Support Temple Beth Am and make some unforgettable memories! Sign up today for a community builder. All items remain open until mid-February but may fill up fast. Sign up today!
Community builders are amazing experiences created by your fellow congregants. When you purchase a space in a community builder, you are helping raise funds for Beth Am while making friends and having enjoyable and memorable experiences with your community.
Many of our community builders could fit under multiple categories so be sure to check them all out!
Thanks to our generous donors every dollar collected from our community builders will go directly to supporting Temple Beth Am and our community support programs.
Sparks Among Friends
Spend an afternoon forging hot iron with Temple Beth Am’s own blacksmith, Louie Raffloer. Sign up for this unique opportunity to create a lovely keepsake and a really fun memory.
(2 Sessions) Session 1- 4/20/2025 at 12:00- 2:00 PM; Session 2- 4/27/2025 at 12:00- 2:00 PM | All Ages 13+| Number of spots per session: 4 |Price per spot: $100
Donated by Louie Raffloer
Laser-cutting Jewelry Workshop
At this workshop, I’ll teach you how to draw laser-friendly designs, then show you how to cut them out on my laser cutter. Everyone in your group will get a chance to use the laser cutter and watch it run, and then I’ll help you attach earring hooks, necklace chains, or keychain rings. We can make as many pieces of jewelry as we have time for. Light snacks will be provided.
August 3, 2025 | Number of spots: 6 | All Ages (w/Adult) | Price per spot: $50
Donated by Sarah Nichols
Art Lesson
Our very own Award-winning Palm Beach/New York portrait artist, Renee Plevy, is offering one on one instructional time. The subject is flexible and based off of your interest! For example, do you want to paint something floral, or are you interested in brushing up on a certain skill? Renee has captured the attention of art lovers, students and aficionados for more than 40 years. Renee’s paintings have been featured in more than 65 shows and galleries, including a one-woman museum show at the Paterson Museum. She has received national attention and garnered numerous awards, including “Artist of the Year” from The Bloomfield Art League and First Prize from the Boca Raton Museum Artist’s Guild. Learn more about Renee on her website: https://reneeplevy.com/
September 5, 2025 | Number of spots: 1 | Adults Only | Price per spot: $200
Donated by Renee Plevy
Forging a Copper Breastplate for the Baby Torah
Let’s do this!! Sign up for a seat at the table with Louie Raffloer and Monica Alcabin as we guide you through the process of creating a breastplate for Temple Beth Am’s baby Torah. This will be a crash course in the ancient art of Repousse’ using copper as our medium. Our project will take a very relaxing and stress-free day of fellowship through Hiddur Mitzvah (I had to look that up: creating beauty as a commandment).
Believe us when we say that this will be akin to a quilting bee kind of vibe, kibbitzing encouraged.
Anyone over 13 years of age is capable of doing this work. We will be using a whole day for this (4-6 hrs.), and we promise it will be fun for all. Plenty of healthy nibbles will be available.
May 4, 2025, from 10:00- 4:00 PM | Number of spots: 8 | Ages 13+ | Price per spot: $100
Donated by Louie Raffloer & Monica Alcabin
Needles & Nosh
Join fellow crafters for a couple hours of fiber fellowship. Bring that needlework project – knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, embroidery, whatever – you’ve been meaning to get to, and enjoy baked goodies and other snacks along with lively conversation about everything and nothing. (If you don’t have a work-in-progress or anything in your queue, consider knitting or crocheting a hat to donate to someone in need: https://www.seattleknittersguild.org/charity-knitting.html)
March 23, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 PM| Number of spots: 8 | Ages 16+ | Price per spot: $36
Donated by Shelly F. Cohen
The Serendipity of Words and Paper Scraps
Join us for a morning of creating found poetry collages. You will be provided with everything you need including a variety of papers in many colors and patterns along with words cut from a book. (This is a duplicate paperback that was found in the artist’s collection.) In a couple of hours, you will have created piece(s) that can surprise and delight you with unexpected, sometimes even profound, combinations of words and phrases. Vegetarian lunch and snacks will be provided.
Bonnie is a letterpress printer, bookbinder, and book artist. She enjoys sharing her studio with others which she has done for the past forty years. Her studio has a rich assortment of equipment, tools, paper, and books.
Kelly (her daughter) will provide lunch and snacks.
(2 Sessions) Session 1- 2/23/2025 at 10:00- 3:00 PM; Session 2- 5/4/2025 at 10:00- 3:00 PM| Adults | Number of spots per session: 6 | Price per spot: $100
Donated by Bonnie Thompson Norman and Kelly Rigotti
Seattle Aquarium Year Membership
Enjoy a full year of exploration and discovery with a year-long membership to the Seattle Aquarium! This membership offers unlimited visits, allowing you to experience the wonders of marine life and learn more about ocean conservation. Whether you’re looking for a fun outing or a peaceful escape, the aquarium provides an engaging and educational experience for all ages. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy one of Seattle’s most beloved attractions all year long!
Must redeem by 8/31/2025 | 2 Adults & Up to 6 Kids | Number of Spots: 1 | Price: $200
Donated by Jason & Jane Shay
Karaoke Brunch
Warm up those vocals and join us for a karaoke brunch filled with delicious food and great tunes! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just singing for fun, it’s the perfect way to enjoy tasty bites and lively entertainment.
March 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM- 1:00 PM | All Ages | Number of spots:20 | Price per spot: $36 or $80 for a family (4+ members)
Donated by Theresa & Ben Glatstein
Let’s Go to the Movies (at TBA)!
We are delighted to invite you to join us for a screening of the classic “so bad it’s good” comedy “The Frisco Kid” starring Gene Wilder and Harrison Ford (1979, PG) for ages 12+. We’ll provide the popcorn, snacks, drinks and movie, you bring yourselves and comfy blankets, and yes, you can even wear PJs or your favorite snuggie to Temple!
March 8, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 PM | Ages 12+ | Number of spots: 50 | Price per spot: $18
Donated by Gaby Charlton, TBA Board President, and Stacey Symonds, TBA Board VP
Delightful Afternoon at View Ridge Swim & Tennis Club!
Join the Smith and Cohon families for a wonderful afternoon of relaxation and fun at the beautiful View Ridge Swim & Tennis Club. Indulge in an array of activities, including A refreshing swimming pool complete with an exciting pool slide, engaging pickleball games on our dedicated court (equipment available at the club or bring your own), and a thrilling climbing structure for kids (and the young at heart). A sprawling lawn with mature trees creates full shade for relaxing and snacking at picnic tables. When you’re ready for a break from the sun, step inside our cozy clubhouse, where you can enjoy a friendly game of shuffleboard or ping pong. Convenient locker rooms with showers are available for your comfort. What to Bring: Your swimsuit and towel, Sunscreen, Optional: pickleball equipment, swim toys/balls, goggles, and court shoes. We’ll provide light snacks and refreshing sparkling flavored water to keep you energized throughout the afternoon! Please note: Life jackets and swim inflatables are not allowed. There is a 3-foot shallow pool for non-swimmers. Lifeguards are on duty at all times. Alcohol is not permitted. Tennis courts will not be available for our group during this event. We look forward to enjoying this special afternoon with you!
July 20, 2025, at 1:00- 4:00 PM | All Ages | Number of Families: 4 Families of Up to 5 | Price per family: $180 ($40 Single Ticket)
Donated by Kristen & Dylan Cohon and Claire & David Smith
Challah and Chai Scores
What better way to be Jewish on Easter Sunday than hanging out with your fellow Jews and playing pinball? The Mizrahi family will host this second annual fun event! Bring the family to Ice Box Arcade in Fremont on Sunday, April 20th to have a drink, nosh together, and enjoy pinball and arcade games with your friends and family! All ages welcome! We will provide challah, snacks, and some quarters to get the games started!
April 20, 2025, at 3:00- 5:00 PM | All – Ages | Number of Spots: 30| Price per spot: $36
Donated by the Mizrahi Family
Margaritas and Mezcal
Join Helen and Steven at their beautiful View Ridge home to enjoy a festive evening of margaritas, Mexican food, and a special tasting of mezcal and tequila!
Savor delicious eats, sip on refreshing cocktails, and explore the bold flavors of mezcal and tequila in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re reconnecting with friends or making new ones, it’s sure to be a night filled with great company, laughter, and unforgettable flavors.
May 17, 2025 6:00 PM | Adults Only | Number of spots: 12| Price per spot: $60
Donated by Helen Spencer-Snyder & Steven Snyder
Summer Soiree
Alexis and Josh hope you join them to connect with old and new friends as you enjoy their lush Wedgewood backyard setting. Dine on delicious finger foods, and sample both wines and non-alcoholic beverages while the sun does not set!
August 2, 2025, at 7:00- 9:00 PM | Ages 21+ | Number of spots: 20 | Price per spot: $50
Donated by Alexis Kort & Joshua Greenberg
Summer Havdalah Happening
Join Sharon and Bryan Rutberg for their annual summer celebration. Closeout Shabbat with a short Havdallah service, a delicious dinner, and great conversation. Weather permitting (and it’s August, so it’s bound to be great!), we’ll gather in our beautiful backyard and enjoy a perfect Pacific Northwest summer evening. All dietary needs and preferences will be taken into account. The entire dinner will be plant-based/vegan but don’t let that scare you!
August 16, 2025, at 6:30- 10:00 PM | Adults Only | Number of spots: 10 | Price per spot: $100
Donated by Sharon & Bryan Rutberg
Pesach Wine Tasting Class with Sommelier Zach Geballe
Join Beth Am member and sommelier Zach Geballe for an afternoon of wine tasting and education, featuring wines from some of Washington’s finest wineries and vineyards. Attendees will learn a bit about the past, present, and future of the Washington wine industry while enjoying light bites and abundant sips.
April 6, 2025, from 3:00-5:00 PM | Ages 21+ | Number of spots: 25 | Price per spot: $36
Donated by Zach Geballe
Lasagna Dinner + Cocktails
Join us for a festive, delicious lasagna dinner. We’ll start with cocktails and nibbles and then sit down for a dinner featuring lasagna so good that Rich Cicale asked for seconds. Come enjoy good food, fun drinks, and most of all connection with your fellow congregants, all while we support TBA! (The lasagna will be vegetarian; there will be meat in some of the appetizers.)
May 17, 2025, from 6:30-9:30 PM | Ages 21+ | Number of spots: 8 | Price per spot: $100
Donated by Michael Berman & Terri Buysse
Rugelach Making
Let’s build community and bake something delicious. We will learn to make the traditional treat of rugelach!
Participants should bring their own aprons. Everyone will get rugelach to take home.
April 27, 2025, at 2:00- 4:00 PM | Ages 13+ | Number of spots: 10 | Price per spot: $36
Donated by Alana Knaster & Lynn Schumacher
Wines of Washington State
Join sommelier and wine lover Zach Geballe for an exploration of the wine of Washington state. Learn more about our state’s history as a wine region, our wide range of appellations and growing regions, and the plethora of varieties and styles that produce world-class wine right here at home. Attendees will also have the chance to purchase wines at a discount from Doe Bay Wine Company, should they so choose.
August 10, 2025, at 3:00 PM- 5:00 PM | Ages 21+| Number of spots: 25 | Price per spot: $36
Donated by Zach Geballe
Porch Party
Join us for a delightful evening featuring a selection of catered heavy hors d’oeuvres, decadent desserts, and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to satisfy every palate.
Mingle and unwind on our award-winning covered porch, offering stunning views of Union Bay and Husky Stadium—the perfect backdrop for a memorable night. With ample space to chat and chew, enjoy great company, delicious bites, and a relaxed atmosphere in a beautiful setting.
July 26, 2025, at 6:30 PM- 9:30 PM | Ages 21+| Number of spots: 25 | Price per spot: $60
Donated by Dita & Fred Appelbaum
Challah Making & Champagne Luncheon
Yum! Yum!! And again, back by popular demand! Come bake an Amazing Challah under the tutelage of world-class Challah Makers: Cathy Hiller and Cathy Shiovitz. Then join Puddin and the Mavens for a delicious lunch and champagne. Enjoy the company of your Beth Am friends at Puddin’s home. And bring home your own freshly baked Challah!
April 26, 2025, at 11:00- 2:30 PM | Ages 21+ | Number of spots: 8 | Price per spot: $75
Donated by Puddin Cox, Cathy Hiller, and Cathy Shiovitz
Cocktail Party
Kick back and enjoy a laid-back yet lively evening filled with delicious bites, tasty drinks, and great conversation. We’re serving up a variety of hearty hors d’oeuvres and indulgent desserts, along with a selection of craft cocktails, fine wines, and refreshing non-alcoholic options.
Set against a breathtaking backdrop, this is more than just a party—it’s a place to connect, unwind, and savor every moment. Come for the flavors, stay for the vibes, and leave with unforgettable memories.
May 24, 2025, at 6:00- 9:00 PM | Ages 21+ | Number of spots: 10 | Price per spot: $50
Donated by Monica Alcabin, Lauren Dudakov, & Maya Menon
Gather ‘Round the Cheese Board
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of cheesy delights with a playful spirit at our Cheese & Games event. Indulge in many varieties of artisanal cheeses, from old favorites to adventurous options, along with tasty snacks to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy refreshing drinks, including wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options, while engaging in fun games with a cheesy twist. Whether you’re a cheese aficionado, a game enthusiast, or simply looking for a good time, this event is for you!
March 30, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 PM | Ages 21+ |Number of spots: 16 | Price per spot: $60
Donated by Stacey Symonds
Poker Tournament Hosted by The Beth Am Brotherhood
Come join your friends at the second annual Beth Am Brotherhood poker tournament. This no-limit Texas hold’ em game will include food and drinks. While all the proceeds benefit Temple Beth Am, the champion gets their name engraved on the Kiddish Cup: the annual trophy that commemorates this tournament. If you lose early, don’t worry! We will have rebuys so any skill level is welcome!
March 2, 2025, from 7:00-11:00 PM | Adults Only |Number of spots: 60 | Price per spot: $50
Donated by The Beth Am Brotherhood
Trivia Fun with A Jeopardy Champ!
Enjoy a fun event emceed by a Jeopardy champion (and TBA member!). You’ll be matching wits with your fellow congregants on lively trivia questions spanning a variety of categories“ current events, film and TV, geography, and even Judaica! And it’ll all happen while enjoying delicious noshes and a libation or two (we’re Jewish after all!). There will be prizes, of course, and we’ll be playing in teams so no one needs to worry about that one category they’re not very good at! Come and enjoy the fun!
May 18, 2025, from 3:00-5:00 PM |Adults or Teens (16+)| Number of spots: 36 | Price per spot: $36
Donated by Harris & Eileen Stutman
Game Night
Monopoly, Catan, Ticket to Ride, and More- are you a fan of all kinds of board games? New to board gaming or an avid player- join us for a fun evening as we play a variety of games. We’ll have 30-plus games, and bring your favorites to play as well. Light dinner and drinks provided- come hungry and ready to play!
May 31, 2025, from 6:00- 10:00 PM | Adults | Number of spots: 10 | Price per spot: $60
Donated by Davida Sims, Megan Kagel, & Julie Siegel
Havdalah at Rabbi Ruth’s with Music from Chava Mirel
Rabbi Ruth & Rich invite you to join them, along with special guest Chava Mirel, for a summer Havdalah experience at their home. Music, drinks, and appetizers, and featuring the world-famous “Question of the Evening.”
August 30, 2025 at 6:00- 8:00 PM | All Ages | Number of spots: 50 | Price per spot: $60
Donated by Rabbi Ruth Zlotnick, Rich Cicale, & Chava Mirel
5 Hours of Tutoring with Rabbi Debbie
Receive five hours of one-on-one Hebrew tutoring from TBA’s Rabbi Debbie!
Dates to be Mutually Agreed Upon | All- Ages| Number of spots: 1 | Price per spot: $500
Donated by Rabbi Debbie Massarano
Havdalah Song Circle, Nosh & Schmooze
Join Jacob and Chava to mark the end of Shabbat with a Havdalah song circle at Jacob’s Northgate home. Do you have some Jewish, camp, or secular songs you want to sing or learn together? Are you ready to experiment with some harmonies? Or do you just want to listen to music and enjoy being in community? This is the space for you! We will be prepared with some oldies and goodies, and teach some new songs, too. No musical or singing skills required. Some nosh and drinks will be provided (but bring a treat or beverage if you’d like)!
May 3, 2025, at 7:00- 9:00 PM |Ages 18+ | Number of spots: 12 | Price per spot: $50
Donated by Jacob Glickman & Chava Mirel
Modern Rom-Com Book Discussion
Join TBA member and former SEED parent Lauren Appelbaum to discuss her book, “Rachel Weiss’s Group Chat,” and our favorite modern romantic books! Lauren will share her inspiration for the book (set in Seattle + the Jewish community) and her favorite books from the genre. Please bring a book you’ve finished for a book swap. We will provide light snacks and wine to brighten the conversation!
March 23, 2025, from 1:00-4:00 PM | Ages 21+ | Number of spots: 12 | Price per spot: $36
Donated by Kate Perez-Lopez and Lauren Appelbaum
Shabboat – Pirate Edition
Ahoy, ye scurvy crew! 🏴☠️
Behold, 8 hearty souls shall embark on this Shabbat voyage to Blakely Harbor on Bainbridge Isle. Four swabbies will cast off aboard the Klastorin’s Nordic Tug 37, the mighty “Galaxy,” while four more set sail (argh… motor) on the Berkman’s fair vessel, “Yofi,” a wee but mighty sister-ship Nordic Tug 32. Once we drop anchor, we’ll raft up fer a grand Shabboat feast afore makin’ port once again.
Mark ye calendars, mateys! Primary embarkation be on Saturday, the 21st o’ June. Should the skies grow foul that day, we’ll push the voyage to the 28th o’ June instead.
Safety be the code o’ the sea, and we shan’t go a plunderin’ if the seas be too rough fer a peaceful Shabbat experience.
Bear in mind, ye lubbers, this adventure calls fer a bit o’ physical gumption! Ye’ll need to step from the dock onto the ship, and climb a short ladder to sup “up top.”
We’ve got adult Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) ready as per the decree o’ the Coast Guard. Should ye bring along a wee one, ye must supply them with a proper PFD o’ their own.
(Fair warnin’: While both the Klastorins and Berkmans be seasoned and mindful boaters, they ain’t licensed commercial captains. Ye be joinin’ as their esteemed guests—no charter deal is offered or implied.)
Fair winds, calm seas, and a hearty Shabbat to all! ⚓
June 21, 2025, from 3:30 PM (approx. 6hrs) | All Ages | Number of spots: 8 | Price per spot: $100
Donated by Ruth & Greg Berkman and Susan & Ted Klastorin
2 The Head and the Heart Concert Tickets
Enjoy an unforgettable night of music with two tickets to see The Head and the Heart, Seattle’s own beloved indie folk band. Known for their heartfelt lyrics, soaring harmonies, and dynamic performances, The Head and the Heart have captured audiences worldwide with hits like Rivers and Roads and Lost in My Mind. Whether you’re a longtime fan or are discovering their music for the first time, this concert promises an evening filled with soulful melodies and unforgettable moments.
Date to be Determined | All Ages 16+ | Number of spots: 1 (2 Tickets) | Price per spot: $200
Donated by Adam Ray
Personal Paparazzi
Enjoy a few hours of photographic service from Louie. This can be for any occasion or most any reason. Louie is strictly a Black and White photographer and has had a lot of experience documenting gatherings. This prize covers even the smallest event; Family outing, brunch, Bday celebration, portrait sitting, anything!
Date & Time to be Mutually Agreed Upon | All Ages | Number of spots: 2 | Price per spot: $250
Donated by Louie Raffloer
Copyright © 2025 Temple Beth Am. All rights reserved. Website designed by Addicott Web.