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.
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.
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.
Monday Morning Beit Midrash Series: And You Shall Tell Your Children
Mondays, April 30, 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 »
Wiki-Torah with Tobias Divack Moss
Thursdays through May 10 | 6:30-8:00PM | BJ Middle Room
Join BJ Rabbinic Fellow Tobias Divack Moss for this weekly Torah study. Way before Wikipedia, Judaism developed an ever-expanding network of texts. Using the weekly portion as our starting point, we will follow these links of tradition that connect text to text, and generation to generation. Warm up the room with your presence and a cup of tea (bring your own or enjoy ours). New participants of any background are always welcome.
Note: there will be no class on March 29, April 5, April 19 and May 3.
Hakhanah laTefillah
Saturday, April 28 | 8:45-9:25AM | BJ Chapel
Please 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.
70 Years Later: Israel—Utopian Vision, Complicated Reality
Saturday, April 28 | Following Shabbat Morning services | BJ Community House
Seventy years have passed since the founders of Israel declared that the State of Israel “will be based on freedom, justice, and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel.” But has the Jewish State lived up to this goal? And what means are needed in order to get there? How can a young state facing so many challenges fulfill the Utopian vision of the prophets of Israel, if at all? Join Rabbi Tamir Nir, head of the BINA Secular Yeshiva in Tel Aviv, as he explores these questions, examining contemporary issues in Israeli society through the lens of classic and modern Jewish texts.
Israeli Culture Salon Series Part 3: Israel's 70th - A Retrospective Through Art and Song
Sunday, April 29 | 5:00-7:00PM | Location given upon registration
Israel's Security at 70: An Evening with Former Mossad Director Danny Yatom
BJ and Ramah Minyan
Friday, May 4 | 7:00PM | BJ Chapel
May the fourth be with you! BJ and the Ramah Minyan are partnering for a Star Wars-themed minyan for 20s and 30s! Minyan will be followed by a delicious dinner, so bring your crew. Kabbalat Shabbat will begin at 7:00PM. Registration for dinner is opening soon.
Haleli Nafshi
Saturday, May 5 | 7:45PM | BJ Chapel
Join us for our monthly Shabbat gathering, part of BJ’s initiative on communal singing as a spiritual practice. We’ll spend the final moments of Shabbat together, singing beautiful niggunim and zemirot as havdalah approaches.
UWS Gubernatorial Forum
Sunday, May 6 | 6:30PM | BJ Sanctuary
Please join us at a special Upper West Side forum for the Democratic nomination for Governor.
Invited candidates for Governor: Cynthia NIXON (confirmed) and Andrew CUOMO
Invited candidates for Lieutenant Governor: Jumaane WILLIAMS and Kathy HOCHUL
Come hear the candidates and ask questions about why they deserve your support!
This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited so please register in advance. Doors open at 6:00PM.
Sponsored by: Ansonia Independent Democrats |
Faith & Public Life: Study Sessions With BJ Rabbinic Fellows
Tuesday, May 8 | 8:30AM | BJ Chapel
Join BJ Rabbinic Fellows Sarah Krinsky and Tobias Divack Moss one Tuesday per month after morning minyan. Dive deeper into the questions we are exploring through our Faith & Public program, such as “Should We Pray for the Government or About It?” and “Violence and Humility in Jewish Politics”. Read more »
Jerusalem, Trump, Al Jazeera, and me
Caregivers Support Group
Once a month on Thursdays | March 8, April 12, May 10, and June 14 | 4:15PM | BJ Community House 4th Floor Conference Room
A monthly support group for members of our community to draw strength, insight, and information from each other and our tradition. 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.
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.