Shalom Chaverim from Beth Emek Communications where it's pop-quiz time. This may require some thought so put those thinking caps on tight:
Is a minyan of running rabbis more effective than a rabbi running alone? That depends...Are they running to something, or from something? How far are they running? Can they still talk, and therefore debate while they're running?
These are all excellent qualifying questions, but in this case no further qualification is needed, because we're talking about the Running Rabbis, recently featured in Runners World. This group of 10 rabbis, cantors and rabbinical and cantorial students runs to raise funds for worthy causes. This year, they are running to raise $30,000 for Hole in the Wall Camps, where children with serious and life-threatening medical conditions can enjoy summer fun for free. As of mid-October, they had raised more than $21,000. They like to say they're less about speed and more about tikkun olam. They're next gig is the New York City Marathon on Nov 1.
Check them out at www.runningrabbis.com. And now for that marathon of news we call the Once Around ...
Is a minyan of running rabbis more effective than a rabbi running alone? That depends...Are they running to something, or from something? How far are they running? Can they still talk, and therefore debate while they're running?
These are all excellent qualifying questions, but in this case no further qualification is needed, because we're talking about the Running Rabbis, recently featured in Runners World. This group of 10 rabbis, cantors and rabbinical and cantorial students runs to raise funds for worthy causes. This year, they are running to raise $30,000 for Hole in the Wall Camps, where children with serious and life-threatening medical conditions can enjoy summer fun for free. As of mid-October, they had raised more than $21,000. They like to say they're less about speed and more about tikkun olam. They're next gig is the New York City Marathon on Nov 1.
Check them out at www.runningrabbis.com. And now for that marathon of news we call the Once Around ...
Balancing On A Religious Tightrope
How Israel Manages Pluralism
Thursday, Oct 22 | 7:30p
Congregation Beth Emek
How can Israel be both an open democracy and a Jewish state? Guest Speaker Rabbi Hanan Alexander, visiting Professor of Education at UC-Berkeley and Associate Professor at the University of Haifa grew up in Berkeley and now lives in Haifa. Professor Alexander brings both a depth of academic knowledge and personal experience to address this question in a way that encourages dialogue and deeper understanding for those of every level of knowledge. The CBE Israel and World Jewry Committee is pleased to present this distinguished scholar and invites everyone to join us for this informative evening on Israel.
RSVP: http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/UHOXQUVMTEVBWBLVCKUK/alexander
More: Simon Cohen
simonjcohen@yahoo.com
________________________
Sunday Schmooze
On Hiatus
Sundays | 9:30a - 12:00noon
Beth Emek Patio
The Sunday Schmooze is on hiatus until Nov 8. Don't forget to check out the Congregation Picnic instead right after religious school on Oct 25.
More: Rena Leibovitch
rmleibo@yahoo.com
________________________
Congregation Picnic
Bring-Your-Own Style
Sunday, Oct 25 | 12:00noon - 3:00p
Pleasanton Tennis Park
This could be our last chance for good weather so let's get all our families together outside one more time for some good old-fashioned fun. The Sisterhood will bring water and Simon Cohen will lead us in his famous field games. You supply the rest of the picnic for your family. Come to the tables near the children's play area of the Pleasanton Tennis Park right after religious school. Sunshine only!
RSVP: http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/JRAWLDMDVLFSIQAZJVZF/picnic
More: Rena Leibovitch
rmleibo@yahoo.com
________________________
CBE Crafters Club
Monday, Oct 26 | 1:00 - 3:00p
Beth Emek Library
Come join the Crafters Club for their monthly project session. It doesn't matter what you're working on, as long as it's portable!
________________________
Beth Emek Sisterhood
Ladies' Night Out
Monday, Oct 26 | 6:00 - 9:00p
Oasis Restaurant, Main St., Pleasanton
The Beth Emek Sisterhood invites all the women of Beth Emek to join us for dinner on Monday, Oct 26 at the Oasis Restaurant in downtown Pleasanton. Mark your calendars.
RSVP: http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/JLQFBZBVEKDIVSRGCTQZ/oasis
________________________
New Yoga Basics Class
Wednesday, Oct 28 | 9:45 - 10:45a
Beth Emek Social Hall
Beth Fox (whom you might remember from last year's High Holy Days) is a certified yoga instructor and comes highly recommended. She will be leading a four-week adult beginning yoga class, with the possibility of continuing after Thanksgiving. The fee is $32 for all 4 sessions or $10 per drop-in visit. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat and small pillow. Register with Rena or Patti and bring or send your payment to the office by October 26th.
RSVP: Rena Leibovitch
rmleibo@yahoo.com
Or: Patti Taylor
pt158@comcast.net
________________________
Mitzvah Alert
Challah Fundraiser
We just want to remind everyone that the challah fundraiser is in full swing, and what an incredibly convenient way it is to get your challah for Shabbat along with goodies for your next special occasion. The Grand Bakery offers several types of challah along with cookies, pastries, bagels and other baked goods. Orders must be in by Tuesdays at 9:30a. Orders along with your payment should be placed in the "Challah" file in the preschool or given to Ellen in the office. Order forms can be found in the sanctuary foyer. Orders are placed first thing Wednesday morning, and your order gets delivered right back to Beth Emek on Friday.
More: Devera Shapiro
925.606.5761
marv4sam@aol.com
________________________
21st Annual Contra Costa Jewish Book
And Arts Festival
Nov 7 - 15, Dec 3 and Dec 5
The Contra Costa Jewish Book and Arts Festival is a collection of events that take place at the Contra Costa JCC, Congregation B'nai Tikvah , Rakestraw Books and right here at our own Congregation Beth Emek. The Beth Emek events include the opportunity to meet two authors, Benjamin Nugent, author of "American Nerd: The Story of My People" on Sunday, Nov 15 and Fred Rosenbaum, author of "Cosmopolitans: A Social and Cultural History of the Jews of the San Francisco Bay Area" on Thursday, Dec 3. Please see the website for details of all the events as well as addresses, directions and ticket prices for each of the venues.
More: www.jfed.org/book09
________________________
Wrapping Up From The Holidays
Lose Anything?
Found after Yom Kippur: two blue yoga mats. If they belong to you, they can be picked up in the lost and found box in the closet in the foyer. If not, someone will likely grab them for the upcoming basic yoga class...
Found after Yom Kippur: a pair of sunglasses. Call Ellen Kiefer to identify 925.931.1055 x10
Found at the home of Steve and Maurie Louis: two serving platters, available in the office MTWF 9-4
________________________
Got Tots?
Tot Shabbat Is Back for 2009 - 2010
Fridays | 9:30 - 11:30a
CBE Sanctuary
Tot Shabbat has started up again! Join us for an exciting year of play with new activities every week that preschool is in session. All ages are welcome (newborn to age 4 is the usual range), and we have age-appropriate toys and play activities, along with a play structure for the older ones (wear play clothes!). Drinks and snacks are provided and we often bring in Starbucks! During the last 15 minutes we sing Shabbat music led by Rabbi Rick and share challah as we get ready for Shabbat
More: Sharon Cohen, Tot Shabbat Coordinator
totshabbat@bethemek.org
________________________
NFTY Fall Inter
Registration Is Open
Nov 20 - 22
Camp Newman
NFTY's first regional weekend event for this year is coming up! Fallinter is a fun retreat that includes a children's toy drive, mixers, innovative and interesting programs, a semi-formal dance and lots of fun. You can register online at www.nfty.org. Click on the green tab labeled "Event Information and Registration". The username is nftycwr and the password is newman. Remember to mark your TYG as EDJY.
More: EDJY08@gmail.com
________________________
Camp Newman All Year Long
Fall Kallah - 4th - 8th Grade Reunion-Retreat
Nov 13 - 15
For the first time ever, Camp Newman will be hosting a weekend for 4th - 8th graders from across the Western United States. Join us for a weekend of fun, camp friends and a great Shabbat experience! Act fast, early-bird registration ends Oct 26.
More: www.newmanswig.urjcamps.org/yearround/retreats/fallkallah/
Summer 2010 Enrollment Has Begun
Nov 25 | Priority Enrollment Deadline
You can find the 2010 enrollment guide at http://newmanswig.urjcamps.org/register. Priority enrollment will help to make sure that you get the choice of session that allows your child(ren) to be at camp with all of their friends from summers past, and there's a special reduced deposit amount of only $300. There's also even more financial aid available this year.
West Coast Party - 9th - 12th Grade Reunion-Retreat
Jan 15 - 18, 2010
Save the date. CampNewman would like to invite all Jewish High school students from across the Western United States for the second West Coast Party. Join over 300 of your closest friends as camp comes alive for 4 days in a fun and engaging environment.
More: www.newmanswig.urjcamps.org/yearround/retreats/west_coast_party/
====================================
- - - - - - SCHOOL ZONE - - - - -
====================================
Wednesday, Oct 21 | Regular schedule
Sunday, Oct 25 | Regular schedule
Sunday, Oct 25 | 6th grade B'nai Mitzvah Chavurah -parents should arrive by 5:30p
Sunday, Nov 1 | 8:45a
6th grade field trip to the SF Contemporary Jewish Museum
Meet at BART. No evening class for 6th grade students
Sunday, Nov 1 | 10:15a - 12:00noon
3rd grade student-parent session
Sunday, Nov 1 | 6:00p
5th grade parent meeting
How Israel Manages Pluralism
Thursday, Oct 22 | 7:30p
Congregation Beth Emek
How can Israel be both an open democracy and a Jewish state? Guest Speaker Rabbi Hanan Alexander, visiting Professor of Education at UC-Berkeley and Associate Professor at the University of Haifa grew up in Berkeley and now lives in Haifa. Professor Alexander brings both a depth of academic knowledge and personal experience to address this question in a way that encourages dialogue and deeper understanding for those of every level of knowledge. The CBE Israel and World Jewry Committee is pleased to present this distinguished scholar and invites everyone to join us for this informative evening on Israel.
RSVP: http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/UHOXQUVMTEVBWBLVCKUK/alexander
More: Simon Cohen
simonjcohen@yahoo.com
________________________
Sunday Schmooze
On Hiatus
Sundays | 9:30a - 12:00noon
Beth Emek Patio
The Sunday Schmooze is on hiatus until Nov 8. Don't forget to check out the Congregation Picnic instead right after religious school on Oct 25.
More: Rena Leibovitch
rmleibo@yahoo.com
________________________
Congregation Picnic
Bring-Your-Own Style
Sunday, Oct 25 | 12:00noon - 3:00p
Pleasanton Tennis Park
This could be our last chance for good weather so let's get all our families together outside one more time for some good old-fashioned fun. The Sisterhood will bring water and Simon Cohen will lead us in his famous field games. You supply the rest of the picnic for your family. Come to the tables near the children's play area of the Pleasanton Tennis Park right after religious school. Sunshine only!
RSVP: http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/JRAWLDMDVLFSIQAZJVZF/picnic
More: Rena Leibovitch
rmleibo@yahoo.com
________________________
CBE Crafters Club
Monday, Oct 26 | 1:00 - 3:00p
Beth Emek Library
Come join the Crafters Club for their monthly project session. It doesn't matter what you're working on, as long as it's portable!
________________________
Beth Emek Sisterhood
Ladies' Night Out
Monday, Oct 26 | 6:00 - 9:00p
Oasis Restaurant, Main St., Pleasanton
The Beth Emek Sisterhood invites all the women of Beth Emek to join us for dinner on Monday, Oct 26 at the Oasis Restaurant in downtown Pleasanton. Mark your calendars.
RSVP: http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/JLQFBZBVEKDIVSRGCTQZ/oasis
________________________
New Yoga Basics Class
Wednesday, Oct 28 | 9:45 - 10:45a
Beth Emek Social Hall
Beth Fox (whom you might remember from last year's High Holy Days) is a certified yoga instructor and comes highly recommended. She will be leading a four-week adult beginning yoga class, with the possibility of continuing after Thanksgiving. The fee is $32 for all 4 sessions or $10 per drop-in visit. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a yoga mat and small pillow. Register with Rena or Patti and bring or send your payment to the office by October 26th.
RSVP: Rena Leibovitch
rmleibo@yahoo.com
Or: Patti Taylor
pt158@comcast.net
________________________
Mitzvah Alert
Challah Fundraiser
We just want to remind everyone that the challah fundraiser is in full swing, and what an incredibly convenient way it is to get your challah for Shabbat along with goodies for your next special occasion. The Grand Bakery offers several types of challah along with cookies, pastries, bagels and other baked goods. Orders must be in by Tuesdays at 9:30a. Orders along with your payment should be placed in the "Challah" file in the preschool or given to Ellen in the office. Order forms can be found in the sanctuary foyer. Orders are placed first thing Wednesday morning, and your order gets delivered right back to Beth Emek on Friday.
More: Devera Shapiro
925.606.5761
marv4sam@aol.com
________________________
21st Annual Contra Costa Jewish Book
And Arts Festival
Nov 7 - 15, Dec 3 and Dec 5
The Contra Costa Jewish Book and Arts Festival is a collection of events that take place at the Contra Costa JCC, Congregation B'nai Tikvah , Rakestraw Books and right here at our own Congregation Beth Emek. The Beth Emek events include the opportunity to meet two authors, Benjamin Nugent, author of "American Nerd: The Story of My People" on Sunday, Nov 15 and Fred Rosenbaum, author of "Cosmopolitans: A Social and Cultural History of the Jews of the San Francisco Bay Area" on Thursday, Dec 3. Please see the website for details of all the events as well as addresses, directions and ticket prices for each of the venues.
More: www.jfed.org/book09
________________________
Wrapping Up From The Holidays
Lose Anything?
Found after Yom Kippur: two blue yoga mats. If they belong to you, they can be picked up in the lost and found box in the closet in the foyer. If not, someone will likely grab them for the upcoming basic yoga class...
Found after Yom Kippur: a pair of sunglasses. Call Ellen Kiefer to identify 925.931.1055 x10
Found at the home of Steve and Maurie Louis: two serving platters, available in the office MTWF 9-4
________________________
Got Tots?
Tot Shabbat Is Back for 2009 - 2010
Fridays | 9:30 - 11:30a
CBE Sanctuary
Tot Shabbat has started up again! Join us for an exciting year of play with new activities every week that preschool is in session. All ages are welcome (newborn to age 4 is the usual range), and we have age-appropriate toys and play activities, along with a play structure for the older ones (wear play clothes!). Drinks and snacks are provided and we often bring in Starbucks! During the last 15 minutes we sing Shabbat music led by Rabbi Rick and share challah as we get ready for Shabbat
More: Sharon Cohen, Tot Shabbat Coordinator
totshabbat@bethemek.org
________________________
NFTY Fall Inter
Registration Is Open
Nov 20 - 22
Camp Newman
NFTY's first regional weekend event for this year is coming up! Fallinter is a fun retreat that includes a children's toy drive, mixers, innovative and interesting programs, a semi-formal dance and lots of fun. You can register online at www.nfty.org. Click on the green tab labeled "Event Information and Registration". The username is nftycwr and the password is newman. Remember to mark your TYG as EDJY.
More: EDJY08@gmail.com
________________________
Camp Newman All Year Long
Fall Kallah - 4th - 8th Grade Reunion-Retreat
Nov 13 - 15
For the first time ever, Camp Newman will be hosting a weekend for 4th - 8th graders from across the Western United States. Join us for a weekend of fun, camp friends and a great Shabbat experience! Act fast, early-bird registration ends Oct 26.
More: www.newmanswig.urjcamps.org/yearround/retreats/fallkallah/
Summer 2010 Enrollment Has Begun
Nov 25 | Priority Enrollment Deadline
You can find the 2010 enrollment guide at http://newmanswig.urjcamps.org/register. Priority enrollment will help to make sure that you get the choice of session that allows your child(ren) to be at camp with all of their friends from summers past, and there's a special reduced deposit amount of only $300. There's also even more financial aid available this year.
West Coast Party - 9th - 12th Grade Reunion-Retreat
Jan 15 - 18, 2010
Save the date. CampNewman would like to invite all Jewish High school students from across the Western United States for the second West Coast Party. Join over 300 of your closest friends as camp comes alive for 4 days in a fun and engaging environment.
More: www.newmanswig.urjcamps.org/yearround/retreats/west_coast_party/
====================================
- - - - - - SCHOOL ZONE - - - - -
====================================
Wednesday, Oct 21 | Regular schedule
Sunday, Oct 25 | Regular schedule
Sunday, Oct 25 | 6th grade B'nai Mitzvah Chavurah -parents should arrive by 5:30p
Sunday, Nov 1 | 8:45a
6th grade field trip to the SF Contemporary Jewish Museum
Meet at BART. No evening class for 6th grade students
Sunday, Nov 1 | 10:15a - 12:00noon
3rd grade student-parent session
Sunday, Nov 1 | 6:00p
5th grade parent meeting
