New Member Reception

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the opportunity to meet other new members and members of the board on Saturday. Having been used to welcoming new members at a 'New Member' Shabbat dinner where we are all looking at our watches as to what time it is before services and really only getting to talk to those at our table for more than just a minute, the informal gathering was a real plus, along with getting to know a little bit about everyone there.

-Arlene Berke

Name Tags at Beth Emet

I can see how the use of name tags can help facilitate the start of a conversation, however, several weeks ago, they went one step further.  At the "Scholar In Residence" presentation by Rabbi Arthur Waskow, I noticed someone I did not recognize, but who had a name that was vaguely familiar.  I introduced myself and it turned out he was a college fraternity brother with whom I had not had contact for (45) years.  He does not live in this area, but came by especially to hear the presentation.  What an enjoyable time we later had at Walker Brothers...

- Larry Nash

A Jew Saying "Grace" in Arabic

I am moved and inspired by every Fourth Friday speaker I hear. The most recent speaker, Mark Feldman, was no exception. Listening to him eloquently describe his Peace Corps experience in Morocco hiding his Jewish identity, temporarily assuming a Christian one and ultimately sharing the truth with his Muslim friends there alternately surprised, concerned, impressed and uplifted me.

-Debbie Render

Click here to read a copy of Mark Feldman's speech, A Jew Saying "Grace" in Arabic: My Judeo-Christian-Islamic Life in Peace Corps Morocco or listen to it here.

Why I love Tot Shabbat

Tot Shabbat is a great place for little ones to first fall in love with Judaism. It's everything a kid could want...singing, silly dancing and of course...challah!

- Rachel Levine

Blessed to be a Beth Emet Member

I feel blessed to be a member of Beth Emet, a congregation that loves all people and celebrates diversity. It's very encouraging to be at services that include a wide range of ages and lifestyles. Some members are married with children, others single with or without children, and others are gay and lesbian partnerships. I believe in the power of personal narratives, both psychologically and spiritually. Beth Emet, in its focus on people's stories/journeys, values the wisdom of both individual and collective experience. And lastly, as a convert to Judaism, I have always felt welcomed as a "real Jew" by the clergy and congregation of Beth Emet.

- Ailsa Nielsen