May is a month to gather and celebrate—Shavuot brings us together to honor Torah and community. Read on for everything coming up at Congregation Beth Shalom, and don’t hesitate to reach out.
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
It’s hard to believe that the 2025-2026 fiscal year is coming to a close shortly.
I look forward to seeing all of you at our Monday, May 11th, Annual Meeting. A special announcement will be sent with all the details.
The end of the fiscal year is more than just a period of accounting; it’s a time for reflection and forward-thinking.
By acknowledging our successes and learning from our setbacks, we set the stage for a future that builds on a solid foundation of past achievements while reaching out to new heights of excellence. It is crucial to set new goals that are ambitious yet attainable.
I am excited to have a strong, vibrant, and knowledgeable Board of Trustees as well as a strong financial future ahead of us. And excited to have one more year as your President.
Who among us enjoys existing in a bubble? As people, we all strive to belong and to be a part of something. Whether it is being a part of a club at school, a sports team, having a group that meets monthly at the local coffee shop, or several times a week to play Maj, people like to have a sense of belonging.
I have always felt that being Jewish gave me a certain sense of belonging. As a Jew, I have been a part of a community that gathers, that comes together to do things and to have shared experiences. We have a tight knit bond that lets us rely on one another. We are there to celebrate each other’s simchas, and to lean on one another through struggles.
When one of our own experiences a death, the community rallies around that person as they sit shiva, bringing them food, memories and distraction as they mourn their loved one. When someone is sick, we visit them and make sure their loved ones are fed and have the support they need to be able to take care of those who cannot take care of themselves.
We show up to share the joy when a baby is born, or a child becomes an adult at their b’nei mitzvah, or when someone gets married. It can be a big lifecycle event that brings us together. It can also be as small as supporting someone who we know has worked hard and is proud of their personal accomplishments.
The invitation comes, and the person sending it wants you to be a part of their special thing. “Hey, my band is playing this weekend, you should come watch!” “Do you want to join our group? We meet every so often and just have a light dinner and good conversation.” “Would you like to come to Friday night services with me?” “Sunday Swim is coming up, want to hang out by the pool together?”
Sometimes, all you have to do is show up and be present to give your support to belong. In school, when the teacher did role call, students would answer with a “present” when their name was called. Overtime, that “present” transformed into “here”. Physically being somewhere isn’t the same as being present and in the moment for it. Being present and in the moment is what gives us our shared experiences and leads to our sense of belonging.
At CBS, there are a plethora of opportunities to show up, be present and gain that sense of belonging. We are your people, and we want you here to be with us, and we will always be there for you. As someone wrote to me, “it is important to simply become a part of the fabric of the congregation – show up, build relationships, and participate fully in the life of the community.”
Executive Director Marah Peresechensky
Here’s what’s happening this month; visit our full calendar to see everything on the horizon.
5 Meredith Cutler
5 Bill Vermeere
6 Timothy Krausz
6 Mike Riendeau
7 Finn Doran
7 Harriet Lehman
7 Nathan Edwards
9 Dana Simon
11 Morgan Riendeau
12 Elias Willmert
14 Kelly Decker
16 Charles Lucas
17 Grayson Samrick
18 Steven Chaffin
19 Shayan Shahabi
20 Jacob Lopez
20 Daniel Haspel
20 Donna Mendelsohn
21 Chris Dal Porto
22 Vicki Uslaner
23 Suzie Myers
23 Pack Warfield
25 Debbie Percelay
25 Marty Spitz
27 Joshua Bronk
28 Tere Charney
29 Jodi Dell
31 Inna Lehman
31 Aidan Mouriski
31 Debra Eisendrath
3 Dona & John Bonick
13 Richard & Wendy Zitter
14 Jason & Mary Luros
15 Sonya & Hal Milton
21 Stuart & Debra Eisendrath
23 Sabina Stoltz & Aaron Thornton
23 Erica Aronson & James Lopez
24 Marlo Cohen & Peter Willmert
24 David & Jodi Dell
25 Devereaux Smith & Larry Kamer
27 Fred & Kathryn Goldman
29 Roy & Sue Barush
29 Lee & Judy Bycel
30 Dania & Conor Massey
30 Jeremy & Karen Weiss
31 Kelly Decker & Erik Harvey
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 Marilyn Armstrong
1 Geraldine A. Cohen
1 Ida F Lazarus
2 David Alpert
2 Martha Kahn
2 Leo Lowenthal
3 Robert Weibel
3 Elisabeth Katz
3 Leona Greendorfer
7 Frank Pavolillo
8 Ana Shein
8 Julius Kron
8 Alvin Lee Block
8 Ann Deines Pesses
8 Arnold B Schacknow
8 Leona Padrid
9 Theodore Tobias Bronk
10 Ian Miller
10 Bruce Geoffrey Cohen
10 Fred Rosenthal
10 Minnie Shostak
10 Frank Glickman
11 Paul Nuemann
11 Myrna Abramowicz
12 Charles E Threadgall
12 Kate Levin
12 Elvin Levy
12 Joseph Percelay
13 Sydney Williams
13 Dee Coplin
14 Arnold Bremler
14 Rosa Levin
14 Ilia Gordon
14 Herman Shwarz
14 Bertha Rakita
15 Ethel Cohen
15 Ilene Gotkin
15 George Sultan
15 William Brauer
16 Sanford Meltzer
16 Jimmy Rabb
17 Kevin McCarville
17 Janice Marie Blatteis
17 Albert Simon
17 Warren Boxer
18 Bernice Schumer
18 Sam Gordon
18 Samuel J. Green
18 Abraham Baylinson
18 Adele Pollock
19 Samuel Garber
19 Mark Reisman
20 Pauline Fink
20 William Rosenzweig
20 Rosalind Chaykin
21 Marvin Stearn
22 Wayne Levine
24 John S. Jacobs
25 Samuel R Ash
26 Aharon Ben David
26 Leslie Goldmann
26 Freda Kurant Teller
26 Joshua Samuel Goodwin
27 Ervin Hansher
28 Art Finkelstein
28 Paula Forman Schiffman
29 Richard Hyman
29 Florence Shenker
29 Max Meltzer
29 Benton S Meyer
30 Hyman Cohen
30 Helen Margorie Tanner
31 Leroy Katz
31 Dr. William Gross
31 Marvin Jerome Homzie
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
• Rivka Livni
• A car was donated on behalf of CBS by Jack Percelay
• In memory of my father, Harry Conrey – Kathleen Conrey
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 Chevlen, Suzanne Mason, Barbara Lustig, Anne Percelay, Zoe Stein, and Harriet Spitz – Mary Luros
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
• Martha & 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.
Religious School this month:
• Sunday May 3, 9:30am
• Sunday May 17, 9:30am is the last session of Sunday School until fall
Questions about Religious School? Contact Education Director Marah Peresechensky.
2026 dates:
• June 22 to June 26
• June 29 to July 2
Questions about Camp Chaverim? 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.
Ky Nam Inn
Saturday, May 9
Two showtimes: 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm
Jarvis Conservatory (1711 Main St, Napa)
This was my favorite film at the Palm Springs International Film Festival last January. Vietnam’s Oscar submission is a very special love story.
Synopsis: Set in 1985 post-war Vietnam, Khang moves to Saigon after securing a position to translate “The Little Prince.” Due to his family connections, Khang’s life under the new regime is secure. But everything changes when he meets Ky Nam, a reserved older widow from the defeated South who carries the weight of unspoken grief. Against a backdrop of Vietnamese cuisine, music, and everyday ritual, Ky Nam and Khang wrestle with conflicting feelings of desire and duty in their new world.
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
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