By Sarah Roper, Programs Manager
Brotherhood Shabbat
On Friday, Jan. 19th, the congregation celebrated the Beth Ahabah Brotherhood during its Erev Shabbat service.
Members of the Brotherhood participated in the service and spoke about the impact that its volunteers make within Beth Ahabah and beyond.
During the service, Brotherhood member Jeff Lavelle was honored with the Sam Troy Person of the Year Award in recognition of his contributions to the organization.
From sponsoring basketball and baseball game tickets (go, Flying Squirrels and Spiders!) to cooking hot dogs at summer cookouts, latkes at the congregational Chanukah celebration, and pancakes on the last day of Religious School to volunteering with other local organizations, the Brotherhood stays busy all year long!
Consecration
On Sunday, Feb. 4th, 18 students declared their readiness to study Torah and begin their Jewish education.
The Consecration ceremony was held during Religious School and was followed by a reception with cupcakes to symbolize the sweetness of learning.
Interfaith Dialogues
In February, Beth Ahabah and St. James’s Episcopal Church held a series of three well-attended Interfaith Dialogues that rotated between the two congregations.
The series explored the roots of both Christianity and Judaism and discussed how both religions have changed through the centuries.
The final session will be held at St. James’ Episcopal Church on Tuesday, March 7th.
Rise Against Hunger
More than 100 congregants participated in the Rise Against Hunger food packing event held after Religious School on Sunday, Feb. 11th. Together, they packaged 12,000 meals that will be sent to those in need in an effort to eliminate world hunger.
On the Horizon
Purim Shabbat Service
All are invited to the congregation’s annual Purim Shabbat service on Friday, March 22nd!
The evening will begin with a PreNeg at 5:45 p.m., followed by the service beginning at 6:15 p.m.
Festivities will include a lively English megillah reading complete with special effects and lots of Purim-induced drama. Costumes are encouraged.
A free carnival-style dinner will follow the service.
Hamiltaschen Purim Shpiel
Speaking of drama, don’t miss this year’s Hamiltaschen Purim Shpiel—the story of the revolution in Shushan gets a whole new beat for 5784!
Everyone is invited to the debut of this original show on Sunday, March 24th at Congregation Beth Ahabah. Noshing and schmoozing will begin at 6 p.m. with the performance starting at 6:30 p.m.
Art Rocks! At Art Works
Young Adults (20s – 45ish) in the Richmond Jewish community are invited to enjoy a relaxing afternoon of rock painting at Art Works Richmond (320 Hull Street, 23224) on Saturday, March 9th from 2-4 p.m.
All supplies, design ideas, snacks, and beverages will be provided. Keep the rocks for yourself, donate them to Hebrew Cemetery, or hide them around town for others to find!
The cost of the event is $12 per person. RSVP at https://www.bethahabah.org/event/young-adult-art-rocks-at-art-works-gallery.html.
