"Doctors and Patients: Who’s in Charge? Who do we Trust?"
Through a passage from the Talmud, we’ll think about those moments of illness at home, in the doctor’s office and at the hospital bed and how we navigate when to trust the experts and when to ourselves.

"God, Prayer and the Future of the Synagogue"

Times are approximate.Topic: "The Meanings, Pleasures and Challenges of Jewish Ritual"

Dr. Arnie Eisen will discuss "Israel and Us"

Questions, please contact Sharon Halperin sharonhalperin88@gmail.com.

Join David Dreifus and Jennifer Sosensky as they lead a meditative Shabbat morning chanting service from P’zeuki D’Zimra and Shacharit based on the teachings of Rabbi Shefa Gold. We will chant selected phrases from the service for several minutes at a time, followed by a period of meditative silence after each chant. Our service will conclude in time to join the rest of the congregation for the Torah service. All are welcome. No prior chanting or meditative experience needed.

Join this spirited, musical journey through elements of the Shabbat morning service. Sing, dance, and celebrate Shabbat in this intergenerational and family-friendly experience.

Room location: Chapel

The theme is Safe and Affordable Housing; three speakers are set for the panel at 1:00 following the Kiddush lunch: Blake Strayhorn, President/Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity in Durham; Rev. Spencer Bradford, Executive Director of Durham Congregations in Action; and Karen Lado, Durham’s Community Development Department.

Having a will and thoughtful estate planning is arguably one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. Not only can a will and good estate planning legally protect your spouse, children and assets, it can also spell out exactly how you would like thinks handled after you are gone.

On May 14 at 7 pm at the Freeman Center, Lori Bernstein and Michael Blacksburg will orient us to wills, estate planning and how to take advantage of current tax law to manage charitable giving.

Lori Bernstein is an experienced attorney in wills and estate planning and has a practice in Durham, NC. Michael Blacksburg is an experienced Private Bank fiduciary advisor, estate planner and licensed attorney in California and DC. Both Lori and Michael are members of Beth El.

This program is sponsored by the Life & Legacy Committee, which helps Beth El members create legacy gifts, providing a permanent source of support for our Jewish community.

"Racing Against History"

Join us as we hear from Rick Richman, author of "Racing Against History". "Racing Against History" is the stunning story of three powerful personalities who sought in 1940 to turn the tide of history. David Ben-Gurion, Vladimir Jabotinsky, and Chaim Weizmann—the leaders of the left, right, and center of Zionism—undertook separate missions that year to America, then frozen in isolationism, to seek support for a Jewish army to fight Hitler.

Rick Richman graduated with honors from Harvard College and New York University Law School. He has written for Commentary, The Jewish Journal, The Jewish Press, Mosaic Magazine, The New York Sun, The Tower Magazine, and his own blog, Jewish Current Issues.

Light refreshments will be served. RSVP here: https://jccfed.wufoo.com/forms/beth-el-author-series-rick-richman/

Join Rabbi Greyber and Rabbi Richard Agler for a discussion on "Making Sense of Life Changing Loss-Is it Possible? A Rabbi's Journey." Rabbi Agler is the author of the newly published book, The Tragedy Test. It is the story of coming to terms with his faith following the sudden and tragic death of his daughter Talia at age twenty-six. He is also the Founding Rabbi, now Rabbi Emeritus, of Congregation B'nai Israel in Boca Raton, Florida. He currently serves as Resident Scholar of the Keys Jewish Community Center in Tavernier, Florida and as Co-Director of The Tali Fund. 

Sign up for lunch here: https://form.jotform.com/90934196946168