(Judith Barrall) The Chesed Committee exists to assist CBT members in times of need. Loosely translated, Chesed means “loving kindness.” Our members are available to help congregants with such things as rides to medical appointments; meal delivery for those stuck at home due to illness; outside leaf raking, gutter cleaning, small fixup projects, and the like for the elderly; help setting up new electronics for the technologically challenged, etc.

We are working to reimagine and redefine our Chesed Committee. Chesed/Lovingkindness is all about congregants supporting one another with everything from a ride to synagogue or the doctor’s office to meals when you are sick or have a new baby to helping with a household chore or childcare. We are hoping to form a Chesed steering committee to help with this important work. If you are interested in helping or have needs you are hoping Chesed can fill, please fill out this form.

(Julie Jacoby, Brittany Rein) The Education Committee provides support and assistance to the Director of Religious Education in all aspects of education and social functions relating to the Religious School.

11/6/23: We are so grateful to our teachers and Sue for an amazing start to the school year. We are looking forward to the upcoming family day on November 12th. K’tan tan had a fantastic start with a lot of new families. We have a 5 Little Monkeys fundraiser going on through November 15th, Zachary’s fundraiser on December 5th and a Workout (Bootcamp style) class coming up on December 10th at 10:00 am. We love spending time with the religious school community and can’t wait to continue building relationships.

(John Rubenfeld) The Finance Committee reviews and recommends all significant capital expenditures (i.e. sanctuary remodel, amphitheater renovation, grants, etc.), analyzes the operating/religious school income statements and cash statements, works with staff on annual budgets, considers any lending opportunities (i.e. reducing the interest rate on the mortgage), and addresses any board or congregation questions related to our finances.

(Amanda Regenstein) Our Fundraising Committee focuses its creative energy on raising additional funding to support CBT’s community and activities. Past successful fundraising events include:

• An annual Gala (May 18, 2024 Save the date!)
• The annual Taste of Walnut Creek Restaurant Walk, when we stroll through the streets of Walnut Creek sampling tastings from a variety of restaurants along the way
• Our Legacy Giving program for those who would like to include B’nai Tikvah in their estate plans
• Our Culture of Giving Capital Campaign with a specific aim of paying down the mortgage on our beautiful synagogue

(Julia Babka-Kurzrock) Through an array of youth, family and adult programming, we will build a strong connection between CBT and the people of Israel that will deepen our understanding of Israel’s society, history, history, and culture and encourage travel as well as study opportunities. Our committee has a strong partnership with the Contra Costa Jewish Community Center and its Under One Tent programs, the LGBTQ+ community (Keshet), local Israeli (teen) scouts Shevet Egoz, and other local community/organizations.

Please reach out to our committee chairperson if you are interested in joining.

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The Israel & World Jewry Committee invites you to continue helping Israel by giving to either of these two funds JNF Israel Resilience Campaign and Dogs and Heroes or donating to our own B’nai Tikvah “Am Yisrael Fund“. Thank you.

The Jewish National Fund Israel Resilience Campaign stands with Israel amid the most recent and unprecedented attacks against countless civilians.

Dogs and Heroes is the only non-profit solely dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of pets from the Oct. 7 massacres and the support of their owners through the subsidizing of pet medical bills, shelter, food, and more.

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Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 3:30 – 5:30 pm

Sundays: noon – 2:00 pm

Location Follow us on Instagram

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Am Yisrael Chai.

(Rebecca Abraham) Keshet @CBT is a social organization that aims to build meaningful connections for LGBTQ+ individuals and families within the CBT community. Keshet welcomes people of all ages, genders, and orientations to find a place in the larger Jewish community.

Our Membership Committee strives to understand the programming needs and wants of our membership and creates programs to thrill them. This committee also welcomes new members, provides opportunities to assist our members, and generally serves as ambassadors of CBT with the express intent of growing and suntanning our membership with innovative programming.

(Joshua Bevitz) The Men of CBT is our Temple men’s group which strives to serve the men in our community with innovative programming and activities. Past activities have included trips to the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco – with a Jewish deli lunch), Bocce ball tournaments, Pizza parties and poker nights. The Men of CBT also perform services for the Temple including helping with projects where appropriate, bar tending at functions and transporting items for our annual High Holiday celebrations.

(Idelle Lipman) The purpose of the Ritual Committee at Congregation B’nai Tikvah is to support the Clergy in its creation and implementation of meaningful Shabbat and holiday services.  Committee members encourage participation in synagogue life, provide hands-on assistance for special programs and help shape ritual policies and guidelines.  The Committee also acts as a sounding board for congregants to voice their ideas and hopes.  Our Ritual Committee seeks to enhance the warm, inviting atmosphere for which our congregation is known.

(Mona Epstein) B’nai Tikvah Sisterhood is a social organization that promotes camaraderie and service to the temple and the Jewish community. Sisterhood pitches in by helping sponsor Temple Events, such as fundraisers and religious school activities.

Ongoing events:

• Mahjongg: Second Thursdays 1 pm. RSVP to Judy Weil. 
• Book Sisters Second Sundays 2:00 pm. RSVP to Mona. 
  
   

  *we are going to switch our Booksisters meetings back to Tuesday evening starting in March

  *on March 19  @6:30  we are reading  “The Cost of Free Land- Jews, Lakota and American Inheritance “ by Rachel Claren – this is to coordinate with the CCJCC Book read and interview with the author on March 5. @ 3:30

   

  On April 16. @ 6:30 we will discuss “Hotel Cuba” by Aaron Hamburger

  * please contact me if you need a ride to Booksisters

• Women’s Seder  Sunday, April 14, 2024, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

  Women and girls of all ages are invited to come together for a woman-centered exploration of our Passover themes of liberation and empowerment sponsored by the CBT Sisterhood.  We’ll enjoy ritual, community and, of course, food.  

  Register here. Please use this link to sign up for a potluck dish to share.

If you would like to join or learn more about our activities, please contact Mona.

(Alison Negrin, Jennifer Klatsky): Our committee is dedicated to bringing justice to our work, grounded in Tikun Olam (repairing the world) and inspired by our rich tradition and strong values of Teshuvah and welcoming the stranger.  We meet once a month via Zoom.  We welcome new members, but also welcome folks who prefer to get involved in individual projects.

Events:

• Thank you for your ongoing support of the Monument Crisis Center. If you would like to send a toiletry item or gift card to support newly arriving refugees, check out the JFCS East Bay Gift Registry.

• The early December Food for Thought event provided food for 700 children, 100 more than last year.  We had 184 volunteers from various temples and churches work together to accomplish this.    
  Instead of improving, food insecurity is getting worse.  Thanks to all who volunteered!!
• We are collecting boxes of tea of any brand or flavor for JFCS to include in Passover meal bags. Please drop off tea to the collection box in the lobby by April 16.