W e l c o m e t o

B e t h J a c o b

C o n g r e g a t i o n

A N N U A L P R O G R A M

G U I D E

2 0 1 8 - 1 9 / 5 7 7 9

New Classes

Continuing Classes

Special Events

Dear Friends,

I take great pride in how dedicated our community is to growth. Some of us grew up with a limited Jewish education (myself included), and others among us were raised with far more knowledge, but for all of us, continued dedication to Torah study is the catalyst for growth in our Jewish lives.

Each year, we try to innovate to further inspire ourselves and our commitment to learning. We are proud recipients of an Orthodox Union Women’s Initiative Grant, which will enable us to create a Women’s Beit Midrash with Community Scholar Michal Kohane, who will also share her wisdom with the entire congregation during Shabbatot throughout the year. I am personally excited to offer three semesters of BJC University on Tuesday nights, offering a chance to dive deep into fascinating multi-part courses – though everyone is always welcome to come for just one.

Some of last year’s learning opportunities will continue this year as well – the popular Monday morning Pathways through the Parsha at OHDS is one I’m particularly proud of. Even if you can’t make it to OHDS, you can watch the class live or later either on my personal Facebook page or through the Beth Jacob Congregation of Oakland Facebook site. Have you tried it? It’s a great thirty-minute dose of Torah to start off your week.

In addition to many of our classic programs like Lunchtime Talmud and Shabbat U, we’ll continue to have special events like our annual Musician-in-Residence and Scholar-in-Residence Shabbatons, along with a concert that I’ll lead with original melodies. We will also be unveiling a new host of family and youth programs – stay tuned for more information.

MESSAGE FROM OUR RABBI

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

If you haven’t been to any of our BJC programs in a while, I hope you consider trying a class for a few weeks and taking advantage of thewonder of Torah to inspire us with meaning and growth for the year to come.

Rabbi Gershon Albert

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Special EventsPathways through the ParshaBJC University

Weekly ShiurimOther Learning Opportunities

Weekly Classes

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7 – 99 – 11

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1213

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Lunchtime TalmudShabbat UniversitySe'udat ShlishitSunday Tefilah TalkStudy Moments

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Thanks to a grant from the Orthodox Union’s Women’s Initiative, we are excited to off er a new innovative program, open to all women and high school girls this year at BJC.

The inaugural cohort of the "Learn to Lead" Women's Beit Midrash, under the tutelage of our Community Scholar Michal Kohane, will gather for guided Chavruta study followed by a class--as in traditional Yeshiva--one Sunday morning throughout the year. Sessions will range from how to study Tanach with the resources of classical Bible commentaries, to understanding the fl ow of Talmudic thought, to the development of Halacha, to important topics in Jewish philosophy. Next summer, we will off er the opportunity to our Learn to Lead cohort to share their learning in Drashot and classes to the entire congregation, with the guidance of Community Scholar Michal Kohane and Rabbi Albert.

The Women’s Beit Midrash will meet on Sundays, 10:00 - 11:30 AM, on October 20, November 17, December 15, January 19, February 16, March 16, May 18 and June 15.

Women’s Beit Midrash

Community Scholar Michal Kohane

SPECIAL EVENTS

Rabbi Alex Israel is an author, Tanakh teacher and international lectuer. He is a beloved teacher at Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi and Matan, and is Director of the Community Education Program, Summer Program and the Elmad Online Study Website at the Pardes Institute.

Born and raised in London, Rabbi Israel moved to Israel in 1991 and gained rabbinic ordination from the Israeli Chief Rabbinate following several years of study at Yeshivat Har Etzion.

Rabbi Israel holds degrees from London School of Economics, the Institute of Education, London, and Bar Ilan University. His fi rst book “I Kings - Torn in Two” was published in 2013. He lives in Alon Shevut, Gush Etzion, with his wife Aliza, and their four wonderful children.

Scholar-in-Residence Shabbaton with Rabbi Alex IsraelNovember 9 – 10

We are thrilled to have Rabbi Israel lead a Shabbat of insightful Tanach study, beginning with a musical Kabbalat Shabbat, community Friday night dinner, followed by the Drasha, Shabbat U and an afternoon shiur on Saturday.

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Following the great success of last year’s Saturday night Havdala concert, where adults and children gathered together to listen and sing to melodies written by Rabbi Albert, we are excited to make this an annual tradition, including more original Niggunim (Jewish melodies), and a night of musical refl ection.

Havdala Concert with Rabbi AlbertJanuary 12 at 6:45 PM

We look forward to welcoming Rabbi Dardik back home with a Shabbat fi lled with learning and friendship.

Visiting Scholar Rabbi Judah Dardik December 28 – 29

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Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom March 2 – 3

Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He attended Yeshivat Kerem B'Yavne, Rabbi Isaac Elhanan Theological Seminary and Yeshivat Har Etzion before receivingordination from the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem.

Rabbi Etshalom has been a dynamic and exciting educator in the Los Angeles community since his return in 1985. His ability to reach out to today's youth and share with them his passion for Jewish learning and Jewish life has enriched many young lives.

Rabbi Etshalom is an accomplished storyteller, radio host and songwriter and has produced tapes of both his own stories and music. Rabbi Etshalom, whose fi rst book "Between the Lines of the Bible" was published by Yashar Books in March, 2006, serves on the faculties of the Yeshiva of Los Angeles and the Simon Wiesenthal Center as Associate Director of Project Next Step, along with serving as chair of the Bible Department at the prestigious Yeshiva University High Schools of Los Angeles.

Join us for this incredible opportunity to experience Eitan’s inspiring prayer and niggunim, many of which we already sing at BJC!

The Musician-in-Residence weekend is made possible by the generosity of the Greenwall family.

Musician-In-Residence Eitan KatzFebruary 1 – 2

Time: Monday Mornings, 8:30-9:00 AM: Resumes Monday, October 15

Location: Oakland Hebrew Day School or online

WEEKLY CLASS SCHEDULE

What is BJC University?: A Deeper Look at Compelling Topics

As we reimagine Torah learning at BJC this year, we will be rolling out three courses to engage you at BJC.

Following the style of our longstanding Shabbat University programs, source-based class on exciting and original topics taught in four-part semesters will allow us to dig a little deeper.

All classes will take place at BJC on Tuesday nights at 7:30 PM.

Tuesday: BJC University

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Monday: Pathways through the Parsha

Take a few minutes out of your morning hurry to engage in inspirational text-based learning based on the weekly Torah portion. Hosted at Oakland Hebrew Day School, Rabbi Albert will lead a weekly class focused on the inspiration and personal growth accessible within the Chumash.

This class is open to everyone but is great for parents dropping off their kids at school, since class will start after OHDS drop-off on Monday mornings. As we strive to make Torah meaningful and exciting for our children, let’s make sure we reignite the flame each week in ourselves as well! For those who are unable to make it in person, this class will be available with Facebook Live on Rabbi Albert’s Facebook page.

Is There Life Before Birth? Perspectives on the Spiritual and Halachic Transition into this world Circumcision and Baby-Naming in the 21st Century: Finding Meaning in Tradition and Space for Innovation “Today I become a Man”: The Fascinating Development of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs in Jewish Life The Gift of Years: Honoring Elders in the Jewish Tradition A Meaningful End: Spiritual Traditions around the End-Of-Life Life’s Final Transition: The Spiritual and Halachic Practices from Death to Burial

January 15 @ 7:30 PM

January 22 @ 7:30 PM

January 29 @ 7:30 PM

February 5 @ 7:30 PM

BJC University, Part 1From Cradle to Grave: A Deeper Look at the Jewish Life – Cycle

A Six-Part Series with Rabbi Albert

October 23 @ 7:30 PM

October 30 @ 7:30 PM

November 6 @ 7:30 PM

November 13 @ 7:30 PM

November 20 @ 7:30 PM

November 27 @ 7:30 PM

Being Like God: When the Centrality of Chesed Conflicts with Real-Life Challenges The Medicine of Kindness: Visiting the Sick in Jewish law and tradition Welcome to our Home: A Step-by-Step Guide to Hachnasat Orchim Balancing Priorities in Tzedaka and Loans

A Four-Part Series with Rabbi Albert

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BJC University, Part 2Interpersonal Obligations: An Exploration of the Mitzvot Bein Adam Lechavero

Thursday: Lunchtime Talmud

Time: 12:00 PM

Location: The home of Shelley & Ari Zak, 901 Hillcroft Circle, Oakland

A Four-Part Series with Rabbi AlbertOn Shabbat mornings, we read in the prayers about how Torah scholars bring peace to the world, and yet, it seems that Jewish learning is consumed by endless debates. What is the role of Machloket (argumentation) in the Jewish tradition, and how have these debates shaped the Jewish world that we know and love?

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BJC University, Part 3Fundamental Feuds: The Essential Place of Machloket in Jewish Life

Join us as Lunchtime Talmud enters its 27th year!Exercise your mind as you enter a world of thought studied by centuries of Jews. Uncover the depth of Jewish law as you examine cases and understand how Jewish legal process developed and is applied today. No prior Talmud experience necessary.

These And These Are the Words of the Living God: Perspectives on the Divine Nature of Debate in the Torah Does Halacha Have a People First Strategy? Beit Hillel, Beit Shamai, and the Differing Approaches to Jewish Law Written by God, But Read by Man: The Two Schools of Midrashic Interpretation and their Two-Thousand Year Legacy

Is there a Limit to Machloket? When Arguments Go Too Far

March 5 @ 7:30 PM

March 12 @ 7:30 PM

April 2 @ 7:30 PM

April 9 @ 7:30 PM

Se’udat Shlishit

Join Rabbi Albert as we investigate an in-depth Halachic topic. This year we will different topics around the holidays of the year. The Talmud teaches us that we are supposed to spend thirty days before every holiday understanding its laws. Join us as we learn the text of the Shulchan Aruch with its myriad of commentaries to unpack the variety of traditions and obligations around the holidays of the year.

Shabbat: Shabbat University

An Inside Look at Halacha:Se’udat Shlishit – Third Meal: A Time to Learn

Join Rabbi Albert at “Shabbat University” when he offers class-es at the shul on Shabbat after Kiddush, covering a diverse array of subjects and catering to different levels of Jewish study background. Perfect for those who want to learn more but can’t always make it out on weekdays.

Time: Shabbat every other week after Kiddush, approximately 12:20 PM

Location: BJC Main Sanctuary

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Date and Time: Shabbat afternoons/evenings between Mincha and Maariv (on non-Shabbat U weeks) Location: BJC Downstairs Social Hall

Sunday Tefilah Talks and Breakfast

Sponsored by Eve Gordon Ramek In Memory of Henry Ramek

Join us every Sunday morning after services for breakfast and learning. Each week we will focus on a specific text of the Siddur (prayer book) and gain understanding into the meaning of prayers and their transformative power in our lives. Members are invited to join and share their own Divrei Torah.

To volunteer, please email rabbialbert@bethjacoboakland.org

Morning and Evening Study Moments

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Time: Monday-Friday Shacharit 6:45 AM (study around 7:25 AM)

Sunday-Thursday evening services 6:45 PM (study around 7:10 PM)

Location: BJC Hollander Small Sanctuary

Supercharge your minyan experience by spending a few minutes learning with Rabbi Naiman in the morning and Rabbi Albert in the evening. The morning study focuses on the rules of day-to-day Jewish living as presented in the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch and evenings are devoted to insights into the upcoming week's Torah reading.

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Weekly Shiurim

Shabbat

Shabbat University (alternate weeks) @12:20 PMSe'udat Shlishit (alternate weeks between mincha and maariv)

8:45 AM: Tefillah Talks & Breakfast

8:30 AM at OHDS: Pathways through the Parsha

7:30 PM BJC University: Semesters of Learning

12:00 PM: Lunchtime Talmud

Sunday:

Monday:

Tuesday:

Thursday:

7:10 PM Evening Study Moment

Sunday – Thurday:

Monday – Thursday:

7:25 AM Morning Study Moment

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OTHER LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Welcome to our Beth Jacob Bnot Sheirut

We are thrilled to welcome Hila and Noam to our community this year to serve as our Bnot Sheirut. As their National Service to Isra-el and the Jewish people, they, along with many other Israeli high school graduates, have traveled to the United States to share their passion for Judaism and Israel.

They have already begun enhancing our Hebrew curriculum at Gan Mah Tov preschool and their programming for our young members, from toddlers to middle schoolers, on Shabbat, holidays and throughout the year. Stay tuned for more exciting announcements and programs in the weeks to come.

As a community, we believe in the power of Torah study. Let’s take advantage of the early winter Shabbatot to model this value for the youngest members of our community - our children! Throughout the winter, we will have monthly Saturday night learning with prizes for kids who participate with their parents, with different learning materials available for everyone from first grade through high school.

Saturday Night Parent – Child Learning

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Her ways are entirely pleasant, And all her paths are peaceful.

She is a tree of life to those who grasp her, And whoever holds on to her receives happiness.

Mishlei / Proverbs 3 : 17 – 18

B e t h j a c o b c o n g r e g a t i o n

Beth Jacob Congregation has been a leading presence

in the Oakland community for 125 years. Our

community takes great pride in its deep roots and is

ever-evolving to best serve the needs of its members.

Shabbat at Beth Jacob is more than just services.

Weekly Kiddushes allow a time to schmooze with

members and visitors. We serve the entire spectrum of

the Jewish community, with programming for everyone

from toddlerhood to adulthood.

Who we are

*3778 Park Blvd, Oakland, CA 94610

*510.482.1147

*office@bethjacoboakland.org

*www.bethjacoboakland.org

CONTACT US