Baby Fingers
Wednesdays, October 10-November 14 | 3:30-4:30PM | Middle Room
Learn American Sign Language through songs and play with other parents, educators, and children close to your child’s age. Go home each week with new vocabulary and new tunes to enhance communication between you and your child, with added focus on Judaic concepts, traditions, and holidays. Whether you intend to incorporate sign language in your life for the long term, or simply during this pre-verbal/developing verbal time, watch in awe as your child discovers the world of language. See the research come to life, as music and sign language both aid in the development of language and literacy. Stories, songs, games, and movement to music are included in our teaching methods. The 6-session series costs $120 for members, $180 for non-members. Contact Mike Witman with questions.
Teen Learning Series
Wednesdays, October 2018 through May 2019 | 6:00-7:15PM | Community House Room 411
Want a chance to learn, study, and discuss some of the most intriguing issues facing Jewish teens today? Join us as we explore R-rated Talmud, the complexities of Israel, civil rights, poverty, and race within Judaism. Sessions will be facilitated by Aniko Gomory, Ayala Wasser, Rabbi Felicia Sol, Moshe Samuels, and outside facilitators. Read more »
Introduction to Judaism
This course offers an overview of the core beliefs, practices, and history of Judaism and the Jewish people. We hope to deepen the understanding of those just beginning to explore Jewish life as well as of those who would like to participate more fully in the life of the Jewish community. No prior knowledge or experience necessary. Individuals: $435 (members)/$660 (non-members); Couples: $650 (members)$980 (non-members). Please contact Billie with questions.
Everyday Ethics with Rabbi Adina Lewittes
Wednesdays starting October 17 | 7:00-8:30PM | Reception Room
Ethical questions of war and peace, global warming, immigration, and healthcare can be overwhelming. And yet, consciously or not, we answer critical ethical questions every day as we order our coffee, pay our workers, dine with our friends, and even shop online.
Read more »
Peace in Dialogue: An Israel Salon with Wahat al-Salam/Neve Shalom
Thursday, November 15 | 7:00-8:30PM | Location Given Upon Registration
In the village of Neve Shalom hundreds of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian kids play in the schoolyard; over 60,000 Israeli and Palestinian professionals are trained in dialogue and negotiation; and people of all faiths join together to celebrate their neighbors’ holidays. This sounds too good to be true, right? Join Vered Marom and Samah Salaime, two women leaders in the only bi-national village in Israel, to hear about the educational, dialogue, and peace-building work being done in this unique community. Click here for more information.
Bim Bam in the Fall!
Fridays through December 14 | 10:15-11:00AM, 11:15AM-12:00PM | Chapel
Bim Bam gives children under three a fun space to explore Shabbat through interactive songs and stories while learning traditions such as lighting candles, saying Kiddush, and giving tzedakah. The 10:15AM session features both English and Hebrew songs, while the 11:15AM session is full Hebrew immersion. The series (12 classes) is $240/members and $360/non-members. After the first registered child, each additional child receives 50% off. New BJ members may attend for free. The program is led by Shira Averbuch. Questions? Contact Danielle Freedman (x260). No class on November 23. Read more »
Paying it Forward Shabbat Dinners
Fridays, Beginning October 12 | Various Times | Various Locations
Have a delicious Shabbat meal, build closer relationships, and help strengthen the BJ community all at the same time! Beginning on October 12, BJ members will be hosting a series of Pay-It-Forward-style Shabbat dinners in their homes.
What does this mean? Each dinner is open to BJ members from particular cohorts of the community; in signing up to attend, you are committing to host a Shabbat dinner of your own for other BJ members in the weeks or months ahead. You could host the same people who attended the first dinner, or invite an entirely new group from your own social circle at BJ. The choice is yours!
Not sure how to host a Shabbat meal? No problem. We’re rolling out a slew of workshops and online resources, including a complete Shabbat Dinner Hosting Guide.
Bo-i Kallah
Friday, November 16 | 6:15PM | Reception Room
Join Rabbi Roly Matalon and BJ Music Director Dan Nadel for an alternative Kabbalat Shabbat service featuring melodies from the Sephardi and Mizrahi traditions, verses of Shir haShirim (Song of Songs), and beautiful piyutim (liturgical poems). Transitioning meaningfully into holy time by weaving together all of these elements, we invite you to bring a new dimension to your Kabbalat Shabbat. Read more about this service here.
Hakhanah laTefillah
Saturdays, November 3 and 17, December 1 and 15 (2019 dates forthcoming) | 8:45-9:25AM | Chapel
Join Rabbi Roly Matalon to prepare the soul and open the heart for Shabbat morning prayers through the singing of piyutim and reflections on kavannah. This series is open to all, no registration necessary.
The Mindful Calendar Series: Gratitude
Saturday, November 17 | Following Kiddush | Chapel
How can gratitude bring greater meaning into our lives? Is it possible to experience gratitude when things are not going well? In this session with Rabbi Shuli Passow, we will explore the idea of gratitude as a spiritual state, as well as methods for practicing and cultivating deeper gratitude–even when times are tough. Prepare for Thanksgiving with this interactive and heart-opening workshop.
Read more »
Centennial Gathering: Multigenerational Families
Saturday, November 17 | 4:30-6:00PM | Sanctuary
Over the sanctuary’s 100 years, many families have raised children—and now grandchildren—in the BJ Community. Join Rabbi Felicia Sol and Hazzan Ari Priven to share some stories from over the years, make havdalah, and reflect on the life of the sanctuary and the lives of our families. Children are encouraged to attend too. There will be food and games.
Read more »
Latkes All Night Long—A Hanukkah Play for Kindergarten, First-Third Graders (Rehearsals)
Tuesday, October 30-Tuesday, December 11 | Various Times | Various Locations
In this rocking holiday musical revue, BJ’s youngest actors will shine on stage as they tell the story of Hanukkah. Each child will have a speaking line and singing part, so Latkes All Night Long is a wonderful opportunity for actors at any level.
Thousand Turkey Challenge and Launch Party
Sunday, November 18 | 12:00-1:30PM | SPSA, 263 West 86th Street
BJ is proud to, once again, be part of the Thousand Turkey Challenge Community Coalition, which will be supporting the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) in providing low-income families with turkeys and other Thanksgiving food.
Activities include a turkey drawing contest for kids and tours of the emergency food pantry for all. Bring those turkey drawings and recipes! Refreshments will be served. Last year, over 1,000 families who visited the emergency food pantry received turkeys and other special food for the holiday. Let’s make this year even better.
Can’t make the kickoff? Sign up to hand out turkeys at WSCAH before Thanksgiving. You can also donate online; text TURKEY to 56512; or purchase a frozen turkey up to 14 pounds and drop it off at WSCAH during the week of Thanksgiving. Click here for more information, including drop-off times, or contact Larissa with any questions.
Teen Day of Service: Thousand Turkey Challenge
Sunday, November 18 | 12:00-2:00PM | SPSA, 263 West 86th Street
Join the BJ Teen Community as we gather with the rest of the Upper West Side Community at WSCA’s Thousand Turkey Challenge! We will hear from local leaders, engage in our community, tour the food pantry, and process what hunger and poverty in the Upper West Side looks like. In lieu of paying for this event, we are asking that teens donate at least $10 cash in order to ensure that WSCA can provide holiday meals to underprivileged families in our neighborhood.
Monday Meditation Minyan
Mondays, beginning October 15 | 6:30-7:00PM | Chapel
Whether you have a deep meditation practice or are interested in exploring mindfulness for the first time, we invite you to join us for Monday Meditation Minyan, led by Yael Shy. Each session will begin with wisdom from the Jewish tradition, followed by focused meditation (with some guidance), a short discussion, and an opportunity for community members to recite Mourner’s Kaddish. No experience necessary; all are welcome.
Monday Meditation Minyan meets weekly, with the exception of national and Jewish holidays. To get a glimpse of what you can experience in-person, check out the live stream of this season’s first session.
Hebrew Ulpan Classes אולפן עברית
Mondays, Beginning October 8 | 5:00-7:00PM and 7:00-9:00PM | Community House
Join members of the BJ, Habonim and Shaare Zedek communities in a small group environment to build and improve your Hebrew conversational skills. The Hebrew Ulpan course teaches the fundamental structure of Hebrew and its basic forms, as well as the necessary vocabulary for everyday conversations, reading, and writing. This class is open to both members and non-members of the three synagogues so invite your friends to join!
Born with Wings: An Evening with Daisy Khan
Monday, November 19 | 7:00PM | Middle Room
An honest and relevant conversation about the place of faith, spirituality, feminism, and activism in our daily lives. In a lively conversation with Rabbi Roly Matalon, Daisy will discuss how she realized her inner power, a power that led her down many paths. In her memoir, Born With Wings, she weaves the many aspects of her life together: her childhood in magical Kashmir; her time as an architectural designer in New York City; her search for a spiritual path; the “Ground Zero Mosque” controversy; her work in interfaith bridge-building, promoting women’s rights around the world, and changing perceptions about American Muslims.
The Prophets with Hillel Friedman
Tuesdays Beginning October 16 | 9:00AM | 4th Floor Conference Room
Join Rabbi Hillel Friedman, longtime BJ member, for a perusal of the classical prophets. Together we will study excerpts from the classical prophets and apply their wisdom to our concerns in the 21st century.
"Soul Food" Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Felicia Sol
Tuesdays, October 16-December 18 | 12:30-1:45PM | Middle Room
Bring a bag lunch and open up your soul to the nourishment and challenge of the Hassidic rabbis. Join Rabbi Felicia Sol as we imagine old world wisdom for everyday life. Each class will stand alone, so new participants are always welcome. No prior knowledge is expected. This series is free of charge.
Kadima@BJ Shirah with Shira
Tuesdays, October 9-December 18 | 4:00-4:45PM | Community House
Kadima@BJ is excited to announce a new Hebrew immersion class geared towards children ages 2-5. Shira Averbuch will lead children and their parents and caregivers in music, stories, and movement. Children will gain a sense of community rooted in Jewish tradition, while gaining exposure to Israeli culture, Hebrew language, and holiday customs. Cost for the fall semester is $200 for members and $300 for non-members. Both members and non-members may receive a sibling discount ($50 off). Contact Danielle Freedman for more information.
Notary Services for BJ Members
Business hours | BJ Community House
Our Human Resources and Administrative Associate, Shakeara Hatchett, is now authorized to provide notary services (for personal or business purposes) to all BJ members. Email Shakeara to set up a notary appointment.
Thousand Turkey Challenge and Launch Party
Sunday, November 18 | 12:00-1:30PM | SPSA, 263 West 86th Street
BJ is proud to, once again, be part of the Thousand Turkey Challenge Community Coalition, which will be supporting the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) in providing low-income families with turkeys and other Thanksgiving food.
Activities include a turkey drawing contest for kids and tours of the emergency food pantry for all. Bring those turkey drawings and recipes! Refreshments will be served. Last year, over 1,000 families who visited the emergency food pantry received turkeys and other special food for the holiday. Let’s make this year even better.
Can’t make the kickoff? Sign up to hand out turkeys at WSCAH before Thanksgiving. You can also donate online; text TURKEY to 56512; or purchase a frozen turkey up to 14 pounds and drop it off at WSCAH during the week of Thanksgiving. Click here for more information, including drop-off times, or contact Larissa with any questions.
Volunteers Needed for Hesed: Shabbat Connections
Our community is strongest when we care for each other in times of need. Do a deed of lovingkindness by connecting with members of the BJ community who are homebound, lonely, or in need of some extra care. With regular and consistent phone calls we can brighten the days and warm the hearts of those who need it most. Please contact Joni Brenner at ShabbatConnections@bj.org for more information on how you can help.
Meals for New Parents
Service and Hospitality: Volunteer with the Judith Bernstein Lunch Program
Thursdays | 11:30AM-1:00PM | Frankel Hall
Every Thursday at BJ we welcome guests into our synagogue for a delicious lunch, friendly companionship, and music performed by a BJ member every other week. Join our lunch program by volunteering and taking part in the warm and welcoming atmosphere we offer to our guests. To learn more about this opportunity or to volunteer contact Larissa Wohl or call x272.