Chapel and Gathering Space Dedication
On the evening of Saturday, Oct. 19, Congregation Beth Ahabah dedicated a renovated multi-purpose room and officially dedicated it as the Sophia and Nathan Gumenick Chapel and Harry and Harriet Grandis Community Gathering Space. (See Photos above/below)
Many members of the Gumenick and Grandis families were present for Havdalah and the ceremony. The room, which can be configured in multiple ways, includes wooden chairs, plus a custom hand-carved Torah stand, table, and coordinating ark by Israeli artist Jeremy Kimchi.
Simchat Torah
The congregation celebrated Simchat Torah during Shabbat services on Friday, Oct. 25.
Klezmer-Roma band My Son the Doctor provided the service music and played a selection of Yiddish tunes both during the service and at the ice cream sundae reception that followed.
Highlights of the evening included dancing with the Torahs as they completed seven hakafot (circles) through the aisles and unrolling one entire Torah around the perimeter of the sanctuary. (See some photos below)
Looking Ahead Tot Shabbat
Our next Tot Shabbat will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9 a.m.
Created just for little ones up to five years old, the program features music and movement with Rabbi Nagel, followed by snacks and bounce houses. Everyone in the community is invited regardless of synagogue affiliation.
To join our young families mailing list, which includes reminders about upcoming Tot Shabbats, please contact Sarah Roper at programs@bethahabah.org.
Menorah Madness
Beth Ahabah’s Young Adult Community Kibbitz will join with the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, the Jewish Community Center, and Beth-El’s The Bridge in sponsoring Menorah Madness on Thursday, Dec. 19 at Dominion Payroll in Scott’s Addition!
This community Chanukah celebration, targeted to those in their 20s through mid-40s, will feature a DJ, games, activity stations, food, and drinks from 7 – 9:30 p.m.
Contact Sarah Roper at programs@bethahabah.org for more information about this and other young adult events.
BAMA Gift Shop
Are you looking for an awesome Chanukah, birthday, or B’nai Mitzvah gift? Check out the Beth Ahabah Museum and Archives (BAMA) gift shop!
Merchandise includes Menorahs, candles, cards, jewelry (much of it handmade by local Jewish artists), books, toys, and much, much more!
Come check out the special sale table with an assortment of Judaic items. BAMA is open 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Sundays – Thursdays every week and is currently located at 1109 West Franklin Street.
Please call (804) 353-2668 with any questions.
