Weekly News & Updates
November 24, 2021 - 20 Kislev 5782
Israel said to Joseph, "Surely your brothers are tending the flock of Sh'chem. Come, let me send you to them." He answered, "הִנֵּֽנִי - Hineini - Here I am!"

Genesis 37:13

Happy Thanksgiving! Whatever you choose to do on this holiday: spend time with family, friends or spend the day on your own, cook a traditional meal like you may have had growing up or try out some fun new recipes, volunteer your time serving others or take time to rest and rejuvenate, I hope your holiday is filled with comfort, joy and of course, gratitude. It can be easy to forget the core of this holiday, amidst the slew of traditions old and new, the food, the travel, the traffic, so let us all take the time on Thursday, to offer gratitude; gratitude for all that we have, the privileges we are afforded, the connections we have made, the relationships we cherish, and the community we love. And let us feel it deep within our hearts and our souls, pledging to offer and receive gratitude beyond just one single holiday, but through all our days.
Rabbi Jillian Cameron
Upcoming Services & Events
Shabbat Evening Service
Friday, November 26, 8 PM

Join Rabbi Jillian Cameron and Cantor Juval Porat to joyfully welcome Shabbat through soulful song, prayer, creative teachings and communal connection.

Registration for in-person attendance is currently limited to fully vaccinated BCC members. Each week on Monday, a new registration link will be sent to members.

Please click the link below to join BCC family and friends in welcoming Shabbat together on Zoom. All streaming options continue to be available to BCC members and non-members alike. Services will also be accessible on Facebook and on the BCC website.
Years & Years, BCC's Cantor's Concert
Sunday, December 5, 5 PM

Join us to celebrate 50 years of BCC, told through the stories of those who make up this trailblazing community. For 90 minutes, Cantor Juval Porat will take us on a musical and theatrical journey through the lives and times of the community. He'll make us laugh and cry as we relive the highs and lows of five decades of LGBTQIA communal life together.

The concert will be available virtually. However, a select number of tickets will be available to fully vaccinated members to attend in-person! Please indicate your interest in in-person attendance when purchasing your ticket.
Join BCC and our religious school, Ohr Chayim, in donating your canned foods this year to help the food insecure and build a Can Menorah at BCC! Money or Food Donations will go towards SOVA Community Food & Resource Program of Jewish Family Services Los Angeles. Click here to donate money, bring cans to Shabbat services, or contact our office to schedule a time to drop off your food donations.
BCC Books & Bagels
Sunday, November 28, 10 AM

Join fellow BCC book lovers for the Book Group meeting on Zoom. This group meets once a month (typically the last Sunday) to discuss Jewish fiction or non-fiction book selections, sometimes with LGBT content. Space is limited. Please contact Larry Nathenson for the Zoom link at [email protected].

The book for this month is Son of Hamas, by Mosab Hassan Yousef. The true story of a Palestinian raised in a prominent Hamas family who questions his values and commitments, becomes an Israeli collaborator, and is exiled as a result.
First Night Hanukkah
Sunday, November 28, 6 PM

Celebrate Hanukkah with the Reform Movement as we bring more light into the world through inspiring music, stories, and teachings.

Musicians like Grammy award winner and Camp Coleman/NFTY STR songleader Joanie Leeds, members of the American Conference of Cantors, plus, storytellers like Rena Strober, children from the Leo Baeck Education Center in Haifa, art from Doodly Jew, and more!
Weekly Torah Study
Tuesdays, 7 - 8:30 PM

Join BCC's Rabbi Jillian Cameron every Tuesday 7 pm - 8:30 pm on Zoom as we explore the week's Torah portion through thoughtful discussion and conversation.

All are welcome; friends, familiar faces, and new ones. No prior experience needed!

Click the Register button below to register. Closed captions are available.
BCC Life Transitions Group
Every First and Third Wednesday,
7 PM

The goal of the BCC Life Transitions Group is to enhance participants' spiritual and emotional growth. It deals with issues in areas of concern such as relationships, careers, economics, social life, family, health, and bereavement. We meet every first and third Wednesday of the month. This support group is facilitated by Shirley Hirschberg, Social Worker. Upcoming dates: 12/1, 12/15.
Ohr Chayim + Teen Track: HannukahFEST
Saturday, December 4, 10 AM

Celebrate Hanukkah with BCC's youth & their families with singing, art, games, and PJ Library storytime hosted by the fabulous Pickle from Drag Queen Story Hour of the West Hollywood Public Library! Bring some canned food to donate so we can share some love & light with those in need in our community. We'll be gathering outdoors & masked in the BCC parking lot; dress for the weather and bring a blanket for some extra storytime coziness!
This event is free and open to anyone ages 2-18 and their families, with a suggested donation of $5-10 per non-member family. Activity options will be finalized based on the ages of those who RSVP by November 29.
Ohr Chayim is getting ready for the Festival of Lights! After exploring what "dedication" (which we learned is the direct translation of the word "חֲנוּכָּה/Hanukkah" itself) means to us past week, we're preparing to celebrate HanukkahFEST with the wider community on December 4. The fabulous Pickle from Drag Queen Story Hour will be returning to share her charming storytelling with us, along with some joyous Hanukkah singing, crafts, and games for anyone ages 2-18 and their families! Bring donations of canned food to BCC anytime through the end of Hanukkah so we can build and light our own menorah that will share some light with those in need.

Interested in joining us for the festivities? RSVP today to make sure we have enough supplies & goodies for everyone!
Donate to Support BCC
Support Beth Chayim Chadashim
The World's First LGBTQIA+ Synagogue
At BCC, we are dedicated to growing and sustaining our synagogue family - virtually and in person. We are grateful to so many of you who share your time, wisdom and resources with our community.

Your continued support and generosity are critical. It allows us to ensure the breadth and depth of all we offer throughout the year, maintain our physical space, sustain our human resources and guarantee our place as a safe, progressive and vibrant LGBTQIA+ Jewish space in the Los Angeles community now and for generations to come. Thank you for your care and commitment to our beloved community.
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