B'nai Israel Congregation

We will begin by looking at some Torah text. We will also share some bible-player style videos, followed by discussions, and work on creating a D’var Torah.

Grab some everyday things around your house and make an awesome Grogger to scare out Hamen on Purim! Suggested supplies: water bottle, rice or beans, beads, paper plates, stickers, markers, paint, etc.

From their first arrival on American shores in 1654, Jews embarked on a journey that reinvented many of their basic practices, beliefs and doctrines. The result over time was a distinctly American Judaism, driven by practical necessities of assimilating, an embrace of Enlightenment beliefs not compatible with a literal view of the Bible and the Talmud, and finally a desire to establish themselves as full-fledged Americans equal to adherents of other religions. The story of this evolution is one of conflict, continuity, adaptation and disputes—and of a parade of brilliant, brave and charismatic personalities.

The Seaboard Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC) will be honoring our 2020 recipient of the Blue Yarmulke Award, Alan Isenberg (re-scheduled from March 2020). At that time our Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Bernie Rod.

Join Sarah in making hamentaschen together. You can use the recipe that was sent out or your own family recipe! Feel free to prepare the dough ahead of time and just join us for filling or learn how to make the dough as well.

Make a mishloach manot basket and bring to someone special or donate to a charity that is important to you. Make sure you take a picture and show it off on Facebook or Instagram!

Memory is a central element in defining modern Jewish identity. As we look to Israel's future, we need to engage anew with our past and explore its meanings and consequences. Through the consideration of major historic moments, this Hartman iEngage series grapples with the different ideas and values that shape the meaning of Modern Israel, Zionism, and Jewish identity today. This innovative course explores the pivotal events of 1947 and 1967 - following the 1917 Balfour Declaration - as key moments when Zionism unleashed new thinking about the meaning of Jewishness for generations to come. The course engages Jews in an open and pluralistic discussion about issues of Jewish identity, peoplehood, ethics and theology as they relate to nationhood, land, sovereignty, Jerusalem, occupation, and moral red lines.

Come to B’nai to pick up your "Carnival in a Box" and wave hi to Sarah! Pick up times are Wednesday, February 24th 10:00 am-6:00 pm and Thursday, February 25th 9:00 am-3:00 pm Carnival in a Box includes prizes, activities, and snacks! $10/box with a $25 immediate family maximum Click here to place your order.

The Book of Esther, at best, gets looked at by observing Jews for a few days before Purim, on the holiday itself, and then rarely if at all. The story itself is rich and complex and is related to other Biblical books in ways not usually discussed while celebrating Purim. During this deeper dive, we will look into some of the literary aspects of Esther, some of the politics simmering between the lines, and deal with the Jewish diety’s absence from the book. Please have a Tanakh (Hebrew Bible, English translation is fine) for this course. Instructor: Steve Kerbel Eight Wednesday Mornings 9:30 - 11:00 AM January 6 - February 24, 2021 $90 Haberman Institute Friends, B’nai Israel Members $105 General Public Location: This class will take place in an online classroom. Students will receive the Zoom link prior to the first session.

Join us on Zoom as the featured speaker, our beloved Rabbi Schnitzer, leads a topical discussion on matters of interest to all. Everyone is invited!

Show us your awesome costume and be a part of our virtual costume contest on B’nai Israel's social media. Make sure you show us your most creative costume on our Facebook and Instagram and during our Family Megillah reading!

Donate to the Manna Food Drive on February 25th to help fulfill the mitzvah of giving tzedakah to those in need. Click here for a list of Manna's most needed foods list. https://www.mannafood.org/give-food/most-needed-foods-list/ Please contact Signe with questions (signe0420@verizon.net).

Written, Directed and Produced by Naomi Gerstenblith Stage Managers: Aaron Adams & Maddy Pollack Thursday, February 25 6:00 PM Join us virtually to hear the Megillah followed by a special viewing of our virtual Purim spiel—A Peter Pan Purim! Join King Peter Pachashverosh, Tinkerkvell, Captain Haman Hook and the rest of the crew as we travel back to Shushanland! You’ll recognize the tunes as we tell the story of Purim unlike any way we’ve done before. Click here for access. Interested in reading a few verses of the Megillah? Contact Rabbi Penina Alexander (peninaa@bnaiisraelcong.org).

Fulfill the mitzvah of hearing Megillat Esther after our Ma’ariv (evening) service. To attend this service, please contact Allison to reserve your space.

Fulfill the mitzvah of hearing Megillat Esther after our Shaharit (morning) service. To attend this service, please contact Allison to reserve your space.