BMS Winter Spring Programming Guide

Meyer strives to be a warm and welcoming Conservative congregation that provides
Beth
environment to engage in Jewish prayer, education, and social gatherings. We foster
the
values and traditions to enrich the lives of our members by encouraging them to
Jewish
Jewish living and mitzvot. We hope this guide will be a valuable resource.
embrace
Winter/Spring 2021
A GUIDE TO PROGRAMMING AT
BETH MEYER SYNAGOGUE
We are Beth Meyer!
BETH MEYER SYNAGOGUE
RALEIGH, NC
BETHMEYER.ORG

U (You)
Jewish
3 PAGE
Morning Brunch
Sunday
Series
Morning Study
Wednesday
Group
with Rabbi
Spirituality
Solomon
Jenny
Reading &
Hebrew
Skills
Prayer/Synagogue
Celebrations
Holiday
10-11
PAGES
& Ken Kramer
Naomi
School
Religious
& Study Group
Service
Schedules
FAQ
Access
15 PAGE
CONTENTS
TOGETHER — EVEN WHEN
WE ARE APART
guide will help you connect with the Beth
This
community during the Winter and
Meyer
PAGE 4
Spring months.
expanded our traditional Adult
We've
Catalog to include all currently
Education
PAGE 5
classes and programming, as well
scheduled
some "save the dates" for upcoming
as
PAGE 6
Look inside for information about
holidays.
Education, but also for Sisterhood and
Adult
Clubs, Preschool, Religious School, and
Men's
more!
of the Book" Club
"People
7 PAGE
programs and classes will be
Additional
as they develop. For the most
advertised
information, refer to our website
up-to-date
bethmeyer.org.
at
PAGE 8
Club
Sisterhood/Men's
9 PAGE
Beth Meyer Preschool
PAGE 12
PAGE 13
PAGE 14

Honors: What You Need to Know to Participate in the Torah Service (Rabbi Eric)
Torah
or refresh your knowledge of the choreography of the service.
Learn
I Go to the Mikveh — Creating Personal Rituals 101 and
Why
I Plan to Leave This Pandemic Behind (Rabbi Jenny)
How
U’Lmad: Walk and Learn* (Rabbi Jenny)
Tzeh
in the Beth Meyer parking lot and walk along the Greenway
Meet
JEWISH U (YOU)
Join the Beth Meyer community for learning on select Sunday mornings, mostly from
10-11:15 a.m. Zoom links will be sent upon registration.
View bethmeyer.org/jewish-u.html for details.
*even though this event is not on Zoom, please register so we can contact you in case of
a schedule change or cancellation
Mar. 7
Mar. 14
Passover Prep I: Food for the Body & Soul (Rabbi Jenny)
Mar. 21
Passover Prep II: New Ideas and Inspiration for Your Seder (Rabbi Eric)
Apr. 11
Apr. 18
Sibling Rivalry: A Soulful Reframe (Rabbi Jenny)
Apr. 25
I Don’t Believe in That God Either: Jewish Takes on Spirituality (Rabbi Eric)
May 2
MEET RABBI ERIC SOLOMON
He's a runner, an educator, a Maryland fan, a social justice warrior, a
chocolate lover, a Shalom Hartman Fellow, an interfaith advocate, a husband
and a father, and he's our Rabbi!
Right: September Tzeh U'Lmad
with Rabbi Eric Solomon
3

costs.
bethmeyer.org/learning/adult-education/sunday-brunch-series
SUNDAY MORNING BRUNCH SERIES
Our Brunch Series continues on Zoom! Sadly, we
won't be eating together this year, but we enjoy
sharing recipes!
The speaker will begin at 10 a.m. on the dates
noted below. Registration is necessary to receive
the Zoom link and there is a small fee ($5 per
brunch, $18 for the series) to help us cover our
Sunday, Jan. 10
Midrash & Fact: Jews and Blacks in the Civil Rights
DID YOU KNOW?
Era and Today with Billy Planer of Etgar36
Brunch originated in
England in the late
19th century and
became popular in
the United States in
the 1930s.
Cain v. Abel: A Jewish Courtroom Drama with
Rabbi Dan Ornstein, author
Sunday, Apr. 11
Sunday, Feb. 14
Marching Towards Madness, How to Save the
Games You Always Loved with authors Allen Paul
and John LeBar
SAVE THE DATE —
HIAS INTERNATIONAL
REFUGEE SHABBAT
Friday, Mar. 5-Saturday, Mar. 6
In partnership with other Jewish communities around
the Triangle, Beth Meyer will participate in the HIAS
International Refugee Shabbat on Friday, Mar. 5 and
Saturday, Mar. 6. Details to follow!
4

Ripps is a life-long student and loves to
Amy
her passion of Jewish learning with other
share
She has an MA in Jewish Education and
adults.
taught every age group from Pre-K through
has
WEDNESDAY MORNING STUDY GROUP
These Wednesday sessions, meeting 11 a.m.-noon, are open to the entire community and
operate on a drop-in basis (no need to commit to attend every session). Currently this class
meets on Zoom. Register to receive the Zoom link.
bethmeyer.org/learning/adult-education/wednesday-morning-study
Rabbis Eric and Jenny Solomon and Amy Ripps
alternate weeks and classes. Please check the
list to the right for exact dates.
Rabbi Eric Solomon teaches Pirkei Avot
from Lev Shalem Pirkei Avot, which
significantly impacts our understanding of
this classic ancient text.
Rabbi Jenny Solomon offers a class in
Instructor Schedule
Mussar using the book With Heart and Mind
(Morinis). Mussar is a spiritual practice for
developing a strong and open heart.
Pirkei Avot with Rabbi Eric Solomon
Please purchase the book (available at
Jan 13 Apr 7
many online sites from $13.50—$20). If
Feb 3 Apr 28
purchasing the book is an obstacle to
Feb 24 May 19
participating, please contact the office.
Mar 17
Amy Ripps is on a march through Jewish
Mussar with Rabbi Jenny Solomon
History by the century beginning with the
Jan 6 Mar 31
destruction of the 2nd Temple in the year
Jan 27 Apr 21
70 CE.
Feb 17 May 12
Mar 10 Jun 2
Jewish History with Amy Ripps
MEET AMY RIPPS
Jan 20 Apr 14
Feb 10 May 5
Mar 3 May 26
Mar 24
adult over the last 40 years.
5

link sent upon registration
Zoom
bethmeyer.org/event/embodied-prayer-through-gentle-yoga-passover.html
SPIRITUALITY WITH RABBI JENNY SOLOMON
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
WISE AGING
Sunday mornings, 10-10:45 a.m.
Mondays, 1-2:30 p.m.
9 sessions: Jan. 11, 25, Feb. 8, 15, 22, Mar. 1,
Jan. 10, Feb. 7, Mar. 7, Apr. 25
Zoom link sent upon registration
8, 15, 22
Cost: $150 ($180 for non-members)*
bethmeyer.org/event/mindful-mornings-meditation.html
Zoom link sent upon registration
bethmeyer.org/event/wise-aging.html
Mindfulness meditation is a practice designed to support and
sustain our Jewish lives and the fulfillment of our Jewish values.
This course is designed to help participants create the
There are no instructions for getting older —
for the shifts in our social and support
foundation for a meditation practice that can provide an inner
refuge or sanctuary that we can take with us wherever we go,
networks, the feeling of invisibility, the
so that no matter the circumstances we may find ourselves in,
angst of dealing with aging parents, the
mixed signals of entering retirement, or the
no matter how stressful our responsibilities may become, we
can always discern a subtle quality of awareness hovering in
surprising turns in our relationships with
ourselves, our partners, friends, and
the backdrop and permeating our experience of body, heart,
mind and world. This spiritual practice is intended to help us be
colleagues. On the other hand, those
currently in this stage can count themselves
more present, more connected, and more awakened to what
as part of an extraordinary, history-making
EMBODIED PRAYER THROUGH
GENTLE YOGA
generation — pioneers in understanding
and making the most of this “third chapter”
of life. This 9-session experience, created
really matters. All are welcome.
by the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, is
Mar. 21, 7-8:15 p.m.
designed for those who are 55 and older
aimed at giving Jewish adults a meaningful
place to open up conversations about what
it means to get older and to create new
Join Rabbi Jenny Solomon and Dr. Barbara Vosk for a prayerful
understandings about life so we can live
yoga practice via Zoom. This quiet and rejuvenating practice
with spirit, resilience and joy. Topics are
helps melt away tension in the body and offers another avenue
explored using mindfulness and
to express our prayers, moving from rote recitation to
contemplative practices to deepen the
meaningful and contemplative embodied prayer. This particular
inner and outer journeys of participants.
session will prepare our bodies and souls for the Passover
holiday. By accessing the wisdom of our bodies through yoga
*Generous scholarships are available if the
and singing, we seek to enrich our experience of Jewish
fee is an obstacle. Please contact Carole
holidays and the sacred rhythms of Jewish life. This class is
Eagle at office@bethmeyer.org to make a
appropriate for everyone; no previous yoga experience is
request from the Honey and Perry Levine
required.
Memorial Fund for Senior Programs
MEET RABBI DR. JENNY SOLOMON
As a spiritual director, dynamic adult educator, and leader of creative Jewish
prayer and ritual, Rabbi Dr. Jenny Solomon compassionately inspires her
congregants and students as they navigate their Jewish journeys. Uniquely
attuned to people's emotional and psychological needs, Rabbi Solomon blends
her expertise in counseling, ritual experience, and Jewish text and tradition.
6

Apr. 12, 12:30-2 p.m.
Monday,
Becoming a Jew by Julius Lester
Lovesong:
Lester was born the son of a black Methodist
“Julius
in the south. His book is a beautifully written
minister
of his spiritual journey away from the
account
of his Southern heritage and Methodist
conventions
culminating in his personal self-discovery
upbringing,
a conversion to Judaism. His odyssey of faith
through
unexpectedly lead him to discovering Judaism
would
his true spiritual calling.”
as
Feb. 16, 12:30-2 p.m.
Tuesday,
Color of Love by Marra Gad
The
of the 2020 Midwest Book Award in
“Winner
The Color of Love is an
Autobiography/Memoir,
memoir about a mixed-race Jewish
unforgettable
who, after fifteen years of estrangement from
woman
racist great-aunt, helps bring her home when
her
strikes. With honesty, insight, and warmth,
Alzheimer’s
B. Gad has written an inspirational, moving
Marra
proving that when all else is stripped away,
chronicle
is where we return, and love is always our
love
inheritance.”
greatest
"PEOPLE OF THE BOOK" CLUB
Join Rabbi Jenny Solomon on Zoom for thoughtful discussion about the books listed
below. View bethmeyer.org/bookclub for registration details.
7

HEBREW READING &
PRAYER/SYNAGOGUE SKILLS
All classes taught by Sharon Mills and will be on Zoom. All classes are dependent on
minimum enrollment. View bethmeyer.org/learning/adult-education/hebrew-classes for
registration details.
HEBREW READING 102
HEBREW READING 103 (CONT'D)
Sunday mornings, 10-11 a.m.
Sunday mornings, 11 a.m.-noon
10 sessions from Jan. 10-Mar. 21 (no class on
10 sessions from Jan. 10-Mar. 21 (no class on
Feb. 14)
Feb. 14)
Cost: $75 ($90 for non-members) + $25
Cost: $75 ($90 for non-members) + $25 book
fee
book fee
For those who can read Hebrew, but not
This class is for those who are reading
quickly enough to keep up in services. Drills
Hebrew (even if slowly) and would like to
and practice, with a focus on vocabulary and
increase their proficiency. We will use the
book, Alef Isn’t Enough, which includes
grammar. This is a continuation from Hebrew
acquisition of key vocabulary from the
101, but others may join.
Siddur, the Haggadah, and the Tanakh.
MEET SHARON MILLS
Sharon Mills is a long-time member of Beth Meyer Synagogue. She has been
teaching Hebrew to adults for more than 10 years, and loves sharing her
knowledge with, and learning from, her students. She is also a b’nai mitzvah
tutor at Beth Meyer. When not teaching Hebrew, she teaches Tai Chi to adults
at various sites in Raleigh.
8

the weekly email and HaMaggid for registration information for each event listed below or
Check
bethmeyer.org/get-involved/sisterhood. To receive the Sisterhood Newsletter, email
view
Wide Wrap
World
Feb. 7, 10:30 a.m.-noon
Sunday,
SISTERHOOD/MEN'S CLUB
SISTERHOOD
sisterhood@bethmeyer.org. "Like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/bethmeyersisterhood.
Saturday, Jan. 30, 9:30 a.m.
Sisterhood Shabbat on Zoom
Thursday, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Girls Night Out (TBD)
Tuesday, Mar. 16, 7:30 p.m.
Sisterhood Paint Party with Pinot's Palette
Sisterhood's Warm Up America
Sunday, Apr. 18, 2 p.m.
knitting/crocheting group
Jewish Trolley Tour, Mordecai Historic Park
meets on the second Tuesday of
each month, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.,
Sunday, May 2, 2 p.m.
weather permitting in the synagogue
Introduction to the Art of Paper Cutting
parking lot. Contact
dara.finkelstein@gmail.com for
All in-person event dates are tentative based on
updates.
current COVID-19 health conditions.
MEN'S CLUB
Check the weekly email and HaMaggid for
registration information for each event.
"Like" us on Facebook at
facebook.com/groups/bmsmens
Stay tuned for winter/spring event dates
for Torah on Tap. Gather in the BMS parking
lot or at a local brewery for text study and
your favorite beverage.
In celebration of our fifth grade religious
school class "wrapping" up a unit on
tefillin, the community is invited to join the
BMS Men's Club to daven together in the
courtyard at BMS (weather permitting) or
on Zoom.
9

TU BISH'VAT SEDER
HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS
Jan. 27, 7:00 p.m. (Zoom)
Join us for a Tu Bish'vat Seder, live from the Solomon
home, through the magic of Zoom. Never heard of a
seder in January? This seder, honoring the birthday of
the trees, is a kabbalistic (mystical) ritual designed to
SEDER CHECKLIST
help us reflect on our responsibility toward the
White wine/grape juice
natural world at four different levels: physical place,
Red wine/grape juice
Pick one (or more) of the following:
community, world, and spirituality.
orange, banana, walnut, almond,
pomegranate
We will be using a “haggadah” created by Hazon. We
will share our screen, and the link will be shared
Pick one (or more) of the following:
dates, olives, apricots, plums
during registration if you would like to print ahead of
Pick one (or more) of the following:
blueberries, strawberries,
time. You will also want to have certain foods/drinks
raspberries
on hand (see right), though please join us even if you
Hazon Haggadah
are missing ingredients!
PURIM
MEGILLAH SERVICE
Thursday, Feb. 25
At 6 p.m., join us for a Purim Family Service on Zoom
where we'll sing and chant from the megillah. Don't
forget your groggers and costumes! Then at 7 p.m., we'll
have a traditional megillah reading on Zoom with
musical selections, comedy and more. Contact Cathy
time and talents to the entertainment.
HAMANTASCHEN
TIPS & TRICKS
(school@bethmeyer.org) if you want to contribute your
Monday, Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Join us on Zoom for
Hamantaschen demos by BMS
congregants and a chance to
SEUDAT PURIM
share tips and tricks.
Friday, Feb. 26, noon
Join Rabbi Eric for a Purim lunch 'n' learn on Zoom.
10

PESAH
HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS, CONT.'D
Save the dates! Additional classes, events and service times will be published as they
become available. For the most updated information, check the 2021 Pesah Guide, to
be published in February 2021.
SECOND NIGHT COMMUNITY SEDER
Sunday, Mar. 28, 7 p.m. on Zoom
"All who are hungry, come and eat!” Join the Solomon family at
their home over Zoom for a second night Passover Seder to
remember. The seder will be soulful, spirited, educational, and fun!
Prepare to converse, sing, and engage in this timeless ritual,
creating connection across time and space.
Registration will be required, stay tuned for details.
DRIVE BY FOR (PIZZA) PIE!
Sunday, Apr. 4, 8:30-9 p.m.
Join us on the field for your first taste of hametz
and a great schmooze.
Omer: Making Every Day Count
The
Rabbi Jenny each week for a short teaching & exploration of the weekly spiritual focus, or
Join
middah. Beginning Mon., March 29 and then continuing every Sunday night until Shavuot.
LAG B'OMER
COMMUNITY PICNIC
Thursday, Apr. 29, 6-8 p.m.
Join us on the 33rd day of the Omer. It's a day for
celebration, games, bonfires, and yes, food. Bring
your favorite lawn chair and a picnic dinner and join
us on the Beth Meyer field. Fun for all ages!
Registration will be requested, stay tuned for details.
11

Mar. 20, 11 a.m.
Saturday,
and children under
Parents
2 (in strollers) are
age
to join us for a
invited
Shabbat morning
relaxing
Meet at Beth Meyer.
stroll.
May 2, 11 a.m.
Sunday,
Meyer families with
Beth
under age 5 are
children
to join us for a
invited
picnic! Bring a
parent-child
lunch and your
dairy/pareve
picnic blanket. We
favorite
have lawn games and
will
for our youngest
activities
sponsored by Beth
members
Preschool. This is a
Meyer
way to learn more
great
our school and
about
with other young
socialize
Older siblings
families.
welcome!
Meyer Preschool is committed to providing the best possible
Beth
environment for children ages 1 through kindergarten. We utilize
learning
emergent, play-based curriculum to help children grow cognitively,
an
and socially. Our program combines opportunities for science,
physically,
play, building, art, music, and more along with a Jewish
dramatic
program.
education
in our community stay involved through an active Parent Advisory
Parents
as well as via daily communication through the Brightwheel
Committee
shared calendar, and private Facebook group. Our facility offers an
app,
space for young children to play and explore and includes three
ideal
our connection with Beth Meyer Synagogue allows us to offer a
Finally,
of programming for students and their families, including weekly
variety
Meyer Preschool offers rolling admission throughout the year as long
Beth
space remains in the program. Enrollment in our Summer 2021 camp
as
for children ages 1-4 will open in February 2021 and
experience
for the fall term will be available by March 2021.
information
BETH MEYER PRESCHOOL
SHABBAT
STROLLER
WALK
Photo by Michelle Panek Photography
PARENT-CHILD
PICNIC
unique outdoor play spaces.
Shabbat with the Rabbis, children’s holiday celebrations, and more.
View bethmeyerpreschool.org for more information.
12

NAOMI & KEN KRAMER RELIGIOUS SCHOOL
The Naomi & Ken Kramer Religious School serves students from pre-K through 12th grade. We
seek to inspire students and their families to connect to their Jewish heritage through an
exploration of Jewish ritual, values, history and Torah. Within our caring and innovative
community, we help each student build a Jewish identity that is relevant and meaningful in
today's world.
Registration for pre-K through 8th grade opens formally each spring, although new students
are welcome at any time. Registration for our high school program opens in the fall. Contact
Cathy Kaplan (school@bethmeyer.org) for details.
bethmeyer.org/learning/religious-school
SIMHAT SHABBAT
This learner's service, held on Zoom, is designed for
families with children in grades 2 through 6, but all are
invited. Plenty of schmooze time is included. Join us and
invite your friends. Various Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
Spring dates: Jan. 22, Feb. 19, Apr. 23, May 21
We use Siddur Lev Shalem, if you would like to borrow a
copy to use at home, contact the school office. Zoom link
sent upon registration, see bethmeyer.org for details.
CELEBRATE SHAVUOT
FAMILY DAY
Through a combination of
in-person and virtual events,
our USY, Kadima, Mahar &
Sunday, May 16, 10 a.m.-noon
Nitzanim youth groups are
keeping our youth connected!
For students in pre-K through 5th grade,
Contact Julia
their siblings and families
Weather permitting, on our amazing Beth
(programming@bethmeyer.org)
Meyer campus. Come learn about and
to join the fun!
experience Shavuot through crafts,
games, food and ritual. We will learn
about "first fruits" in our wonderful
garden, make ice cream, recreate our
own Mt. Sinai, and more!
13

several years, a group of congregants
For
gathered after Kiddush to study Bible.
has
study has changed over the years — from
Our
the entire Bible to studying the
reviewing
portion (parashat hashavuah). The
weekly
is committed to continue to study and
group
are invited to join in at any time. We have
all
truly at all levels and we all work
learners
We currently meet every Shabbat
together.
noon on Zoom. Contact the office if you’d
at
are a group of congregants working our
We
through the Talmud, one page a day. We
way
weekly for discussions and newcomers
meet
welcome to join at any time. We currently
are
every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Zoom.
meet
the office if you’d like to get the Zoom
Contact
SERVICE & STUDY GROUP SCHEDULES
In accordance with the sacred value of pikuah nefesh (preserving life), all of our weekly
services are currently accessed on YouTube or Zoom — no in-person attendance at this time.
Check bethmeyer.org for details.
Weekly
Sunday morning minyan — 9 a.m. (Zoom)
Wednesday evening minyan — 7 p.m. (Zoom)
Friday evening Kabbalat Shabbat service — 8 p.m. (YouTube & Zoom)
Saturday morning Shabbat service — 9:30 a.m. (YouTube)
Monthly
Friday evening Shabbat Mishpaha service — 6:30-7:30 p.m. (YouTube)
Join us for a musical service led by Rabbis Jenny and Eric. This 30- to 40-minute service
features songs to welcome Shabbat, followed by the sh'ma and time for personal prayer. It
is appropriate for young children and adults of all ages, with kids or without. The service
always includes the recitation of the Mourner’s Kaddish (prayer in honor of the deceased).
Dates for spring: Jan. 8, Feb. 5, Mar. 5, Apr. 9, May 7, Jun. 4.
SHABBAT STUDY GROUP
DAF YOMI STUDY GROUP
link.
like to get the Zoom link.
14

do I register for an event or class? You can register for most events and
How
on our website. Check the calendar (bethmeyer.org/calendar), find the
classes
you are looking for and follow the instructions to register.
event
do I have to register for in-person events? We love seeing everyone in
Why
To do it safely, we need attendee numbers to be able to plan for
person.
physical distancing.
appropriate
events with a fee, how do I make sure I am paying the member price? Make sure that
For
are logged into ShulCloud. You should see "Welcome " in the upper right
you
of our website. For help logging in to your ShulCloud account, contact Rebekka Mastin,
corner
admin@bethmeyer.org
usually use a paper form, and all this is very confusing, what should I do? Contact Carole
I
office@bethmeyer.org or 919-848-1420, and she will be glad to help.
Eagle,
am not a member, can I attend events and classes at Beth Meyer? Yes, we would love for
I
to join us! Services (see page 14) are always open to the entire community. For some paid
you
and classes, there may be a slightly higher fee for non-members. Or, we may ask a few
events
questions during the registration process. Also, at this time, our in-person events are
additional
health and safety of the Beth Meyer community and our staff remain our top priorities.
The
we are hopeful that the programs included will give you an opportunity to stay involved,
While
in-person offerings are subject to modification or cancellation based upon state and local
all
guidelines. Visit bethmeyer.org to view the status of our facility, amenities, and
COVID-19
a cloth mask over your nose and mouth.
Wear
6 feet apart and avoid close contact between you and members outside of
Wait
household.
your
your hands or use use hand sanitizer.
Wash
home if you are sick or are at a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19.
Stay
people with COVID-19 may not exhibit symptoms, so it is important to practice
However,
ACCESS TO EVENTS AND CLASSES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
limited to Beth Meyer members.
STATUS OF IN-PERSON EVENTS
programs.
As Always, Don't Forget Your 3 Ws at In-person Events!
the above guidelines even when feeling well.
15
15

Beth Meyer Synagogue
504 Newton Road
Raleigh, NC 27615
Office: 919-848-1420
School: 919-848-8111
Email: office@bethmeyer.org
www.bethmeyer.org
Find us on your favorite social media platforms:
fb.com/bethmeyersynagogue
Torah Thoughts with Rabbi Eric most Friday mornings
Minha Moments with Rabbi Jenny most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons
youtube.com/bethmeyersynagogue
@bethmeyershul
@bethmeyershul