President Joshua Goodman
Welcome to Congregation Beth Israel Judea. Here's a message to newcomers from our president, Joshua Goodman:
Congregation Beth Israel Judea is a warm and inviting place of Jewish culture, learning and spiritual guidance. We pride ourselves on being open to all and on forming a meaningful community concerned with social justice and Tikkun Olam. Whether you are new to the Bay Area, visiting for the first time, or a long time resident in search of the right place to share and become a part of a Jewish community, I invite you to join us for one of our many programs or services.
We hold regular services on both Friday nights and Saturday mornings, as well as Torah study every Saturday before services. Our Friday night services range from the traditional to the musically spiritual Sacred Chant and Drum service to table side services at which we can come together to eat and share. Please join us.
We also have programs for adults and a wonderful Youth and Family Education Program (YFP). You can check out upcoming events on our website, call the office for information, email us or just drop by. If you are interested in joining us for High Holy Day services, please contact the office.
If you do happen to join us on Shabbat or at any other time and I am there, please make sure to introduce yourself. In addition to being President of the Board of Trustees, my wife and I have been members of BIJ for over 25 years. It would be my pleasure to welcome you to our congregation.
Again, welcome!
Joshua Goodman, President, Board of Trustees
How Can I Get Involved?
We offer a warm and inviting atmosphere in which you can expand and explore your Jewish life. There are many ways to become involved in the BIJ community. We're ready to connect you with worship services, adult education, Youth and Family Programming, social action programs and other activities that fill your needs and excite you.
Below are a sampling of upcoming events. You are welcome to any of these. Please visit our homepage and our monthly calendar for more events.
Services. Beth Israel Judea worship seeks to nurture the Jewish soul. From the chanting of the Torah at our weekly Shabbat morning minyan to the variety of our Erev Shabbat services, you will find opportunities to fill your heart.
The congregation uses the recently published and highly-regarded Siddur Eit Ratzon prayerbook. This modern prayerbook features Hebrew prayers with side-by-side English transliterations and translations as well as meaningful additions and commentary.
Our weekly Shabbat morning minyan blends the traditional Hebrew service and nusach chanting with beautiful contemporary prayer music. The service is followed by a terrific Kiddush.
Each of our Friday night Erev Shabbat services takes a different approach to the Shabbat including family-oriented services, Sacred Hebrew Chant and Drum service, and a special "table service," that combines a Sabbath dinner with traditional table songs and a speaker.
How Can I Get to Know the Clergy? Our clergy want to know you and welcome you to BIJ. You can stop by during the week and see if they are available or better, schedule an appointment by calling (415) 586-8833. Or be less formal: Introduce yourself during Shabbat services!
BIJ Events and Film series. There is always plenty of educational and social events happening at BIJ, such as, our home-grown film series, Coming REEL Soon; Sisterhood's semi-annual Jewish cooking event Incredible Edibles; community seder and Purim Dinner Theater; and many more ...
In the month of Sept., please consider coming to Rabbi Gottlieb's very special study series to prepare for the High Holy Days. It is entitled: What We Believe: about God, about The Covenant, about Holiness. and about Repentance. Read More Here ...
How Do I Find Out More? Do you have more questions about BIJN and its community? We hope so! To learn more, please contact:
Sara Heckleman, Administrator, at (415) 586-8833, ext. 25, or by email, SHeckelman (at) bij.org;
Karen Kerner, BIJ Member and Outreach Coordinator, at (415) 710-4135 or by email, KarenEKerner (at) gmail.com;
Rebecca Goodman, Educator, at (415) 625-3613; or by email RGoodman (at) bij.org.