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October 14 - 21
8 Cheshvan - 15 Cheshvan
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Beth El teenagers who are working as madrichim (assistant teachers) in the Jewish Learning Center gather for leadership training with Teen Coordinator Talia Feldman last Sunday. Our madrichim set a positive example for our students, help them learn, and have fun in the JLC. |
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Unlikely Origins of Prayer
By Rabbi Aviva Richman, Rosh Yeshiva of Hadar
Where does prayer come from? Do you have to feel close to God to pray? Even as God talks to multiple prominent figures in the first chapters of the Torah, none of them utter words we would recognize as prayer. Instead, prayer comes from less obvious sources. Click here to continue reading.
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Devash: Parashat Lech L'cha
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Celebrating Animals Shabbat
Friday, October 15 at 5:30 pm
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Saturday, October 16 at 9:30 am
Happy Coming Out Shabbat! In honor of National Coming Out Day earlier this week, we will celebrate members of the LGBTQ+ who have come out and remember all those who have yet to come out. We are honored that Dexter Buchanan, a teen member of our community, will share his beautiful poem, "Love Wins."
We ask that attendees remain masked while indoors. To attend services virtually, join via Livestream. After services, we will enjoy a Kiddush lunch outdoors. PLEASE NOTE: You must show proof of vaccination for those 12 and up to attend Shabbat services.
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Shabbat Club Returns!
Our Shabbat morning program for elementary school students returns beginning THIS SHABBAT, October 16. Shabbat Club will meet on Shabbat mornings from 11:00-11:45 am in the patio tent. Note: The Family Service beginning this week will meet in the parking lot tent.
Rabbi Olitzky, Rabbi Marder and parent volunteers will switch off leading. Shabbat Club will be a skill-building, hands-on service for kids who want to learn the prayers and how to participate in a Torah service. The 30-minute service will also include a short activity on the parashah. All who attend will receive chocolate and prizes. The service will meet from 11:00-11:45 in the patio tent. Read more about how Shabbat Club will differ from the Family Service and Congregational Service.
Outdoor Family Service
Saturday, October 16 at 11:00 am
Celebrate Shabbat with song, prayers, and active participation with Ira Levin in the parking lot tent.
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Saturday, October 16 at 8:45 am
Our weekly, member-led Torah discussion group continues this Shabbat with Parashat Noah. This Shabbat Rabbi Olitzky will lead the discussion in the parking let tent.
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Homework, Snacks & Hang
October 18, Mondays from 4-6 pm for 8-12th Graders
Come hang, get your homework done, and enjoy some snacks in the parking lot tent with Teen Coordinator Talia Feldman.
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Challah Braiding for 5-7th Graders
Thursday, October 21 at 5 pm
Join Teen Coordinator, Talia Feldman, in the Parking Lot Tent to braid and decorate your own challah to bring home and bake in time for Shabbat!
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Neshama Minyan and Dinner
Friday, October 22 at 6:15 pm
Join your Beth El family for a Shabbat evening service and dinner in the round. All ages welcome as we bring in Shabbat with old and new tunes and a bit of Torah learning. We will begin at 6:15 pm with a service followed by a congregational dinner. Please register for dinner here by October 18.
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Exploring Siddur Lev Shalem
Sunday, October 24 and November 14 at 10:00 am
We look forward to getting to know our new siddur and exploring how it will help shape our communal and individual prayer experiences. Join Rabbi Marder and Beth El’s T’fillah and Spirituality Chair Josh Schor for two opportunities to study Siddur Lev Shalem. We’ll gather in the outdoor tent in the parking lot.
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Men's Club New Member Backyard Beers
Tuesday, October 26 at 8:00 pm
Did you join Beth El in the last 2.5 years? Have you had the chance to join our Men's Club yet and meet all of the other great members that have also recently joined? If not, come to a happy hour with beer and snacks and socializing in Yuval Brokman's backyard in South Orange. Please RSVP by October 20 to let us know if you'll be joining, and we'll send you the address. If you have any questions, please reach out to Josh Mandell.
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The Family Roe: Book Talk with Josh Prager
Thursday, December 9 at 7:45 pm
Author and Beth El member Josh Prager will discuss his new book, The Family Roe, a masterpiece of reporting on the Supreme Court’s most divisive case, Roe v. Wade, and the unknown lives at its heart. The event will be held in person at Beth El. If you purchase the book on the Words Bookstore website, note in the comments that you're part of the Beth El Book Club, and you'll receive a 10% discount. Discount also available for in-person purchase. Click here to read Josh's article, "The Roe Baby," published in The Atlantic.
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Family Promise
Sunday, October 17 at 9:00 am
Help raise awareness and funds to combat family homelessness! This year Beth El has a Family Promise of Essex County "Walk for Change" team, taking place on Sunday, October 17 at 9:00 am. We will do a 2-mile (max) walk through the South Mountain Reservation, meeting up by the entrance to the closed (no car) loop path. Please join our team or consider donating here. Note that if you want to register for the walk ($25) and not donate extra, click on "Register to Walk Here." If you donate, you still need to register. For more information please email Reba Auslander.
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Seeking Caring Committee Volunteers
The Caring Committee is planning to send Chanukah packages to college-age young adults in mid-November and we'd love volunteers! We expect this to be a combination of note writing, packing, and mailing. If you'd like to volunteer, please email Emily Tedeschi at emily91@gmail.com, or sign up here if you haven't already (and indicate that you're interested in Chanukah Care Packages). |
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Volunteer with Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges
The IFPO is a food pantry that provides supplemental and emergency food, fresh produce, diapers, feminine hygiene products and toiletries to low-income individuals and families. Distribution takes place from 357 S Jefferson and approximately 400 families are helped each week. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available. All volunteers must sign up in advance and provide proof of vaccination. Sign up here to volunteer in October.
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Mazal Tov
Mazal Tov to Keira, proud parents David and Arlene Jacobi, and sisters Alexandra and Emma on Keira becoming bat mitzvah this Shabbat afternoon, October 16. Click here to read more from Keira.
Mazal Tov to Stephen and Sharon Seiden on their grandson Seth Perlstein becoming bar mitzvah on October 9.
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7:45 am: Morning Minyan followed by breakfast and learning with Rabbi Marder
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5:00 pm: Challah Braiding for 5th-7th graders
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Congregation Beth El is an inclusive, egalitarian synagogue affiliated with United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism, serving Essex, Union, and Morris counties. We can be reached by calling
973-763-0111.
Jesse M. Olitzky, Rabbi
Rachel A. Marder, Rabbi
Steve Zeidwerg, Executive Director
Danielle Weitz, Director, Thelma K. Reisman Preschool
Rivka Nelson, Director of Religious Education
Talia Feldman, Teen Program Coordinator
Karen Freeman-Pettis, Assistant Director
Anita Pittman, Financial Administrator
Elyse Shier, Communications/Office Administrator
Terry Pridgen, Coordinator of Maintenance Services
Jehiel Orenstein z"l, Rabbi Emeritus
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