High Holy Days Sermons 5779
Click here to listen to our rabbis’ High Holy Days sermons:
• Rosh Hashanah First Night, First Day, and Second Day with Rabbi Roly Matalon
• Rosh Hashanah First Day and Second Day with Rabbi Felicia Sol
• Kol Nidre with Rabbi Erin Glazer
• Kol Nidre, Yom Kippur Morning, and Yom Kippur Afternoon with Rabbi Felicia Sol
• Kol Nidre, Yom Kippur Morning, and Afternoon with Rabbi Roly Matalon
• Yom Kippur Afternoon with Rabbi Marcelo Bronstein
Video is also available for services that took place in the BJ Sanctuary and Jazz at Lincoln Center.
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
Beginning October 8 | Mondays, 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 Five "W"s of Prayer: Who/What/When/Where/Why
Mondays, October 15-November 5 | 7:00-8:00PM | Community House
Whether you have a committed prayer practice, find yourself lost in the siddur, or consider yourself somewhere in between, join Rabbinic Fellow Abi Weber for this five-part series as we explore the five W’s of prayer. Why do we pray? What are the components of prayer? When do we pray? Where do we pray? To whom do we pray? God? Ourselves? The community? By delving into ancient texts and contemporary conversations looking at the large theological questions of prayer, as well as its everyday practicalities, we will gain a deeper understanding of this Jewish spiritual practice. Each class will stand alone, so new participants are always welcome.
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.
"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.
“Wiki-Torah: Genesis” Weekly Torah Study with BJ Rabbinic Fellow Tobias Divack Moss
Tuesdays, October 16-December 18* | 6:30-7:45PM | Chapel
Way before Wikipedia, Judaism developed an ever-expanding network of texts. Using the weekly portions from Genesis 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. New participants of any background are always welcome. Please sign up to let us know you are coming.
*No class on October 23 or December 4
*Class will be held in the Middle Room on November 13
BJ Environmental Advocates Meeting
Tuesday, October 23 | 6:30-8:30PM | Location Given Upon R.S.V.P.
Join us for our first meeting in the new year! We are looking for any members interested in environmental work, whether through diving more deeply into how our own community can become more sustainable, or through exploring how we can advocate for better policies in our city and state. All are welcome. Email Les Judd to R.S.V.P.
Jewish Museum Vienna—Combating Antisemitism and Xenophobia
Tuesday, October 23 | 7:00PM | Community House
The Jewish Museum Vienna combats antisemitism and xenophobia. Hear CEO Dr. Danielle Spera talk about the extremely valuable work their education department does with pupils, adolescents, and refugees from the Middle East who came to Austria in recent years, especially from Syria and Afghanistan.
Baby Fingers
Wednesdays, October 10-November 14 | 3:30-4:30PM | Middle Room
Learn American Sign Language through songs and play with other parents, educators, and children close to your child’s age. Go home each week with new vocabulary and new tunes to enhance communication between you and your child, with added focus on Judaic concepts, traditions, and holidays. Whether you intend to incorporate sign language in your life for the long term, or simply during this pre-verbal/developing verbal time, watch in awe as your child discovers the world of language. See the research come to life, as music and sign language both aid in the development of language and literacy. Stories, songs, games, and movement to music are included in our teaching methods. The 6-session series costs $120 for members, $180 for non-members. Contact Mike Witman with questions.
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 »
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, October 25; November 1, 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.
Taste of Other Israel—Short Film Screening
Reach for Shabbat Retreat
Friday, October 26-Sunday, October 28 | Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center
Havdalah and a Bike Ride
Various Saturdays and Sundays, Beginning October 26 | Various Times | Upper West Side (Havdalah), Bike Route Locations TBD
Love to bike? Want to explore local places of interest with other BJ bikers? This havurah will meet several times throughout the year, sometimes for havdalah and sometimes on Sunday mornings, for a bike ride. Please note that while the riding is not intensive, riders must be comfortable navigating city streets and traffic. Rides will take place within the five boroughs and other local routes; location, length, and duration of the bike rides will be determined by the group. Subsequent dates for both havdalah and ride to be determined by havurah members’ schedules and the weather.
Group Leader: Lester Schwalb
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 »
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.
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.
Thousand Turkey Challenge and Launch Party
Sunday, November 18 | 12:00-1:30PM | SPSA, 263 West 86th Street
BJ is proud to, once again, be part of the Thousand Turkey Challenge Community Coalition, which will be supporting the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) in providing low-income families with turkeys and other Thanksgiving food.
Activities include a turkey drawing contest for kids and tours of the emergency food pantry for all. Bring those turkey drawings and recipes! Refreshments will be served. Last year, over 1,000 families who visited the emergency food pantry received turkeys and other special food for the holiday. Let’s make this year even better.
Can’t make the kickoff? You can donate online; text TURKEY to 56512; or purchase a frozen turkey up to 14 pounds and drop it off at WSCAH during the week of Thanksgiving. Click here or more information, including drop-off times, or contact Larissa with any questions.
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.