Ongoing Engagement Opportunities

As a Beit Knesset - House of Assembly, Congregation Beth El offers many opportunities for participants to create and experience a deep sense of belonging with other members of the community through social gatherings. Please explore some of our adult ongoing groups below.

BETH EL NURSERY SCHOOL (BENS) - The BENS Parent group meets monthly on the second Tuesday of each month and is a chance to connect with other parents at BENS. Here you can learn about Parent Education Workshops, troubleshoot tricky points you are having at home, connect with the BENS directors around BENS curriculum and activities and so much more! Learn more about the BENS Parent Group by reaching out to bens@bethelberkeley.org.

BETH EL READING GROUP - The reading group meets every Saturday at 12:20 pm - 1:30 pm via Zoom. Contact Basha Goddard for more information or to join.

BETH EL SINGLE PARENTS GROUP - encourages connections for single parents and their families to promote belonging and community within Beth El. All single-parent families are represented and welcome—divorced, separated, single parents by choice, widowed, adoptive parents, donor-conceived—whether co-parenting or raising kids on your own. Join this group for ongoing support, family activities, and shared participation in Beth El events, programs, and community service opportunities. Contact Deb Massey for more information.

CONNECTIONS - A wide variety of programming is offered, including lectures, demonstrations, book talks, holiday events, congregant stories, and participatory activities.   While Connection’s primary goal is to bring together older congregants, all adult members are welcome. Contact Ruth Spear for more information.

CHORUS - If you love to sing, consider joining the Beth El Chorus! Joining together in singing is a joyous and meaningful way to connect with others. Singers of all abilities and ranges are welcome. No audition is required. For more information, contact Cantor Elaya and visit the Beth El Chorus webpage.

LIFE STORIES - Life Stories creates a safe space to explore experiential writing. The session starts with a prompt followed by a period of sharing. The groups are diverse in age, gender, and even religion. Space is limited. Anyone interested in joining should contact Marilyn Margulius.

SHABBAT POETRY - Read and discuss beautiful and moving poems on Jewish themes every 1st & 3rd Saturday afternoon of the month, from 4-5 pm. Contact Judy Tate for more information and Zoom link.

TALMUD DAF YOMI - Talmud Daf Yomi is the dedicated practice of studying one page of Talmud (a daf) each day, completing the entire Talmud in seven and a half years. The Talmud Daf Yomi group meets once a week on Wednesday's from 6:30-7:30 to discuss the previous week's Talmud pages! This group is intended for Talmud learners of all abilities, from those that have studied Talmud in the past, to those who are excited to explore Talmud for the very first time. Interested in learning more or where to begin? Reach out to Jennifer Baumer.

TALMUD STUDY - Join Congregation Beth El for a weekly Talmud discussion! This group meets every Friday from 5:00-6:00 pm. Whether you are an advanced Talmud student or want to explore Talmud for the very first time, you are welcome! Interested in learning more? Reach out to Alan Sanstad.

TORAH STUDY - Beth El’s weekly Shabbat morning Torah Study drash (teaching) is led by our volunteer members. A different congregational member presents her or his interpretation of the week's Torah portion, followed by a lively discussion. Contact Caroline Lehman if you would like to present or be added to the Torah Study email list. 

Beth El’s community is made up of individuals who have a wide range of interests and passions. If you are interested in engaging in other ways not listed above, please visit the Engage section of our website to learn about other opportunities to connect, or reach out to the Community Engagement Office.