Bet Shalom’s small groups are self-organized and self-led, based on common interests, needs, geography, professional interests, celebration of Jewish life or anything a group would like to share in community.
Don’t see a group for a topic that’s important to you? email Amber Brumbaugh at abrumbaugh@betshalom.org to work with office staff to set it up!
Young Adults
Whether you grew up at Bet Shalom or are living in the area, we invite you to join us for Shabbat, holidays, and events. With great food always in abundance, it’s hard to pass up! We seek to provide a place where you can build connections with other Jews in our community and express your Jewish identity. We are looking for leaders and ambassadors interested in helping plan and lead events, as well as to become involved in our congregation and community. Do you have an idea for an event? Please let us know.
Interested in joining our Young Adults group? Email Rabbi Thal at rabbi.thal@betshalom.org for more information.
Ruth's group
Ruth's Group is a group of members who converted to Judaism later in life. We create community and learn more about our chosen faith together!
Interested in joining Ruth's Group? Email ruthsgroup@betshalom.org for more information.
Birding Group
Are you interested in wild birds? Quietly watching, photographing, studying, or simply enjoying nature? Then there’s a new group for you! Bet Shalom members have started a group for those who would like to participate in informal, socially-grounded birding walks and other related activities. Prior birding knowledge and experience are not required, and all ages (including kids who are interested in birds) are welcome.
To accommodate members’ different schedules and to take advantage of special opportunities that may arise, some activities will be scheduled on weekends and others on weekdays. Most activities will be scheduled in the morning when birds generally are more active. To further promote social relationships, informal coffee meetings, brunches, or trail picnics will be scheduled after birding activities. Email birding@betshalom.org for more information.
Book Group
Participants in the Bet Shalom Book Club meet several times during the year to discuss Jewish literature selected by the group.
Contact abrumbaugh@betshalom.org.
Business Network Group
This group is a great opportunity to learn about other/ Bet Shalom members’ businesses and to help each other with new business opportunities. They meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month. contact abrumbaugh@betshalom.org for more information.
Tikkun Olam Committee
The Bet Shalom Tikkun Olam Committee is a rededicated effort of our previous social justice and social action groups. As one of the four strategic themes of Bet Shalom, Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, is one of our core Jewish values. In the Tikkun Olam Committee, members will work on issues such as food insecurity, housing, climate justice, and more with education, service projects, and advocacy.
If you are interested in joining, email Rabbi Thal: rabbi.thal@betshalom.org
Emeritus Group
The Bet Shalom Emeritus Group meets bimonthly to discuss a variety of subjects. Facilitated by Rabbi Cohen and Henry Berman, topics include current events, history, Jewish life, and holidays. The group is mostly retired folks, but all are welcome.
For more information please contact Rabbi Cohen at rabbi.cohen@betshalom.org.
Kugel Kindness
The Bet Shalom Caring Committee has an initiative called Kugel Kindness. Kugels are made at Bet Shalom by volunteers and delivered to community members as a symbol of support in both times of celebration and in times of need.
Jewish Genealogy Group
Jewish genealogy is growing in popularity, with more and more websites devoted to helping us search our family trees. We meet 4-6 times a year. If you're interested in meeting and learning from others with a shared interest or have any questions, please email Rabbi Locketz at rabbi.locketz@betshalom.org.
Mahjong Club
Want to play Mahj? Here is the opportunity! Join other interested people at Bet Shalom to learn the basics of the game. No pressure, ,just an easy introduction and no charge. Contact Ardis Wexler (952-210-7497) for more details.
Wine Tasting Group
Interested in learning about wine with a group of fun, like-minded people? Join the Bet Shalom Wine Tasting Club and enjoy our monthly Saturday night events, featuring great wines, food and Havdalah. You’ll add to your knowledge and make some new friends! No wine tasting expertise is necessary. For more information email winetasting@betshalom.org.