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 Stephanie Shargal, Membership & Engagement Manager, at sshargal@beth-israel.org.

• Better Together led by Karen Scheinbaum and Michael Skoller
  Are you 50+ and single? Then consider joining Better Together, a collaboration of congregations Beth Israel, Beth Yeshurun, Brith Shalom, Emanu El, HCRJ, Temple Sinai and Shma Koleinu. It is supported by a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. Better Together partners create community among affiliated and nonaffiliated, mature Jewish singles of Greater Houston.
• Cocktails & Conversations led by Cindy Greenberg & Karen Edelman
  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 led by Jay Tarnow & David Scott, RJE
  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 Tuesday evenings at 7:30 PM 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
  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 led by Heather Westendarp & Naomi Wittlin
  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!
• Pickleball led by Gregory Kushner
  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 AM-1:00 PM at Congregation Beth Israel! For more information visit our calendar.
• Sharing Support and Shalom in Troubled Times led by Drs. Tom Cole and Sharon Romm
  Our world has become chaotic. The misery in Israel is unsettling. As Jews we share the traumas of the country we love. This experience affects each of us in our own way. Our group will provide a space where we can safely share our feelings and learn ways to cope with our distress. We will know the comfort of Judaism and the mutual support of our community. If you're interested in joining, please reach out to Sharon Romm at romm@comcast.net.
• Swimming in the Sea of Talmud Binge Group led by David Scott, RJE
  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 led by David Scott, RJE
  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 11:30 A.M. and are facilitated by David Scott, RJE. For details and more information, please email DScott@beth-israel.org 
• H-Town Jews (Young Jewish Professionals group) led by Rabbi Sam Rheins
  Tired of adulting? Want to meet other young professionals of Beth Israel and beyond? H-Town Jews is the 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.
• 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!
• What's Happening Now? led by Steve Tamber
  A brand new current events, thought provoking Binge discussion group, will be making its Congregation Beth Israel debut. Join us as we kick off the New Year with issue-based discussions. The group will meet once-a-month with volunteers picking a topic of interest and leading the discussion. Political personalities are off limits. If you would like to join us, write to Steve Tamber at sitamberfl@gmail.com.
• Writer's Circle 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.