Community Shabbat Dinner with Rabbi Marcelo Bronstein and Cantor Dave Mintz
Friday, February 22 | Following the Kabbalat Shabbat service | Reception and Middle Rooms
Get ready to make your Shabbat a little sweeter with singing, shmoozing and learning led by Rabbi Marcelo Bronstein and Cantor Dave Mintz. Join us for a three-course dinner with wine and enjoy the company of your fellow community members in an intimate setting. Registration is $18/members, $25/non-members.
BJ’s Purim Shpiel—For Kindergarten-Sixth Graders (Auditions and Rehearsals)
Sunday, February 24 | 10:00AM-3:00PM | Community House 3rd Floor
Calling all actors! This year’s Shpiel is a full-scale Mamma-Mia-meets-Mordekhai musical spectacular, and we couldn’t be more excited. This disco-filled production is open to kindergarten-sixth graders, and no previous theater experience is necessary. Everyone who is interested will be cast in the show, but auditions (December 8-13) are required to help us get to know each actor and think about what role will be the best fit for them.
Those auditioning should prepare about 16 bars of a song to be sung a capella.
More interested in helping out behind the scenes? Email Emma about opportunities for involvement in tech crew and more.
See the website or email Emma for more information!
Jump Into Memoir
Sunday, Feburary 24 | 12:00 noon | Middle Room
Every life has stories worth writing, but how does one begin? Inspired by writing prompts to jump-start the creative process, participants will harness both memory and imagination to shape their stories on the page, while simultaneously exploring elements of craft. Short pieces will be read aloud in an atmosphere of supportive, collaborative discussion. Bring a notebook or pad and preferred writing implements. This workshop is open to writers of all levels.
There will be a brunch at 12:00 noon, followed by the workshop at 12:30PM.
This program is $15 per person.
Inclusion Advocacy Training for Jewish Women and Girls with Disabilities and their Allies
Sunday, February 24 | 1:00-5:00PM | Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Avenue
RespectAbility is pleased to facilitate a community-wide inclusion advocacy training event for Jewish women and girls with disabilities and their allies, thanks to funding from New York Women’s Foundation.
This community-wide event helps put the “D” of disability into diversity. Given that roughly 20% of the Jewish population has a disability, and half of the population has a loved one or dear friend with a disability, it is the largest minority in our nation.
Hebrew Ulpan Classes אולפן עברית
Monday, February 25 | 5:00-7:00PM and 7:00-9:00PM | Community House
Registration for this series is closed. Classes are held every Monday.
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!
Infertility Support Group
Monthly beginning Monday, February 25 | 6:00PM | The Jewish Board, 135 West 50th Street
This group is open to individuals and couples of all ages and backgrounds who are struggling with the frustration of infertility. We will provide a safe space to feel supported, combat isolation, and share common experiences and resources on this journey. Come build a network with others who are going through a similar process. Jewish spiritual resources may be used to draw examples and give hope during these times of uncertainty.
Please email Amy Warren, LMSW, or call her at 212-632-4693, for more information and a screening.
Upcoming Dates TBD
Monday Meditation Minyan
Monday, February 25 | 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.
Antisemitism and Jews by Choice
Monday, February 25 | 7:00-8:30PM | Chapel
Join us for an evening of learning and discussion on antisemitism and the unique experience of Jews by Choice in processing its history and realities. This session will be facilitated by Rabbinic Fellow Margo Hughes-Robinson, drawing from her own experience as a convert. Open to Jews by choice, and their loved ones.
The Prophets with Hillel Friedman
Tuesday, February 26 | 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.
This class meets every Tuesday.
"Soul Food" Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Felicia Sol
Tuesday, February 26 | 12:30-1:45PM | Chapel
Bring a bagged lunch and open up your soul to the nourishment and challenge of the Hassidic rabbis. Join Rabbi Felicia Sol as we re-imagine old world wisdom for everyday life. Each class will stand alone, so new participants are always welcome. No prior knowledge is required. This series is free of charge.
This class meets every Tuesday through June 18.
No class on April 23
Shirah with Shira—Spring Semester
Tuesday, February 26 | 4:00-4:45PM | Community House
Kadima@BJ is excited to continue our Hebrew immersion class geared towards children ages 2-5. Shira Averbuch will lead children and their parents/caregivers in music, stories, and movement. Children will gain a sense of community rooted in Jewish tradition while being exposed to Israeli culture, Hebrew language, and holiday customs. The cost for the semester is $200 for members and $300 for non-members. Both members and non-members may receive a sibling discount ($50 off). Contact Adina for more information.
This class meets every Tuesday from January 8-May 21
Own Your Tradition: A Community Beit Midrash on Prayer
Tuesday, February 26 | 6:30-8:00PM | Community House Room 411
Jewish learning can sometimes feel like a series of disconnected texts, curated by the teacher from mysterious sources. In this five-week series, which is a follow-up to “What is the Talmud and Why Does it Matter?” (an introductory talk on January 29), we will explore the meaning of prayer by unlocking one of the primary sources itself: Tractate Berakhot of the Babylonian Talmud. How did prayer come to be what it is today? We will decode this text together, in the process learning to add our own voices to the ongoing project that is Torah Judaism.
Upcoming Meeting Dates: March 5
Jewish Mindfulness and Healing Relationships
Tuesdays, February 26 | 7:00-8:00PM | Chapel
Family life can be the landscape where we find great meaning and purpose, and at the same time, be the container for some of our most challenging relationships and emotions. Join Rabbi Marcelo Bronstein for an exploration of these universal conflicts, and the tools that mindfulness practice and the wisdom of our tradition can offer in bringing a sense of healing to complex familial relationships.
Everyday Ethics with Rabbi Adina Lewittes
Tuesday, February 26 | 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.
This class meets every Tuesday (with the exception of February 5); join us at any time during the series; all welcome.
Parenting Toward Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Introduction to Judaism
The Spiritual State of Being a Woman in America
Thursday, February 28 (NEW DATE) | 7:00-8:30PM | Community House
With the emergence of #metoo movement, the Kavanaugh hearings, and misogyny voiced from the highest office in the country, what does this mean for women? How can we turn to religious life for support, while also acknowledging the patriarchy that exists in religious texts and spaces? Join Rabbi Felicia Sol for an exploration of these questions through experiences, textual learning, and conversations with guest speakers.
In this final session of the series, Rabbi Felicia Sol will be joined by Professor Yifat Bitton, legal academic and social activist for equality, specializing in anti-discrimination law and critical-egalitarian theory of law.
Spring Bim Bam
Friday, March 1 | 10:15-11:00AM, 11:15AM-12:00PM | Chapel
Classes are held every Friday through May 17, excluding February 22.
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 10:15 AM session features both English and Hebrew songs, while the 11:15 AM 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 Adina (x248).
March Tot Shabbat
Friday, March 1 | 5:15-7:30PM | Sanctuary and Frankel Hall
Families enjoy a kid-friendly Kabbalat Shabbat service filled with singing and dancing, led by Rabbi Erin Glazer, Shira Averbuch, and Michael Witman. Stay and join us for a dinner complete with Shabbat blessings and songs. While adults are finishing their meal, children engage in play and exploration. Register by Thursday, February 28, and contact Adina with any questions.
Prior to the deadline, the cost is $22 for members/$29 for non-members ($29 for members/$34 for non-members after February 28 at 10:00AM). All children eat for free.
Yedid Nefesh: Uncovering the Melodies of Shabbat
Friday, March 1 | 5:30PM | Chapel
Prepare to enter Shabbat by joining Hazzan Ari Priven for this opportunity to unlock the melodies that you’ll hear throughout Shabbat services. Discover exciting new melodies, let the old favorites into your heart, and prepare for Shabbat in a truly beautiful way. No registration necessary, all are welcome.
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.
Donate Packages of Socks for Purim Tzedek Fest
Seeking donations now through March 17 | Community House 2nd Floor
On Sunday, March 17, we’ll come together for the Purim Tzedek Fest to perform the mitzvah of matanot le-evyonim (care packages for the poor) by assembling care packages of treats and fresh new socks to be distributed at the Judith Bernstein Lunch Program during the week of Purim. If you would like to help, please drop off packages of new, unworn socks (preferably in unisex sizes) to the BJ office. Questions? Email Larissa or call her at x272.
Click here to learn more about (or sign up for) participating at the event itself.
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.