B'nai Israel Congregation

$50 for members; $60 for nonmembers This is a beginner’s course to help you learn to read Hebrew, with a focus on the Hebrew of the siddur, or prayer book. The course will also explore aspects of Israeli history and culture. The registration includes a copy of the textbook, Aleph Isn’t Tough.

Candidates in the general election will address congregants and answer questions.

Broadway Musicals - A Jewish Legacy (1 hr., 25 min.; English) Narrated by Tony and Academy Award-winner Joel Grey, this entertaining documentary mingles cultural history with illuminating perspectives on the origins and meanings of some of Broadway's most beloved songs, stories and shows. With performances by Matthew Broderick, Kelli O'Hara, Zero Mostel, Nathan Lane, Barbra Streisand, Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth and many more!

$36 for members; $50 for nonmembers Why do we chant our sacred texts with a melody, instead of just reading them? Where does trope come from and how does it work? This class will explore the history and theory of trope, the system(s) for chanting biblical texts. Open to students at all levels; no previous knowledge of trope is necessary.

1. October 27: The Torah of Bumper stickers. Many bumper stickers (refrigerator magnets, t-shirts, coffee cups, media ads and billboards) say things that reflect Torah values. They are extremely “rememberable” and exploring and discussing how they teach Biblical, Talmudic, Midrashic, and Halachic principles. 2. November 3: Four Love Stories from the Bible, Talmud, and Midrash. One of them is just downright beautiful, one for which we will have to fill in the details, one that kind of falls flat, and one that has the greatest love line in all of ancient Jewish literature. 3. November 10: Readings from My Own Poetry. Participants will also read some of the selections to see how they interpret my poems. Plus, discussion of the meaning. Participants will have the opportunity to rate the poems, which will then be tallied à la Rotten Tomatoes.

Join your fellow Jewish 8th-12th graders for a Kabbalat Shabbat service at 6:15pm followed by dinner at 7:30pm. No cost required to attend – just come to enjoy a relaxing Friday night with your friends! Optional activities to follow dinner. All are welcome regardless of membership, affiliation, denomination, or Jewish practice.

Each grade leads significant components of our Shabbat Morning Youth & Family Services, demonstrating their mastery of the prayers and offering insights on the weekly Torah portion.