Register for BJ Hazorim CSA 2018
Tuesdays, June 5-October 30 | 4:30-7:30PM | BJ Community House
Registration now open!
Join BJ’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and pick up fresh, organic produce from Free Bird Farm at BJ once a week for 22 weeks. Choose from delicious vegetable, egg, fruit, and butter shares. Click here to find out more about the CSA. Questions? Contact Larissa. Read more »
Dialogue and Transformation - Photography Exhibit of Israeli Settler and Palestinian Women
Monday, April 16 through Sunday, June 10 | During community house opening hours | BJ Community House
Over the past two summers, photographer Saskia Bory Keeley partnered with Roots, an initiative now in its fourth year led by a Palestinian and Israeli settler committee who works at the heart of the conflict in the West Bank. Keeley conducted photo workshops exclusively for women who would otherwise have no contact with each other. Developing photographic skills was an important aspect of the program and just as essential was the opportunity for women “from the other side” to interact in a safe setting–many for the very first time in their lives.
Singing and Sangria on the Roof: Pre-Shabbat for 20s and 30s
Friday, April 20 | 5:15-6:45 PM | Frankel Hall
Spring is on its way! As the days get longer, join us at Frankel Hall as we welcome Shabbat with music, sangria, and snacks. Deborah Sacks Mintz, Dan Nadel, and Tobias Moss will lead us in song before services.
Read more »
Bo-i Kallah
Friday, April 20 | 7:00PM | BJ Reception Room
Join Rabbi Roly Matalon, Music Director Dan Nadel, and Deborah Sacks Mintz for this alternative Kabbalat Shabbat service. With the help of soulful melodies, verses of Shir haShirim (Song of Songs), liturgical poems, and psalms, we will transition gently and with full kavannah from hol to kodesh, leaving workweek anxieties behind to enter holy time and welcome Shabbat. Read more about this service here.
Eat, Schmooze, and Sing: Community Shabbat Dinner with Ari
Friday, April 20 | Following Shabbat services | BJ Chapel
Do you love Jewish music? Do you enjoy singing? Then this dinner is for you! Get ready to elevate your Shabbat with friends, food, and soulful singing led by Hazzan Ari Priven. Join us for a three-course dinner with wine and enjoy the company of your fellow community members in an intimate setting.
K-2 Family Shabbat Experience
Saturday, April 21 | 10:45AM-12:00 noon | Frankel Hall
Join us for a new Shabbat morning experience for children in grades K-2 and their families. Each session incorporates spirited prayer, singing, fun learning activities, and ample schmooze time, all led by our veteran service-leader, Sarah Rosenthal. We can’t wait to co-create this new community with you.
Upcoming dates: April 21, and May 12 and 26.
Contact Eliana Light for more information.
Combating Climate Change through Fossil Fuel Divestment
Saturday, April 21 | Following kiddush | BJ Chapel
Join BJ environmental advocates and Monica Weiss from 350.org NYC for a lunchtime discussion on the topic of divestment from fossil fuels. All are welcome. Questions? Contact Larissa.
Pete Seeger & Friends Guitar Sing-Along
Teen Shabbat
Saturday, April 21 | 9:30AM | BJ Sanctuary
Everyone is invited to take part in this special annual tradition as we give our rabbis a break and the BJ teens lead us in a Shabbat morning service from beginning to end! The teens have been working hard to prepare a very special Shabbat morning service\ complete with torah, tefillot, and divrei torah. We can’t wait to see the sanctuary full of friendly faces and that unique BJ Shabbat spirit!
Teens: if you are not yet signed up to participate and would like to, email Michelle.
Mental Health First Aid Training
Sunday, April 22 | 9:30AM-5:30PM | Frankel Hall
Mental Health First Aid is an eight-hour course that teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. Like CPR, participants will learn a five-step action plan on how to interact with a person in crisis until professional help arrives. At the end of the training everyone will receive a certificate of completion. Free and open to the public. Co-sponsored by the BJ Bikkur Holim committee. Read more »
Israeli Folk Dancing for Yom Ha'atzmaut
Sunday, April 22 | 2:00-6:00PM | BJ Community House 3rd Floor
Experience a trip around Israel on its 70th birthday through dance. Celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut with the best of the classic Israeli folk dances. All are welcome to join in the dancing. Request your favorites. You also will have the opportunity to experience prominent Israeli folk dance choreographers, leaders and musicians (TBA).
Israel's Supersized Celebration
Sunday, April 22 | 2:00-3:30PM | BJ Community House
Who’s got the biggest birthday coming up? Israel, that’s who!
Students in grades K-5 are invited to come down to BJ for a huge party filled with over-sized games, food, and gigantic fun.
We are excited to see you there!
Monday Minha Meditation
Mondays through June 25 | 6:30-7:00PM | BJ Chapel
The Center for Prayer and Spirituality is thrilled to launch this new mindfulness initiative. Join us on Monday evenings for a community sit, as we work toward building a sustained communal meditation practice. The Monday Minha Meditations will contain explorations of guided teachings, meditation techniques, and silent sits, and will also provide an opportunity for community members to recite the Mourner’s Kaddish. No registration necessary. Whether you are experienced in meditation or are thinking about beginning a practice, all are welcome.
BJ/SPSA Racial Justice Task Force
Monday, April 23 | 7:00PM | BJ Middle Room
Learn about issues of housing discrimination in New York.
Explore how we, as religious communities, can help advance fair housing.
After an intensive exploratory process, the joint BJ/SPSA racial justice task force has decided to partner in advocacy work with the Fair Housing Justice Center (FHJC), a nonprofit, civil rights organization dedicated to eliminating housing discrimination. We will be working with them to develop a new program aimed at harnessing the power of religious communities and faith-based organizations to advance fair housing in the New York City region.
Monday Morning Beit Midrash Series: And You Shall Tell Your Children
Mondays, April 16, 23, and 30, and May 7 and 14 | 8:30-9:30AM | BJ Middle Room
In the weeks between Passover and Shavuot, as we make our way from Egypt to Sinai, from liberation to dedication, join Rabbi Adina Lewittes for a text- and values-based conversation about the questions we ask and are asked by the next generation as we envision and build the Jewish future. Be prepared for a thought-provoking, challenging, personal, deep, and forthright dialogue on these pressing questions of our time. Open to all BJ members. Read more »
The Book of Genesis with Hillel Friedman
Tuesdays through May 29 | 9:30AM | BJ Middle Room
When we consider the Book of Genesis, many of us remember the tales we heard in our childhood. Read more »
"Soul Food" Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Felicia Sol
Tuesdays, January 16-May 15 | 12:30-1:45PM | BJ Middle Room
Bring a bag lunch and open up your soul to the nourishment and challenge of the Hassidic rabbis with the study of Itturei Torah: Torah Gems on the Weekly Torah Portion. Read more »
Ritual Lab: Preparing for an Emptier Nest
Tuesdays, April 24, and May 1 and 8 | 7:00-8:30PM | BJ Middle Room
Continuing with our series of Ritual Labs—in which we explore and co-create rituals to mark some of life’s most meaningful transitions—our next cohort will delve into the experience of parents whose children are leaving the home and beginning adulthood. Whether it’s your oldest, youngest, intermediate or only child leaving the home, this is a transition with profound impact on family systems. Join Rabbi Michael Boino and Cantor David Mintz for an opportunity to explore the wisdom of our tradition, broaden our understanding of Jewish ritual, and together, co-create a new ritual to mark this transition.
Everyday Ethics with Rabbi Adina Lewittes
Tuesdays through June 5 | 7:30-9:00PM | BJ Community House
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 »
The BJ Celebrate Community Auction
Wednesday, April 25 | 6:30-9:30PM | BJ Community House and Sanctuary
Join us for an evening of food, fun, and friends at our third Celebrate Community Auction.
There are so many ways to participate!
- Donate an auction prize;
- Become a sponsor and support the Jewish Home Project;
- Contribute to the Shabbat Catalog;
- Enter the raffle;
- Bid on your favorite prize (online bidding opens April 9); and
- Join the party!
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.
IAC Keshetot@BJ
Tuesdays, January 9-May 15 | 4:00-5:00PM | BJ Community House
IAC KesheTOT is an innovative program for families with infants and toddlers from birth until 3.5 years old. Read more »
Bim Bam and Bim Bam Hebrew Immersion
Bim Bam gives children under 3 a fun space to explore Shabbat through interactive songs and stories while learning traditions such as lighting candles, saying Kiddush, and giving tzedakah.
K-2 Family Shabbat Experience
Saturday, April 21 | 10:45AM-12:00 noon | Frankel Hall
Join us for a new Shabbat morning experience for children in grades K-2 and their families. Each session incorporates spirited prayer, singing, fun learning activities, and ample schmooze time, all led by our veteran service-leader, Sarah Rosenthal. We can’t wait to co-create this new community with you.
Upcoming dates: April 21, and May 12 and 26.
Contact Eliana Light for more information.
The Book of Genesis with Hillel Friedman
Tuesdays through May 29 | 9:30AM | BJ Middle Room
When we consider the Book of Genesis, many of us remember the tales we heard in our childhood. 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. Registration required. Individuals: $435 (members) / $660 (non-members); Couples: $645 (members) /$975 (non-members).
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 | 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.