What are Interest Groups?
At TBT, one of the ways that we help people connect to their community is through shared intrests. There are so many ways to get involved with fellow congregants, as you study Torah or Jewish History and culture, grow beautiful produce for Hopelink in our garden, play games in our Mah Jongg or “Chosen Meeple” groups, sing with the choir, or find another way to get people engaged with each other. If you’re interested in something – and you don’t see it here – feel free to get in touch below and we’ll help you get it going!
Hiking
Need motivation to get outside? Come hiking with us. We’ll explore local trails and parks (<1 hour drive)
TBT Garden Club
The TBT garden club meets throughout the year to tour gardens, attend the Flower and Garden Show,
have garden discussions and do garden projects. Each event is coordinated by a member. In addition, we
have an annual Chanukah luncheon with a garden gift exchange. Contact ![]()
French Speakers Group
This group invites all those wishing to practice their French conversation skills, whether just starting out,
polishing rusty memories or enjoying a certain competence. All are welcome to come and share this
Sisterhood
The mission of the Sisterhood of Temple B’nai Torah is to build connections between the women of Sisterhood to each other and, in turn, the Temple, our community and the world-at-large, as part of Women of Reform Judaism. We achieve this goal by providing opportunities for spiritual, social and intellectual growth. Contact: Sarah Rose at sarahshoshanarose@gmail.com
Lay-Led Torah Study
Meets at 9:00 a.m. in the youth room every Saturday year-round to discuss the Torah portion being read
at services that day. The choice of a translation and commentary is up to each participant. Clergy from
TBT and other synagogues near and far occasionally join us and are always welcome, but there is never a
designated leader. The discussion emerges organically. For more information, contact
Clergy Led TaNakh Study
The many layers of Biblical text are filled with stories and images both challenging and inspirational. Join
Rabbi Lipper on Shabbat morning in the Library at TBT as he leads us on an exploration of the Books of
the TaNaKh. We are moving book by book through the pages of the Hebrew Bible in hopes of
uncovering the deeper messages of a text we call our own.
Jewish History Chavurah
The History Chavurah is a self-organized study group focusing on Jewish history and cultural aspects of
our Jewish journey. We examine education, economics, governance, women’s role, religious beliefs and
rituals and culture throughout key historical events. We primarily use histories written around the time
of an event we are studying and archeological texts, with the Tanach as a supplement. Each topic is
self-contained so people joining now can jump right in. We try to make available selected overview
material or potential sources to review prior to each discussion. While individuals do step forward and
lead selected sessions, we ask that all participants prepare and bring their own perspectives to each
study session. We generally meet on weekday evenings at 7:00 PM at TBT. Contact: Jeannie Moskowitz at jwmoskowitz@yahoo.com.
Mitzvah Corps
Mitzvah Corps of Temple B’nai Torah is an all volunteer group made up of fabulous folks from the Temple community!
We help our fellow members and their families in all sorts of wonderful ways. We may visit a home-bound senior
or pick up groceries for an ailing member. We might call a member who is recovering from surgery or drive someone to
services. We sometimes even provide a couple of hours of childcare for a family in need. Some of us have driven a TBT member to a medical appointment because they were not well enough to drive themselves. There are all kinds of ways to help out, and you can give a little or give a lot. It’s up to you. A little help can make a big difference in someone’s life.
Furthermore, if you need help yourself, be sure to call us so we can connect you with the help you need. Contact the Temple office, (425) 603-9677 for more information.
Tikun Olam Task Force (Social Action)
Temple B’nai Torah has a strong tradition of social action and social justice work. We offer regular
programs and special initiatives selected each year by members of the Task Force. These regular
programs include Hunger and homelessness, TBT’s own Garden for Good, Hearts and Hammers
Community-Wide Service Day, Together We Build: Interfaith with Habitat for Humanity and the monthly
community dinner for those in need at the Salvation Army. To learn about how you can get involved
Mah Jongg
The mah jongg group usually meets every Monday from 1-3 pm at Crossroads. The focus is on enjoying
the game and each other’s company. Players attend as available, and the group is coordinated by email.
To be placed on the elist (as dates may vary depending on people’s schedules), contact: Barby Cohen at ![]()
Adult Education Committee
At Temple B’nai Torah, we offer a variety of opportunities to engage with the community through guest
speakers, classes, trips, movies, and books through Adult Education. Interested in “behind the scenes” of
Adult Education programming? Then join the Adult Education Committee! The Adult Education
Committee is seeking additional members to help with generating ideas and designing the programs and
classes, assisting with outreach and educational event logistics. For more information, click here to email Arnie Goldstein.
Shabbat Dinner Club
Share Shabbat with dinner, challah, wine and conversation with up to seven other members of the TBT
community. Sign up and we will match individuals, couples and families for a Shabbat dinner at a
member’s home. Depending on the number of Shabbat Dinner Club members, you may dine with a
different grouping each meal. The Shabbat Dinner Club is a delightfully relaxed way to share Shabbat,
broaden friendships at TBT, and deepen your sense of community. Contact ![]()
Choir
Do you like to sing? Please consider giving of yourself, your time and your good energy to enhance our TBT services by joining the choir. Share in the joy of Shabbat through singing sacred music and make new friendships too. If you can hold your pitch and are available most Sunday afternoons – you’re in.
Interested in Starting an Interest Group?
Do you have a passion you’d like to share with others in our Temple community? All it takes is a good idea and your willingness to coordinate. Every group is different. Some meet in homes, some at the Temple, and some out and about. They meet at times convenient to the coordinator and participants in the group. Let us know your interest and we’ll be glad to help with initial organization and publicity. Call our office at (425) 603-9677.