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.

An afternoon of Yom Kippur Improv! (Room 220)
Join Donna Breger Stanton for an improv workshop touching upon the themes of the High Holy Days! Stretch your spiritual practice this Yom Kippur through the medium of improv!

Home Electrification: Health, Savings, and Tikkun Olam all in one! (Room 219)
Join the Beth-El Climate Tzedek to learn more about home electrification and how it can improve indoor air quality for the health of your family and save you money on your utility bill - all while fighting climate change! We will cover topics including induction and infrared cook tops, heat pumps for powering furnaces and water heaters, as well as solar power and battery back-up technologies. We will also discuss some of the technical requirements to implement these new technologies, and of course cover some exciting new grant and tax rebate programs to help defray the cost of appliance installation.  We look forward to seeing you for this important, interesting, and practical discussion.

Hurting and Healing: Sources of Strength and Perspective for Navigating the Turbulent Waters of 2023 Rabbi Lee Bycel (Beit Midrash)
In these challenging times of social, political and cultural unrest, environmental disasters as well as our own personal challenges, how do we find the resilience to keep shaping a meaningful life?  Join us in an exploration of wisdom and insight from our Jewish tradition

The Power of Collective Action with Beth El’s Tikkun Olam Leadership Team (Room 215 / 216)
“…since the world is created for my sake, I need always to be examining it through the lens of Tikkun Olam, providing for the world's deficiencies, and praying about them.”  -Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav

Beth El’s Tikkun Olam Leadership Team (TOLT) organizes our congregation’s collective effort to create change in the world. Join us as we reflect on the meaning of tikkun olam and the two campaigns we have worked on (building the tiny house village, and improving Alameda County’s treatment of people in mental health crises). Together we’ll also look forward as we enter a new part of the community organizing cycle with focused conversations in our community to identify Beth El’s next congregation-wide Tikkun Olam campaign. 

Learning about the Jewish community in Uganda! (Room 218)
Come join this intriguing session with Gadi and Joss Meir, recounting their recent voyage and adventure to Uganda.  They met with the recently ordained Rabbi of the Abayudaya sect of Jews in Uganda, the first ordained Rabbi in Africa.  This remote and rural community of Jews have been practicing Judaism in obscurity, and in much the same way that we do, for the last 100+ years.  Gadi and Joss will share slides and stories of their warm visit and Sabbath services with this community, and also share how you can communicate, visit or support this community if you wish, as they reach out to the broader world Jewish community. 

Overcoming Guilt and Stepping into Self-Acceptance and Appreciation led by Rachel Ostroy (Garden)
Instead of feeling guilt or shame from past mistakes, take this moment to allow honesty and openness to become celebrations of growth and learning. Together we will start the new year with a renewed appreciation of all the good that resides within us.

Yizkor Circle (Outdoor space behind the Sanctuary – please enter through the Sanctuary, walk behind the Bima, and exit the doors behind the Bima to arrive at this space! )
Before the Yizkor service, we gather together to share stories of our loved ones and connect with fellow travelers on the journey of grief, mourning and memory.

Click here for Yom Kippur Afternoon Programs Session 1 from 2:30pm - 3:45pm