Our groups:

Kesher (Formerly called the Empty Nesters) 

Kesher offers mature adults, many of whom have free time during daylight hours, the opportunity to socialize with others in the same situation.   We gather to explore a variety of topics, from engaging with guest speakers like Rabbi Stone on Mussar, sharing our recent favorite books, delving into the Jewish film festival, reminiscing about past High Holidays, discussing Medicare supplements, and even enjoying films and reading short plays with Jewish themes. Singles as well as couples are warmly invited. Interested? Contact Carol Benedick.

YAD (Young Adult Division)

YAD provides an opportunity for those in their 20s and 30s to connect with each other at Beth Shalom over Jewish content and learning. Interested? Contact our program coordinator. 

Food and Friends 5785

An annual CBS program with over 100 participants, Food and Friends consists of five monthly potluck meetings. Most groups meet for dinner, some meet for brunch, or some choose to meet for a mix of brunch and dinner times. Meetings are hosted in a rotating fashion at participants’ homes. Participants study using provided texts, as a foundation for conversation while sharing a meal. Groups are formed with a goal of individuals and families getting to know other congregants better and building bonds across neighborhoods within our CBS community. Since getting to know other Beth Shalom members is an important part of the program, participation is limited to Beth Shalom members (with the exception of the young adult  group).  More information and registration.

Endless Opportunities

EO is is made possible by the Stroum Jewish Community Center, and is supported by these sponsors: Congregation Beth Shalom, Congregation Kol Ami, Jewish Family Service, Kline Galland, Temple Beth Am, Temple B’nai Torah and Temple De Hirsch Sinai.

 Visit  Endless Opportunities for additional information.

Upcoming Opportunities 

Kubota Garden Tour
Thur, Aug 14 | 10:30 a.m.
9817 55th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
Join us for a tour at Kubota Garden, a renowned Japanese garden in Seattle and bring a picnic lunch. Register here.

Outdoor Art + Brunch Potluck
Mon, Aug 25 | 10:30 a.m.
SJCC - 3801 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island WA 98040
Join us for a creative morning of making art and brunch! We’ll provide plenty of coffee, please bring
a store-bought goodie to share. Register here. 

Japanese Community Experience During WWII
Thur, Sept 11 | 10:30 a.m.
SJCC - 3801 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island WA 98040 and Virtual
Join us to hear Judy Kusakabe share her firsthand story of Japanese American incarceration
during WWII and life in Washington during that time. Register here.

Ageism: “Death by a Thousand Cuts”
Mon, Sept 15 | 10:30 a.m.
SJCC - 3801 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island WA 98040
Explore how hidden cultural messages about aging can harm health and longevity—and how
to counter them. Register here.

Round Challah for Rosh Hashana
Fri, Sept 19 | 12:00 p.m.
SJCC - 3801 East Mercer Way, Mercer Island WA 98040
This hands-on workshop covers classic braiding techniques and creative twists.
Register here.