Lech l’Chah -- Genesis 12:1-17:27, The Parashat Hashavua for Saturday, October 20, 2018
“The LORD said to Abram, “Go forth from your native land and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, And I will bless you; I will make your name great, And you shall be a blessing.” (Genesis 12:1-2) What does it mean to be a blessing? Here are some of the ways members of our synagogue are a blessing. Our religious school students are in the midst of their annual peanut butter drive, where they bring in peanut butter every week for the Food For Thought food distribution in December. Our volunteers for Food for Thought are gearing up to provide food assistance for families of school children in the West Contra Costa County Unified School District who receive hot meals at school and will go hungry without extra food during winter break. Next week members of our synagogue will walk in the annual GRIP Harmony walk to raise money to support GRIP’s work with the neediest in our community, the hungry and the homeless. These are just a few of the ways that our members go forth from our house, our synagogue and make a positive difference in people’s lives. Just like our ancestor Abraham, they too have answered Judaism’s call to make the world better. We can still be a blessing today, just as Abraham did in his time. It is in our hands, just as it was in his.
From the President
Plans are not finalized yet, but it is very likely there will be an anti-hate vigil at Richmond Civic Center on Saturday evening November 10, 2018. This is a part of United Against Hate Week, a nation-wide affirmation of our (and pretty much every religion’s) guiding principles. This event is being organized by a multi-faith committee including Jews, Christians and Muslims.The main speaker will be Dewanda Joseph, who created a healing circle for parents of murdered children. Please mark this date on your calendar in pencil (if such things still exist) as it may change. It is important for the entire community to stand together against hate and violence. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Hanukkah is coming soon - we are looking for volunteers for the Latke Party on December 2nd.
We are what we do.
-- Neil Zarchin
SOCIAL ACTION PROGRAMS
We are commanded to leave the corners of our fields and the gleanings of our harvest and vineyards for the poor and the stranger. Our congregation supports those in need and is committed to diminishing hunger in our community by participating in the following programs:
TBH Volunteer Day at the GRIP Souper Center -- Wednesday, October 24 from 9:45 AM to 1:00 PM - Volunteers Needed
Our next GRIP Souper Center day is Wednesday, October 24, from 9:45 AM to 1:00 PM.. If you can volunteer for food preparation (9:45-11:15), serving (11:25-1), or both; or if you cannot come this month but can be on the list for future months, please contact
Jane Kaasa. We have been short of volunteers lately, so your help is vitally needed.
GRIP Harmony Walk 5k Race against Homelessness and Hunger -- Saturday, October 27 at 9:00 AM - 1 PM
This is the major fundraiser for the Greater Richmond Interfaith Program, of which we are a founding member. GRIP provides hot meals at the Souper Center; a family shelter and veteran housing; intensive case management, immediate basic needs, and links to community programs; and alcohol and other drug services and referrals.
Become a walker and raise funds from congregants, friends and family; contact the office for a sponsorship form and Jeff Romm to register with the TBH team. Or pledge to sponsor a walker by signing up on the sheets in the lobby. Make your checks out to GRIP and convey them to the walker you are sponsoring before the walk. Do not make the checks out to TBH or give them to the office. If you know of a business that may be interested in being a sponsor of the walk, please contact
Jeff Romm.
Lean more
Food for Thought: Donations and Volunteers Needed
Our winter break food distribution is rapidly approaching. We greatly appreciate the support of all who donated to the High Holy Day Appeal. Additional donations are always helpful and welcomed. (Please write a separate check to Temple Beth Hillel and note that it is for Food for Thought.) Religious School families are collecting peanut butter, and others are seeking food donations.
We are aiming to feed 350 families in at least nine schools. These students are all eligible for free school lunches, and the families are selected by the schools.
We need volunteers to help with food distribution on December 17, 18 and 19. Those who have participated have found it an especially meaningful experience. If you can volunteer or if you know of a source for food donations, contact
Jeff Romm.
Beit Midrash Hillel, TBH's Religious School has begun
Kindergarten through Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation, and post B’nai Mitzvah Religious School classes meet on Sundays at 9:30 AM. Students explore Jewish history, culture, holidays, customs and Hebrew.
Interested parents and students are invited to visit the school: meet teachers and students, participate in classroom activities, and learn more about the Religious School’s educational program. For enrollment, information, or to plan a school visit: contact the office at 510-223-2560 or
tbh@tbhrichmond.org Learn more
TBH Religious School is looking for a 3rd-5th Grade Teacher
If you know someone who you think would be qualified, please contact
Larry Fox.
Grief and Growing: A Healing Weekend for Bereaved Individuals -- November 30 - December 2
A program of the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center, Grief and Growing is professionally guided by griefcare specialists, providing a supportive Jewish environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can meet and work with others who have experienced similar losses. Scholarships are available. Register by October 26.
Learn more or 415-750-3436.
Hebrew Free Loan -- Interest-Free Lending
Hebrew Free Loan provides interest-free loans to help Jewish individuals in Northern California overcome financial challenges and pursue life dreams. Loans can be for various purposes, including personal and family issues, education, home-buying, business or unemployment, health care.
Learn more.
Help Food for Thought When You Shop
If you shop at Amazon, sign up for AmazonSmile by going to https://smile.amazon.com/, and selecting Temple Beth Hillel and Richmond Jewish Community Center Inc, Location: Richmond, CA, as your charity for donations. AmazonSmile has the same products and policies as Amazon and regularly donates 0.5% of all purchases. Learn more about the program
Sign up for the Lucky supermarket S.H.A.R.E.S program using your telephone number, and select Temple Beth Hillel. These stores donate 3% back to the Temple, which is used for Food for Thought.
Escrip also offers the opportunity for donations through other purchases, including online purchases and local restaurants, by registering your credit card.
Help Food for Thought continue to provide food for those in need.
If you wish to donate directly to Food for Thought, please write a separate check to Temple Beth Hillel and note that it is for Food for Thought. In any case, make sure to specify where you want your donations to go. This is especially true for electronic donations, which do not break down the totals.
Remember the Hungry and the Homeless – Keep the Barrels Filled
When you come to services please bring a non perishable food item. Cereal and peanut butter are in particular demand. Let’s keep the red barrels filled and in this way we can share our plenty with our neighbors.
In addition, you can bring hotel toiletries and other toiletries for Rubicon Programs to give to homeless participants. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels and deodorant are especially needed. There is a drop box for these outside Arlene's office. Please let Hallie know if you would like a donation receipt by contacting her at
hallief@yahoo.com.
Keeping In Touch With Us
We have two main ways to communicate with our community:
