The Center of Jewish Life in the Napa Valley

May 2026 Newsletter

May you read this Newsletter and gain valuable knowledge.  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,

I hope you are doing well and enjoying the amazing spring weather. The holiday of Passover is now behind us, but what a wonderful celebration we had at the synagogue this year! Over 150 people joined me and Gordon for the Seder as we rejoiced in our ancient Festival of Freedom, which continues to be among the most popular of Jewish observances. And thank you, Itamar, for another delicious dinner!

Toward the end of this month, we mark another ancient Jewish pilgrimage festival: Shavuot. Yet while Pesach is widely followed among Jews throughout the world, Shavuot, which commemorates the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai–and in many ways the very birth of the Jewish religion—is not well known, or even observed, by most Jews outside of more traditional communities

That raises some interesting issues. In the Torah, Shavuot is treated as a major holy day, in some ways even more important than Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. But over time, its power has faded.

Chanukah, by contrast, doesn’t even exist in the Bible. It is a much more recent holiday and, in the view of the rabbis, it is not considered hugely important. It is actually viewed as a minor festival.

Yet in recent centuries, Chanukah has become something else: a popular, widely-known, important celebration and expression of Jewish identity and pride. Chanukah is observed in homes, synagogues, schools, and public spaces.

What explains this contrast between Shavuot and Chanukah?

Over the centuries, things have changed in Judaism. Holidays ebb and flow in relevance and importance. As our culture and worldview change, our practices also change. New times often produce new approaches to religion, and to community. It is important to remain grounded in our ancient traditions and values, but we must also be open to evolution, innovation, and even experimentation in our practices.

Shabbat is a great example. While one of the most ancient of Jewish observances, it has also changed enormously over time. There were no candles, no services, no challah, and no synagogues in antiquity. All of these practices are the result of the creativity of prior generations of Jews. And that is why we still observe it.

So this month, attend a Shabbat service. Sign up for a class at CBS. Learn about a holiday that you don’t know anything about. You will be enriched and enlightened. You will gain perspective. And you will solidify your bond with Napa’s Jewish community at a time when we need each other more than ever.

 

B’shalom, Niles

Rabbi Niles Goldstein

Message from the President

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Board President Eve Kahn

Dialogue with the Director

 shenanigans. 

 

Executive Director Marah Peresechensky

Looking Back

Second night Seder
Book signing 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.

May 2026

Klezmer!

Klezmer!

Monday, May 18, 2026    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
An evening of beautiful, haunting, and joyful klezmer music by renowned klezmer clarinetist Nat Seelen
Rabbi in Residence: Bake stuffed Challah with Rebbetzin Sandler

Rabbi in Residence: Bake stuffed Challah with Rebbetzin Sandler

Thursday, May 28, 2026    
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Cooking class with Susan Sandler (visiting Rabbi Sandler's wife and a marvelous cook). Click More Info to learn more!
Shabbat evening service

Shabbat evening service

Friday, May 29, 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 Sandler & Gordon Lustig. Oneg: Alan & Nancy Goldstein
Rabbi in Residence: Torah Study with Rabbi Sandler

Rabbi in Residence: Torah Study with Rabbi Sandler

Saturday, May 30, 2026    
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Torah study with Rabbi Sandler. Click More Info to learn more!
Rabbi in Residence: Havdalah led by Rabbi Sandler

Rabbi in Residence: Havdalah led by Rabbi Sandler

Saturday, May 30, 2026    
6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Havdalah led by our visiting Rabbi Sandler. Click More Info to learn more!
Schmooze and Choose fundraiser event

Schmooze and Choose fundraiser event

Saturday, May 30, 2026    
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Join us for an evening of connection, conversation, and community at our Schmooze and Choose fundraiser event: sip wine, enjoy delicious small bites, and mingle as you explore a curated collection of unique experiences and gatherings.
Rabbi in Residence: Bagels and Brains with Rabbi Sandler

Rabbi in Residence: Bagels and Brains with Rabbi Sandler

Sunday, May 31, 2026    
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Spirited discussion with Rabbi Sandler. Click More Info to learn more!
Rabbi in Residence: The Southern Jewish Experience with Susan Sandler

Rabbi in Residence: The Southern Jewish Experience with Susan Sandler

Sunday, May 31, 2026    
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Learn about the Southern Jewish Experience with Susan Sandler, and taste some Southern Jewish treats. Click More Info to learn more!

Marking Life’s Moments

Birthdays

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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

On behalf of Rachel Elyssa Stern, who occasionally attends Shabbat services and special events.  Thank you for welcoming her. – Nancy Holland and Robert Stern

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

May 2026

Shorashim for little ones

Shorashim for little ones

Sunday, May 17, 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