Summer Service Locations
Saturday, June 17 through Labor Day
To accommodate summer renovations to the 88th St. Sanctuary and to offer air conditioning, all BJ services are located at 89th Street, 3rd floor, during the month of June and through Labor Day. Read more »
Sponsor a Light Summer Kiddush
Saturdays, July 1 through September 2 | After Morning Services | 89th Street Community House
During the summer months, we provide a light kiddush of fruit and cookies following Shabbat morning services. If you’re interested in sponsoring a light kiddush, please email Davia or call her at x234.
The Israeli Book Club Discusses A Horse Walks Into a Bar by David Grossman
Thursday, August 10 | 6:30-8:00PM | Location upon R.S.V.P.
The Israeli Book Club is more than just a typical reading group—it is an intimate encounter with Israeli culture, society, and politics. Join us for a good read and nuanced conversation that will help you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of contemporary issues in Israel.
Our August book is A Horse Walks Into a Bar by David Grossman.
The Freedom to Love: LGBT Activism and a Journey from Ukraine to America
Hebrew Ulpan - אולפן עברית
Mondays or Tuesdays, September 18, 2017, through May, 2018 | 7:00-9:00PM | 89th Street Community House
Learn Hebrew at BJ! Join other members of the BJ community in a small group environment to build and improve your Hebrew conversational skills. The Hebrew Ulpan course is designed to enable students to recognize the fundamental structure of Hebrew and its basic forms, as well as to acquire the necessary vocabulary for everyday conversations, reading, and writing:
- Comprehension: Listening to short stories and recorded conversations.
- Conversation: Simple dialogues and stories from everyday life.
- Reading: Easy dialogues and passages without vowels; headlines; and short, simple texts.
- Writing: Short dialogues and passages on the topics taught in class.
- Grammatical Skills: Elementary syntactic and grammatical structures; inflection of the strong verb in the past and present tenses; frequent weak verbs.
Fall Teen Retreat
Friday, Oct 20-Sunday Oct 22 | Location TBA
There is no better way to unwind from the High Holy Days that spending a weekend away with the BJ teen community! Throughout the weekend, teens will spend time with old friends, make new ones, and deepen their connection with the BJ community while experiencing a meaningful Shabbat outside of the city. Transportation will be provided. All meals are kosher or vegetarian and include snacks on Friday afternoon through breakfast on Sunday. Read more »
BJ Mindfulness Retreat in Nature
January 14-21, 2018 | Costa Rica
Is multitasking in your daily life taking a toll? Join Rabbi Marcelo Bronstein, Sol Gonzalez, and local nature guides for a week of simple living in the rich ecology of the Costa Rica rain forest and the rustic elegance and organic fine cuisine of La Montaña Azul Center. We will explore Jewish Mindfulness Practice as a way to connect more deeply with our soul, our truest values and with God’s creation, of which we are an integral part. Each day we will pray, meditate, set a kavanah (intention), follow integrative body movement practices, ‘bear witness’ to local social initiatives and experience nature. Click here to learn more.
"In the Mirror" Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Roly Matalon
Thursdays, December 1, 8, and 15, January 5, 12, 19, and 26, February 2, 9, 16, and 23, March 2, 9, and 16 | 12:30-1:30PM | Location Provided Upon Registration
Through the close reading of short stories about the lives, struggles, and concerns of the Talmudic rabbis, we uncover deeper layers of our own selves and we become better equipped to wrestle with our human nature. No knowledge of Hebrew is required. Please bring your own lunch to the midtown location. Specific location information will be provided upon registration. Free of charge. BJ members only. To register, please click here or email Beth.
Notary Services for BJ Members
Business hours | 89th Street
We are pleased to announce that 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.
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. Registration required. Individuals $435 members /$660 non-members; Couples $645 members /$975 non-members. Click here to register or contact Billie with questions.
Bim Bam and Bim Bam Hebrew Immersion
Fridays, June 9-August 18 | 9:15-10:00AM, 10:15-11:00AM, 11:15AM-12:00PM | 89th Street Middle Room
Children ages 3 and under explore Shabbat through song and story while learning traditions such as lighting candles, saying Kiddush, and giving tzedakah. For sessions that feature both English and Hebrew stories, register for the 9:15AM or 10:15AM class. For full Hebrew immersion, register for the 11:15AM timeslot. The cost is $200/members and $300/non-members per child. After the first registered child, each additional child receives 50% off. New members attend for free. Program is led by BJ educator and musician, Shira Kobren.
*No class on June 30.
Kulanu Kids
Saturdays, October 8, 2016 – May 13, 2017 | 10:20AM – 12:00PM | 86th Street Social Hall
Join Rabbinic Fellow Arielle Rosenberg, the BJ rabbis, and a team of teen musicians in a family-friendly celebration of Shabbat. Previously known as Junior Congregation, Kulanu is a participatory prayer space in which 3rd-6th graders and their families will use song, games, prayer, and art to make Shabbat morning come alive. Upon meeting in the main sanctuary, we will take the Torah out of the ark and dance our way to the Kulanu space downstairs. For more information, contact Arielle Rosenberg.
*On the second Saturday of every month, Kulanu is kids only.
BJ/SPSA Shelter Volunteer Opportunities
Monday and Tuesday | 88th Street Frankel Hall
Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday | 86th Street Social Hall
Our shelter is always looking for new set up and sleepover volunteers and food donors. Getting involved is easy. For food donors: families, individuals or groups can get together to prepare a light meal for 10-12 people at the synagogue, the church, at home, or even order in a light meal for our guests. Set up shifts are from 7:00-9:00PM and sleepover shifts from 9:00PM-7:00AM. Perform a mitzvah all while sleeping through the night! To sign up or learn more, contact Larissa or call x272.
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.
Hate Has No Home Here
Have a spare half hour? Join our Hate Has No Home Here campaign. Summer is a great time to offer multi-language “Hate Has No Home Here” signs to local shopkeepers, restaurants, and businesses. A single sign can give hope and comfort to a passing undocumented immigrant, Muslim parent, or other targeted community member. And if you’re traveling, consider taking a few signs to Cape Cod, Maine, or Italy! For more information, contact Nora Gaines.
Meals for New Parents
Service and Hospitality: Volunteer with the Judith Bernstein Lunch Program
Thursdays | 11:30AM-1:00PM | 88th Street 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.