The Buzz at Beth El: December 17, 2019

Birth Announcement!

Mazal Tov to our Executive Director, Josh Bender and his wife Julie on the birth of their daughter, Sophie Laila Bender, born 12/17/19 at 12:55 a.m. Siblings are Noah, Jacob and Ethan. Wishing Sophie and her entire family many years of health and happiness. We can’t wait to meet Sophie and welcome her to the Beth El community!

Celebrate Hanukkah With Us!

Beth El Community Hanukkah Celebration

Sunday, December 22 at 4:30 p.m., Offit Auditorium

All ages are welcome to join us for a fun Hanukkah celebration! Candle lighting (BYO menorah), holiday sing-a-long and light dinner. $5/person, kids under 12 are free. Open seating.

To RSVP or for more information, email Cantor Blatt at melanie@bethelbalto.com by December 12.

Island Shabbat

Friday, January 10 at 7:30 p.m., Berman-Rubin Sanctuary

Enjoy a taste of paradise at Beth El's Annual Island Shabbat!

Hear the sounds of the Catonsville High School Steel Band, under the direction of Jim Wharton, and the Beth El Choir, led by Cantor Thom King. A delicious island-themed Oneg will take place after the service.

Donate to Beth El Directly from your IRA

Did you know that if you are over age 70 ½ the IRS allows you to donate up to $100,000 directly from your traditional IRA to Beth El Congregation. Your IRA gift can count toward meeting your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for 2019 if we receive it on or before December 31, 2019. Your IRA gift can also be used to fulfill a pledge you have already made including Beth El’s Annual Appeal. Your contribution must be paid directly by the IRA Trustee. As in all such matters you should consult your tax adviser as to other details that may be applicable. Contact Randy Arndts at

410-484-0411 or randy@bethelbalto.com to make arrangements. Your gift to Beth El Congregation supports the sacred work that we do 7 days a week, 365 days a year. May this Hanukkah bring you light and peace!

This Weekend

Friday, December 20

Morning Service: 8:00 a.m., Gorn Chapel

The Spark: 8:30 a.m., The Soul Center

Evening Service: 6:00 p.m., Gorn Chapel

Saturday, December 21

Torah Study Class: 9:00 a.m., Agus Library

Morning Service: 10:00 a.m., Gorn Chapel

Evening Service: 4:45 p.m., Gorn Chapel

Sunday, December 22

Erev Hanukkah - 1st Candle

Morning Service: 9:15 a.m., Gorn Chapel

Congregational Hanukkah Celebration: 4:30 p.m., Offit Auditorium

Evening Service: 5:30 p.m., Gorn Chapel

Want to know what is going on at Beth El all month? Go to our calendar of events here .

Unable to attend the Shabbat services? Live stream available here . Please note, we'll be changing our live stream platform in the next couple months, stay tuned for updates.

In Loving Memory - Weekly Yahrzeit List

Tuesday, December 17 - Monday, December 23

Click here

Interested in getting hospital and bereavement notices from Beth El?

Please sign up here .

Chesed

If you know of anyone who might need a C hesed visit, please fill out this form so that we have all the details we need and no one is forgotten. Thank you for partnering with us to provide Chesed to our members in need. For information regarding our Chesed group, Visiting Voices , contact Cantor Blatt at melanie@bethelbalto.com

Affiliates, Committees and Other Happenings

Beth El Choir on WCBM Radio

Tired of the endless Christmas music on the radio? On Friday morning, December 20th, members of the Beth El Choir under the leadership of Cantor Thom King will perform Hanukkah songs on WCBM Radio (AM 680). Their appearance will take place during the 8:30-9:00 a.m. segment. Be sure to tune in, and support your fellow congregants!

Volunteers Needed!

Movable Feast is in need of volunteers for Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25. We'll be delivering food to people who are home-bound due to illness. It is a true Mitzvah ! Want to help? Please contact Myra Katz at katz.myra@gmail.com .

Sisterhood General Meeting, Luncheon & Program with Guest Speaker Pat Wirth

Monday, January 6 at 11:30 a.m., Offit Auditorium

Pat Wirth’s presentation is “The Best Kept Secret in American History,” the seven-decade suffrage movement and many of the women who were involved. RSVP by December 27 . Click here for more information and to download your reservation form.

The Rabbi Mark G. Loeb Center for Lifelong Learning

1st Wednesday @ Beth El

Meet Pianist Michael Angelucci

Wednesday, January 8 at 7:30 p.m., Offit Auditorium

Hailed as “a great artistic talent” by the A&B Foundation, pianist Michael Angelucci holds First Place awards in the Bradshaw and Buono International Piano Competition and the American Prize National Competition. Click here for more information.

Really Good Stories:

How to Tell a Jewish Story

Tuesdays, beginning January 14

at 7:00 p.m., Agus Library

Click here for more information.

Mah Jongg for Beginners

Wednesdays, Jan. 15 - Feb. 5

at 10:00 a.m., Myers Auditorium

Click here for more information.

Canasta for Beginners

Wednesdays, Jan. 15 - Feb. 5

at 4:00 p.m., Myers Auditorium

Click here for more information.

American Judaism in the 21 ^st Century:

An Exploration with Rafi Rone

Wednesdays, January 15, 21 & 29 at 7:00 p.m., Agus Library

Join Rafi Rone as he discusses “Not Your Bubbe’s Yids” A Bird’s Eye View of How our Community Looks Today”, “Israel as the Flash Point: What Used to Unite Us, Now Divides Us”, and “ So, Now You’re a Prophet? What American Judaism Might Look Like in 20 Years”. Fee: $50/Beth El Congregation members; $60/non-members.

The 2019-2020 Adult Education Booklet is out NOW!

Click here to download a copy.

The Family Corner

Or Shabbat Family Service *For all ages

Saturday, January 11 at 10:15 a.m., Schuster Library

Or Shabbat is led by Morah Becky, the T'filah Team and Mitzvah Monsters in the Schuster Library. Families with children of all ages are invited to join us for songs, stories and a wonderful family Shabbat experience.

Prayground Shabbat *For all ages

Saturday, January 11 at 11:15 a.m., Community Room

Join us for a musical service as we sing and play together, Kiddush to follow . Click here for a full list of upcoming dates. *Due to the cold weather, Prayground Shabbat will take place in the Community Room.

The Soul Center

Special Event:

Women, Wine & Wisdom

Thursday, January 16, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Join us for the third annual Women, Wine and Wisdom: An Intimate Conversation Around Soulful Living and Spritual Journeys with Rabbi Dana Saroken and Sarah Hurwitz. This event is a community builder, a chance to connect with friends and make new ones. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $36 per person *All available “reserved” tables have been purchased. Pre-purchase Sarah Hurwitz’s book Here All Along-Finding Meaning, Spirituality, and A Deeper Connection to Life in Judaism (After Finally Choosing to Look There) – $28 (includes sales tax). Reserve your spot here .