Stand in Love and Solidarity with our Muslim Neighbors
Fridays, March 22 and 29 | 12:45-2:15PM | Islamic Cultural Center Riverside Drive, 1 Riverside Drive
Join us as we stand with other members of the UWS Jewish community while our Muslim neighbors attend their Jummah (Friday prayers).
Paying it Forward Shabbbat Dinners
Beginning Friday, March 22 | Various Times | Various Locations
Since October, over 100 BJ members have signed up to attend a Paying it Forward Shabbat Dinner in another member’s home, while committing to pay it forward by hosting a meal themselves in the future. Together, we are broadening Shabbat meal culture at BJ and transforming our community through building closer connections and elevating the beauty of Shabbat at home.
Demystifying Mikvah with the Jewish Home Project
The Mitzvah of Lovingkindness
Sunday March 24 | 1:00PM | Community House 4th Floor
The mitzvah of bikkur holim (visiting the sick) is a tremendous act of hesed (lovingkindness). We would like to call upon all families to join us as we help those in need and learn more about about this mitzvah through a fun activity for kids and adults (great for grandparents and grandchildren too). The afternoon will culminate with a friendly visit to seniors at the nearby Atria Senior Living. Sign up is encouraged, but not required. Contact Galit with any questions.
Hebrew Ulpan Classes אולפן עברית
Monday, March 25 | 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, March 25 | 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.
How to Daven: The Nuts & Bolts of Jewish Prayer
Monday, March 25 | 7:00-8:00PM | Chapel
Jewish prayer can seem like a mysterious collection of mumbles, bows, and songs. What’s going on when everyone is standing silently? How can I connect personally to the words on the page? How do I know when to bow?
In this three-part series, we’ll explore what it means to daven (pray) in a Jewish way. These sessions immediately follow Monday Meditation Minyan, so feel free to join us for both!
Note: On Monday, April 1, we will meet in the Middle Room.
The Prophets with Hillel Friedman
Tuesday, March 26 | 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, March 26 | 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
Shirah with Shira—Spring Semester
Tuesday, March 26 | 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
Introduction to Judaism
Caregivers Support Group
Thursday, March 28 | 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 Sessions: April 1, 18; May 2, 16
"In the Mirror" Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Roly Matalon
Thursday, March 28 | 12:30-1:30PM | Location given 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: April 4, 11
Next Stop...Kids
Thursdays, March 28; April 4, 11 | 7:00-8:30PM | Community House
Thinking about having children? Not sure if having a child is the next step for you? Expecting a child soon? Exploring parenthood through adoption, single parenting, or surrogacy? Join us for a three-part series as we explore a different element of parenthood in each expert-led session.
The Spiritual State of Being a Woman in America
Thursday, March 28 | 7:00-8:30PM | Community House
Join us for a conversation with Ginna Green, Chief Strategy Officer of Bend the Arc.
Women have a long and powerful history of raising their voices against injustice in America. This Women’s History Month, Ginna Green will share her perspective on this struggle, what it means to be a Jewish woman of color fighting the sexism, racism, xenophobia, and antisemitism in our current political moment, and why our only path forward is to fulfill the true promise of a multiracial American democracy. Ginna will share her thoughts on the Women’s March, intersectionality, solidarity, and our calling as Jews in this time.
Spring Bim Bam
Friday, March 29 | 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).
Campus Antisemitism and the Politics of Resentment
Saturday, March 30 | Following Kiddush | Chapel
’Twas the Best of Times, ‘Twas the Worst of Times
Many in the Jewish community are convinced that American universities are seething with antisemitism and are hotbeds of anti-Israel activism. Join Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller as he examines the accuracy of this assertion from the perspective of a campus professional. A nuanced and sober portrait will be presented—one that is at times troubling, yet also reassuring.
This event is open to all, no registration necessary.
Redemption: Musical Havdalah and Stories of Freedom
Connections invites you a special musical havdalah, featuring powerful personal stories of displacement and freedom, as told by students of the Riverside Language Program. Nosh on delicacies from around the world, prepared by students from the Riverside Language Program, and share in an evocative havdalah service with this interfaith, multi-heritage community. Then enjoy moving songs and a unique performance by our very own music director, Dan Nadel, and New York-based international performer and songwriter Shira Averbuch. Taste the wine, smell the spices, and see and feel the warmth of the candle flame as we eat, celebrate, and sing together. Space is limited, please register today.
Finding Your Haggadah
Sunday, March 31 | 10:30AM | Middle Room
Are you getting ready to lead a Pesah seder and need help choosing a haggadah? Not sure what a haggadah is or how to find the right one for your seder? Perhaps you already have a haggadah you usually use, and are looking to add meaning through supplementary readings and reflections. Join Rabbi Adina Lewittes after morning minyan for a pre-Pesah breakfast where we will compare different haggadot and explore creative ways to enjoy a text that will guide and inspire you and your seder guests.
Contact Sarah with any questions.
Justice for Farmworkers: An Afternoon of Spirit, Song, and Social Justice
Sunday, March 31 | 3:00-5:00PM | Sanctuary
In honor of Cesar Chavez Day, the Economic Justice Hevra invites you to an afternoon of spirit, song, and social justice in support of New York’s 80,000 farmworkers who remain excluded from the basic labor protections entitled to all other workers. The decades-long campaign to pass the Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act is still going strong. Join us to speak up and take action for the workers putting food on our tables every day.
The event will feature New York’s own Latin Grammy winning recording artists Flor de Toloache.
There is no fee for this event, but sign up is required.
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.