Announcements

The Israel Affairs Committee, in partnering with Temple Israel of New Rochelle, invites you to meet Israel Cancer Research Fund's Dr. Nancy Maizels on January 12th at 8pm. Dr. Maizels will be highlighting recent and cutting-edge scientific advances in Israel concerning cancer research, via ZOOM. Head to www.bethelnr.org/IACevent for more information.

Encounter Speaker Series Processing Group January 10 at 10am - It can be difficult to hear perspectives that challenge our own, in particular, when they challenge ideas and narratives that we hold as central to our identity. The Powered By Courage series is designed to offer people the opportunity to hear perspectives that we American Jews rarely hear, and this can generate questions and/or difficult feelings. We will hold two processing groups meant to create opportunities for people to explore the questions that may arise from these speakers, process the challenging feelings that they generate, and have a space to discuss these issues with other people who are also reflecting on all of these.

Join us at 8pm on January 14th for an evening of learning, reflection, and conversation as we enter a new month. All are welcome!

Brought to you by Sisterhood & SMART: Senior Mature Adults Retired Together - join us 11am on January 18th via Zoom from the comfort of your own home! Lois Silverman, current co-chair of communications for Women's League, will share a fascinating look at Jews in the Movies, 1890s-2000s. For more information, head to www.bethelnr.org/brunch.

Explore the real science of how a mindfulness practice can help you navigate tough times on January 24th at 10:30am. Discover surprises in the research behind stress and learn about data-backed tools/techniques that promote our ability to bounce back better and continue to adapt and thrive through the challenging road ahead. Sponsored by Beth El's Mental Health Initiative. More information at www.bethelnr.org/bmr.

Join us January 28-31 to celebrate Tu B’Shvat and Shabbat Shirah with special guest Rabbi Josh Warshawsky - acclaimed Rabbi, Singer, Songleader, Musician and Composer! Head to www.bethelnr.org/weekendwithjosh for all of the most up-to-date information and schedule.

Most of Beth El’s programs are currently virtual, which is a challenge for congregants who do not know how to Zoom or access livestream. Consider becoming a “tech buddy” for someone who needs introductory help. You will be matched with one person only, you can provide help remotely (no house calls), and it’s a mitzvah! You may also make a new friend in the Beth El community. To sign up, email bethelcares@bethelnr.org with subject “Volunteer Tech Buddy.” If you have questions, email Carrie Fox at csfox99@gmail.com.

"Who is honored? One who honors others." Pirkei Avot 4:1 - This teaching from Pirkei Avot reminds us that our tradition has an ethic of honoring our loved ones. One way we do this is through teaching and studying Torah in their honor or in their memory. If you would like to celebrate someone marking a simcha or elevate the name and memory of a loved one, consider honoring them with your Beth El community by dedicating a weekly video sermon in their name (sent out by email in the weekly Shabbat Announcements) or sponsoring an OBM session.

Click here for more information on how you can honor or memorialize a loved one in our weekly video sermons. Or click here to learn about sponsoring an OBM session.

Helping Children Manage Stress During Covid - Presented by Columbia Doctors & WJC TODAY, Wednesday, January 6th at noon. Youth and their families are experiencing an unprecedented time of stress and change in the era of COVID. In their talk, Drs. Ames-Sikora and Rozon will discuss how to manage your own and your child's uncertainty, stress, and anxiety by building resilience, positive coping behaviors, practicing "good enough" parenting, and distinguishing between expected behaviors during the pandemic and "red flag" behaviors that may require further attention.  Click here to register.

TIME CHANGE FOR THIS WEEK: Virtual Daf Shevui - 11:30am on Sunday! Join us every Sunday to study Talmud in English. You can sign up for daily source materials at www.conservativeyeshiva.org. No previous experience is necessary.

C.A.P. (Children of Aging Parents) Group - Meetings will start once again on January 28th at 7:30pm. They will be led by our own Shari Baum, LMSW, coordinator of Partners in Caring Westchester Jewish Community Services. Click here for more details. If interested, email Erica Epstein: Mmleepstein@gmail.com.

Bagels and Books - Join us for our morning book club. See our meeting dates and book list at www.bethelnr.org/bagelsbooks.

Minyan attendees are needed throughout the week - review available time slots and sign up at www.bethelnr.org/minyansignup!

Shabbat Services: In-Person & Livestream - In our sanctuary on Saturdays at 9:30am (only for those who signed up in advance). To attend, please email minyan@bethelnr.org with your name and the dates you wish to attend by 11am on Fridays. Please note: if you are not on the list, you may not enter! Access the livestream here.

Youth Shabbat Services - Join us Saturdays from 9:45-10:15am for in-person Tot Shabbat - to attend, sign up here! Join us from 10:45-11:30am on Saturdays for our in-person Family Kehillah Service - to attend, sign up here!

Livestream Events - view our current livestream schedule and get the Zoom links for all events at www.bethelnr.org/livestream.

Westchester Jewish Council Calendar - The WJC has compiled the virtual opportunities from synagogues throughout Westchester (and the country) on their calendar so you can take advantage of the rich programming being offered.

Useful Links & Resources - Click here for a list of Beth El and Westchester resources that may be helpful during this challenging time.

Facebook Group - You can also join our private Facebook group for Beth El members to interact with fellow congregants directly. Click here to join.