Congregation Beth Emeth, Albany, NY

NEXT DOOR ~ REVISIONING BETH EMETH A MESSAGE FROM CHERYL GELDER-KOGAN & BRET KAUFFMAN, CO-CHAIRS OF NEXT DOR
22 YEARS AGO, on Rosh Hashanah, our congregation undertook an initiative known as North Porch. Over three hundred congregants shared their thoughts and ideas on the future of Beth Emeth. The goal was to strengthen what is working well, change and improve where necessary, undertake new programs to meet the needs of the congregation, and plan for our future. Many of the ideas regarding governance, ritual and worship, and education are still in effect today. It is now time to take this initiative to the next generation, the Next Dor.

Over the next few months we will be conducting a series of focus groups and request that each of you sign up for an opportunity to share your thoughts as we embark on this vital initiative. Each of the focus groups will be intentionally small, led by a trained facilitators and scribes, and designed to allow every voice to be heard. Each session is designed to run between 60 and 90 minutes and will be followed by a short reception.

Focus groups will be held at Beth Emeth on the following dates:
Monday December 17 7-9:00 PM
Wednesday, December 19 Noon-2:00 PM
To sign up for one of these sessions, CLICK HERE:

NEXT DOR UPDATE ~ DECEMBER 2012
A total of 11 Next Dor Focus Groups were held through mid-December. Groups were scheduled on Sunday morning, early and later in the evening and during a Lunch and Learn session in an effort to make the sessions as convenient and accessible as possible. In addition to the general Focus Group sessions, our Next Dor “staff also conducted Focus Group sessions with the Confirmation Class, the Sisterhood Board, the Board of Trustees and the Education committee. Over 150 individuals participated, providing very thoughtful and genuine comments.

We will be analyzing the data and ensuring that the participants are reflective of the congregation as a whole. Plans are being made to present the results of the Focus Group sessions to the Temple Board and later to the congregation. We will keep you informed as to when this information will be presented.

We are extremely grateful to all those who were able to take time out of their busy schedules to provide such helpful and heartfelt recommendations to ensure the continued success and vibrancy of our congregation. And special thanks to all those members who served as facilitators, scribes and organizer--we could not have conducted this project without your professionalism and the generous gift of your time and dedication!

Cheryl Gelder-Kogan
Bret Kauffman
Co-chairs, Next Dor

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CHECK OUT WHAT’S HAPPENING AT BETH EMETH!

TO WATCH SERVICES LIVE, CHECK CALENDAR FOR TIMES AND CLICK ON OUR WORSHIP TAB
OR
WATCH SERVICES LIVE ON YOUR IPHONE, IPAD OR ANDROID DEVICE!!!
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CONGREGATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING + UPDATE ON "NEXT DOR" FOCUS GROUPS
Wednesday, June 19, 2013 ~ 7:00 PM

ROSH CHODESH - A WOMEN'S SERVICE
Saturday, July 13, 2013 ~ 11:00 AM
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BETH EMETH at PARK PLAYHOUSE ~ SPAMALOT
Sunday, July 14, 2013 at 8:00 PM
Click Here For Registration Form
Click Here To Learn More About The Production!

MAH JONGG TOURNAMENT & BBQ
Tuesday, July 23, 2013 ~ 9:00 AM
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TAKE ME OUT TO THE VALLEY CATS GAME
Sunday, July 28, 2013 ~ 4:00 PM
Click Here For Registration Form

GLIMMERGLASS OPERA TRIP - CAMELOT
Tuesday, August 13, 2013 ~ 9:30 AM
Click Here For Registration Form

A DAY AT THE RACES ~ SARATOGA RACE COURSE
Sunday, August 18, 2013 ~ 12:30 PM
Click Here Fore Registration Form


Our 92Y Live Broadcast Season has come to a close! Will post the Fall Broadcast schedule this summer!!

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
BETH EMETH'S SOUP KITCHEN
You can now sign up to work at our Soup Kitchen on line. CLICK HERE to sign up on line (scroll down to Soup Kitchen) Questions? Contact


*Do you have a Green thumb? Help build/tend DIANE'S FARM ~ BETH EMETH'S SOUP KITCHEN FARM!!
Also looking for folks willing to come in during the week and weed!!! Don't have to sign up (though we always like to know who is helping us!!)
Click Here For More Information
Questions? Contact
Click Here To Register To Help

MITZVAH MEALS - A REYUT COMMITTEE PROJECT
This project involves cooking for fellow congregants during times of bereavement, illness as well as for birth of a baby!
Want to learn more? Contact

MITZVAH SQUAD - A SOCIAL ACTION PROJECT
Interested in learning about community service projects that fellow congregants are involved with?
Click Here For More Information

KNIT & NOSH ~ PROJECT KNIT
We are knitting 100 items to be donated to a local charity!
Click Here For More Information:

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPATION AT CONGREGATION BETH EMETH - VOLUNTEER SURVEY
Click Here to Complete Our On-Line Survey: http://www.bethemethalbany.org/index.php/site/How-Can-I-get-Involved/
Questions? Contact David Wollner ~

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DONATIONS:
* We are collecting food for the Regional Food Bank, concentrating on peanut butter and jelly. Drop your donation in the collection boxes in the lobby

* We are collecting used eyeglasses for the Lion's Club. Collection box is on the counter outside the main office

*CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE URJ HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF FUND