After a morning of contemplative reflection and prayer, we invite you to join us for a series of Yom Kippur afternoon programs, led by Beth El community members, to help bring forward the meaning, purpose, belonging, and even joy of this Yom Kippur day.

Mincha (afternoon) service led by Rabbi Harry Manhoff (In the Sanctuary and Zoom
The Book of Jonah is the focus of our Yom Kippur afternoon service. Join a spirited and spiritual reading and discussion of this tale of turning away and turning in teshuvah.  Click here for Zoom link!

Contemplative Walk (Meet at the top of the steps, outside the Sanctuary)
Join Janet Byron, co-author of the local bestseller Berkeley Walks and current president of Berkeley Path Wanderers Association, for a contemplative ~ 1.5-mile (roundtrip) stroll to the Rose Garden, Codornices Park, and Berkeley's hidden waterfall. 

End of Life Planning with Beth El's Chevra Kadisha (Garden)
This session will include learning and conversation about preparing for end of life. There will be opportunities in small groups to reflect on what you might want for yourself or a loved one when facing serious illness or incapacity. Beth El’s Chevra Kadisha provides support and guidance to congregants coping with illness, death, and bereavement. Come learn more about the work we do, consider your own advance care planning, and how you might want to be involved helping others.

Israel's Crisis of Democracy:  What it means for Israel, the US-Israel relationship and the American Jewish community (Room 218)
This year Israel and the US Israel relationship have been at the center of the conversation For over 30 weeks Israelis have gathered each week to protest in support of democracy, while the Knesset has been voting on proposals that many consider anti-democratic.  Join us in conversation as we try to digest what is happening and what it means for our relationship with Israel as a Jewish democratic homeland.

The Art of Belonging and Inclusion - Led by Beth El’s B-REDI Committee (Art Room)
Get your creative juices flowing to usher in the new year by illustrating your vision of CBE as a place where belonging and inclusion flourishes for every person from every background. People of all ages can use words or images to color, draw, paint, or make collages.

Yom Kippur Song Circle (Beit Midrash)
Music is the language of the soul.  It allows us to communicate in ways words alone cannot express.  As we harmonize, we find communion with one another and build a community.  And while fasting, the act of singing with a group can allow us to find even deeper spiritual meaning. In that spirit, join us as we gather to sing together on Yom Kippur afternoon.  Led by Steve Branoff, we will sing traditional songs with melodies both old and new.  Song sheets with lyrics will be provided.  Participants are also encouraged to suggest or teach new songs that the group can learn. We look forward to seeing – and hearing – all of you.

Yom Kippur Yoga Session (Room 215/216)
Take an opportunity on Yom Kippur to connect with your body, mind and spirit through the medium of movement. This 1hr and 15-minute hatha yoga class led by Beth El congregant Trang Robinson will guide you through a nurturing and gentle practice to create space for stillness and introspection. Please bring your own yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. We hope you will join us!

Yom Kippur Teen Experience (Meadow)
Join your teen community for a contemplative and creative experience reflecting on the themes of Yom Kippur. This program is open to all 6th-12th graders and will be taking place as part of Beth El's larger Yom Kippur afternoon session offerings. 

Click here for Yom Kippur Afternoon Programs Session 2 from 4:00pm - 5:15pm