Sanctuary Centennial Exhibition
Through January | During Community House Open Hours | Community House
The BJ Sanctuary Centennial Exhibition recounts the history and impact of our remarkable community, with a focus on the 100 years we have occupied our beloved 88th Street Sanctuary: 1918-2018. The eight panels reflect themes at the core of BJ, as we trace the beauty and the stories of the Sanctuary building and all that it has contained. Read more »
Hakhanah laTefillah
Saturday, January 19 | 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: February 2 , 16; March 2, 16; April 6, April 20; May 4; 18, June 1, 15.
Monday Meditation Minyan
Monday, January 21 | 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
Monday, January 21 | 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!
The Prophets with Hillel Friedman
Tuesday, January 22 | 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.
"Soul Food" Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Felicia Sol
Tuesday, January 22 | 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
BJ’s Purim Shpiel—For Kindergarten-Sixth Graders (Auditions and Rehearsals)
Tuesday, January 22 | 4:00-7:00PM | Community House 4th Floor
Calling all actors! This year’s Shpiel is a full-scale Mamma-Mia-meets-Mordekhai musical spectacular, and we couldn’t be more excited. This disco-filled production is open to kindergarten-sixth graders, and no previous theater experience is necessary. Everyone who is interested will be cast in the show, but auditions (December 8-13) are required to help us get to know each actor and think about what role will be the best fit for them.
Those auditioning should prepare about 16 bars of a song to be sung a capella.
More interested in helping out behind the scenes? Email Emma about opportunities for involvement in tech crew and more.
See the website or email Emma for more information!
Shirah with Shira—Spring Semester
Tuesday, January 22 | 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
Everyday Ethics with Rabbi Adina Lewittes
Tuesday, January 22 | 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; join us at any time during the series; all welcome.
Teen Learning Series
Wednesday, January 23 | 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
The Soap Myth: Concert Reading
Wednesday, January 23 | 7:00-9:00PM | Sanctuary
See BJ member and two-time Emmy Award and four-time Tony Award nominee Tovah Feldshuh star with seven-time Emmy Award and five-time Golden Globe Award winner Ed Asner in a concert reading of Jeff Cohen’s play The Soap Myth. Read more »
"In the Mirror" Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Roly Matalon
Thursday, January 24 | 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.
Upcoming Dates: January 31; March 7, 14, 28; April 4, 11
Bridging the Gap House Parties
Various Dates Beginning January 24 | 6:30PM | Various Locations on the UWS
What role might faith communities place in re-knitting the torn fabric of today’s America? How can we address preconceived notions of the “other” in our country? What can progressives come to learn, honor, and understand from conservatives, and vice versa?
Explore these questions and more at a Bridging the Gap house party, where BJ members who participated in the Bridging the Gap exchange with the Michigan Corrections Organization will share their personal reflections and open up conversation on how we can all learn from this powerful experience and apply it to our social change, as well as our spiritual work.
Each gathering will take place on the Upper West Side, in the home of a BJ member. Address details will be provided after registration.
In order to give as many people the opportunity to participate as possible, please do not register for more than one session. This program is open to BJ members only.
Spring Bim Bam
Friday, January 25 | 10:15-11:00AM, 11:15AM-12:00PM | Chapel
Classes are held every Friday through May 17
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).
Tu Bishvat Shabbat Community Potluck Dinner
Friday, January 25 | Following the Kabbalat Shabbat Service | Reception and Middle Rooms
Pull out the quinoa and kale, the next community potluck Shabbat dinner is right around the corner! Bring your friends, family, and your Tu Bishvat-inspired dairy/vegetarian creations. Our featured speaker is The Rev. Fletcher Harper, Episcopal priest and Executive Director of GreenFaith, an interfaith coalition for the environment that works with houses of worship, religious schools, and people of all faiths to help them become better environmental stewards. He will speak on “Religious Responses to our Changing Climate”.
Under Fletcher’s leadership, GreenFaith has developed innovative programs linking religious belief and practice to the environment. An award-winning spiritual writer and nationally-recognized preacher on the environment, he has led multi-faith organizing for the 2014 and 2017 Peoples Climate Marches, played a lead role in the faith-based fossil fuel divestment movement, and coordinated the development of GreenFaith’s international work. He is author of GreenFaith – Mobilizing God’s People to Save the Earth.
This dinner is presented in partnership with the Center for Prayer and Spirituality at B’nai Jeshurun and the Environmental Justice Hevra.
Finding Peace in the Promised Land—Lessons for Life and Love Learned on the Israel Trail
Saturday, January 26 | Following Kiddush | Chapel
Aryeh Green, author of My Israel Trail: Finding Peace in the Promised Land, hiked the entire length and breadth of Israel on Shvil Yisrael—the Israel National Trail—following his divorce. The lessons he learned on the physical trek, enabling his personal growth and ability move ahead with his life, and his intimate encounter with the land and people of Israel along the way, are the uplifting basis of this inspiring presentation.
No registration necessary, all are welcome.
Shabbat Basketball
Young Families Day of Service
Sunday, January 27 | 10:30AM-12:00 noon | Community House 3rd Floor
Families with children in 2nd grade and under are invited to join us as we partner with Repair the World for a day of service. We will be making chili packets to donate to a local food pantry. Kids will be invited to assemble the bags, learn about what a pantry is and where hunger lives in NYC, and to consider the experience of food insecurity. We’ll use stories and facilitated play to shape our conversation and follow the lead of our biggest teachers, the kids in the room! Contact Adina with any questions.
New Paradigms for Breaking the Impasse of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Sunday, January 27 | 12:30-5:00 PM | Sanctuary
With the Two State solution currently at a halt, it is time to consider new paradigms to ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Two relatively new and unique movements will share the stage for the very first time to present their complementary work toward creating a just, peaceful, and harmonious future in Israel/Palestine. Roots/Shorashim/Judur, the Israeli Palestinian grassroots initiative for understanding, nonviolence, and transformation, brings together Israeli settlers and Palestinian activisits. A Land for All (formerly Two States One Homeland), advocates for Israeli Palestinian reconciliation based on a union of two sovereign states in one open land, with freedom of movement for all citizens. 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.