Jewish-Muslim Solidarity Fridays
Friday, April 19 | 1:00-2:30PM | Islamic Cultural Center Riverside Drive
Every Friday, Jewish Upper West Siders greet worshipers before and after their Friday prayers to show our support and solidarity. This effort began as a response to the massacre in Christchurch, New Zealand, but has grown to a regular practice of “loving our neighbor as ourselves.”
We invite you to bring a white sign that says “Jewish New Yorkers Support our Muslim Neighbors” or “We Stand With You.” We offer greetings of “A-salaam Aleikum” and “Jummah Mubarak.”
All are welcome, no registration required.
Hebrew Ulpan Classes אולפן עברית
Monday, April 22 | 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, April 22 | 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 Prophets with Hillel Friedman
Tuesday, April 23 | 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.
Shirah with Shira—Spring Semester
Tuesday, April 23 | 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.
This class meets every Tuesday from January 8-May 21
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.
Supplementing our Monday Meditation Minyan, we will now be offering a traditional, egalitarian evening minyan on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 6:30PM. This minyan will be led by BJ spiritual leaders, staff, and community members alike, and together with our morning minyan, will provide twice-daily opportunities to say kaddish in community. And—quite literally—we need you to help make it happen!
Hakhanah laTefillah
Saturday, April 27 | 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: May 4, 18; June 1, 15
Aliyah for Holocaust Survivors and Their Families
Saturday, April 27 | During Shabbat and 8th Day Pesah Morning Services | Sanctuary
Moving Traditions
Sunday, April 28 | 5:00-7:00PM | Community House 4th Floor
Rosh Hodesh (Sisterhood) and Shevet (Brotherhood), are small, single-gender, single-grade groups, led by Moving Traditions-trained adult mentors. Find your own Jewish community in a safe, relaxed space filled with activities, discussion, exploration, and fun. Our research-based and field-tested curriculum applies Jewish wisdom and values to supporting teens in the issues they care about most, such as relationships, gender roles, healthy sexuality, social media, pressure, and stress.
Dates: September 30, November 4, December 2, January 6, February 3, April 7, April 28
"Soul Food" Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Felicia Sol
Tuesday, April 30 | 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.
This class meets every Tuesday through June 18.
No class on April 23
Stories from the Shoah
Tuesday, April 30 | 5:00PM | Sanctuary
A first hand account from a BJ member and wartime veteran in Germany.
In preparation for Yom Hashoah, Kadima@BJ will be hosting Vernon Leopold in conversation with Myriam Abramowicz—both members of the BJ community. Vernon Leopold escaped Düsseldorf Germany in 1938 and was later drafted by the U.S. Army in the intelligence platoon that held off the Germans at the Battle of the Bulge. It became the most decorated platoon in the war. He will discuss his time in Germany, journey to the United States, and the experience of returning to Germany in combat as a member of the U.S. Army. While Vernon and Myriam will be speaking with the Kadima 5th and 6th grade classes, all BJ members are warmly invited to attend. Myriam Abramowicz is a filmmaker, teacher, social activist and global humanitarian. She developed innovative programs at BJ and around the world.
Please contact Galit Lopatin Borderau to R.S.V.P.
Everyday Ethics with Rabbi Adina Lewittes
Tuesday, April 30 | 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.
Next Stop...Marriage
Tuesdays, April 30; May 7, 14 | 7:00-8:30PM | Chapel
Couples are invited to join us for a three-part pre-marriage series to help you prepare for your wedding and beyond. Explore a different element of marriage in each expert-led session.
Yom Hashoah Commemoration
Wednesday, May 1 | 6:30PM | Sanctuary
Join us for a truly powerful commemoration of Yom Hashoah. We will gather for minha and the reading of the names of relatives of BJ members who perished in the Shoah, with special participation by our 7th grade class. This will be followed by ma’ariv and a presentation from our guest speaker, Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger. Those who would like to actively take part are invited to read from the BJ Shoah Megillah or by bringing your own names.
To contribute names for the BJ Shoah Megillah, to be read aloud to the community, please contact Kristen.
Introduction to Judaism
Podcasts, Popcorn, and Prosecco
The past several years have seen a rise in antisemitic hate crimes in the United States and around the globe. How are we to understand this phenomenon, and how might we respond? Join us on the eve of Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) to commemorate the tragedies of the past, understand the present, and envision a future free from hatred. The podcast for our discussion features Eric Ward and Dove Kent, two leading activists and teachers on antisemitism. Check out their interview here.
Caregivers Support Group
Thursday, May 2 | 12:00 noon-1:00PM | Zoom (virtual meeting)
Are you coping with the challenges of caring for a family member? We are organizing a virtual group for caregivers to provide a supportive space inclusive of those who cannot travel. To sign up, please contact Michael Boino by February 1. He will provide you with your login information. This group is for BJ members only.
Upcoming Session: May 16
6th Grade B'nai Mitzvah Retreat
Friday, May 3-Sunday, May 5 | Camp Ramah Nyack, Christian Herald Rd, Nyack, NY
Join your fellow 6th graders at our weekend-long B’nai Mitzvah Retreat! Students will participate in exciting programs that bring them closer to becoming B’nai Mitzvah while building community with each other. Transportation will be provided, as well as snacks on Friday afternoon through breakfast on Sunday.
Young Families Retreat
Please join Rabbi Erin Glazer, Hazzan Ari Priven, Mike Witman, Ayala Wasser, and Shira Averbach for a fun and energizing Shabbat weekend filled with outdoor games, music, hiking, learning opportunities, community building, a campfire, and more. This retreat is geared toward BJ families with children in second grade and below. Register by April 15.
Spring Bim Bam
Friday, May 3 | 10:15-11:00AM, 11:15AM-12:00PM | Chapel
Classes are held every Friday through May 17 (excluding April 19, 26).
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 10:15 AM session features both English and Hebrew songs, while the 11:15 AM 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 Adina (x248).
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.