Call For New Ushers
Fridays and Saturdays | 6:30-8:00PM & 9:30-12:00PM | Sanctuary
BJ members, are you excited about making BJ a warmer and more welcoming place? Join our amazing group of ushers! Greet new members and guests, help prepare the sanctuary for services, and spread the love.
If interested, please email Laura Markowitz, and she will be happy to get you started.
Sponsor a Community Kiddush
Saturdays | Following Shabbat Morning Services | Community House 3rd Floor
A kiddush, the communal gathering that follows Shabbat morning service, is a traditional opportunity to mark joyous events and lifecycle occasions within the community. Sponsoring a Community Kiddush is a wonderful way to show your support, and is considered a tax-deductible donation if coordinated through the BJ office. If you’re interested in contributing to a kiddush in honor of a milestone or in memory of a loved one, please email Julie or call her at x258.
Teen Summer Send-off
Sunday, May 19 | 10:30AM-5:00PM | Coney Island (Drop Off and Pick Up in Reception Room)
It’s hard to believe, but summer is upon us! To celebrate an amazing year of learning, adventures, and growth, BJ teens are invited to spend the day together at Coney Island. Join us for a day of games, rides, and enjoying the boardwalk and the sunshine. We will gather in the Reception Room at and take the train to Coney Island together.
The $60 registration includes a ticket to the amusement park, a sweatshirt, and lunch at Coney Island.
3rd & 4th Grade Synagogue Summer Scavenger Spree
Sunday, May 19 | 10:30-11:45AM | Community House 3rd & 4th Floors
3rd and 4th graders, what’s the best way to get out energy on a Sunday? Run around BJ with your friends! Hunt up and down for clues to lead your team to victory, and even better, 16 Handles gift cards. The mystery can’t be solved without you! This event is open to BJ members only.
5th/6th Grade Sweet Streets—Scavenge for Treats
Sunday, May 19 | 12:00-1:15PM | Community House 3rd & 4th Floors
Fifth and sixth graders, want a chance to run around outside, with ample rewards of sugar and chocolate waiting? In this interactive scavenger hunt, every challenge you take on could win you something to satisfy your sweet tooth! Come get a preview of next year’s Ilanot next as we race around the streets and synagogue we call home. This event is open to BJ members only.
Rabbi Rachel Cowan Chapel Dedication
Sunday, May 19 | 5:00-6:30PM | Sanctuary and Chapel
Rabbi Rachel Cowan was an extraordinary teacher and visionary leader, who was instrumental in building BJ’s community organizing and advocacy initiative, Panim, as well as BJ’s thriving mindfulness practice.
Please join us to mark this significant moment as we dedicate the BJ Chapel in Rachel’s memory.
Click below to join us, as well as to submit memorial tributes and gifts in memory of Rachel.
Hebrew-Speaking Havurah
Sunday, May 19 | 5:30-7:00PM | Location given upon registration
Get together with other Hebrew speakers to discuss current affairs. Each month, a topic will be chosen and reading material (in both English and Hebrew) will be provided. At each meeting, we will hold a discussion in Hebrew.
This class meets on the second Sunday of each month*, registration is closed.
Hebrew Ulpan Classes אולפן עברית
Monday, May 20 | 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!
Monday Meditation Minyan
Monday, May 20 | 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.
The Kaleidoscope Workshop: What Does Jewish Look Like?
Join Aviv and the Jewish Home Project for Kaleidoscope, a narrative-arts driven initiative that was sparked by a desire to highlight the stories of Jews of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, observance levels, and interfaith experiences.
The workshop will feature spoken word artist Vanessa Hidary and playwright Kendell Pinkney.
Economic Justice Hevra Meeting
Monday, May 20 | 7:00PM | Community House Room 411
Get involved in the Justice for Farmworkers Campaign. We are asking questions, having conversations, and educating the community to expand our collective understanding of ethical consumption. In doing so, we aim to acknowledge the predominantly immigrant laborers who make New York’s multi-billion dollar agricultural economy possible. Through the passage of the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act, we hope to ensure that laborers who produce the food on which New Yorkers depend can have the dignity and equality they deserve.
Service of Healing for National Mental Health Month
Monday, May 20 | 7:00PM | Chapel
In this special minha healing service, we we will offer prayers for those of us who are touched by mental illness and substance misuse. If you, a family member, or someone else in your life is affected by mental illness, please join us in this space of spiritual comfort and support.
The service will be immediately preceded by our weekly Monday Meditation, from 6:30-7:00PM. All are welcome to both.
"Soul Food" Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Felicia Sol
Tuesday, May 21 | 12:30-1:45PM | Middle Room
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.
Shirah with Shira—Spring Semester
Tuesday, May 21 | 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.
End of Year Zimriyah
Tuesday, May 21 | 4:45PM | Sanctuary
We are excited to announce our annual end-of-year Zimriyah, featuring our Kadima@BJ students. Each of our Kadima@BJ classes will participate in a song competition, after which we will enjoy a school-wide celebration. We invite all to take part in our end-of-year festivities, no registration required.
Weekday Evening Minyan: A Pilot of the Center for Prayer and Spirituality
Mondays-Thursdays | 6:30PM | Community House
We are excited to announce that, beginning on Monday, April 1, we will be starting a three-month pilot of an evening minyan at BJ, with the hope that—through communal engagement—it will become a long-term practice.
Everyday Ethics with Rabbi Adina Lewittes
Tuesday, May 21 | 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 (no class March 26 or April 23). Join us at any time during the series; all welcome.
Give the Gift of Life at the BJ Blood Drive
Wednesday, May 22 | 3:00-9:00PM | Sanctuary
Interfaith Iftar
Thursday, May 23 | 7:00PM | Turkish Cultural Center, 56 West 45th Street, 4th Floor
Join members of New York City’s many faith traditions, connect across faith and ethnic lines, and and support our Muslim neighbors at this Interfaith Iftar. Sponsored by Peace Islands Institute New York, Interfaith Center of New York, Fellowship in Prayer, and the Synogague Coalition on the Refugee and Immigration Crisis.
Click below for more information, and to R.S.V.P.
Israeli Film Club
Tuesday, June 11 | 7:00-8:30PM | Middle Room
Join us for a five-session series, featuring five short Israeli films that were carefully chosen from dozens of prize-winning works. The films present various perspectives on key issues in Israeli society. These movies will serve as a platform for post-screening discussions, allowing participants to reflect on diverse and relevant aspects of the Israeli people, culture and politics.
This series is free of charge, but registration is required. Sign up for your preferred screening(s) via the form below.
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.