June’s long days are an invitation to gather, to study, to simply be together. Read on for everything coming up at Congregation Beth Shalom, and don’t hesitate to reach out.
Dear friends,
In many ways, the month of June represents the end of spring and the beginning of summer, and it is a good time to take stock of the year that’s past as well as our plans for the fall. Many rabbis and synagogues reflect at this time of year on how we can do things better in the future. It is often a very fruitful exercise.
Congregation Beth Shalom is made up of retirees, seniors, young families, singles, and children. We are liberal and we are conservative in our politics. We come from Reform and we come from traditional backgrounds. We love going to shul, and we rarely set foot in the synagogue.
We are diverse.
Like all synagogues, we have to address issues related to our budget, physical plant, governance and infrastructure. But the far more important question is this: Are we creating a Jewish community, and presenting a Judaism, that is engaging, joyful, compassionate, and at times even provocative and challenging?
And we should be asking these questions, too: Are we engendering a sacred space where we support our members during times of struggle, and celebrate with them during times of happiness? Are we educating and inspiring our people about their stories and traditions? Are we pushing ourselves to think about Jewishness in new ways? Are we acting with integrity and dignity?
These are the questions that really matter—not whether or not someone wears a kipa on the bimah, what day or time a holiday is observed, which synagogue committee has more authority than the other on an issue, or whose opinion or clique “wins” in a debate on a particular topic related to policy, administration, or finances.
Judaism highlights the principle of shalom bayit, making a peaceful home. As we enter the summer and plan for the year ahead, let’s redouble our efforts as a congregational family to avoid leshon ha-ra, gossip and badmouthing others. Let’s focus instead on holy debate, respecting the fact that we may not all agree on an issue, but we are committed to discussing it with honor and maturity.
Not all of us have lived up to this ancient Jewish value. We can do better.
Our fundamental goal is, and must always be, creating, maintaining, and perpetuating a kehillah kedoshah, a holy congregation. That is how we grow, that is how we thrive, that is how we defeat the forces of acrimony, assimilation, and antisemitism. And we can only do that if we work together as one, with a shared purpose, vision, and commitment to unity and peace.
With God’s help, may it be so, now, tomorrow, and in the months and years ahead.
B’shalom, Niles
I am happy to announce that I will be your President for another year.
Thanks to the recommended changes by the Board of Trustees, the members approved a staggered approach to Beth Shalom leadership. In the past, the President and the Treasurer were elected for a two-year term at the same time. Starting this year, I will remain for another year and Ellyn Elson will be the Treasurer for a two-year term. This change is intended to promote leadership continuity, financial stability, and institutional knowledge within Beth Shalom.
A new Board of Trustees is on the horizon. Michael Chevlen, Amy Hall, Suzie Myers, Robin Stearn, and Past-President Roberta Solomon will remain for another year – joined with Vice-President Shira Lubliner, Treasurer Ellyn Elson and Members-at-Large Meredith Cutler, Alan Goldstein, Sandy Hyman, and Elaina Michalski.
I’m sure you are also pleased to know that our congregation remains strong and continues to grow. To name just a few: we now have 220 family members, a 33% increase in our religious school, and an amazing 150 who attended our Passover Seder. An adult education committee led by Nancy Goldstein and Suzie Myers has just been formed. Stay tuned for more information and events to come.
Eve Kahn
President
As I write this article, while sitting at the pool for the opening day of Summer Sunday Swims at the Shul with the Pool, I find myself smiling at the thought of community. There are members, young and old splashing around, talking, playing Maj, and reading and most importantly having fun and enjoying each other’s company.
This month marks my third year living in Napa. When I answered the ad for the education director position just a little over three years ago, I had no pre-conceived notions of what my life would become.
The dictionary defines community as a unified body of individuals. In just three years, my life has changed drastically, and I owe a lot of that to the community I have built since moving here. I went from living alone in an apartment, and knowing no one in Napa, to living in a house with my dog, one of my best friends and her dog. I have built a village of support since moving here. I have friends and acquaintances, people I bump into in stores around town, and even some chosen family members.
From the minute I came to first interview, Congregation Beth Shalom has been a huge source of fellowship for me. From the warm and welcoming nature of the congregants at services to the boy who came up and introduced himself to me at that first Oneg, who I now consider my friend, there is always a smile to receive, and someone to sit next to at services. I will never forget the congregant who opened her home to a stranger when I came for my interview, or the other congregant who took me in when I moved here and was waiting for my apartment to be ready. You never have to feel alone here, and by here, I mean Beth Shalom, but also in Napa, because how many times have we all gone to Trader Joe’s and ran into someone from Beth Shalom? This small-town living is only enhanced by the community we develop.
There are communities within our larger community as well. If you have a special interest, I am sure you will find someone else here who shares that interest with you or is willing to learn about it from you. This month we are reviving our Lunch & Learn program. On the third Wednesday of the month, you can come and learn something new from one of our very own congregants. If you have a talent you would like to share with the community, please contact Nancy Goldstein or Suzy Myers to pick a date that works with your schedule.
The idea of community rings through almost every new member who joins as one of their reasons for joining. They are looking for a place to belong and to connect, and here we are to fulfill that need. “It takes a village to raise a child,” and as we sit here at the pool watching out for one another’s children, I don’t think I would want to find any other community or village to be a part of.
Marah Peresechensky
Executive Director
Did you know our library has over 2,000 volumes? The Beth Shalom library is truly a treasure trove of Jewish learning and literature. And, Beth Shalom members have self-checkout privileges.
Member Linda Odelson and a dedicated team of volunteers have been hard at work indexing our library so that you can now browse and search the collection online. Check it out!
Take a closer look at our lobby display cases… we’re launching a rotating artist showcase, and our first featured collection is jewelry by Celestine Gemstone Jewelry, the work of three generations of Miller women. Each piece is handmade using real gemstones with 14k gold fill or sterling silver, and can be customized with your own pendant, special stone, or any gemstones you love.
All pieces on display are for sale, custom orders are welcome, and Beth Shalom benefits from every purchase. To buy a piece or inquire about a custom order, contact Marah.
Love Hebrew but feeling rusty? Know a little… or a lot? Whether you know 3 words or 300, come talk in Hebrew with us!
Summer Ulpan is a relaxed, friendly gathering for adults who want to practice, explore, and enjoy the language together… all levels of rust welcome. Stumble, bumble, laugh, listen, learn! No pressure, no tests, just good company and good language. Stay tuned for more details.
Here’s what’s happening this month; visit our full calendar to see everything on the horizon.
1 Pamela Orr
3 Ruth Walz
4 Charlene Dobrow
4 Genie Levin
5 George Yesowitch
7 Kathleen Conrey
7 Guy Levin
7 Ari Massey
7 Micah Arons
9 Isla Dell
10 Rebecca Kotch
13 Deborah Wasserman
13 Michael Lyght
13 Bob Knell
13 Irwin Herman
14 Beth Painter
15 Lily Orem
16 Jody Shipper
16 Maxim Sparks
20 Sabina Stoltz
21 Mark Wood
23 Eva Kaufman
23 Sivan Orr
24 Judah Orem
26 Jacob Cohen
28 Shane Soldinger
29 Andrew Starr
29 Ada Press
29 Doran Blinderman
30 Stan Press
10 Naama & Itamar Abramovitch
11 Adrienne & Jacob Krausz
13 Paul & Deb Bloomberg
14 Irene & George Yesowitch
15 Miriam & Luis Shein
16 Julie Ann Kodmur & Stuart Smith
17 Ophir & Pamela Orr
19 Martin & Harriet Spitz
20 Stan& Ada Press
21 Mark & Tere Charney
22 Davit Sulam & Jennifer Walker
27 Rick & Jennifer Kaufman
28 Andrew & Trisha Florsheim
28 Shara & Phil Orem
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 Boina Weinstein
1 Gregory Baum
1 Debby Rachel Kramer Shalev
2 Muriel “Mickey” Kopol
2 Leona Hecht Spiro
3 Leigh Medine
3 Meyer Forman
4 Emil Erks
4 Rene Munoz
5 Janice Charlup
6 Sidney Slattensein
6 Gary Wallace
6 Louise Stearn
6 Tobe Cohen
7 Luba Tanen Abramowicz
8 Gussie Eidelsheim
8 Micheal Gordon
8 Aida Santana
9 Mac McCaslin
9 John Nogue
9 Julius L. Jacobs
10 Shirley Blitstein
10 Nathan Schumer
11 John Jacob Marx
11 Beverly Eigner
12 Ida Baumel
12 Maurice Berman
12 Gerald Levin
13 Dr Rodney Block
13 Elena Goldman
13 Norman Lenson
14 Howard Green
15 Richard Henry Bien
15 Henry Samrick
15 Benjamin Lazarus
15 Dolores Iventosch
15 Arthur Inerfield
16 Simon Fingold
16 Gertrude ‘Trudy’ Soldinger
16 Judith Sandler
17 Herman Soldinger
18 Hadassah Kramer
19 Susan Parnell
22 Earl Gordon
22 Percy Cohen
22 Carl Agustus Lehman
22 Joseph Bien
23 Ira Schumer
23 Rose Sandhaus
24 David Kahn
24 Hanna Cassel
26 Barbara Balik
26 Jack Heeger
26 Walter Joachim Grenn
26 Loren Wright
26 Helen Chevlen
27 Esther Burman
27 Terri Linn
28 Lea Bleviss
28 Marty Greenstein
28 Ruth Jawitz
29 Morris Rubin
29 Hattie Shwarz
29 Clara Freed
29 Rosalyn Frankenstein
30 Belle Altman
30 Abe Trucker
30 Pearl Sherman
30 Rosalie Rubin Becker
General Fund:
• In memory of Sam Green, the Best Daddy and Friend a Girl could have. – Ellyn Green Elson
• In memory of my father – Wendy Ellyn Cochran
• In memory of Joseph Percelay. Father-in-law and grandfather – Anne & Debbie Percelay
• In honor of Marty Spitz’s 90th birthday. – Anne & Debbie Percelay
• In memory of brother Wayne Levine’s Yahrzeit – Sonya & Hal Milton
• Happy Birthday Marty Spitz! We wish your days to be full of happiness and love,❤️- Love Lola & David
• In Honor Of Marty Spitz’s 90th Birthday! With love, Judy and Bill
Youth Program Fund:
• Wishing much mazal to Michelle Frisch, David Williams and Isabel Avina on the birth of Delfina Abril Williams. – Roy & Sue Barush
Refugee Resettlement Fund:
• In memory of Ilene Gotkin – Jan & Tom Sabo
Life Long Learning Fund:
• In Honor Of Marty Spitz’ 90th birthday. In celebration of decades of friendship. Love, Martha and Richard Pastcan.
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.
2026 dates:
• June 22 to June 26
• June 29 to July 2
Questions about Camp Chaverim? Contact Education Director Marah Peresechensky.
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.
Shall We Dance?
Saturday, June 13
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.
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