B'nai Israel Congregation

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

Get ready for a festive night filled with vibrant Israeli Mizrahi music, the irresistible taste of freshly made moufleta and sfenj, delectable Moroccan treats, and a toast of arak to top it all off. Let’s close out Passover with the warmth, flavor, and joy of an authentic Mimouna celebration—you won’t want to miss it!

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.

Wednesday, February 5 (continuing 14 more weeks, concluding May 28) 7:00–8:30 PM at Ohr Kodesh Congregation $150/person (includes textbook) Whether you want to learn more about your heritage, are considering converting, or are eager to incorporate more Judaism into your life, this course is for you. Throughout this 15-week course, students of all ages and backgrounds explore significant topics: rituals, holidays, Torah and values. Each cohort is guided by a multi-denominational team of rabbis who bring the past, present, and future together—including B’nai Israel’s own Rabbi Michael Safra, Rabbi Mitchell Berkowitz, and Rabbi Cheryl Stone. Presented by The Haberman Institute for Jewish Studies.

12:00 PM BYO Dairy Lunch 12:30–1:30 PM Program Elizabeth Cullen, Hadassah’s Director of Government Relations, will offer her insights on Hadassah’s advocacy priorities in a new Congress and under the new Administration. Join us to hear more about this and how Hadassah members can make a difference.

Tobi’s father Mendel Potash was born in a small town called Szczurowice, Poland. He was just 7 years old when the war began, experiencing it at first as a child, thinking it was a game...until it became very real. The Russians arrived, and then the Germans. Aunts and uncles suddenly were put on trains and just gone...forever. Then, Mendel narrowly escaped death on numerous occasions. He survived only because of luck, smarts, and the kindness of a few. Through many dangerous moments, he spent most of the war in hiding. It wasn’t until he was 16, and many family members dead, that he finally left Europe for good, never to return. TOBI BASSIN grew up in Toronto, Canada. She and her husband, Stuart, have been members at B’nai Israel since 2003. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, she felt it important to devote her teaching career to Jewish Education. Currently, she works as an English Language specialist, supporting the Israeli community at CESJDS to learn English and integrate into the community. In her spare time, Tobi volunteers with the JCRC as a facilitator to help lead the Maggid program which trains second-generation survivors (children of survivors) to share their parents’ stories of survival during the Holocaust.

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.

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.