Hazzan (Cantor) Lev Ettelson is now entering his second year as spiritual leader of Beth Emeth Congregation, 13702 W. Meeker Blvd., which is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. 

As Ettelson prepares for the High Holidays he is excited to welcome his former student, Matias Naiman-Molina, who will be assisting him with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. Matias began as a cantorial soloist at Bet Shalom in Tucson at the age of nine. Naiman-Molina is an incoming freshman at Arizona State University where he will be studying music. 

In addition to leading religious service three times a week, Ettelson also teaches classes in person and on Zoom. His current classes are “Treasures of the Talmud” 4 p.m. Wednesdays and “Pearls of the Parsha”, an in-depth exploration of the weekly Torah reading, 11 a.m. Thursdays. He is available for one-on-one learning (including adult B’nai mitzvah preparation) and pastoral counseling. 

Outreach to Jewish families of the West Valley is a new initiative this year. A family friendly Shabbat afternoon program will be offered 5:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. Following the afternoon service, there will be a light meal with singing and storytelling, concluding with Havdalah, the ceremony marking the end of Shabbat with a multi-wicked candle and fragrant spices. Ettelson is also enthusiastic about tutoring young people and will be offering Bar and Bat Mitzvah lessons beginning in November.

Beth Emeth is hosting an open house and ice cream Social 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8. This will be an opportunity to meet the Hazzan, the directors, members of the synagogue and to learn about membership and pick up high holiday tickets.

 Israeli dance for  beginners is 1-3 p.m.  Sunday, Sept. 22. Storytelling and crafts for families in Sukkah (with lunch) is free 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 10.  And  Rutgers University Professor Gary Rendsburg will  present 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. 

Call 623-854-7210 or visit www.bethemethaz.org or https://www.facebook.com/BethEmethCongregation/