is $25 per adult and $15 per child. If you would like to RSVP, please call the office at 625-7821 or email Noelle at noelle@bethelnorfolk.com. If you have a child who is too young to play bingo, it is $5 to cover the cost of food (ages 2 and under are free). Bingo Sponsorships are available for individuals or companies wishing to do a little more: Individual Sponsorships begin at $108 and include a name listing on every table, listed in the bulletin, and Men’s Club e-mails plus two adult and two child admissions. Corporate sponsorships begin at $250 and include a larger listing (with address and phone if wanted) on every table with additional listings in the bulletin and Men’s Club e-mails, plus eight adult admissions. All sponsors will have VIP check-in and a reserved seating option (as long as we have your attendee list in-hand before January 29th). If you would like to be a sponsor, please contact Alex at 472-9054 or ahdb4@cox.net before January 29th. Posted: 1/27/10 |
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A Weekend of Jewish Art - February 5–7 The art of World-Renowned Judaica Artist Mordechai Rosenstein will be on display in the Caplan- Gordon Atrium from Friday, February 5th until after Religious School on Sunday, February 7th. Mr. Rosenstein will speak about his art and its roots in Torah and Jewish tradition during Shabbat morning services on February 6th. He will be available to “schmooze” during and after Men’s Club Bingo Night on February 6th at 7:00 p.m. He will conduct an interactive demonstration for children and parents during Religious School on February 7th. Mordechai Rosenstein’s Judaic artwork is displayed in synagogues and Jewish institutions around the world. To view some of his work and to learn more, check out the website: www.emeseditions.com Posted: 1/27/10 |
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World Wide Wrap - February 7 The World Wide Wrap is an international program of FJMC that allows Jews from all over the world to join together to practice and learn about the performance of the mitzvah of wrapping tefillin. Join the 5th and 6th graders on the morning of February 7th as they show off and put on the tefillin they have made in Religious School. If you have never put on tefillin, this will be a great opportunity for you to learn. If you don’t own tefillin, that’s ok, there will be extra for you to put on. It will all start at 9:15 am in Myers Hall. Join the Men’s Club of Norfolk and Men’s Clubs from around the world as we all partake in this important mitzvah. Please call Alex Pomerantz if you have any questions. Posted: 1/27/10 |
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Kadima/Machar USY Ice Skating - February 7 Kadima/Machar USY Let’s Go Ice Skating! Sunday, February 7 1:00 -3:00 P.M. Iceland in Virginia Beach Cost: $8.00 (Includes ice skates, admission & snacks) RSVP to Beth Gross at 721-7566 Posted: 1/27/10 |
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Youth/Family Services - Upcoming Schedule - Family Purim Service: February 28 - Shabbat with a Story (Family Service): February 19 - Mini Minyan (Children and Parents up thru Kindergarten): February 13 & 27 - Torah Tweens (Children Grades 1 - 3): February 13 & 27 - Junior Congregation (Children Grades 4 - 6): February 13 & 27 Posted: 1/27/10 |
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Women About Women - February 21 Hadassah and Sisterhood's Women About Women Present: Women and Heart Disease - The Differences from Men in Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Prevention Celebrating Heart Health in a Holistic Way! Sunday, February 21st at Beth El 10 AM - 12:15 PM (Come join us while the kids are in Religious School) Margarita Simon, Nurse Practitioner - Diagnosing Disease in Women Dr. Susan Kaplan - recent studies in Women’s Health Rabbi Susan Tendler - spirituality and the holistic view of health Join us for a light brunch RSVP to the Temple office or to Judy Mitnick at 495-4111 Posted: 1/27/10 |
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Purim Schedule @ Beth El - February 27 & 28 Saturday, February 27 7:00pm - Full Megillah reading “for adults only” Sunday, February 28 9:00 – Full Megillah reading at morning minyan 10:45am - 12:10pm – Family Megillah reading during Sunday Religious School - Costumes and prizes - Rabbi Ruberg and Miriam’s Purim skit. - Appropriate for all ages. Posted: 1/27/10 |
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Beth El Serves the Homeless - March 3-9 Beth El will again open its doors to the homeless of our community for a week beginning Wednesday night, March 3rd. For the sixteenth year, Beth El will join churches and synagogues in hosting and feeding the homeless throughout the winter months as part of the efforts of N.E.S.T. (Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team). In the past, Beth El has depended on the commitment of its members for this important mitzvah. Volunteers are needed again to register guests, prepare and serve meals and to be available during the night and early morning hours to monitor the program. CONTRIBUTIONS ARE ALSO NEEDED TO PURCHASE FOOD. Those who can contribute are encouraged to send a check to Beth El with the notation that it is for the homeless program. Please sign up for volunteer shifts by calling the office. Volunteers for the late night and morning shifts are particularly appreciated. Posted: 1/27/10 |
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Men's Club 2010 BYMOY Breakfast - January 17 Marc Davis has been selected by our former Blue Yarmulke Man of Year winners as their honoree for 2010. Congratulations to Marc!!! A special brunch will be held at Beth El on January 17th, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. in honor of marc and all the other 2010 BYMOY nominees from synagogues throughout the Peninsula and Southside. If you would like to attend, please make reservations by calling the office at 625-7821 or e-mail Noelle at noelle@bethelnorfolk.com by January 8th, 2010. The cost is $15 per person, and checks should be made payable to the “Beth El Men’s Club”. Thank you to Norman Soroko for once again being the BYMOY Event Chair. Posted: 12/25/09 |
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Blood Donation Drive - January 17 The Men’s Club will be hosting a blood drive on Sunday, January 17th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Beth El. The Blue Yarmulke breakfast and Religious School will be in session, so please make it a part of your morning and take the extra time before or after the breakfast to donate blood. This is truly a wonderful act of kindness. A big thank you to Neil Rose for taking the time to put this even together. Posted: 12/25/09 |
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Youth/Family Services - Upcoming Schedule - Shabbat with a Story (Family Service): January 15 - Mini Minyan (Children and Parents up thru Kindergarten): January 9 & 23 - Torah Tweens (Children Grades 1 - 3): January 9 & 23 - Junior Congregation (Children Grades 4 - 6): January 9 & 23 Posted: 12/25/09 |
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Women Only Fitness Class - Starts January 6 Start reaching your fitness goals today! One-hour class Mix of cardio, weight training, and core strength using resistant bands. Instructor: Joanna Schranz (Certified Personal Trainer, Beth El member, and mother of three) When: 7:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays starting January 6th Where: Beth El (private classroom) Cost: 4 sessions for $44. We will continue the class on a monthly basis. Sign Up: Call Joanna at 321-8955 (Individual personal training sessions also available.) Posted: 12/25/09 |
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Sisterhood Paid-Up Membership Dinner - January 26 To thank all our Sisterhood members who have paid their dues, we are having a program on January 26th, at 6:00 p.m. featuring JFS's Betty Ann Levin and Ellen Waranch who will talk about “The Sandwich Generation.” Are you the child of aging parents AND the parents of growing children who depend on you? Are you being pulled at both ends, wondering how to cope with it all and still maintain your sanity? Learn how to better manage this challenge through a special presentation. Dinner is free for paid-up members and $8.50 for guests. RSVP to the Beth El office by January 19th. Posted: 12/25/09 |
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Shabbat Services, Seudah (Meal) & Speaker - January 29 & 31 Risa Hanau, LCSW, with over twenty years experience working with end of life issues will present: 1) Friday Night, January 29th. Services begin at 5:30 p.m., dinner to follow Ethical Wills - Sharing your heart with loved ones. - Concepts - Examples - Tips to start writing your own will 2) The program will continue on Sunday morning, January 31st at 10:00 a.m. with: - Thinking about what is important to us and sharing those wishes with those closest to us - Having difficult conversations with family. - Looking at Virginia state documents and help in filling them out. RSVP to the Beth El office Posted: 12/25/09 |
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Nominating Committee News The Nominating Committee will be meeting soon to nominate people to serve on the Board and as officers. If anyone is interested in serving Beth El in this capacity, please contact Neil Rose, chair of the Nominating Committee at 463-3823. Posted: 12/25/09 |
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Keruv & Caring Committees News The Keruv (Interfaith/outreach) Committee and Caring Committee are looking for those who are interested in helping. For more information contact Pam Gladstone in the office at 625-7821. Posted: 12/25/09 |
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Judaica Artist Mordechai Rosenstein Comes to Beth El - February 6-7 One of the popular creators of Jewish art in America today, Mordechai Rosenstein, will be at Beth El over the weekend of February 6-7 to display his artwork. Mr. Rosenstein will speak about his work at Shabbat morning services on February 6. It will be displayed for people to look at in the Atrium as they enter the building for Men’s Club Bingo that night, and it will be available for purchase during Religious School hours on Sunday, February 7. Mr. Rosenstein will also conduct an interactive workshop with children in the Religious School that morning. Mordechai Rosenstein is based in Philadelphia, but his art pieces are prominently displayed in numerous Jewish homes throughout the country and at the conferences of many national Jewish organizations. It will be a special opportunity for Beth El congregants to meet this acclaimed artist. More details will follow in subsequent emails and in the February bulletin. For more information, contact Rabbi Ruberg or Rabbi Tendler. Posted: 12/25/09 |
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Chanukkah Holiday Page Our Annual Chanukkah Holiday Page is up! For all of the basics of observing this great family holiday, go here. Posted: 11/30/09 |
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Luxury Box for ODU Basketball Game (vs. Delaware) - December 5 Do you want box seats to an ODU men’s game? The Men’s Club has a luxury box for Old Dominion’s home game with Delaware on Saturday, December 5th, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $13 per person. Space is limited to 55 people (Editor's note: There are only 3 left as of 11/30). Please contact Seth Fleishman at 625- 7773 as soon as you can to make reservations. Tickets are bought in advance, so advanced reservations are required. Due to overwhelming demand, we ask that you only bring Beth El members and/or members of your family. Thanks to Avraham and Patricia Ashkenazi for making this event possible. If you have additional questions, please contact Seth. Posted: 11/30/09 |
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Youth/Family Services - Upcoming Schedule - Shabbat with a Story (Family Service): December 18 - Mini Minyan (Children and Parents up thru Kindergarten): December 12 & 26 - Torah Tweens (Children Grades 1 - 3): December 12 & 26 - Junior Congregation (Children Grades 4 - 6): December 12 & 26 Posted: 11/30/09 |
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Healing Service - December 6 Mark your calendars, plan to join us Sunday, December 6 at 5:00 p.m. for our next Healing Service. The service will incorporate traditional prayers and enable each of us to strive for more balance in our own lives and to voice our innermost prayers for healing on behalf of others. This service will lead into the standard 5:30 p.m. evening service. We look forward to being with you and praying with you! Posted: 11/30/09 |
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Women about Women - December 8 Please join us on Tuesday, December 8th for our next Women About Women program. A session will be taught on Women of Valor and will be followed by a knitting demonstration by Nancy Bangel and Bobbie Reich. The evening promises to be educational and fun! When: Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Home of Patty Shelanski at 1028 Westover Avenue in Norfolk. Please RSVP by Friday, December 4 to the Beth El office by calling 625-7821 If you are interested in hosting or teaching a session of Women About Women, please contact Rabbi Tendler. Posted: 11/30/09 |
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Communal Candlelighting - December 13 On the third night of Hanukkah, Sunday, December 13th at 5:45 p.m., we will conduct a “Bring Your Own Menorah” Candlelighting in the Beth El Atrium so that we can experience the joy of families and friends coming together to light multiple hanukkiot. As a change of pace “from the nightly home ceremony,” it will be an opportunity to enjoy the Hanukkah ritual with the synagogue community. Join the Beth El Rabbis and Cantor Piltch for a fun and festive “short and sweet” Hanukkah observance. Posted: 11/30/09 |
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A Hanukkah Lunch and Learn Series - December 2, 9, & 16 A Hanukkah Lunch and Learn Series On three consecutive Wednesdays from December 2nd through December 16th at noon, the weekly Rabbi’s Lunch and Learn class will be devoted to a look at Hanukkah, the once “minor” but these days, very major holiday that comes in the winter. Rabbi Ruberg, Rabbi Tendler and Cantor Piltch will collaborate in teaching these sessions which will conclude on December 16th, when we will celebrate the sixth day of Hanukkah. Those who are not regular attendees of Lunch and Learn are invited to sign up for the three session Hanukkah series. Just call the office to indicate your attendance, so that we will know how much food (how many latkes?) to prepare. The cost each week is five dollars for lunch. Posted: 11/30/09 |
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Shabbat with a Story AND Family Hanukkah Shabbat Dinner - December 18 Join us for Shabbat with a Story AND Celebrate Hanukkah at Beth El with a Shabbat Family Dinner Friday, December 18 5:30 p.m. Service in the Chapel 6:00 p.m. Youth Services (Two Services: one for Toddler-2nd Grade and another for 3rd-6th Grades) 6:30 p.m. Dinner Cost: $36.00 per family Reserve by calling the office 625-7821 Posted: 11/30/09 |
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College Shabbat - December 26 By the fourth week of December, exams are over on college campuses, and most students will come home for a least some time during their winter break. Beth El is inviting our college students to come to synagogue to join us on December 26th. If those parents with children in college will e- mail their children’s e-mail addresses or cell phone numbers, Rabbi Ruberg or Rabbi Tendler will be happy to contact them personally to invite them to College Shabbat and to encourage them to take part in the service. That Shabbat morning at Beth El will give our students the opportunity to renew friendships and acquaintances that they may no longer see on a regular basis. Posted: 11/30/09 |
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BETH EL VEGAS NIGHT - November 14 Beth El is having a Vegas Night and you are invited! Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. Price: $50.00 in advance, $60.00 @ the door Heavy hors d’oeurves & dessert Open bar Dress: casual Invite your friends! Call the synagogue office to purchase your tickets! Posted: 10/27/09 |
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Men’s Club Clean-Up Day - November 1 The Men’s Club is going to clean up the shul! Have you ever wondered how you could give back a little to Beth E?.Well here is your chance. There are many areas of Beth El that need to be cleaned up or reorganized. On November 1st the Men’s Club is going to clean up one of those areas.We will meet at 9:15 a.m. for minyan and then get dirty for a few hours cleaning up the room above Myers Hall. This will put a finish to the project we started last year. Come out and show your support, and your skills, or just lend a hand. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Alex at 472-9054 or at AHDB4@cox.net. Posted: 10/27/09 |
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Havdalah and S'mores - November 7 Come experience the beauty and magic of Havdalah and then follow it up with kosher s’mores and hot chocolate! Motsi Shabbat, Saturday night, November 7th at 5:30 p.m. (Afternoon services begin around 4:55 p.m.) FREE!!! Posted: 10/27/09 |
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Youth/Family Services - Upcoming Schedule - Family Havdalah with S'mores and Hot Chocolate: November 7 - Shabbat with a Story (Family Service): November 20 - Mini Minyan (Children and Parents up thru Kindergarten): November 14 & 28 - Torah Tweens (Children Grades 1 - 3): November 14 & 28 - Junior Congregation (Children Grades 4 - 6): November 14 & 28 Posted: 10/27/09 |
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Kadima/Machar USY Bowling - November 8 Kadima/Machar USY Let's Go Bowling! Sunday, November 8 1:00 -3:00 P.M. AMF Lanes at Lynnhaven 2601 Lishelle Place Cost: $12.00 (Includes 3 games + shoes + snacks) RSVP to Beth Gross at 721-7566 Posted: 10/27/09 |
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The Ramah Experience - November 10 On Tuesday, November 10th at 7:15 pm, the Goretsky Family (516 Warren Crescent, Norfolk, VA 23507) will host "The Ramah Experience", the premier of the Summer 2009 video yearbook with a Q&A style presentation by Ross Sadoff, former Associate Director of Ramah Darom (Ramah in the South); light snacks and refreshments will be served. PLEASE R.S.V.P. to Aaron Kass (aaron.kass@gmail.com) to confirm that you and your family will be there or feel free to speak with Rabbi Ruberg or Rabbi Tendler. Posted: 10/27/09 |
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Women about Women - November 19 On November 19th at 7:30 p.m., Michal Mahgerefteh will lead a session of Jewish poetess’ views on the modern Jewish woman before sharing some of her own poetry and giving each participant a signed copy of her recently published book. Contact Rabbi Tendler to offer to teach or to host a session! Watch your e-mail for more details! Posted: 10/27/09 |
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Luxury Box for ODU Basketball Game (vs. Delaware) - December 5 Do you want box seats to an ODU men’s game? The Men’s Club has a luxury box for Old Dominion’s home game with Delaware on Saturday, December 5th, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $13 per person. Space is limited to 55 people. Please contact Seth Fleishman at 625- 7773 as soon as you can to make reservations. Tickets are bought in advance, so advanced reservations are required. Due to overwhelming demand, we ask that you only bring Beth El members and/or members of your family. Thanks to Avraham and Patricia Ashkenazi for making this event possible. If you have additional questions, please contact Seth. Posted: 10/27/09 |
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Healing Service - December 6 Mark your calendars, plan to join us Sunday, December 6 at 5:00 p.m. for our next Healing Service. The service will incorporate traditional prayers and enable each of us to strive for more balance in our own lives and to voice our innermost prayers for healing on behalf of others. This service will lead into the standard 5:30 p.m. evening service. We look forward to being with you and praying with you! Posted: 10/27/09 |
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Family Dinner in the Sukkah - October 2 Celebrate Shabbat in the spacious Beth El sukkah! We will be having 2 family services in addition to Shabbat services in the chapel, followed by family dinner in the sukkah. Rabbi Tendler will lead an interactive Family Shabbat service just for our youngest members and their families. This service includes singing, getting to know one another, playful tools for praying, and of course, a story! There will be a simultaneous service led by Rabbi Ruberg in Laibstain Lounge for older siblings. While the service in the library is geared toward children through second grade, this service is intended for those in grades 3-6. Services begin at 6:15 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. $18/adults, $10/children 12 & under. Reserve by calling the office at 625-7821. Posted: 9/30/09 |
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Meet & Greet - October 4 We are looking forward to welcoming our newest members and potential members in the sukkah on Sunday, October 4th at 7:30 p.m. If you are new to the community and interested in coming OR know of someone we should invite, please contact the synagogue office at 625-7821. Posted: 9/30/09 |
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Women about Women - October 5 Monday, October 5th at 7:30 p.m. in the Beth El sukkah (in case of rain we will be inside). As we begin to get settled in our own Sukkot, our temporary homes that we construct and welcome others, Janet Green, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity on the Peninsula will give a Jewish experience in a contemporary perspective. Janet will share, through her modern and professional lens, part of the story of our matriarch Sarah, who is remembered for the value of hacnassat orchim--welcoming strangers, particularly from within temporary dwellings as well as being known for helping to build Jewish homes. Please RSVP to the synagogue office so we know how many women to expect. Posted: 9/30/09 |
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Youth/Family Services - Upcoming Schedule - Shabbat with a Story (Family Service): October 23 - Mini Minyan (Children and Parents up thru Kindergarten): October 10 & 24 - Torah Tweens (Children Grades 1 - 3): October 10 & 24 - Junior Congregation (Children Grades 4 - 6): October 10 & 24 Posted: 9/30/09 |
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Yizkor at Shemini Atzeret Services - October 10 Yizkor prayers in memory of departed loved ones will be recited on Shabbat this year as part of the service for the holiday of Shemini Atzeret. Yizkor is recited four times each year, and Shemini Atzeret is one. The memorial prayers are customarily recited at Beth El following the sermon which begins shortly after 11am. Posted: 9/30/09 |
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Hilde Deutsch, Eugene and Nancy Kanter to be honored Simchat Torah - October 11 Each year on the morning of Simchat Torah, Beth El honors individuals who are active and involved in the congregation’s religious life. This year, the “Kallat Torah,” (Bride of Torah) who will receive the last aliyah in the Book of Deuteronomy, will be Mrs. Hilde Deutsch. Then when we began the Book of Genesis again, the honorees will be Gene and Nancy Kanter as “Chatan v’Kallot Beresheet” (Bride and Groom of Beginning). The honorees will ascend the bimah under a chuppah carried by four family members and/or friends, as the congregation claps and sings “Hevenu Shalom Aleichem.” Cantor Piltch will chant a special Misheberach blessing on the bimah, first for Hilde and then for Gene and Nancy. This year’s Simchat Torah day services will be made especially festive by the presence of our Sunday Religious School students, who will participate in different parts of the service when it is age appropriate. The service will begin at 9:15 a.m. There will be dancing with the Torah scrolls at 10:00 a.m. followed by the opportunity for everyone in attendance to come to the Torah for an aliyah in groups. The special honors for Hilde, Gene and Nancy will take place at approximately 11:00 a.m. Posted: 9/30/09 |
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Rabbi Tendler's Lunch & Learn - October 13 Rabbi Tendler’s Lunch and Learn about the order of the siddur - the prayer book, and the meaning/choreography/history of the prayers will continue at the Heart Hospital, Tuesday, October 13th at 12:30 p.m. BYOL/S-Bring Your Own Lunch and siddur. First timers, call the synagogue office in advance so that we can arrange for a siddur to be brought to you! All are welcome! Posted: 9/30/09 |
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Rabbi Ruberg's Lunch & Learn - Starting October 14 Starting Wednesday, October 14th at noon, Rabbi Ruberg will resume his weekly Lunch and Learn sessions at the synagogue. Some of our members have come regularly to these classes for over a decade now. Others join the group every year. Topics vary from issues in American Jewish life to Bible study to developments in Israel today. Students may come regularly, occasionally or as one-time “drop-ins”. Lunch and Learn really is “come one, come all”. It will be helpful for those who are coming the first week, however, to call the office so we will know how much food to prepare. The cost each week, generally $5.00 per person, covers the cost of lunch. Rabbi Ruberg will teach the “learn” part of Lunch and Learn most weeks, but as occurred last year during his absence for medical reasons, Cantor Piltch and Rabbi Tendler are always willing and gracious enough to lead the sessions periodically. Beth El’s classes and programming have changed over the years, but one constant has always been the Wednesday noon Lunch and Learn, and beginning this month, this regular class will start again. Posted: 9/30/09 |
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Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah Class - Starting October 15 After a summer break, Beth El’s latest Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah group will resume its studies on Thursday night, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. Last year the class studied with Rabbi Ruberg, Rabbi Tendler and Cantor Piltch in a “Judaism 102” series and then met regularly with Idit Benmor Piltch to learn or review the skills of Hebrew reading. Over the next several month, the class will plan and prepare for the group Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremony, to be held early in 2010. The upcoming adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah service will be a highlight of the Beth El adult education and programming year. Posted: 9/30/09 |
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Judaism 102 Class - Starting October 20 JUDAISM 102 is an in-depth 6-week course taught by Rabbi Ruberg and Rabbi Tendler that will focus on aspects of Jewish beliefs, texts, culture, and history while delving a little deeper than a traditional introductory level class. Classes will include a presentation, study of Jewish texts, and discussion. The course is open to adults of any background in the community and public, whether you have taken Judaism 101 or not. Topics Include: Theology, Prayer & Siddur (prayer book), History, and American Judaism. When: 6 Tuesday evenings, October 20th – November 24th at Beth El from 7-8:15 p.m. Posted: 9/30/09 |
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Friday Night Service at Beth Sholom - October 23 On Friday, October 23rd at 7:00 p.m., the Men’s Club will be leading the Friday night service at Beth Sholom Home. This is a project we run for the senior members of our community which includes services a couple times a year. The residents are always VERY appreciative of the Men’s Club leading their service, and our members are always complimentary of the event. This has become a family event for our members because children make the service even more special to those in attendance, so please bring yourself AND your family. An Oneg will follow at the conclusion of this short service. This event is FREE and open to the community. Thanks to Mark Schneider for running this program, and a special thanks to Brad Lazernick for serving as the spiritual leader! Please contact Mark at 451-0919 to claim a part or just to RSVP. Posted: 9/30/09 |
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Baby Shabbat - October 31 Baby Shabbat during Shabbat morning services on Saturday, October 31st. We will be welcoming and blessing our newest links in the chain of the Jewish people-all of the Beth El babies of the past year! Babies, parents and grandparents will be called to the Torah for a special aliyah and blessing. Following services, a special "baby" Kiddush will be served! Posted: 9/30/09 |
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Women about Women - November 12 Thursday, November 12th at 7:30 p.m. (place to be announced), Michal Mahgerefteh will lead us in a session of Jewish poetess’ views on the modern Jewish woman. Michal will then share with us some of her own poetry and will give each participant a signed copy of her recently published book. Please RSVP to the synagogue office so we know how many women to expect. Please RSVP to the synagogue office so we know how many women to expect. Posted: 9/30/09 |
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Beth El’s Third Annual Shofar Idol This year’s Third Annual Shofar Idol went off without a hitch! Both the elementary school and the middle school children participated. This year’s winners are Emma Segaloff and Bret Pomerantz. Congratulations to both winners for a job well done! Posted: 9/30/09 |
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High Holiday Info Page Our Annual High Holiday Info Page has been posted for this year's High Holiday Season. For Beth El's schedule and programming for the Holidays, go here. Posted: 8/27/09 |
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Glenn Nye to Speak at Beth El – September 5 We are honored with a very special guest speaker this Labor Day Weekend! Beth El is privileged to welcome Congressman Glenn Nye on Saturday, Sept. 5th at Kiddush immediately following Shabbat morning services. Thanks to AIPAC’s efforts, Rep. Nye will be here to speak about his AIPAC-sponsored trip to Israel in August. He will talk about his trip, discuss his feelings about Israel, and take questions from the congregation. In order to allow him plenty of time to speak, there will be no sermon that day, and services will be over a little earlier. We should all be proud that Beth El was chosen as the site of Rep. Nye’s post-trip speech. Show your support of Israel by attending!! This event is free and open to the community. RSVPs are very much appreciated but not required. To RSVP, email noelle@bethelnorfolk.com or call the Beth El office at 757-625-7821. Thanks again to AIPAC for making this event possible. Posted: 8/27/09 |
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Youth/Family Services - Upcoming Schedule - Shabbat with a Story (Family Service): September 18 (see Rosh Hashanah schedule) - Mini Minyan (Children and Parents up thru Kindergarten): September 12 & 26 - Torah Tweens (Children Grades 1 - 3): September 12 & 26 - Junior Congregation (Children Grades 4 - 6): September 12 & 26 Posted: 8/27/09 |
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Beth El Religious School begins September 13th Beth El Religious School begins Sunday, September 13th at 9:15 a.m. If you have not already registered your child(ren), please call the synagogue office at 625-7821 to register. Posted: 8/27/09 |
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Annual Cemetery Service - September 13th It is customary to visit the graves of loved ones prior to the High Holy Days. This year’s Beth El pre-Rosh Hashanah cemetery service will be held at Forest lawn on Sunday, September 13 at 1:30 p.m. The short service includes the reading of Psalms, chanting of the Memorial Prayer, and Kaddish. Those who wish can then visit individual resting places and family plots to say personal prayers. This custom, performed during the period of remembrance and repentance, serves to honor the memory of loved ones at the most sacred season of the Jewish calendar. Posted: 8/27/09 |
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CPR/AED (Electronic Defibrillator) Training - September 13th The Men’s Club will be hosting a special training session to use an AED and to have proper CPR skills with instruction by a Red Cross official. The training will be held on Sunday, September 13th at 11:00 a.m. and should last about an hour. while Beth El has had an AED for a number of years, very few people are trained on using the machine. AEDs and proper CPR skills make the difference between life and death everyday. It is of the utmost importance that our congregation has an abundance of people with the training to utilize this lifesaver. The Men’s Club is covering the expenses for the class. A number of synagogue regulars are being invited to attend to ensure that multiple people with AED training will be present at all our services, but the training is open to to all. Thanks to Howard Horwitz for chairing this event. Please call the office to sign up for this important training. Posted: 8/27/09 |
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Lulav and Etrog Orders for Sukkot Beth El will be ordering lulavim and etrogim for use on the holiday of Sukkot which will begin on Friday night, october 2nd. More and more American Jews are rediscovering the beauty of Sukkot and are putting up a sukkah at home. The other characteristic Sukkot observance is the waving of etrog and lulav. Lulavim and etrogim can be used at religious services during the week of Sukkot, at religious services in the synagogue, and at home every day except Shabbat. Those who wish to purchase individual lulav and etrog sets for family use may call the office and arrange for theirs to be picked up immediately before the holiday. The cost is $30 for regular, $35 for prime and $40 for deluxe. Posted: 8/27/09 |
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Bar/Bat Mitzvah Shabbat – Saturday, October 3 Please join us as we honor the Bar and Bat Mitzvah class of 5769 - this year’s 8th graders on Shabbat morning, october 3rd. These recent B’nai mitzvah will lead the congregation in various parts of our service and Beth El will award these individuals with beautiful Bar and Bat Mitzvah certificates. Help support our youth and join us for this special Shabbat. Posted: 8/27/09 |
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"Meet & Greet" - October 4 We are looking forward to welcoming all new members and potential members in the sukkah on Sunday, october 4th at 7:30 p.m. ** If you are interested in planning this event OR ** are new to the community and interested in coming OR ** know of someone we should invite, please contact the synagogue office at 625-7821 Posted: 8/27/09 |
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United Hebrew School's Website For information about the Hebrew program that prepares the children of Congregation Beth El for a lifetime of participation in Jewish worship and holiday ceremonies see www.unitedHebrewSchool.com for calendar, curriculum, registration and special events Posted: 8/27/09 |
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VEGAS NIGHT - November 14 SAVE THE DATE VEGAS NIGHT SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2009 MORE INFO TO COME! Posted: 8/27/09 |