July arrives with long light and full calendars: plenty of reasons to show up, connect, and see what’s happening at Congregation Beth Shalom. Read on, and don’t hesitate to reach out.
Dear friends,
Summer is usually a quiet time at most synagogues. Even though we continue to offer Shabbat services, camp, and other programming, a lot of us are busy with vacations and travel. But it is a good time to take stock and think about why we are members of a congregation in the first place.
Many of us grew up in or have been exposed to houses of worship that seem more like ossuaries than sanctuaries, like empty vessels of stagnation rather than reservoirs of creativity and life. Yet, as we read in the book of Ezekiel, even dry bones can live again. The synagogue is not dead. For Jews, it can still serve as a primary vehicle for uplifting our souls, becoming literate about our religious heritage, and fostering the bonds of community.
So how do we breathe the breath of life into our sanctuaries, our vessels of (potential) sanctity? To me, the answer is through avodah, or service. In the Sixties, JFK asked Americans not to think about what they could do to better themselves, but what they could do to help those around them. Judaism asks the same of us, as it has for thousands of years. Whether or not we respond to that call to service depends on us.
Joining a synagogue, supporting it during times of trial, paying visits to fellow congregants when they are in pain or in mourning, even if they are total strangers—in our era, these are the outer manifestations of a counterculture. To be a serious Jew today is to be a rebel, a subversive, a person whose behavior stands in stark and bold defiance against the narcissistic impulses that permeate our society.
Neither secularism nor fundamentalism can ever produce true sanctuaries. For that, we must balance our personal autonomy with the charges of our faith. We must give of ourselves in order to receive the gifts of the spirit.
As we enjoy this quiet time of summer, let us think of the ways we can best serve our Jewish community here in Napa and, in so doing, create for ourselves and one another a shared vessel filled with a sanctity borne of commitment and service, rooted not in guilt, coercion, or fear, but in heartfelt love.
B’shalom, Niles
Thank you for voting to accept the 2026-27 Board of Trustees at our annual meeting.
Our first BOT meeting, held on June 16th, began with a ‘walkaround’ for new members. The goal was to identify essential supplies, locate light switches, and perform weekly Bimah duties for Friday services (including candles, challah & wine) and greeting congregants at the front door.
Back in the Admin Building, we quickly got down to monthly business – President’s update, the Rabbi’s comments and thoughts, then Old and New Business.
Marah updated the board on improved front gates coming soon.
The encouraging treasurer’s report from Ellyn Elson reflected a strong beginning to this fiscal year, $93,000+ collected in membership dues and $29,000+ raised at the Choose & Schmooze fundraiser.
Overall, Congregation Beth Shalom is in a solid financial position. Our committees have made and will continue to make recommendations to improve security, expand youth and adult education, and develop additional fundraising opportunities.
Eve Kahn
President
As we enter the heart of summer, I’m reminded how July invites us into a different rhythm. The days stretch long, the pace softens just a bit, and our building takes on that unique blend of quiet hallways and vibrant pockets of activity — camp laughter fills the campus. Even in the warmest months, Beth Shalom never truly slows; it simply breathes differently. While most of our programs are taking a short break, our Lunch and Learns and Summer Ulpan are just getting off the ground.
This season gives us a chance to look ahead with intention. Over the past few weeks, our staff and lay leaders have been hard at work preparing for the coming year — refining programs, reviewing security protocols, updating our calendar systems, and ensuring our facilities are ready to welcome everyone back in full force this fall.
July is also a time when many of us travel, rest, or reconnect with family. If you’re away this month, I hope your time brings renewal. If you’re here in town, I encourage you to stop by for a Shabbat service, a summer learning session, or simply to say hello. These quieter weeks often create some of the most meaningful conversations and connections.
Looking ahead, we’re beginning preparations for the High Holy Days — yes, already. It takes months of coordination to ensure that our services, spaces, and systems are ready for the thousands of touchpoints that season brings. You’ll start seeing more information in the coming weeks about volunteering, ticketing, and opportunities to participate. Your involvement is what transforms logistics into community.
As always, my door is open. If you have ideas, questions, or hopes for the year ahead, I would love to hear them. This synagogue thrives because of the people who fill it with purpose, compassion, and curiosity.
Wishing you a month of light, rest, and meaningful moments. May July bring you exactly what you need.
Friday, August 7 after service
Join us quarterly for an elevated Oneg that’s a delicious combo of catered and potluck. Here’s your opportunity to relax, meet new members, and enjoy a wonderful Shabbat meal after service. Click to learn more and register.
Saturday, Sepember 26
A special fundraising concert benefiting Congregation Beth Shalom! Join tenor and cantor Stephen Guggenheim along with acclaimed pianist Daniel Lockert for an unforgettable evening of music celebrating the journey of Jewish song from the heart of the shtetl, through the synagogue, to the bright lights of the modern stage.
Here’s what’s happening this month; visit our full calendar to see everything on the horizon.
Find your favorites: In cataloging our library, I’ve been excited to discover many gems, including old favorites of mine, As a Driven Leaf, the Encyclopedia of Jewish Humor, and many more!
Check out the cookbook section, biographies, history and many books on Torah.
New books are coming: A budget has been approved and I will be ordering the Jewish Book Council’s 2025 winners.
New teen section: We have a new teen section. If you haven’t read The Book Thief, The Devil’s Arithmetic, or Six Million Paper Clips, I recommend them.
Review our books: Did you know you can write reviews of the books you’ve read on our library website? Simply log in to our library catalog website and click on Review next to the book’s title. You can write the review anonymously or with your name. Consider recommending books you love by reviewing them online.
– Linda Odelson
1 Marc Samrick
3 Phil Orem
3 Elizabeth Eisenstark
4 Ryan Cain
4 Cindy Watter
4 Shai Wasserman
5 Sonya Milton
6 Neil Watter
6 Noah Massey
7 Olivia Samrick
8 Penny Duan
8 Rona Brackett
10 Marah Peresechensky
10 Lorraine Fingerson-Cohen
11 Ioana Mateescu
11 Karen Weiss
11 Rachel Bronk
11 Mark Epstein
12 Josh Slater
12 Larry Posner
12 Allen Goldstein
13 Jennifer Shully
13 Judy Nystrom
13 Kathryn Winter
13 Sheri Kohos
16 Carly Harvey
16 Asher Fox
17 Amira Wasserman
18 Jesse Barush
18 David Posner
19 Susan Warfield
19 Don Krieger
21 Robin Stearn
21 Suzanne Bronk
22 Beatrix Luros
22 Shahin Shahabi
22 Eli Ewig
24 Anita Pensler
24 Josie Haspel
25 James Bronk
25 Hillary Homzie
25 Jacqueline Blinderman
26 Kim Borders
26 Sally Besser
26 Aidan Harvey
26 Phyllis Kleid
27 Zoe Haspel
29 Sheryl Warfield
30 Julie Gerien
30 Suzanne Shiff
31 Sue Barush
31 David Markstein
1 Ruth & Fred Walz
8 Niles Goldstein & Carolyn Gill
10 Dan & Josie Haspel
11 Michael & Lauren Chevlen
14 Gary Lieberman & Judy Dumonde
16 Melvin Cohen & Lorraine Fingerson-Cohen
17 Steven Veit & Joan Harris
19 Sheri & Ed Kohos
20 Efi & Shira Lubliner
21 Kenneth & Deborah Novack
25 Susan & Oack Warfield
25 Sy & Beverly Karifol
25 Jesse & Julia Fox
27 David & Elaine Freed
29 Christopher & Marta Mouriski
31 Julie & Scott Gerien
31 Gordon & Karen Lustig
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 Dorothy Krauser
1 Eileen Shumer Craig
2 Etta Kessler
2 Dr. Leo H. Pollock
3 Michael Danilewitz
3 Cristina Suarez-Gonzalez
4 Joseph Lazarus
4 Lawrence Elson
4 Machla Wolsztejn
5 John Hagan
5 Irene Meyers
5 Faval Domfort
5 Judie Linn
5 Melvin David Dellar
6 Max Goldmann
6 Miriam Silver
6 Frieda Landau
8 Estelle Neiman
8 Jacob B. Neiman
8 Rosanna Wright
9 Harry Kahn
9 Marjorie Hollingsworth
10 Allen Simon
10 William Chiat
10 William Segal Chiat
11 Victor Silver
11 Judith Stearn
11 Steve Wolstan
11 Charlotte Katon
13 Abraham Goodwin
13 Milton Kodmur
13 Jane Goldstrom
13 Robert Fineman
13 Jane Goldstrom
13 Nina Storm
14 Rosalie Hyman
14 Renee Gaines
14 Michael Perlman
14 David B Spector
14 Abe G. Frank
14 Rhoda Greendorfer Kapchan
15 Harry Pastcan
15 Alvin Shenker
15 Youdie Snyder
16 Everett Jacobson
17 Raloh Kelting
17 Robert Levinson
18 Doris Bloom Coopersmith
19 Shelley Margolis
19 Davida Safer
19 Lorraine David
19 Eliot E. Percelay, M.D.
20 Diana Koin
20 Arlene Barondess
20 Diana Koin
20 Fay Goldstein Glick
20 Ann Herman
20 Debbie Mendelsohn
20 Rosee Bonderow
21 Abraham Spitz
21 Frances Robbins
21 Mike Wright
22 Merle Kramer Goldstein
22 Shirley Dravin Blinderman
23 Adolf Becker
23 Joseph Shansky
25 Abraham Solomon
26 Marty David
26 Loren Wright
27 Nathan Bisberg
27 Harriet Lea Sandler Purviance
28 Emil J. Bartos
28 Edward Tapper
28 Evelyn Ash
28 Robert Blatteis
28 Eva DeChantigney
29 Chana Wolsztejn
29 Gladys Kreisberg
29 Harry Sherman
29 Sanford Arnold Eisenstot
29 Elyzbeth Levinson
29 Joseph E Hochstadter
30 Harold Savinar
30 Bradley Allen Hertz
30 Molly Greendorfer
31 Adelle Boots Brounstein
General Fund:
• To celebrate the 40th birthday of my precious grandson, Adam Lev Rosenzweig. He is a mensch and a tzaddik. – Zoe Stein
• In memory of Mark Reisman – Barbara Reisman
• In honor of and deep appreciation for the CBS fundraising team. Congratulations on a stellar event, Schmooze and Choose. – Roberta & Robert Solomon
• In memory of Helen Chevlen – Michael & Lauren Chevlen
Bikor Cholim Fund:
• In memory of my father, Earl Gordon – Judy Nystrom
• In honor of my Kathleen Conrey’s Birthday- Judy Nystrom & Bill Vermeere
Music Fund:
• In Honor Of Marty Spitz 90 wonderful years. – Barbara Lustig
Youth Fund:
• In honor of Wendy Cochran and her oneg crew – Harriet & Marty Spitz
• In honor of Martha and Richard Pastcan – Harriet & Marty Spitz
• In honor of Alan & Nancy Goldstein – Harriet & Marty Spitz
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund:
• In Memory Of My late husband Dr. William Rosenzweig who left us 29 years ago. We are still saddened by his loss and missing his sense of humor. – Zoe Stein
Refugee Resettlement Fund:
• In Memory Of Susan Altman Purcell – JoAnne Miller
Interested in becoming a member? Learn more about the benefits of membership, join Beth Shalom today, or reach out to Executive Director Marah Peresechensky to start the discussion.
Religious School:
We are on Religious School break for the summer. Stay tuned for 2026-27 registration and calendar!
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.
Meet me in St. Louis
Saturday, July 18
Two showtimes: 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Jarvis Conservatory (1711 Main St, Napa)
Earring lessons and parties for all ages! 100% goes for tourniquets for Ukraine. Great for birthdays, book clubs, bridal events, family reunions, all types of groups & 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.
Minimum: 4 people (ages 7-107) up to 12 people
Time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Cost: $45.00 per person, includes one pair of earrings (valued at $25-30.)
Location: given upon reservation. Old Town, near Fuller Park
Available: morning, afternoon, evening.
Lots of street parking
Contact: Mara Adelman
WhatsApp/phone: 206-817-6608
Dr. Adelman, retired professor, jewelry & ceramic artist, active fundraiser for Ukraine. In Napa from April to January 1.
Come enjoy a FREE class on Wednesday, August 5 at 10:00 am. Contact Marah for more info.
President: Eve Kahn
Vice President: Shira Lubliner Treasurer: Ellyn Elson
Secretary: Michael Chevlen
Past President: Roberta Solomon
Board members at large:
Meredith Cutler
Alan Goldstein
Amy Hall
Sandi Hyman
Elaina Michalski
Suzie Myers
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