Searching for lively social events, dynamic educational programming and ruach-filled services?  Looking for a warm community that is informed by tradition and actively and meaningfully engaged with the broader community and world?  Beth Israel is open to the entire community, and we sponsor and host a variety of workshops, study groups, classes and social events each month.

Please visit our website, www.bethisraelcenter.org, for details on programming and membership, or to join our email and paper mailing lists.  For more information on the events below, contact Aimee Powalisz in the Beth Israel office at 608-256-7763 or office@bethisraelcenter.org. 

Scholar in Residence: Jay Michaelson – December 2-4
Join us for a special weekend featuring Jay Michaelson and his innovative thoughts and experiential workshops.  Jay is a writer, scholar, and activist whose work focuses on the intersections of religion, spirituality, sexuality, and law. He is the author of four books and over 200 articles, essays, and works of fiction. He is a Contributing Editor to the Forward newspaper, Founding Editor of  Zeek magazine. His work on behalf of sexual minorities in religious communities has been featured in the New York Times, CNN, and NPR.  Our schedule for the weekend is:
• Friday, December 2: Finding Your Progressive Voice in the Bible (following Shabbat dinner)
• Saturday, December 3: Respectable Spirituality (during Shabbat services)
• Meditation Workshop: God in Your Body (Shabbat afternoon)
• Sunday, December 4: Visions of a Jewish Tomorrow (9am)

Mindfulness Meditation – December 3 with Jay Michaelson & December 10
Rabbi Alan Lew, z"l, taught that "A Jew can use the practice of meditation to illuminate his or her Jewish soul. And meditation can help us to slow down enough so that we can once again experience the beauty of the Jewish path." 
     In December, Beth Israel will be welcoming Jay Michaelson as our scholar in residence.  Please make sure to join us on Saturday afternoon, December 3, as Jay discusses the hows, whys, and whats of Jewish meditation.  Then join us at 9:00am on December 10 for our ongoing meditation group.

Fiction with Friends - December 12
Read works by contemporary Jewish authors or books with Jewish themes and then trade reviews and perspectives on what you've read with old and new friends.  Discussions will be facilitated by Elana Matthews, MATC writing instructor and graduate of the Iowa Writers' Workshop.  We'll be discussing All Other Nights by Dara Horn at 7pm on December 12 at Beth Israel.  Please join us!

Camp Ramah Info Session – December 15
Join Camp Ramah director Rabbi Loren Sykes for an evening of information!  Parents and kids in grades 3 and above can learn more about Camp Ramah and have the opportunity to ask questions.  Contact Beth Israel (office@bethisraelcenter.org or 256-7763) for details.

Yom Rishon – December 18, 10:00am
Held approximately once a month on Sunday mornings, “Yom Rishon” (“The First Day” or “Sunday”) is a theme-based program, including art, movement, music, stories, and projects as well as further learning on the subject for parents and other adults who accompany the children.  It is family education at its finest. 
     Classes take place at 10am downstairs at Beth Israel Center (watch for signs as to which room), and our theme for this class is Hanukkah, and Maya the schlicha will be our special guest!  Please tell your friends—everyone is welcome to this innovative program.  For more information, click here to download the flyer or contact Beth Copelovitch at 256-7763 or education@bethisraelcenter.org.

Hebrew On One Foot – December 18, 10:00am-4:00pm
Learn how to read Hebrew in one day! It doesn't matter if you can't tell an alef from a taf, by the end of the day you will be able to read prayers in Hebrew in the prayer book. Take this fun and exciting opportunity to jumpstart your Hebrew reading skills.
Lunch is included as well as all materials and some snacks (including chocolate), and the cost is $36. The instructor is Rabbi Joshua Ben-Gideon.  RSVP to the Beth Israel office at office@bethisraelcenter.org.

Latke Party – 5:45 to 7:30pm, December 22
Celebrate Hanukkah at the Beth Israel Latke Party!  We’ll meet at 5:45pm, Thursday, December 22, to light the Menorah and enjoy latkes, games and music by Under the Radar.  Cost $10.00 per person; $6.00 for ages 5 and under, $35 maximum for families.  RSVP to Aimee Powalisz at office@bethisraelcenter.org or 256-7763 by December 16.

Board Game Shabbat – December 24
Warm up in December with an afternoon of snacks and board games at Beth Israel!  On Saturday, December 24, join us after kiddush for tons of games, snacks and fun.  If you plan to come and have a favorite board game you’d like to bring, drop it off at Beth Israel by Thursday, December 22, so you’ll have it waiting for you on Shabbat.

Young Professionals Group
Cafe get-togethers...board game Shabbatot...holiday parties...movie screenings...  What are you interested in?  If you’re in your 20s or 30s and looking for a way to connect with other young Jewish professionals, try Beth Israel Center!  Contact Deborah Hoffman at hoffman@bethisraelcenter.org or 256-7763x12 for more information or to get on the info list.