Have Fun and Get Involved! The diversity in the Beth Sholom community reflects the uniqueness and great diversity of Klal Yisrael (all of the Jewish community).

Click each link to read more about the community and social action groups at Beth Sholom:

Community Interest Groups

Beth Sholom Professional Network
Provides a strong, supportive, and dynamic forum for all congregants who seek professional and business development, job searching, and informational exchange.  

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a partnership between farmers and customers that provides an opportunity to buy and eat local food that is minimally-packaged and grown in a sustainable way.  

Social Action Programs

Dr. Ernest M. Weitz Breakfast Club

Women's Book Group

Jean Tepper, Coordinator

The Beth Sholom Women's Book Group recently reached a milestone membership of 12 active participants. This summer we welcomed three new members who have enhanced our meetings, and we look forward to other new members who might be interested in joining us.  
 
The Women’s Book Group meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Rabin Library at CBS on the third Thursday of each month, unless holidays intervene. We finish our discussions around 9 p.m. We try to schedule our reading list at least two months ahead of time.
 
We select our reading based on group interest (we discuss what to read at our meetings), book availability (must be in paperback and also on the shelves of the local libraries), author (we like to read Jewish women authors but are never doctrinaire about it), and topic. We try to vary our discussions when circumstances permit. During the last year, we were able to discuss Rashi's Daughters with author Maggie Anton on a conference phone call, and we read Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi and then watched the film as a group. 
 
The August selection is The Jewish Husband by Lia Levi, on Thursday, August 19, 7:30 p.m., Rabin Library.  This month's book will be provided.

The Women's Book Group will also meet on the following Thursdays in 2010: September 16, October 21, November 18, and December 16.
 
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact longtime members Jean Tepper Segal, and Harriet Sollod.

Young Adult Shabbat

Derek Lief, chair 

Congregation Beth Sholom is developing its Young Adult Community. We are planning to have a “Young Adult Shabbat” and potluck dinner every third Friday of the month beginning August 20. Please bring a vegetarian dish or beverage to share with the community. More information about specific dates will be posted shortly. It will be a welcoming atmosphere where people will be able to develop their Jewish identity as well as meet new friends.

This is a grassroots effort in which we can use all possible help that we can get. If you are interested in assisting, feel free to contact Derek Lief. We hope to see you at one of the upcoming Shabbats!

Keshet

Sanford Friedman, chair

Keshet (LGBT) (meaning "rainbow"), the Gay and Lesbian Chavurah/Outreach Program of Congregation Beth Sholom, was formed in December of 1997 for the purpose of socializing and discussing issues related to being lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgendered in the context of the Conservative movement of Judaism.

PJ Shabbat/PJ Havdallah

Our wonderful PJ Shabbat and PJ Havdallah programs invite families with young children to join our vibrant Shabbat and Havdallah services. Families participate in singing, music, dancing, and blessings with Rabbis Hyman and Philmus. The interactive services allow even our youngest participants to experience the joy of Shabbat in a warm, welcoming setting. Families will take with them some of the basic rituals they can use to enhance their own Shabbat, Havdallah, and holiday observances at home. All services are followed by a vegetarian potluck-style community dinner. No experience is required.
Please join us in the coming months as we create our very own birkon (bencher), celebrate the High Holidays, daven, and dine. Ages newborn through six years old, with older siblings welcome.

Contact the CBS office for more information. PJ Shabbat will meet on the following dates are: October 8, November 12, 2010, and January 14, 2011, and PJ Havdallah on December 4, 2010.

Beth Sholom Professional Network

Beth Sholom Professional Network
Chairs:  Lisa Berkelhammer, Rebekah Jackson Sapirstein

The Network:
The Beth Sholom Professional Network is dedicated to supporting the professional and business lives of our congregants. We offer friendly, informal networking opportunities to all interested congregants. The entire synagogue community is encouraged to actively support us by making referrals and introductions to Beth Sholom professionals and businesses.

The LinkedIn Group:
The Beth Sholom SF LinkedIn Business and Professional Group is the primary showcase of Beth Sholom's diverse wealth of talent and expertise. With over 85 active participants, the LinkedIn Group provides immediate visibility and communication within and beyond the community. Any congregant who wishes to join may do so by going to www.linkedin.com. Search under groups for "Beth Sholom SF Business and Professional."

For further information please contact Lisa Berkelhammer and Rebekah Jackson Sapirstein. 

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program

Do you...

Chicken Soupers

Judy Leash, Chair

Preparing and delivering hearty Jewish meals to people with AIDS, chronic illness, disabilites, and those who are homebound. A joint program with Congregation Sherith Israel through Jewish Family and Children's Services. 

Meeting days are generally the third or fourth Sunday of each month, either at Congregation Beth Sholom or Congregation Sherith Israel. Cooking is from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Delivery begins at 3 p.m.

Chicken Soupers next meeting is on Sunday, August 22.

The remainder of 2010 meeting dates are as follows: Sundays, September 19, October, 24, November 21, and December 19.

For more information contact Judy Leash.  

Schechinah Project

Jennifer Doron, Rebecca Dake, and Ariella Toeman, Co-chairs

Vicky Prager, Home Visit Coordinator

The Shechinah Project helps members in need through acts of loving kindness. Assistance for the sick and homebound, elderly, bereaved, and new parents is provided by cooking meals, leading or attending shiva minyanim, running errands, providing transportation, and conducting home and hospital visits. All members are warmly encouraged to take part with whatever time commitment they can afford and fulfill the mitzvah of caring for one's neighbors. We provide volunteers with training and ongoing support. 

For more information or to make a referral, contact the Synagogue office or the Project chairs:  

Jennifer Doron

Rebecca Dake

Ariella Toeman

Vicky Prager, Home Visit Coordinator  

Nachamu ("Comfort") Network

The Mental Illness Support Group is for people whose lives are affected by mental illness, including persons with an illness, family members, and friends. For more information, call 415.221.8736, ext. 101. The Nachamu (“Comfort”) Network, the mental illness support program of Congregation Beth Sholom. 24 HR CRISIS HOTLINE: 415.781.0500.

NEW: First Thursday Mental Illness Drop-In Support Group

First Thursdays, beginning July 1, 7–9 p.m.

For people affected by mental illness, including those with an illness, family members and friends. We will gather in a safe setting to share our experiences and support each other. These ongoing meetings are free and open to all. For information, e-mail Maureen Samson or call the Beth Sholom office at 415.221.8736. You can download the flyer here: Mental Illness Support Group Flyer.

Jewish Prisoners Outreach Project

Judah Rosen, Chair

Supporting Jewish inmates in California prisons. Participation includes periodic visits to Folsom State Prison and sending packages to the  prisoners. Our goal is to link prisoners to the Jewish world while they are incarcerated.

Blood Drive

Marsha Glantz, Coordinator

The Winter Blood Drive will be on Sunday, November 14, at 9 a.m., in the Main Meeting Room. 
Congregation Beth Sholom holds biannual blood drives. You may call the office for more information or leave a message for an appointment to donate blood by calling 415.221.8736, ext. 121, or e-mail Marsha Glantz.