Sanctuary Centennial Exhibition
Through January, 2019 | During Community House Open Hours | Community House
The BJ Sanctuary Centennial Exhibition recounts the history and impact of our remarkable community, with a focus on the 100 years we have occupied our beloved 88th Street Sanctuary: 1918-2018. The eight panels reflect themes at the core of BJ, as we trace the beauty and the stories of the Sanctuary building and all that it has contained. Read more »
The Prophets with Hillel Friedman
Tuesday, December 18 | 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.
Kadima@BJ Shirah with Shira
Tuesday, December 18 | 4:00-4:45PM | Community House
This series meets every Tuesday through December 18; registration is closed.
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.
Alice Shalvi: Never a Native
Tuesday, December 18 | 7:00-9:00PM | Sanctuary
Join us for an evening with Alice Shalvi, legendary Israeli feminist leader, activist, Shakespeare scholar, educator, escapee from Nazi Germany, and social justice pioneer. Interviewed by civil rights lawyer, writer, and activist Kathleen Peratis, Alice will discuss her new memoir, Never a Native. A reception will follow the discussion.
BJ members: use code SHALVIBJ to access special member pricing.
Everyday Ethics with Rabbi Adina Lewittes (NO CLASS THIS WEEK)
Wednesday, December 19 | 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 Wednesday; join us at any time during the series; all welcome.
Read more »
"In the Mirror" Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Roly Matalon
Thursdays, December 20; January 10, 17, 24; March 7, 14, 28; April 4, 11 | 12:30-1:30PM | Location Provided Upon Registration
We will continue our close reading of short stories about the lives, struggles, and concerns of the Talmudic rabbis, in order to uncover deeper layers of our own selves and to become better equipped to wrestle with our human nature. No knowledge of Hebrew is required; you are welcome to bring your own lunch to class. This series is free of charge, but open to BJ members only.
Support Debora Barrios in Sanctuary at SPSA
Bo-i Kallah
Friday, December 21 | 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.
Community Shabbat Dinner with Hazzan Ari Priven
Friday, December 21 | Following the Kabbalat Shabbat Service | Middle Room and Chapel
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.
Registration is $18 for members, and $25 for non-members.
“Wiki-Torah: Genesis” Weekly Torah Study with BJ Rabbinic Fellow Tobias Divack Moss
Saturday, December 22 | Following Shabbat Morning Services | Community House
Spend a few minutes at Kiddush, grab a plate of food, and come join a conversation about the weekly Torah portion. We encourage first-time participants to sign up below.
Singing Communities Intensive with Joey Weisenberg and the Hadar Ensemble
Monday, December 24-Thursday, December 27 | Various Times | Various Locations
BJ’s Center for Prayer and Spirituality is proud to partner with Hadar to present this year’s Singing Communities Intensive. This four-day immersive experience offers a chance to experience the depth of Jewish music, study traditional melodies and sounds, and participate in the creative process of bringing new music into being.
Joey Weisenberg and the Hadar Ensemble in Concert
Thursday, December 27 | 7:30PM | Sanctuary
Sing with Joey Weisenberg and the Hadar Ensemble live at their biggest concert of the year! The music of the Hadar Ensemble blends traditional Jewish sounds and melodies with eclectic influences such as jazz, bluegrass, Balkan, flamenco, and klezmer. The results are joyful, raucous, meditative, and heart-opening. Explore the depths of Jewish communal music as we sing together on this unforgettable evening.
Doors open at 7:00PM
Cooking In Hebrew: A Course in Israeli Cuisine (Wednesday Class)
Wednesday, January 2 | 11:00AM-2:00PM | Frankel Hall
NOTE: Thursday class is currently full, so this Wednesday class has been created by popular demand. Registration is closed.
Food is a world unto itself. It’s a peep-through window, a bridge between worlds and a key to different cultures. Food brings people together and opens hearts; food comforts and stimulates memories.
Cooking In Hebrew: A Course in Israeli Cuisine (Thursday Class, FULL)
Thursday, January 3 | 6:30-9:00PM | Frankel Hall
NOTE: Thursday class is currently full, click here for Wednesday class.
Food is a world unto itself. It’s a peep-through window, a bridge between worlds and a key to different cultures. Food brings people together and opens hearts; food comforts and stimulates memories.
Yedid Nefesh: Uncovering the Melodies of Shabbat
Friday, January 4 | 5:30PM | Chapel
Prepare to enter Shabbat by joining Hazzan Ari Priven for this new 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.
Rabbi Marshall T. Meyer: 25th Yahrzeit Anniversary
Thursday, January 3-Saturday, January 5 | Various Times | Various Locations
Join us as we commemorate Rabbi Marshall T. Meyer’s life and work. Twenty five years after his death, we honor him as we continue to build on his vision for BJ.
Hakhanah laTefillah
Saturday, January 5 | 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.
Upcoming Dates: January 19; February 2 , 16; March 2, 16; April 6, April 20; May 4; 18, June 1, 15.
Learners' Minyan
Saturday, January 5 | 9:30AM | Frankel Hall
Join Rabbinic Fellow Abi Weber for a Shabbat morning learners’ minyan. This minyan is open to newcomers and regulars alike looking for a deeper understanding of the meaning of the prayers, the liturgical arc of the service, and a more intimate prayer experience and discussion. We will dive into the Shaharit service together and join the rest of the congregation for the Torah service and Musaf. Meets the first Saturday of each month.
BJ’s Purim Shpiel—For Kindergarten-Sixth Graders (Auditions and Rehearsals)
Sunday January 6 | Time TBD | Community House 4th 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!
Israeli Art and Culture Salon Series
Sunday, January 6 | 5:00-7:00PM | Location Given Upon Registration
Meeting Dates: January 6, February 3, March 3, April 7, May 5, June 2
In this six-part salon series, BJ members will get to meet some of the most promising Israeli artists working in New York today. These musicians, visual artists, singers, and actors will perform in an intimate, home setting, drawing on an overarching theme that will shed new light on Israeli arts and culture. The series is curated by BJ’s music director Dan Nadel, and facilitated by BJ’s shaliah Moshe Samuels.
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.
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.