B'nai Israel Congregation

$36/members; $50/nonmembers (The registration fee includes the cost of the textbook for this class.) 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.

An opportunity for parents to meet with Rabbi Cheryl Stone to discuss parenting joy and frustration, concerns and aspirations all within a Jewish context. Open to all parents regardless of their child(ren)’s school enrollment.

$150 materials fee All B’nai Israel members (11 years and older) are invited to attend a three-session workshop to envision, design, and create their own unique silk painted tallit. This amazing opportunity reinforces the concept of l’dor vador, from generation to generation, and creates a stronger bond in anticipation of upcoming b’nai mitzvah. It is also an opportunity for an individual to practice hiddur mitzvah (beautifying a mitzvah), raising their spiritual practice to a higher level. Participants must attend all three dates.

Come experiment with us as we figure out the how to create the best slime EVER!

*Every Monday when B’nai Israel offices are open.

(1 hour, 47 minutes; English) Brothers Joe and Ben Weider were the architects of muscle! Against all odds, they launched an empire. Along the way they discovered Arnold Schwarzenegger, inspired female empowerment, championed diversity, and started a movement that changed the world!

Devorah is a good girl who has never challenged the ways of her strict Hasidic upbringing. Jaxon is a fun-loving, booksmart nerd. They’ve spent their entire lives in Brooklyn, on opposite sides of the same street. Their paths never crossed... until one day, when a hurricane strikes and the pair becomes stranded in an elevator together, where fate leaves them no choice but to make an otherwise risky connection. Though their relationship is strictly forbidden, Devorah and Jaxon arrange secret meetings and risk everything to be together. But how far can they go? Just how much are they willing to give up?

Join us as we continue our study of Berakhot, which includes a comprehensive discussion of the Shema and Amidah, the essential components of the prayer service. Newcomers are more than welcome to join us. No prior knowledge is necessary.

12:00 PM BYO Dairy Lunch 12:30–1:30 PM Program How are Jewish communities and institutions in the United States responding to the climate emergency? Author and climate activist, Lawrence MacDonald, will discuss the history of the Jewish American response, from Earth-focused spiritualism, to local "greening" efforts such as installing rooftop solar, to the growing push for rapid system change, including an end to the fossil fuel era. He will cover the Conservative Movement's 2019 teshuvah on sustainability, the 2024 climate resolution by the Union for Reform Judaism, and Dayenu, a cross-movement Jewish climate advocacy organization with local circles across the country.

Kick off the year by tackling one of your New Year's resolutions — learning a hands-on (and delicious) new skill! Join us for a fun and interactive workshop where you'll uncover the secrets of different types of flours, master the art of making challah dough, and perfect the technique of braiding like a pro. Roll up your sleeves, create your own dough, and take it home to bake and enjoy. Let’s start the year on a fresh, creative, and tasty note!

Estate planning for all. It’s never too soon, or too late, to plan. Co-sponsored by Sisterhood.

All BISNS families with children in the 2s are invited for a Tot Shabbat-style service and delicious Shabbat dinner.

Cantor Josh leads Kabbalat Shabbat services with his choir.

Join us on selected Saturday mornings at 9:00 AM for discussions about the weekly Torah parsha. Interested in leading a session? Contact Wendy Fanaroff. September 9 – Nitzavim/Vayeilech with Eric Luftman September 23 – Ha'azinu with Wendy Fanaroff October 14 – Breshit with Alan Siegel October 28 – Lech Lecha with Fonda Lowe November 4 – Vayera with Matt Lowe November 11 – Chaye Sarah with Adrienne Rulnick December 2 – Vayishlach with Rabbi Stone December 16 – Miketz with Judy Saks January 6 – Shemot with Rabbi Safra January 20 – Bo with Larry Kravitz

B’nai Israel’s Gold Kippah Honor Society recognizes students for their proficiency in various prayers. New this year: Pre-b’nai mitzvah students will be “buddied” up with a post-b’nai mitzvah student. Older students will mentor younger students to build stronger tefillah skills while fostering friendships across grades, role modeling, and building an integrated community. Click here for more Gold Kippah information including the Gold Kippah Siddur and audio files.

Family Minyan includes spirited prayer, an engaging Torah reading, and lively conversation about the weekly Torah portion. There is no better way to prepare your child for their bar or bat mitzvah and build community connections than regular Shabbat attendance. This service is led by clergy and staff, including Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz and Rabbi Cheryl Stone.

These services are for the post-b’nai mitzvah teens of B’nai Israel. Our teens help to organize the service and lead it, often including tefillah and discussion, with support from staff and clergy.

Designed for the youngest members of our congregational family, Tot Shabbat meets weekly to sing, learn, and pray together with Tot Shabbat leaders, Morah Juliann Goldman and Lily Pollack. Beginning July 1, this service is followed by a Family Kiddush.

Hosted by Irwin Loring and featuring Chris Monty and Linda Belt Laugh the night away with a special B’nai Israel Comedy Night! Grab some friends and join for a fun night of revelry at the synagogue. We look forward to seeing you! $18 per person in advance (by January 7) $25 at the door Co-hosted by Men’s Club and Sisterhood.