BINGE Groups

                  Beth Israel New Group Engagements

These fun affinity groups are a way for you to meet new people and interact with congregants with similar personal interests. We encourage you to be involved and to BINGE on Beth Israel!

Questions? Have an idea for a group? Contact David Scott, DScott@beth-israel.org

• Beth Israel Around the World led by Sharon Romm
  Living outside of Houston can be a barrier to meeting other members of the congregation. Fortunately, technology gives us the opportunity to connect. Let us meet online and explore what we have in common!
• Cooking Creations led by Karen Edelman & Marsha Gilbert
  Do you love cooking? Are you looking for some delicious new recipes to try out? If so, then this group is for you! We will introduce you to fun recipes you can make and serve for the Jewish holidays or at any point during the year!
• Cocktails & Conversations led by Cindy Greenberg & Michele Olifant
  Let’s celebrate moving our kiddos up and out and finally having time for ourselves! Want to reconnect with old friends and make new ones? If so, we invite you to join us for our kickoff in the early fall! We are busy checking out the coolest patios around town so stay tuned and let us know if you are interested in joining us for happy hour…but seriously, why limit happy to an hour!?!?!  Group is open to everyone- Couples, singles—anyone in that “empty nester” group or anyone in their 50’s and 60’s!
• Jewish Meditation BINGE Group
  Our Jewish Meditation BINGE Group explores what Jewish meditation is and specific practices to help calm our minds and souls during our busy lives. We meet on Saturday mornings at 11:15 am online. All are welcome and no prior experience with meditation is necessary. For more information and to RSVP, contact Jay Tarnow. 
• Matinees & Martinis led by Elene Glassman & Marilyn Sonnenberg
  A cordial invitation is extended to all congregants in their mid 60's and older who would enjoy a weekend matinee and dining experience to follow. We will attend a performance together (movie or play) once a month and then enjoy a meal where we can analyze, criticize, or just plain schmooze. Thumbs up if this is for you!
• Mussar Learning
  Mussar, a centuries' old Jewish ethical discipline, helps us find more balance in our lives. Led by Naomi Wittlin, Heather Westendarp, and other trained facilitators, we coordinate small groups (va'ad) that help us find a greater balance in humility, patience, gratitude, and several more "soul traits" (middot). Contact Naomi Wittlin or Heather Westendarp to get involved today!
• Newish and Jewish with Marcia Olmsted
  Are you new to Houston? Have you just moved here in the last couple of years and looking for connections? Our Beth Israel Newish and Jewish BINGE Group is just for you. A relaxed and fun way to get to know others from the congregation who recently moved to Houston or recently became members in the last two years. If you'd like a great way to meet others, contact Marcia Olmsted for details.

• Pickleball Binge Group
  Pickleball, a paddleball sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis, is forming and will be meeting on Sunday mornings in Levit Hall.  We are excited to announce that Pickle Ball will continue through the summer on Sundays from 9:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. at Congregation Beth Israel! For more information visit: Pickleball Registration Form - Form - Congregation Beth Israel (shulcloud.com)
• Stars of the 60s
  Led by Dede & David Wadler and Ellen & Steve Robinson, this group will feature quarterly rock and roll events from the 60s held at the Stafford Centre.
• Swimming in the Sea of Talmud Binge Group
  The pages of Talmud come alive with this group as we swim through the ancient teachings together. Facilitated by David Scott, RJE, members of this group read and discuss Talmudic passages and discover how the teachings relate to our lives. Sessions take place every Wednesday afternoon at 2 pm online via Zoom. For details and more information, please email DScott@beth-israel.org 
• Torah 101 Binge Group
  Ever wanted to learn more about the Torah but didn’t know where to begin? Join the Torah 101 Binge Group as we explore the basics of each week’s Torah portion. Sessions have been taking place on Fridays at 12:00 P.M. and are facilitated by David Scott, RJE. For details and more information, please email DScott@beth-israel.org 
• Torah Study Book Club led by David Scott, RJE
  If you love reading and discussing Jewish books, then look no further! Our Torah Study Book Club BINGE group meets monthly on Thursdays at noon to discuss Jewish books related to the Torah and a variety of Jewish topics. Most books are discussed over several months, as we tackle one chapter each session. Our next book is called "Everything is God: The Radical Path of Nondual Judaism. You can read more about the book and obtain your own copy by clicking here. 
• Tribe - Young Professionals BINGE Group
  Tired of adulting? Want to meet other young professionals of Beth Israel? TRIBE is the Binge group for you. Come hang out with old friends and meet some new ones! We will have periodic happy hours and other fun activities! For details and more information, please email Stephanie Shargal.
• Walk, Meditate, View Art led by Shirley Lavine, Pam Roberts, & Tanya Strum
  Walk, Meditate, View Art will meet outdoors to view art installations in various parts of the city! There will often be walking to explore a variety of pieces and/or to go to and from your car. We will end our sessions with a short meditation. You can bring a mat or towel to sit on or enjoy a rock or the grass for your seat. We will cap our viewing art experience at 10 people to keep everyone safe and calm!
• What are you Watching? led by Sheila Horn
  Which TV series are you BINGEing? Which TV series should you watch next? With so many choices from Netflix, to Amazon, to Hulu, etc., it is not so easy to find those gems which are watch-worthy. In this monthly discussion group, we will sort out the good and the not-so-good. Come armed with your recommendations and get fresh recommendations from others!
• Writer's Circle BINGE Group led by Miriam Friedman and Susan Whitman 
  The Schachtel Library Writers’ Circle BINGE Group welcomes writers of all genres and all levels. We meet on the first and third Thursday of every month starting on January 19th at 1:00 PM in the Schachtel Library to practice, to share and help each other in the art of writing. The group will be led by Beth Israel member and author Miriam K. Friedman. Come learn and write with us! Contact Temple Library, Susan Whitman, with any questions.