Congregation Beth David

Teacher: ? Friday;

Information will follow soon.

The Seven Questions You’re Asked in Heaven: Reviewing and Renewing Your Life on Earth
This course, taught at Beth David by Rabbi Pressman, will be based on Ron Wolfson's wonderful new book which draws upon Jewish tradition about the questions you'll be asked in the world to come. This class will give us a venue to ponder and discuss these questions and our own values. It's a wonderful read, and should prompt some illuminating discussions. Please purchase book prior to class.

Supported by wisdom from the Jewish tradition, life’s experiences, and personal anecdotes, this book tells you about these transformative questions and explores the values that are at the heart of a life that matters. It encourages you to reflect on your own life goals and provides ideas both big and small for achieving them.

Time: Mondays, 7:30-8:30 pm, nominally 9 sessions (Oct 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) Cost: $35 members, $55 non-members

Tuesday, October 6, 6:45pm Hanging in the Hut
Our annual Hanging in the Hut (or out as the case maybe) is back. Enjoy a FREE dinner under the Sechach and stars while we dine and schmooze in the Sukkah of Rabbi Schonbrun and family. We encourage all young adults to come as we recognize our volunteers and give out our first ever Superlative awards. Vote for these by September 6. And if that's not enough we'll be kicking off our annual Toy Drive as well! Please bring a new toy or more for our annual toy drive to support Jewish Family Services. We’re looking for toys for ages 0-17 unwrapped. RSVP appreciated to JewsNextDor[at]beth-david.org

Introduction to Judaism



First Class:
Tuesday, October 6th, at Congregation Beth David

A lively, interactive course on basic Jewish beliefs and practices. This course is a prerequisite for conversion to Judaism, but it is also great for Jews who would like to learn more, or refresh their knowledge, about the basic principles of Judaism and its practices. Interfaith couples who wish to explore and define Judaism’s place in their lives are also welcome. Topics include Jewish history, bible, Talmud, ethics, worship, holidays and life cycle ceremonies. For more information contact Barbara Biran at 408.366.9106 or biran@beth-david.org .

Teachers: Rabbi Daniel Pressman, Congregation Beth David; Rabbi Joashua Berkenwald, Congregation Sinai
Time/Place: Evening class, Tuesdays, 7:30–9:30 pm; 15 sessions through approx. March 1.

Cost: $50, $75 for couples (members); $70, $95 for couples (non-members). Students will also be asked to purchase the required books.

Welcome Back 

Interfaith Marriage and Congregation Community: Let's Talk About It

Rabbi Pressman will lead a dialogue with interested congregants about this important topic.


October 7 Wednesday 7:30 pm

This evening is an opportunity to have a discussion about Beth David's response to interfaith couples and families. We will talk about what our policy has been and what we can do to be more welcoming within the boundaries of Conservative Judaism.

Meaningful Midrash - New Class with Rabbi Schonbrun
First session Thursday, Oct 8, 8:00–9:00 pm
Have you ever wondered what it means when you hear that a Jewish story or anecdote comes from “Midrash?” Have you ever been curious about how these rabbinic parables from the Midrash came to exist in the first place? Are you interested in learning more about the holidays through an exploration of traditional texts?

Please join us for a brief introduction to the world of Midrash and an examination of the Jewish Holidays through the lens of the 5th century work "Pesikta De-Rab Kahana." This course will be taught at Beth David by Rabbi Schronbrun. No previous text study experience is necessary. Please come with your curiosity and your questions as we explore this fascinating work of Midrash together.

Time: Thursdays, 8:00-9:00 pm, nominally 7 sessions: Oct 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov 12, 19; Dec 3
Cost: $35 members, $55 non-members

11:00 AM-12:00 PM, the 2nd & 4th Saturday morning of the month.

For kids ages 0-5.

Join for a fun and interactive parent-led service for babies, toddlers, and preschool kids. Open to the whole community. Tot Shabbat includes singing, storytelling, and a Kiddush snack!

For more information, please e-mail schonbrun63@hotmail.com

The Seven Questions You’re Asked in Heaven: Reviewing and Renewing Your Life on Earth
This course, taught at Beth David by Rabbi Pressman, will be based on Ron Wolfson's wonderful new book which draws upon Jewish tradition about the questions you'll be asked in the world to come. This class will give us a venue to ponder and discuss these questions and our own values. It's a wonderful read, and should prompt some illuminating discussions. Please purchase book prior to class.
Supported by wisdom from the Jewish tradition, life’s experiences, and personal anecdotes, this book tells you about these transformative questions and explores the values that are at the heart of a life that matters. It encourages you to reflect on your own life goals and provides ideas both big and small for achieving them.

Modern Hebrew IA
First Class Wednesday, October 14, 10:00 – 11:30 am

Class Description: This new daytime class is appropriate for beginners as well as those wishing to refresh their childhood Hebrew. You will learn consonants and vowels of the Hebrew alphabet and acquire basic Hebrew language skills. We begin with the alphabet, and learn to read and write (in block and script form) all the Hebrew letters and vowels. You will build a small vocabulary of root words and siddur words and phrases. At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to produce simple sentences and read from our Siddur Sim Shalom.
Instructor: Judith Krongold
Prerequisites: This class has no prerequisites.
Time: Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00 am, nominally 13 sessions: Oct 14, 21, 28; Nov 4, 11, 18, 25; Dec 2, 9, 23, 30; Jan 6, 13.

Textbook: TBD
Other: Please make time for home study between class meetings. Contact the instructor for more information
Cost: $35 members, $55 non-members, plus cost of textbook
Registration: Please register and pay at the first class.

Modern Hebrew IIIA - First session Wednesday, Oct 14, 10:00 – 11:30 am

Class Description: Continuation from the summer 2009 course. This continuing daytime course is designed for those who wish to improve their Hebrew skills and increase their comfort level in reading, vocalizing, and understanding general Hebrew texts as well as Hebrew prayers. You will expand your Hebrew vocabulary and understanding of Hebrew grammar. We will emphasize reading comprehension, not conversational skills.
Instructor: Chuck Taubman
Prerequisites: Knowledge of basic Hebrew grammar and ability to read, pronounce, and (with the aid of a Hebrew/English dictionary) translate simple Hebrew stories. Contact instructor for more information
Time: Daytime class, Wednesdays, 10:00 – 11:30 am; nominally 13 sessions: Oct 14, 21, 28; Nov 4, 11, 18, 25; Dec 2, 9, 23, 30; Jan 6, 13.
Textbook: Ivrit Shalav Gimel (plus supplemental material provided by the instructor)
Other: Please make time for home study between class meetings. Contact instructor for more information.
Cost: $35 members, $55 non-members
Registration: Please register and pay at the first class.

Reading and Understanding Hebrew Prayers IA –- First session Wednesday, Oct 14, 11:45 am–12:45 pm;
Class Description: This new daytime class is designed for those who wish to improve their ability to read and understand prayers in Siddur Sim Shalom. You will improve your reading fluency and acquire a sense for the meaning of the core prayers—beginning with the Shemoneh Esrei (Amidah)—in our prayer book. In the learning process, you will enhance your knowledge of Hebrew vocabulary and grammar.
Instructor: Chuck Taubman
Prerequisites: Knowledge of Hebrew alphabet and ability to read simple Hebrew sentences.
Time: Wednesdays 11:45 am-12:45pm, nominally 13 sessions: : Oct 14, 21, 28; Nov 4, 11, 18, 25; Dec 2, 9, 23, 30; Jan 6, 13.

Textbook: Siddur Sim Shalom
Other: Please make time for home study between class meetings. Contact the instructor for more information
Cost: $35 members, $55 non-members
Registration: Please register and pay at the first class.

Welcome Back 

Wednesday, October 14, 7pm, Meet & Greet at Great Vegi Land
Join Jews’ Next Dor for some delicious Chinese vegetarian fare at Great Vegi Land, 562 South Murphy Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (near El Camino & Sunnyvale-Saratoga).
Chat with old friends and meet someone new as we enjoy delicious hot pots…. Plus, where else can nice Jewish boys and girls indulge in shrimp and oysters? The restaurant isn’t very big - please try to RSVP in advance, so the owners can decide whether to close the place just for us. :) We will be sharing family style platters of food. Bring cash for up to a $20 cost per person ($1’s much appreciated), to be calculated and collected after the meal. Please RSVP to JewsNextDor@beth-david.org.

At the Levy Family Campus located at:

14855 Oka Road, Suite #201 Los Gatos, CA 95032

Meaningful Midrash - New Class with Rabbi Schonbrun
First session Thursday, Oct 8, 8:00–9:00 pm
Have you ever wondered what it means when you hear that a Jewish story or anecdote comes from “Midrash?” Have you ever been curious about how these rabbinic parables from the Midrash came to exist in the first place? Are you interested in learning more about the holidays through an exploration of traditional texts?

Please join us for a brief introduction to the world of Midrash and an examination of the Jewish Holidays through the lens of the 5th century work "Pesikta De-Rab Kahana." This course will be taught at Beth David by Rabbi Schronbrun. No previous text study experience is necessary. Please come with your curiosity and your questions as we explore this fascinating work of Midrash together.

Talmud Study with Rabbi Pressman
First Fall Class Friday, October 16, 8:30 am

“That book of gems, that book of gold... Of wonders many and manifold.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Come explore the “Sea of the Talmud” with us. Study Tractate Berachot, which deals with prayers, ritual, spirituality, theology, and leads to lively side discussions on more general Jewish practices and ethics. You can join this ongoing class and get up to speed in studying the source text of Judaism. Newcomers are not only welcomed, they are nurtured!

Textbook: Handouts provided
Teacher: Rabbi Pressman
Time: Fridays, 8:30–9:30 am. First fall class on Oct 16.
Cost: Free

Do you have a toddler? Have you had a long week? Then come and take a break by joining us for

Pajama Shabbat!

This mini Kabbalat Shabbat service is geared towards tots (ages 0-5) and will feature songs, puppets, felt, story time, plus a kid-friendly Shabbat dinner!

Come as you are with kids in PJ’s! No worries about getting dressed up – this will be a casual night for all!

Cost:
$10.00 per adult (Kids Under 3 eat free!)
$ 2.00 per child (Over 3)

RSVPs are requested! Please respond by the Wednesday
before each event to the CBD office at 408.257.3333.

Beth David book discussion group, run by Miriam Marr. The Jewish Book Discussion Group meets monthly on Shabbat after services and Kiddush lunch, approximately 1:30 p.m., usually in room MPR-D. All adults and teens are welcome. For more information, contact Miriam Marr at (650) 968-7138. Books listed below (scroll down).

BETH DAVID JEWISH BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP SCHEDULE 2009-2010

Dates:
2009
July 11 - Triangle by Katharine Weber, led by Miriam Marr.

August 8 - Book of Judges (biblical), led by Rabbi Pressman

Sept. 12 - A Seat at the Table: A Novel of Forbidden Choices by Joshua Halberstam, led by Steve Levin

Oct. 17 - All Other Nights by Dara Horn, led by Susan Rojo

Nov. 14 - Short story reading (title TBD), led by Joanne Cornbleet Our 10th anniversary.

Dec. 12 - Towers of Gold: How One Jewish Immigrant Named Isaias Hellman Created California by Frances Dinkelspiel, led by Harry Cornbleet

2010
Jan. 9 - My Father's Paradise: A Son's Search for His Jewish Past in Kurdish Iraq by Ariel Sabar, led by Carol Weiss

Feb. 13 - The Faith Club: A Muslim, a Christian, a Jew - Three Women Search for Understanding by Udliby, Oliver, and Warner, led by Lee Gavens I will give out copies of next month's book.

March 13 - To This Day by S.Y. Agnon, led by Herm Stern. (We will obtain copies from Book Club in a Box.)

April 10 - The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman, led by Ruth Kohan (April
11 is Yom HaShoah)

May 8 - My Jesus Year: A Rabbi's Son Wanders the Bible Belt in Search of His Own Faith by Binyamin Cohen, led by Michael Sinensky

June 12 - The Jew of Home Depot and Other Stories by Max Apple, led by Paul Freudenthal

Saturday, October 17, 9pm Comedy Sportz

You’re invited to ComedySportz, an award-winning interactive comedy show where two teams of “act-letes” compete for audience laughs and points while improvising scenes, games, operas and musicals based on audience suggestions. This show will support Jews’ Next Dor and is family friendly.
Join us 9pm show at Comedy Sportz in San Jose, 288 S. Second St., San Jose, CA 95113.
Tickets are $20, with $5 of each ticket going to Jews’ Next Dor. Purchase tickets online at http://comedysportzsanjose.com/showtimes.html , click on the “Buy Tickets” button for the Saturday 9pm show. Find October 17 and select the fundraiser ticket. You can also call 408-985-5233 and request a fundraiser ticket.

For more information contact JewsNextDor[at]beth-david.org

Prayer Book Hebrew IIA – Continuing Hebrew: First session Monday, Oct 19, 7:30 – 8:30 pm.

Class Description: This is an evening class where you will continue to practice reading Hebrew and learn the order of the Saturday morning service.
Instructor: Monique Alexander
Prerequisites: Prayer Book Hebrew I.
Textbook: Prayer Book Hebrew for Adults by Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin and Siddur Sim Shalom
Time: Mondays, 7:30 – 8:30 pm; nominally 12 sessions: Oct 19, 26; Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Dec 7, 21, 28; Jan 4, 11. Classes held at Congregation Beth David.Cost: $35 members, $55 non-members
Registration: Please register and pay at the first class.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class
(Continuation class – NOT open to new students)

This Adult B’nai Mitzvah class is a continuation of the class which began in February 2008. It continues through December 2009 culminating in a B’nai Mitzvah ceremony on December 5, 2009. The course includes instruction in Torah and Haftarah Reading, the liturgy of the Shabbat morning service, as well as a deep look at the idea of mitzvah and the meaning of prayer. The ability to read Hebrew is a prerequisite.

Textbook: Continuation class
Teachers: Rabbi Daniel Pressman and Barbara Biran
Time/Place: Evening class, Mondays, 7:30–9:30 pm; nominally 12 sessions: Oct 27; Nov 3, 10, 17, 24; Dec 1, 8, 15; Jan 5, 12, 19. 26. Classes are held at Congregation Beth David in the library.
Cost: Continuation class

Modern Hebrew IA
First Class Wednesday, October 14, 10:00 – 11:30 am

Class Description: This new daytime class is appropriate for beginners as well as those wishing to refresh their childhood Hebrew. You will learn consonants and vowels of the Hebrew alphabet and acquire basic Hebrew language skills. We begin with the alphabet, and learn to read and write (in block and script form) all the Hebrew letters and vowels. You will build a small vocabulary of root words and siddur words and phrases. At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to produce simple sentences and read from our Siddur Sim Shalom.
Instructor: Judith Krongold
Prerequisites: This class has no prerequisites.
Time: Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00 am, nominally 13 sessions: Oct 14, 21, 28; Nov 4, 11, 18, 25; Dec 2, 9, 23, 30; Jan 6, 13.

Modern Hebrew IIIA - First session Wednesday, Oct 14, 10:00 – 11:30 am

Class Description: Continuation from the summer 2009 course. This continuing daytime course is designed for those who wish to improve their Hebrew skills and increase their comfort level in reading, vocalizing, and understanding general Hebrew texts as well as Hebrew prayers. You will expand your Hebrew vocabulary and understanding of Hebrew grammar. We will emphasize reading comprehension, not conversational skills.
Instructor: Chuck Taubman
Prerequisites: Knowledge of basic Hebrew grammar and ability to read, pronounce, and (with the aid of a Hebrew/English dictionary) translate simple Hebrew stories. Contact instructor for more information
Time: Daytime class, Wednesdays, 10:00 – 11:30 am; nominally 13 sessions: Oct 14, 21, 28; Nov 4, 11, 18, 25; Dec 2, 9, 23, 30; Jan 6, 13.
Textbook: Ivrit Shalav Gimel (plus supplemental material provided by the instructor)
Other: Please make time for home study between class meetings. Contact instructor for more information.
Cost: $35 members, $55 non-members
Registration: Please register and pay at the first class.

Reading and Understanding Hebrew Prayers IA –- First session Wednesday, Oct 14, 11:45 am–12:45 pm;
Class Description: This new daytime class is designed for those who wish to improve their ability to read and understand prayers in Siddur Sim Shalom. You will improve your reading fluency and acquire a sense for the meaning of the core prayers—beginning with the Shemoneh Esrei (Amidah)—in our prayer book. In the learning process, you will enhance your knowledge of Hebrew vocabulary and grammar.
Instructor: Chuck Taubman
Prerequisites: Knowledge of Hebrew alphabet and ability to read simple Hebrew sentences.
Time: Wednesdays 11:45 am-12:45pm, nominally 13 sessions: : Oct 14, 21, 28; Nov 4, 11, 18, 25; Dec 2, 9, 23, 30; Jan 6, 13.

Textbook: Siddur Sim Shalom
Other: Please make time for home study between class meetings. Contact the instructor for more information
Cost: $35 members, $55 non-members
Registration: Please register and pay at the first class.

Wednesday, October 21, 6:30pm Mitzvah on the Rocks

When: Wednesday, October 21 @ 6:30-10pm
Where: Zen Lounge @ 251 Castro St., Mountain View, CA

Mitzvah on the Rocks, in collaboration with SVYAD and sponsored by the Oshman Family JCC, is coming to the Silicon Valley for the first time this October! We will be taking over the Zen Lounge (formerly Buddha Lounge) on Castro Street in Mountain View.

This time around we’re excited to work with The Friendship Circle, an amazing organization that builds mentoring relationships between South Bay teens and children with special needs. 100% of the proceeds from the door and the raffle will go to bring in specialists and programming for their group of older children, and we are hoping to pay for a full year of programming for this organization.

We’re excited to bring this awesome event to Silicon Valley and we can’t wait to see you there!

Contribution Details:
$10 cover and raffle proceeds go to support The Friendship Circle

For more information on The Friendship Circle:
http://www.bayareafc.org

Thursday, October 22, 7:30pm "The Chosen" by TheatreWorks

Join Jews' Next Dor 30 and under crowd as we watch TheatreWorks production of The Chosen based on Chain Potok's book of the same name. Jews' Next Dor's Aileen is helping with the set. Tickets are $33 for those 30 and under, contact Aleeza at JewsNextDor[at]beth-david.org to reserve your ticket with our group. Space is limited. If you're your over 30 and want to join this event please let Aleeza know, depending on demand we'll arrange for group ticketing prices. Show time is 8pm at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts.

Warmth, wisdom, and generosity illuminate the unlikely friendship of two Jewish teenagers from very different worlds who grow to manhood in the post-war turbulence of 1940’s Brooklyn. Discovering in one another a portal to new ideas and unexplored worlds, each must chart his course through a sea of conflicting expectations. This now-classic story of fathers and sons, faith and family, transcends ideology to reveal the universal connections of the human spirit.

Sunday, October 25, 12:30pm Thai Lunch & “Blessed is the Match” at the SVJFF

Join Jews’ Next Dor and T’keya for the Silicon Valley Jewish Film Festival. We are going to see “Blessed Is the Match” which is the story of Hannah Sennesh, a hero of Israel. She served in World War II and in 1944 she was sent on a secret mission to Hungary, where she was captured and subjected to unimaginably brutal interrogation at the hands of the Hungarian police and later the collaborationist Arrow Cross. She refused, even unto death by firing squad, to betray her comrades or her mission. This docudrama is the definitive story of her life and legacy.

Roberta Grossman, award-winning director and producer of the film will be on hand to answer questions about the film after its viewing. This is a special event!

Jews’ Next Dor has a block of tickets. You must RSVP via e-mail (JewsNextDor@beth-david.org) to reserve a ticket with our group. The movie is Sunday, October 25 at 3: 00 pm at the Camera 12 Theatre in San Jose. Tickets are $11/each (very limited $9 student tickets available with our group) and you will need to pay Aleeza for your ticket.

We will be meeting for vegetarian/dairy lunch at 12:30pm at the House of Siam Thai Restaurant which is next to the theatre (151 S. 2nd Street, San Jose) for those who want to socialize before the film. Please let us know if you’ll be joining us for lunch. If you are not joining for lunch, please meet at the entrance to the theatre at 2:30pm SHARP to receive your ticket and sit with the group.

The Seven Questions You’re Asked in Heaven: Reviewing and Renewing Your Life on Earth
This course, taught at Beth David by Rabbi Pressman, will be based on Ron Wolfson's wonderful new book which draws upon Jewish tradition about the questions you'll be asked in the world to come. This class will give us a venue to ponder and discuss these questions and our own values. It's a wonderful read, and should prompt some illuminating discussions. Please purchase book prior to class.
Supported by wisdom from the Jewish tradition, life’s experiences, and personal anecdotes, this book tells you about these transformative questions and explores the values that are at the heart of a life that matters. It encourages you to reflect on your own life goals and provides ideas both big and small for achieving them.

Prayer Book Hebrew IIA – Continuing Hebrew: First session Monday, Oct 19, 7:30 – 8:30 pm.

Class Description: This is an evening class where you will continue to practice reading Hebrew and learn the order of the Saturday morning service.
Instructor: Monique Alexander
Prerequisites: Prayer Book Hebrew I.
Textbook: Prayer Book Hebrew for Adults by Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin and Siddur Sim Shalom
Time: Mondays, 7:30 – 8:30 pm; nominally 12 sessions: Oct 19, 26; Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Dec 7, 21, 28; Jan 4, 11. Classes held at Congregation Beth David.Cost: $35 members, $55 non-members
Registration: Please register and pay at the first class.

October 27, 2009 Tuesday, 7:30 pm Special Event
State Budget Challenge 2009
Speaker: Next 10

How would YOU balance California’s budget?

Join us as Beth David starts its Adult Education lecture series with the “California Budget Challenge 2009”, presented by Next 10 on October 27, 2009, Tuesday, 7:30 pm at Beth David. Both Beth David members and non members are welcome. This lecture is cosponsored by the Sharone chapter of Hadassah.

This is an interactive provocative evening. Each year the Governor and Legislature work together to pass a state budget that decides how our taxes will be spent. In recent years, California has spent more money than it has coming in, which leads to deficits. The budget process involves many tough trade-offs. You will have a chance to share what you think should be our state’s spending priorities and how we should pay for them.

There is no charge for this event.

Next 10 is an independent nonpartisan organization that encourages Californians to think about the next ten years and beyond. It develops tools to help residents become more educated and engaged in the critical issues facing California. Its hope is that through education and engagement we will all feel empowered to work together to improve our state’s future.

Friday, October 30, 7pm, Potluck Shabbat

Join Jews’ Next Dor for a potluck Shabbat dinner at 7pm in West San Jose. Please bring a vegetarian or dairy dish to share. RSVP with what dish you plan to bring, please consider what others are bringing so we balance our meal out. The event will be at a private home in West San Jose. Please RSVP to JewsNextDor[at]beth-david.org for the address.