As Passover begins and spring settles in, April is a good time to reconnect—with tradition and with each other. Read on for all that’s happening with your community at Congregation Beth Shalom. Have questions? Contact us anytime.
Dear Friends,
Home is where the heart is! It has been so wonderful to be back in Napa these past several weeks, following my sabbatical in Portugal, Spain, Chicago, and Quantico, Virginia. As rewarding and renewing as that time away was, I now feel a strong sense of connection and purpose with all of you at Congregation Beth Shalom, and our community in Napa, as never before.
It is great to be home!
During the month of March, we will celebrate the holiday of Purim together. It is a joyful event during which we tell the story of Esther, Mordechai, and the triumph of the Jewish people in Persia as they thwart and overturn the sinister, genocidal machinations of the wicked Haman. I hope you will all join us on March 6 to mark this ancient observance of Jewish survival and victory.
Interestingly, the Book of Esther is the only biblical book in which the name of God does not appear. While it may seem that the narrative follows a hidden divine plan, the focus of the tale is more on people, on human ingenuity and resilience, on the need and power of community in order to persevere.
We will also be preparing for another, equally joyous holiday, Passover, during this month. I invite you to join me on March 9 and 30 to explore, in an interactive seminar format, the texts and traditions of Pesach, perhaps the most widely-observed and (for many of us) favorite Jewish holiday. I am sure it will deepen your understanding and appreciation of this longstanding festival. Keep your eyes open for more details.
And be sure to sign up for our Beth Shalom communal seder on April 2!
At this dark time of social upheaval, political polarization, geopolitical conflict, and pervasive antisemitism, let’s join together as a community to celebrate our rich and beautiful Jewish traditions—and, in doing so, let us celebrate each other.
As the rabbinic sages teach us, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me?” But they continue: “If I am only for myself, what am I?”
We need each other. We need our spiritual traditions. May they ground and guide us in the months ahead.
B’shalom, Niles
Rabbi Niles Goldstein
2026 will be a year of change and a year of growth- actually, it has already started.
The Education Committee organized a Family Shabbat service that was wildly successful. Children of all ages participated along with their parents. Smiles were abundant as the adults were surprised and proud that their children knew the songs and prayers. Feel free to attend the next family services on March 6th, May 1st, and the graduation on June 5th.
You may be wondering about the status of the Strategic Planning Committee. They have recently completed their recommendations and on March 1st will present their goals to the Board of Trustees – who will then meet shortly afterwards. After BOT approval, a membership meeting will be scheduled to get your feedback. We will keep you informed, and hope you will participate in goals that meet your interests, skills, and knowledge.
“It Takes a Village” is an African proverb. It emphasizes the importance of community and shared responsibilities. Over the past few years or even decades, we have entered the technology age, which has caused us to become disconnected from face-to-face interactions. Another factor that keeps us from investing in community is time: we live in the hustle and bustle of life, and relationships are the first thing to suffer. The Congregation Beth Shalom community is why we’re here. It gives purpose and meaning to our lives and provides us with a sense of belonging. I encourage you to take advantage of all that Beth Shalom offers.
Board President Eve Kahn
The Purim Carnival is one of my favorite activities of the year, it always has been. There is just something so nice about a whole community coming together to support their children and the Religious School. Last year, many of you will remember, we had our Dunk Rabbi Niles booth, which was great fun (at least for everyone except, maybe the Rabbi)! This year brings even more fun and excitement, but you’ll have to show up at the carnival on March 1st to see what is in store for this year’s shenanigans.
Purim is yet again, a celebration of Jewish triumph which we commemorate by re-reading the Book of Esther. Costumes, masks, parades, partying, and indulgence are just a few of the things associated with Purim. On April 2nd, we will join together to celebrate another triumph when we gather for our second night Passover community seder.
I know many if not all of you watched the Super Bowl and saw an ad about antisemitism in our schools. Let us join together yet again and show our children how to be Jewish in the face of persecution. While history seems to be repeating itself, and we are repeating the Book of Esther, let us remind each other and our children of the strength the Jewish people have had time and time again.
Executive Director Marah Peresechensky
Here’s what’s happening this month; visit our full calendar to see everything on the horizon.
1 David Safer
2 Susan Segal-Wood
3 Schecky Miluso
4 Howard Eisenstark
4 Micah Eisenberg
6 Eyal Kaduri
12 Aaron Starr
14 Eli Ladrigan
14 Hadass Ladrigan
14 Eve Kahn
15 Scott Stearn
16 Janna Waldinger
18 Marlo Cohen
19 Efraim Lubliner
20 Charlotte Smith
20 Maya Barush
20 Alan Bergman
21 Debbie Alter-Starr
22 Helena Cohen
22 Jonas Kaufman
25 Talia Orr
25 Julia Fox
25 Michelle Frisch
26 Tabitha Valenti-Bird
27 Oliver Shahabi
28 Kevin Brackett
28 Joel Samrick
31 Brett Bergman
31 Ernie Weir
1 Leona & Carl Rice Pastcan
1 Guy & Genie Levin
9 Marc & Sylvia Samrick
20 Liz & Steve Amendola
21 Shane & Heidi Soldinger
27 Farrah & Ralph Garber
27 Lara Shumer & Schecky Miluso
We remember and honor loved ones on the anniversary of their passing on these days this month. Make a donation in honor of a loved one.
1 Sara Kohan, Ahuva ben David
2 Samuel Rome
2 Annie Leaken
3 Samuel Lazarus
3 Leon Sukoff
3 Vincent Amendola
3 Michelle Wolf
3 Adele Metzel
4 Dorothy Rosin Neustadt
4 Ella Trucker
4 Lottie Kallman
4 Evelyn Gilbert
4 Connie Unger
5 Karola Bien
5 Florence Gennet
5 Jerome Mautner
5 Lucille Posner
6 James Brady
6 Mardelle Reece Rome
7 Jeanie Goodwin
7 Ruth Sandra Wolsztejn
7 George Gordon
8 William Rosenblatt
8 Peter Gordon
8 Rozaline Kaufman Johnson
8 Jackie Suri Yenthal Hecht
8 Ilene Herman
9 Martha Turner
9 Lois Levin
10 Evette Abittan
10 Eudice Kozakin Fingold
11 Felix Peresechensky
12 Louis Lambert
12 Herbert Shapiro
12 Cindie Bratman Matz
13 Bunny Goldstein
13 Frances Katz
14 Bertha G. Muscatine
15 Bernard Greendorfer
15 A.C. Greenhouse
15 Elliot Lewis Schachter
15 Harry Abramovitz
16 Harold Margolis
16 Susane Kramer Weir
17 Terry Swartz
17 William Katz
3/17 Elaine Schulman
18 Dr. Alvin V. Pensler
18 Florence Pastcan
18 Sidney Dover
18 Bruce McChesney
19 Joseph Wood
20 Ruth Feld Green
20 Loren Bisberg
20 Benjamin Blatteis
20 Dr. I Harold Chevlen
21 Jacob Sherman
22 Fred Herman
22 Alan Steen
24 Raye Shapiro
24 Esther Hadassah Frisch
26 Fany Pierce
27 Jack Barush
29 Vetta Ginsburg
29 Leonie Jacobs
29 Louise Packard
30 Berthe Karfiol
30 David Iventosch
31 Milton Thornton
31 Carole Kamer
31 Nathan Wieder
31 Louis Abrams
31 Barbara Kerbis
General Fund:
• In honor of Mary Luros’ conversion-joining the tribe – Zoe & Richard Stein
• In memory of Ann Rapson – Debra Greenstein
• In honor of Lola Safer’s birthday – Harriet & Marty Spitz
• In honor of Martha Pastcan’s birthday and her friendship through the years. – Harriet & Marty Spitz
• In memory of Marvin N. Eisendrath – Debra and Stu Eisendrath
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund:
• Lauren & Michael Chevlen
• On Behalf Of Zoe Stein, who is grateful for 3 great-grandchildren, Judah, Hana and Isaac Rosenzweig.
Youth Program Fund:
• In honor of Mary Luros’ conversion. Welcome to the Tribe! Yasher koach – Martha and Richard Pastcan.
• In honor of Mary Luros’ conversion-joining the tribe – Zoe & Richard Stein
• In honor of the birthday of Mara Bleviss. – Maxine Miluso
• In honor of Richard and Martha Pastcan’s Anniversary. – Maxine Miluso
• In honor of Martha Pastcan’s 80th birthday. – Maxine Miluso
• In memory of Marvin and Ruth Jawitz – Roy & Sue Barush
Lifelong Learning Fund:
• In honor of the celebration of the birthday of Ellyn Elson, from a secret fan
Religious School this month:
• Sunday April 5, 9:30am
• Sunday April 12, 9:30am
• Sunday April 19, 9:30am
• Sunday April 26, 9:30am
Questions about Religious School? Contact Education Director Marah Peresechensky.
An $18 donation to Congregation Beth Shalom includes placement in our newsletter from the time your submission is received through the conclusion of your event. Contact us to learn more or submit your content. Submissions must be received by the 15th of each month to be included in the following month’s newsletter. Congregation Beth Shalom reserves the right to decline any submission.
Need a notary? Meredith’s Mobile Notary is here to help.
Contact Meredith Cutler at 215-285-0865
Special discounts for Beth Shalom members.
Um Lobo Entre Os Cisnes (A Wolf Among Swans)
Saturday, March 21
Two showtimes: 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Jarvis Conservatory (1711 Main St, Napa)
A true story. Thiago Soares is a young man from the suburbs of Rio de Janeiro who leaves hip hop behind and embarks on the world of classical ballet. His story takes on unexpected turns through his troubled relationship with his mentor, the Cuban Dino Carrera, who improves Thiago’s talent until he reaches stardom by becoming the principal dancer of the Royal Ballet in London.
President: Eve Kahn
Treasurer: Scott Brown
Secretary: Lara Shumer
Past President: Roberta Solomon
Board members at large:
Mark Charney
Michael Chevlen
Cynthia Cohen
Allison Frost
Amy Hall
Guy Levin
Suzie Myers
Naomi Petrick
Robin Stearn
Please reach out with any questions, concerns, or just to have a cup of coffee and a chat. Our doors are always open to you.
Rabbi
Niles Goldstein
Executive Director
Marah Peresechensky
Music Director
Gordon Lustig