Sponsor a Light Summer Kiddush
Saturdays, July 7 through August 25 | Following Shabbat Morning Services | BJ Community House
During the summer months, we provide a light kiddush of fruit and cookies following Shabbat morning services. If you’re interested in sponsoring a light kiddush, please email Davia or call her at x234.
Hilkhot Teshuvah: Pathways Towards Transformation
Saturdays, August 18, August 25, September 1, September 8 | Following Kiddush | BJ Chapel
Is transformation really possible? Can human beings truly change? Join Rabbi Shuli Passow and Cantor Dave Mintz for an exploration of Hilkhot Teshuvah, Maimonides’ guide for engaging in the process of teshuvah and transforming our lives. We’ll study the texts, discuss how they relate to our lives, and consider how they can help us return home to the best versions of ourselves. Meeting after Shabbat morning kiddush throughout the month of Elul, this series will offer a powerful framework as we prepare for the Yamim Nora’im. Join for just one session or the entire series. No registration necessary.
College Send-Off Dinner
Sunday, August 19 | Frankel Hall | 6:00-8:00PM
Looking to reunite with your friends from BJ before you head off to school this fall? Join us for dinner to connect, discuss, and reflect on the coming year. Aniko Gomory, the new Youth and Teen Engagement Coordinator, will be there and cannot wait to meet you! This is also an opportunity for you to tell us what you want out of Kesher, BJ’s new college engagement program. Email Aniko to R.S.V.P. See you there!
Occupy the Roof: Summer Social Justice Film Series (Plus Meet & Greet with Rabbi Erin Glazer)
Tuesday, August 21 | 7:00PM | BJ Rooftop
Sponsored by Panim, BJ’s Social Action Social Justice Groups, this film series will celebrate stories of people that shine a light on justice in a changing world.
Up next: The Heart of Nuba, on August 21
Doors at 7:00PM, movie begins 7:45-8:00PM. Feel free to bring a dairy/vegetarian picnic dinner to enjoy on the roof before the screening begins. Light refreshments will be served.
Sounds and Silence: Mindfully Hearing the Shofar
Hatanu Lefanekha: Tuning Our Souls for Teshuvah
Wednesdays, August 29, September 5, and September 12 | 6:30PM | BJ Chapel
For the past thousand years, Sephardic and Mizrahi Jews have gathered for the forty days from the beginning of the month of Elul, through Rosh Hashanah, and up to Yom Kippur, rising at dawn to sing Selihot prayers and to prepare the soul for repentance and renewal. Led by Rabbi Roly Matalon and Music Director Dan Nadel, this three-part poetical and musical experience will engage us in that spiritual journey and get us ready for the upcoming sublime days of soul-searching and prayer of the Yamim Nora’im. The series is free of charge and open to all.
Elul Talks and Selihot
Saturday, September 1 | 8:30PM | BJ Community House and BJ Sanctuary
Join us as we prepare for this season of reflection and return with an evening of communal singing, meaningful learning, ritual, and prayer. We’ll begin with havdalah and singing at 8:30PM, followed by a collective heshbon hanefesh (accounting of the soul) guided by a film presentation from the Eli Talks series. After a coffee break, we’ll then gather in the BJ Sanctuary for a soul-stirring Selihot at 11:00PM. This event is open to all, no registration necessary.
Hebrew Speaking Havurah
Second Sunday of Each Month*, Beginning September 2 | 5:30-7:00PM | Location Given Upon Registration
Get together with other Hebrew speakers to discuss current affairs. Each month, a topic will be chosen and reading material (in both English and Hebrew) will be provided. At each meeting, we will hold a discussion in Hebrew.
The meetings are facilitated by Rabbi Yisrael Serok, former senior in the Mossad, who was in charge of the underground immigration of Jews from Syria and other Arab countries. Rabbi Serok has vast knowledge of both contemporary Israeli society and Jewish sources, and always offers a unique perspective on Israeli current affairs.
A Night of Remembrance: A High Holiday Support Group for the Bereaved
Tuesday, September 4 | 7:00-8:30 PM | 89th Street Chapel
A group for those who have experienced loss and find the High Holidays painful or difficult to navigate. We will draw strength, support, and comfort from one another and the resources of our shared tradition. Facilitated by Rabbi Michael Boino, BJ’s coordinator of pastoral care and support through the Jewish Board’s Partners in Caring Program, with Hazzan Ari Priven. Light refreshments will be served. Click here to register. Questions? Contact Michael by email or at x238.
Lost and Found: A Guide to High Holy Days Services with Rabbi Adina Lewittes
Thursday, September 6 | 7:00 PM | BJ Middle Room
The Jewish Home Project presents a pre-High Holy Days workshop for multi-faith/multi-heritage families (but ALL families are welcome)!
Friday Evening Service: Please Note Change of Time!
Shabbat Evening Services: PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF TIME!
Beginning on Friday, October 5, evening services will start at 6:15PM.
Usher, Greet, and Volunteer at High Holy Days Services
Sunday, September 9-Wednesday, September 19 | Various Times | Various Locations
Got a great smile? Like making people feel good? Sign up to volunteer, usher, or greet, and be the warm and welcoming face of BJ for over 3,500 people who come to High Holy Days services. Want to be part of the effort that sustains this community? Volunteer to collect Kol Nidre pledge cards on Erev Yom Kippur. Help make the High Holy Days happen!
Tashlikh on the Upper East Side
Monday, September 10 | 5:30PM | Carl Schurz Park Promenade at 86th Street
During the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, BJ members based on the Upper East Side are invited to gather for tashlikh closer to home. Join us for this spiritual practice in which we symbolically let go of the harmful behaviors that have impeded our growth over the past year by casting pieces of bread, representing those behaviors, into the East River.
Hakhanah laTefillah
First and Third Saturday of the Month, beginning September 15 | 8:45-9:25AM | BJ 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.
The Mindful Calendar Series: Forgiveness
Saturday, September 15 | Following Kiddush | BJ Chapel
What does it mean to forgive? Does forgiving mean we have to condone hurtful actions? In this session we will bring gentle presence to the ways we’ve been hurt and have hurt others, as a step towards releasing ourselves from the corrosive chains of resentment. Forgiveness is a practice of courage and compassion: come prepared to share, to listen without judgement, and to open your heart in love. Read more »
20s and 30s Break Fast
Wednesday, September 19 | Following Ne’ilah Services | Location Given Upon Registration
Join us for a delicious 20s and 30s break fast following Ne’ilah services! The event is free for members, but registration is required.
Community Break Fast
Wednesday, September 19 | Following Ne’ilah Services | Frankel Hall
Join us at a delicious Community Break Fast, generously sponsored by Helena Diamant Glass in cherished memory of her beloved parents, Regina Landwirth Diamant and Karl Diamant.
Fall Teen Retreat
Friday, September 21-Sunday, September 23 | Hands In 4 Youth, 256 Macopin Road, West Milford, NJ
Looking to unwind and enjoy being with your friends during the High Holy Days? Join us for a meaningful Shabbat away from the city. Throughout the weekend, teens will connect with friends old and new while enhancing their connection to the BJ community. Participate in team-building and leadership development, along with plenty of other activities, including a low ropes course and cookout by the bonfire! Teens will not have to worry about missing school; we will leave after school lets out on Friday. This retreat is exclusively for teens in grades 8-12.
Bim Bam in the Fall!
Fridays, September 21-December 14 | 10:15-11:00AM, 11:15AM-12:00PM | BJ 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 »
Moving Traditions 2018-2019
Sundays (Monthly*), September 30, 2018-April 28, 2019 | 5:00-7:00PM | Location TBD
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
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.
Usher, Greet, and Volunteer at High Holy Days Services
Sunday, September 9-Wednesday, September 19 | Various Times | Various Locations
Got a great smile? Like making people feel good? Sign up to volunteer, usher, or greet, and be the warm and welcoming face of BJ for over 3,500 people who come to High Holy Days services. Want to be part of the effort that sustains this community? Volunteer to collect Kol Nidre pledge cards on Erev Yom Kippur. Help make the High Holy Days happen!
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.