Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Service
Wednesday, November 21 | 6:30PM | SPSA, 263 West 86th Street
BJ and neighbors of all faith traditions will join together on the eve of Thanksgiving to sing, give thanks, and reflect upon social justice issues. Clergy from several churches and synagogues will be participating in the service. Please bring checks made out to the West Side Campaign Against Hunger. This event is open to all, no registration necessary.
Paying it Forward Shabbat Dinners
Fridays, Beginning October 12 | Various Times | Various Locations
Have a delicious Shabbat meal, build closer relationships, and help strengthen the BJ community all at the same time! Beginning on October 12, BJ members will be hosting a series of Pay-It-Forward-style Shabbat dinners in their homes.
What does this mean? Each dinner is open to BJ members from particular cohorts of the community; in signing up to attend, you are committing to host a Shabbat dinner of your own for other BJ members in the weeks or months ahead. You could host the same people who attended the first dinner, or invite an entirely new group from your own social circle at BJ. The choice is yours!
Not sure how to host a Shabbat meal? No problem. We’re rolling out a slew of workshops and online resources, including a complete Shabbat Dinner Hosting Guide.
“Wiki-Torah: Genesis” Weekly Torah Study with BJ Rabbinic Fellow Tobias Divack Moss
Saturdays, November 10, 24; December 8, 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.
Monday Meditation Minyan
Mondays, beginning October 15 | 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.
Hebrew Ulpan Classes אולפן עברית
Mondays, Beginning October 8 | 5:00-7:00PM and 7:00-9:00PM | Community House
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!
The Book of Job
Mondays, November 26, December 10, 17, January 7, 14 | 7:00-8:00PM | Community House
The Book of Job is a fascinating, strange, and powerful text—impossibly difficult to translate, and even harder to understand. During these five sessions, we will engage with this text and broaden our understanding of it through literature and theater, while seeing what wisdom can be gleaned from it in our approach to the suffering of the world, our own experiences, and its theological implications.
Each session will build upon the previous session. Hebrew reading ability helpful, but not required.
The Prophets with Hillel Friedman
Tuesdays Beginning October 16 | 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.
Medicare Fall Open Enrollment
Tuesday, November 27 | 10:00-11:30AM | Chapel
New York City Council Member Helen Rosenthal invites you to participate in a enrollment awareness event. Join us to learn what you need to know about Medicare Fall Open Enrollment. Get connected to programs that help pay the costs associated with Medicare.
"Soul Food" Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Felicia Sol
Tuesdays, October 16-December 18 | 12:30-1:45PM | Middle Room
Bring a bag lunch and open up your soul to the nourishment and challenge of the Hassidic rabbis. Join Rabbi Felicia Sol as we imagine old world wisdom for everyday life. Each class will stand alone, so new participants are always welcome. No prior knowledge is expected. This series is free of charge.
Kadima@BJ Shirah with Shira
Tuesdays, October 9-December 18 | 4:00-4:45PM | Community House
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.
Jews in the Modern World: Looking Back, Looking Forward
Tuesday, November 27 | 7:30PM | Sanctuary
Presented by Hadar, join Rabbi Shai Held and Rabbi David Ellenson, two of the American Jewish community’s most prominent leaders and thinkers, for a panel conversation. Moderated by Jane Eisner of The Forward, they will explore the big questions of modern Jewish life and their impact on Judaism, including: God, secularization, the Holocaust, Zionism, American politics, academic Jewish Studies, and much more.
Entrance fee is $5, but BJ members can use code BJ1127 to register for free! Optional reception before the program
Cooking In Hebrew: A Course in Israeli Cuisine (Wednesday Class)
Fall: October 31, November 28, January 2, February 6; Spring: March 6, April 10, May 15, June 5 | 11:00AM-2:00PM | Frankel Hall
NOTE: Thursday class is currently full, so this Wednesday class has been created by popular demand.
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.
Teen Learning Series
Wednesdays, October 2018 through May 2019 | 6:00-7:15PM | Community House Room 411
Want a chance to learn, study, and discuss some of the most intriguing issues facing Jewish teens today? Join us as we explore R-rated Talmud, the complexities of Israel, civil rights, poverty, and race within Judaism. Sessions will be facilitated by Aniko Gomory, Ayala Wasser, Rabbi Felicia Sol, Moshe Samuels, and outside facilitators. Read more »
Centennial Gathering: Board Members Past and Present
Wednesday, November 28 | 6:30-8:00PM | Sanctuary
We express sincere gratitude for 100 years of our sanctuary and the countless leaders who devoted their time and energy as members of the Board of Trustees. Join Rabbis Matalon and Sol, President Alan Mantel, and First Vice President Suzanne Shechter to reflect on how the community has changed and evolved and to celebrate its leadership past and present.
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. Individuals: $435 (members)/$660 (non-members); Couples: $650 (members)$980 (non-members). Please contact Billie with questions.
Everyday Ethics with Rabbi Adina Lewittes
Wednesdays starting October 17 | 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.
Read more »
"In the Mirror" Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Roly Matalon
Thursdays, November 29; December 6, 13, 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.
Cooking In Hebrew: A Course in Israeli Cuisine (Thursday Class, FULL)
Fall: November 1, November 29, January 3, February 7; Spring: March 7, April 11, May 16, June 6 | 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.
An Evening With Pete Earley, Mental Health Advocate
Thursday, November 29 | 7:00PM | Temple Shaaray Tefila, 250 East 79th Street
Join Pete Earley, mental health advocate and New York Times best-selling author, to hear about the personal experiences which came to inspire his book Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness as a father fighting for his child and journalist in search of a better way in the “revolving doors” between hospitals and jails.
This event is hosted by Temple Shaaray Tefila, and sponsored in partnership with Manhattan Together/Metro IAF, a local faith-based organizing network of which BJ is a member. Manhattan Together is working to address issues of mass incarceration, especially the mis-incarceration of those with mental illness.
Register by Monday, November 26. If you’d like to help underwrite the cost of this program, register using the $18 suggested donation option. You may also register for free.
Bim Bam in the Fall!
Fridays through December 14 | 10:15-11:00AM, 11:15AM-12:00PM | Chapel
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 10:15AM session features both English and Hebrew songs, while the 11:15AM 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 Danielle Freedman (x260). No class on November 23. Read more »
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.