The Center of Jewish Life in the Napa Valley

April 2026 Newsletter – Copy

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.

From Our Leadership

A Note from Rabbi Niles

Dear Friends,

 

 

B’shalom, Niles

Rabbi Niles Goldstein

Message from the President

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Board President Eve Kahn

Dialogue with the Director

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Executive Director Marah Peresechensky

Looking Back

March Family Shabbat
Book signing with Diane Bloomfield. Photo by Janna Waldinger
Torah Yoga. Photo by Janna Waldinger
Torah Yoga with Diane Bloomfield. Photo by Janna Waldinger

Upcoming Events

Here’s what’s happening this month; visit our full calendar to see everything on the horizon.

April 2026

Passover Second Night Community Seder

Passover Second Night Community Seder

Thursday, April 2, 2026    
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Join with the Congregation Beth Shalom community for a second night Passover Seder, led by Rabbi Niles Goldstein and Gordon Lustig. Registration required by March 27.
Shabbat evening service

Shabbat evening service

Friday, April 3, 2026    
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Join us as we welcome Shabbat together on Friday evening, creating a sacred pause in our busy lives. Led By: Rabbi Goldstein & Gordon Lustig. Oneg: Kathleen Conrey
Torah Study

Torah Study

Saturday, April 4, 2026    
10:30 am - 11:30 am
An engaging 1-hour journey with Rabbi Niles into the heart of our sacred texts. Bring your curiosity, your questions, and a friend. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned student, you’re always welcome. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed.
Shabbat evening service

Shabbat evening service

Friday, April 10, 2026    
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Join us as we welcome Shabbat together on Friday evening, creating a sacred pause in our busy lives. Led By: Rabbi Grand & Gordon Lustig. Oneg: Kathleen Conrey
Healing Circle

Healing Circle

Saturday, April 11, 2026    
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Our Healing Circle is a sacred space where individuals come together to share and hold space for collective healing. Guided by Beth Shalom Adjunct Rabbi Art Grand, participants are invited to engage personal reflection, communal support, and spiritual renewal.
Yom Hashoah

Yom Hashoah

Tuesday, April 14, 2026    
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Join together with your Congregation Beth Shalom as we mark Yom Hashoah: Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Shabbat evening service

Shabbat evening service

Friday, April 17, 2026    
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Join us as we welcome Shabbat together on Friday evening, creating a sacred pause in our busy lives. Led By: Rabbi Goldstein & Shane Soldinger. Oneg: The Zeiderman/Enos family in honor of April's baby naming
Torah Study

Torah Study

Saturday, April 18, 2026    
10:30 am - 11:30 am
An engaging 1-hour journey with Rabbi Niles into the heart of our sacred texts. Bring your curiosity, your questions, and a friend. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned student, you’re always welcome. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed.
Shred Event

Shred Event

Sunday, April 19, 2026    
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Watch your papers get shredded onsite, ensuring the safe disposal of all your sensitive documents.
Yom Ha‘Atzmaut

Yom Ha‘Atzmaut

Sunday, April 19, 2026    
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Board your El Al Flight and take a trip to Israel to celebrate Yom Ha'Atzmaut.  No passport required!
Staying Safe: An FBI Briefing on Elder Fraud & Modern Scams

Staying Safe: An FBI Briefing on Elder Fraud & Modern Scams

Monday, April 20, 2026    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Join us for an informative presentation with FBI Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) Michael Roldan, who will discuss the growing threat of fraud targeting older adults and the many scams affecting communities today.
Soul Sisters book club

Soul Sisters book club

Tuesday, April 21, 2026    
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Join us at our monthly book club gathering for a warm discussion in an inviting circle. New participants always welcome.
Board of Trustees meeting

Board of Trustees meeting

Tuesday, April 21, 2026    
7:00 pm
All members are invited to attend our monthly Board of Trustees meetings. Your participation is not only welcomed – it's your right as a valued member of our congregation.
Shabbat evening service

Shabbat evening service

Friday, April 24, 2026    
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Join us as we welcome Shabbat together on Friday evening, creating a sacred pause in our busy lives. Led By: Rabbi Goldstein & Gordon Lustig. Oneg: The Krausz family in honor of Ada's baby naming.

Marking Life’s Moments

Birthdays

1    

Anniversaries

Yahrzeits

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.

Recent Donations

תודה רבה We thank these generous donors:

General Fund:
In loving memory of my son, Andrew Michael Friedman – Judy Nystrom

In honor of David & Jacqueline Blinderman – Susan Blinderman

Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund:

Youth Program Fund:
• Dedicated  in honor Of Ellyn Elson and the whole crew who made my Oneg so special! Thank you Martha Pastcan, Robin Stearn, Elizabeth Olcott, Allison Frost, Maxine Miluso, Rita Burris, Rivka Livni, Henni Cohen, Debra Greenstein, Lauren Chevelen, Suzanne Mason, Barbara Lustig, Anne Percelay, Zoe Stein, and Harriet Spitz – Mary Luros

Lifelong Learning Fund:

• 

Bikur Cholim:
•In memory of The Audrey Liberstein; a woman of valor in every way. We were blessed to know her. She had a life well-lived. Fondly from Zoe and Richard Stein.

Pool Fund:

In honor of Sylvia Samrick’s 80th birthday.  With Love, Martha & Richard Pastcan

Youth Corner

April 2026

Youth group

Youth group

Wednesday, April 8, 2026    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Our Youth Group ("G'Dilah", meaning growth in Hebrew) is for young people entering grades 6 through 12, combining social connections with deeper Jewish learning. Click More Info button below to learn more and register.
Shorashim for little ones

Shorashim for little ones

Sunday, April 19, 2026    
9:30 am - 10:15 am
Shorashim (“roots” in Hebrew) is our grown-up-and-me program for ages 0 through 2. Little ones and their parents enjoy lively music & movement with fun Jewish themes.

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.

Kehila Corner

קהילה Kehilah means community

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.

Meredith’s Mobile Notary

Need a notary? Meredith’s Mobile Notary is here to help.
Contact Meredith Cutler at 215-285-0865
Special discounts for Beth Shalom members.

Efi’s Movie Pick

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.

View the trailer

Buy tickets

UKRAINE FUNDRAISER

Earring lessons/ parties for all ages! 100%goes for tourniquets for Ukraine. Great for birthdays, book clubs, bridal events, family reunions, all types of group & ages!! These are lots of fun!!

Fabulous jewelry studio, huge bead collection from around the world, all metal made in USA. Full kitchen, downtown location, near Fuller Park. Can come to your home as well.

Min: 4 people (ages 7-107) can take up to 12 people
Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Cost: $45.00 pp, includes one pair of earrings (valued at $25-30.)
Place: given upon reservation. Old Town, near Fuller Park
Available: morning, afternoon, evening.
Lots of street parking

Contact: Mara Adelman
WhatsApp/phone: 206-817-6608
Email: mara@seattleu.edu
Dr, Adelman, retired professor, jewelry & ceramic artist, active fundraiser for Ukraine.
In Napa: April 1-Jan. 1.

About & Contact

Beth Shalom Board of Trustees

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

Contact Us

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