We hope you and your children are all staying warm today. To that end, have you ordered your Beth El Nursery School beanie? Please see details below to order your child's hat. Today is the deadline. Click here to order today.
Tomorrow, Thursday, January 23rd at 7pm, Beth El's Israel 360 committee is sponsoring an event that we wanted to bring to your attention. Ron Segev, a survivor of the Hamas attack at the Nova Music Festival, will be speaking about his personal experience on Oct 7th, his journey of recovery, and the creation of the Nova Foundation, which has helped Ron and so many other survivors and their families after their traumatic experience. This promises to be an emotional and inspiring evening. Details may be found in the attached flyer below, and you can click here to register. Our first session of Toddler Time concludes next Tuesday, with the winter/spring session beginning on Tuesday, February 4. Further program details may be found on the flyer below. Click here to register for the next session of Toddler Time. As a reminder, registration is underway for the 2025-2026 school year and some classes are beginning to fill up! Register by February 15 and take advantage of the early bird rates. Please see the flyer below for more details and click here to visit our website for additional information.Special reminder: Refer a friend and both families benefit from a $400 tuition fee reduction! Click here to register. Please remember to scroll down so you don't miss out on anything happening in the Nursery School or the greater Beth El community.
Warmly, Ronnie and Shery
Highlights:
Registration is now open for the 2025-2026 school year!Register here.
Wednesday, Jan. 22 - Deadline to order a beanie for your child. Click here to order.
Ron Segev, a survivor of the Hamas attack at the Nova Music Festival, will be speaking. Thursday, Jan. 23 - Israel 360 event - Register here.
Monday mornings at approximately 9:15AM, our Anaf and Gesher parents/caretakers/grandparents are invited to the Youth Lounge to celebrate Havdalah together.
Sunday, January 26, 3:30PM - 5:00PM - Family Concert and Dinner at The Leffell Lower School. Register here.
It's time to register for our Winter/Spring session of Toddler Time! Please see program details below. Click here to register.
Order Your Beth El Nursery School Beanie Today! Choose from a variety of options and two different hat colors Click here to order your beanie today!
Israel 360 Event at Beth El Tomorrow Night at 7:00PM Featuring Ron Segev, Nova Survivor Click here to register.
Parenting Workshop - "Building Resilient Kids" with Dr. Tovah P. Klein, renowned child development expert and author of the new book “Raising Resilience: How to Help Our Children Thrive in Times of Uncertainty.” Wednesday, January 29 at 7:15PM Sponsored by the UJA-Federation and the JCC Mid-WestchesterClick here to register.
For event accessibility needs, please be in touch so we can address them.
Friday, January 17th 4:36pm Candle Lighting 4:40pm Kabbalat Shabbat
Saturday, January 18th Parshat Shemot 9:00am Shabbat Morning Services Please note there will be an alternate setup for Shabbat services. 10:30am Mini Minyan 10:30am Tot Shabbat 11:00am Kavannah Contemplative Service 12:45pm Daf Shevui 4:40pm Mincha/Maariv 5:37pm Havdalah
Website tip of the week: Interested in finding info about a specific committee?
In the menu bar, navigate to Adults → Committees → Choose a committee. More FAQs
Beth El Board of Trustees & Officer Nominations The nominating committee is actively working towards selecting candidates for positions on the Board of Trustees and as Officers of the synagogue. If you are interested in being considered for a position in synagogue leadership, or have questions about what such a position entails, please send an email to robpatchen@gmail.com.
2024 Tax Receipts The 2024 tax receipts were emailed on January 15, 2025. Please make sure to check your inbox (and your SPAM folder). If you need another copy via email, please email accounting@bethelnr.org.
Those marking a simcha, observing the loss of a loved one, or someone who is sick or recovering from an illness have delighted/comforted that their lifecycle event has inspired generosity. If you would like to make a donation to Beth El in honor or in memory, please click here. MISHEBERACH LIST If you would like to add a name to the Misheberach list, please email Rabbi Sitkin at zsitkin@bethelnr.org.
As a service to our members, Beth El includes in this section outside events that may be of interest to members of our community. Listing an event does not constitute endorsement of the event by Beth El.
SUPPORT FOR CALIFORNIA FIRE VICTIMS We have been following the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area with deep concern, and our hearts go out to all those affected by this disaster. We know that many of you have loved ones who are impacted, and we stand with you in support and solidarity.
A CONVERSATION WITH DR. EINAT WOLF Women's Initiative for Jewish Studies is hosting Dr. Einat Wolf, Leading Author and Speaker on Israel & Foreign Policy, and a past member of the Knesset. Dr. Wolf spoke at Beth El a couple of years back, and we invite you to join this Zoom event on Sunday, January 26th at 10:30am. For Zoom information, please email wijs@yinr.org. See the event flyer here.
VOLUNTEER IN ISRAEL MISSION Jewish National Fund-USA invites you on a Westchester/ Southern Connecticut Mission March 16th-20th. Rebuild Israel's Southern and now Northern communities affected by terrorist attacks. Learn more on the flyer here. Register here.
COMMUNITY DOCUMENTARY SCREENING OF UNCHARITABLE Inspired by Dan Pallotta, whose TED talk on charity was voted the most persuasive of all time, the documentary makes a compelling case for giving nonprofits the freedom to be a greater force for good. The 90-minute film will be followed by conversation facilitated by Theresa Kump Leghorn, President of the New Rochelle Council on the Arts. See it at the New Rochelle Public Library on Wednesday, January 22nd 12pm-2pm. More info at nrpl.org.
RUN 4 THEIR LIVES is an opportunity to create community while supporting the releease of the hostages in Gaza. You can read more information about our 'why' at http://Run4lives.org. The group meets weekly on Sunday mornings. Participants can walk or run as much as they would like. Learn more about the upcoming November Israel trip, as well as weekly announcements about meetup locations in the WhatsApp Group, which you can join here.
What a wonderful time we shared on Saturday at Casino Night! We thank you for your support and generosity. Please see below an important message from our Nursery School Parent Association:
Dear Nursery School Parents-
Thanks to so many of you for attending Casino Night last weekend! It was a huge success and we are so excited to have raised important funds for our school!
To keep the momentum going we are offering another way to show your Beth El Nursery School pride! Order your Beth El Nursery School beanie today! There are several customization options so that you can make yours unique to your child. You can order your hat at this link. All orders are due by Wednesday, Jan. 22 so that our children can wear them throughout the winter.
We look forward to seeing all of the adorable Remini pics of your children in their new hats!
Warmly, Andrea Stein and Andrea Fleishaker
For Aftercare families: On Jan. 21, aftercare will be ending at 3:00pm due to our monthly staff meeting. Please mark your calendars.
There will be no school next Monday, January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Our Atelierista continues to collect paper towel rolls and post-it notes. If you have any of these items, please send them into school. This will be an ongoing collection throughout the school year. As a reminder, registration is underway for the 2025-2026 school year and some classes are beginning to fill up! Register by February 15 and take advantage of the early bird rates. Please see the flyer below for more details and click here to visit our website for additional information.Special reminder: Refer a friend and both families benefit from a $400 tuition fee reduction! Click here to register. Please remember to scroll down so you don't miss out on anything happening in the Nursery School or the greater Beth El community. Enjoy the rest of your week and we look forward to celebrating together next Wednesday!
Warmly, Ronnie and Shery
Highlights:
Registration is now open for the 2025-2026 school year!Register here.
Monday, Jan. 20 - No school - Martin Luther King Day
Tuesday, Jan. 21 - Aftercare ends at 3:00PM due to our monthly staff meeting.
Wednesday, Jan. 22 - Deadline to order a beanie for your child. Click here to order.
Monday mornings at approximately 9:15AM, our Anaf and Gesher parents/caretakers/grandparents are invited to the Youth Lounge to celebrate Havdalah together.
Sunday, January 26, 3:30PM - 5:00PM - Family Concert and Dinner at The Leffell Lower School. Register here.
It's time to register for our Winter/Spring session of Toddler Time! Please see program details below. Click here to register.
Order Your Beth El Nursery School Beanie Today! Choose from a variety of options and two different hat colors Click here to order your beanie today!
Join Us for MLK Mitzvah Day! Monday, January 20, 11AM - 1PM Beth El is collecting eyeglasses and Jewish books for children. There are receptacles outside the main office for you to drop off you donations. Thank you in advance. Click here to register.
Parenting Workshop - "Building Resilient Kids" with Dr. Tovah P. Klein, renowned child development expert and author of the new book “Raising Resilience: How to Help Our Children Thrive in Times of Uncertainty.” Wednesday, January 29 at 7:15PM Sponsored by the UJA-Federation and the JCC Mid-WestchesterClick here to register.
Engage with Rabi Bedo in a very interesting topic of discussion: See How The Jewish identity is Portrayed on Popular TV Shows This series begins tonight but one must not attend all sessions. See below for further details andclick here to register.
Family Concert & Dinner on Sunday, January 6, 3:30PM - 5:00PM The Leffell Lower School Click here to register.
After a most wonderful and well attended Gesher Info Session last month, we thank those of you who have already enrolled for next year. We are following up now to see how many additional families are planning on having their child join this unique and outstanding class. That way we can be assured that we have the necessary enrollment. Please let us know at your earliest convenience if you intend to sign up, and click here to register today.
Thank you so much and shabbat shalom, Ronnie and Shery
For event accessibility needs, please be in touch so we can address them.
Friday, January 10th 1:00pm Mincha 4:28pm Candle Lighting 4:30pm Shabbat Mincha 6:00pm Kabbalat Shabbat 7:00pm Community Dinner
Saturday, January 11th Parshat Vayechi 9:00am Shabbat Morning Services 10:30am Mini Minyan 10:30am Tot Shabbat 12:00pm Kiddush Lunch The Kiddush is sponsored by the families of the Beth El Youth Community in honor of both Youth & Family Shabbat, as well as our Leffell School Seniors traveling to Israel and Poland. 12:45pm Youth & Family Shabbat Speakers Panel with Dr. Michael Kay, Dr. Tali Aldouby-Schuck and Alyssa Berman 12:45pm Daf Shevui 4:30pm Mincha/Maariv 5:29pm Havdalah 8:00pm Casino Night
Website tip of the week: Interested in adult learning opportunities?
Mazal tov to parents Liat Kalikow and Sean Murray on the birth of their daugther Demi Paige. Mazal tov also to big sister Piper.
Mazal tov to parents Jessica and Scott Grossman on the birth of their daughter Zoe Sabrina. Mazal tov also to big brother Benny and big sister Maddie.
Those marking a simcha, observing the loss of a loved one, or someone who is sick or recovering from an illness have delighted/comforted that their lifecycle event has inspired generosity. If you would like to make a donation to Beth El in honor or in memory, please click here. MISHEBERACH LIST If you would like to add a name to the Misheberach list, please email Rabbi Sitkin at zsitkin@bethelnr.org.
As a service to our members, Beth El includes in this section outside events that may be of interest to members of our community. Listing an event does not constitute endorsement of the event by Beth El.
SUPPORT FOR CALIFORNIA FIRE VICTIMS We have been following the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area with deep concern, and our hearts go out to all those affected by this disaster. We know that many of you have loved ones who are impacted, and we stand with you in support and solidarity.
OPERATION DUGO annual commemoration of a Holocaust survivor’s tradition of eating falafel on January 16th. Dugo passed away in 2023, however, this tradition of thousands around the world joining him in eating falafel continues. The Westchester community has participated in “Operation Dugo” since 2022. For more information, Join the international community in spreading his story of survival and hope. Seasons Scarsdale and Falafel Taco in Pleasantville are offering 15% off on falafel on January 16th. Learn more>>
RUN 4 THEIR LIVES is an opportunity to create community while supporting the releease of the hostages in Gaza. You can read more information about our 'why' at http://Run4lives.org. The group meets weekly on Sunday mornings. Participants can walk or run as much as they would like. Learn more about the upcoming November Israel trip, as well as weekly announcements about meetup locations in the WhatsApp Group, which you can join here.
We hope you're staying warm this week! We have some amazing opportunities for our Teen Community to connect this weekend, as well as "save the dates" for the next few months. As a reminder, our Teens take over Shabbat morning services, and we'll honor our high school Seniors with an aliyah before the Leffell Seniors leave for Israel! Dr. Michael Kay, Head of School at Leffell, Dr. Tali Aldouby-Schuck, Director of Hebrew and Judaic Studies at the Heschel School, and Alyssa will speak after Kiddush on Saturday morning.
Module 2 of the Teen Collab at the Mid-Westchester JCC starts tomorrow--you can still sign up! Rabbi Sitkin is teaching Moot Beit Din, which is Jewish mock trial. Teen Collab meets on Thursdays from 6:30-8 pm at the Midwestchester JCC. Click here for more information and registration.
Upcoming events include:
Axe Throwing: Saturday, January 11 from 7:30-9 pm.Register here.
Trivia Lounge Night: Tuesday, January 28 from 6:30-8 pm. Register here.
Teen Shabbat: Saturday, February 8 from 10:30 am-12 pm.Register here.
Save-the-date: Saturday night, February 8 for a fun activity!
Purim Carnival Save-the-date: Sunday, March 9 from 10 am-2 pm. Service hours!
Interested in learning more about our Teen offerings at Beth El, or getting more involved? Reach out to Vered (teens@bethelnr.org) or Alyssa (aberman@bethelnr.org). We're happy to connect!
Hadar's Teen Virtual Beit Midrash January 23, 30 and February 6 from 8-9 pm Grades 9-12 Online
Few topics in Jewish ritual life are as emotionally laden and communally challenging as that of gender egalitarian prayer. In this course, we'll trace the halakhic history around prayer gender gaps, the requirements for a person to lead communal prayer, and the requirements for counting toward a minyan. This class is for high schoolers who are excited to engage rigorously with Jewish texts and ideas. All Hebrew and Aramaic sources will be available in translation. Register here.
What Judaism Could Be: A Hadar Teen Summit Sunday, January 26 from 9 am-6 pm Grades 9-12
What could Judaism be - in your life, in your community, and in the world? This summit is a unique space to explore the relevance of Jewish texts, tradition, and practices to our contemporary lives.
Join Hadar faculty in tackling the most important questions about the role of Judaism as we move through the world today. Grapple with big ideas including the purpose of prayer, the meaning of belief in God, and the expansive potential of Jewish law and practice. Through deep exploration of Torah, spirited communal singing, egalitarian tefillah, and sharing our own stories and experiences, the Hadar Teen Summit will build a community of committed Jewish teens ready to grow together.
Join the Hadar Teen Summit to dream big, share your hopes for the future, connect with passionate peers.
Out of an abundance of caution and to prevent possible future cases of lice, we will be bringing in The Lice Lady of Westchester tomorrow morning, beginning around 10/10:30am, to check the children in our Anaf Bet, Anaf Aleph and Gesher classes. We will call you only if something is found on your child.
We have been informed that unfortunately one of our Anaf Bet friends who was in school today has head lice and has been treated. Please find below some detailed information regarding lice:
Lice are found on your scalp. They're easiest to see at the nape of your neck and over your ears. Symptoms include the following:
Intense itching
Tickling feeling from movement of hair
Lice on your scalp, body, clothing. Adult lice may be about the size of a sesame seed or slightly larger.
Lice eggs (nits) on hair shafts. Nits resemble tiny pussy willow buds. Nits can be mistaken for dandruff, but unlike dandruff, they can't be easily brushed out of hair.
Small red bumps on the scalp, neck and shoulders
Some important things to know: Lice need to eat several times a day from a human host. Lice cannot “fall” on pillows, sheets, stuffed animals, and other bedding unless the hair that they are attached to fall out. But they can’t live on these surfaces, or on hats, scarves, furniture, or carpet. They also can’t live on pets or any other animals. They will die after 24-48 hours without food.
The teachers have taken the necessary precautions in the classroom by bagging up dress-up clothes, pillows, hats, etc., moving out of the classroom the cushioned chairs, and the maintenance men will be paying extra care while vacuuming and cleaning the room this afternoon.
If you feel your child may have lice, if you see them scratching their head, please reach out to the The Lice Lady of Westchester (914-497-5465) and let us know if any other cases develop.
Casino Night is this Saturday, January 11 at 8PM!!!! Have you registered? We are hoping for 100% participation from the Nursery School community. Bring your friends from the outside too! They'll have the best time! The live auction is open and has wonderful prizes to offer. To access the auction on your laptop, click here. To access the auction on your phone, click here. Event details may be found below. Click here to register.
We apologize for the date change, but Special Persons' Shabbat for our Gezah, Anaf and Gesher Families will now be taking place on Friday, March 28. This is an opportunity for a grandparent, aunt, uncle or special friend to gain some insight into your child's shabbat experience at Beth El Nursery School. The Gesher and Anaf classes will celebrate Shabbat from 9:30AM to 10:30AM, beginning in the den and then moving into the classrooms, and the Gezah class celebrations will begin in their classrooms at 9:20AM and move into the den, concluding at 10:30AM. We look forward to sharing the morning with all of your special people! Today is the last day to register for Beth El's Community Dinner this Friday. Details may be found below.Click here to register. Our Atelierista is collecting paper towel rolls and post-it notes. If you have any of these items, please send them into school. This will be an ongoing collection throughout the school year.
For Aftercare families: On Jan. 21, aftercare will be ending at 3:00pm due to our monthly staff meeting. Please mark your calendars. As a reminder, registration is underway for the 2025-2026 school year! Register early and take advantage of the early bird rates. Please see the flyer below for more details and click here to visit our website for additional information.Special reminder: Refer a friend and both families benefit from a $400 tuition fee reduction! Click here to register. Please remember to scroll down so you don't miss out on anything happening in the Nursery School or the greater Beth El community. Enjoy the rest of your week and we look forward to celebrating together next Wednesday!
Warmly, Ronnie and Shery
Highlights:
Registration is now open for the 2025-2026 school year!Register here.
January 10, 2025 at 7:00PM - Beth El Community Shabbat dinnerRegister hereby January 7.
January 10-11, Youth and Family Shabbat at Beth El.
Monday, Jan. 20 - No school - Martin Luther King Day
Tuesday, Jan. 21 - Aftercare ends at 3:00PM due to our monthly staff meeting.
Monday mornings at approximately 9:15AM, our Anaf and Gesher parents/caretakers/grandparents are invited to the Youth Lounge to celebrate Havdalah together.
Friday, Janurary 24, 2024 - Special Persons Shabbat for Gezah, Anaf and Gesher families.
Sunday, January 26, 3:30PM - 5:00PM - Family Concert and Dinner at The Leffell Lower School. Register here.
Our Most Popular and Most Successful Fundraiser is Back! Join us for Casino Night on January 11, 8:00 - 11:00PM You don't want to miss this fabulous event! Further details may be found on the flyer below. Click here to register.
Engage with Rabi Bedo in a very interesting topic of discussion: See How The Jewish identity is Portrayed on Popular TV Shows This series begins tonight but one must not attend all sessions. See below for further details andclick here to register.
Family Concert & Dinner on Sunday, January 6, 3:30PM - 5:00PM The Leffell Lower School Click here to register.
Don't miss the Nursery School's biggest fundraiser of the year, and a fabulous night out...Casino Night on Saturday, January 11 at 8PM!!!! We are hoping for 100% participation from the Nursery School community. Bring your friends from the outside too! They'll have the best time! The live auction is open. To access the auction on your laptop, click here. To access the auction on your phone, click here. Event details may be found below. Click here to register. Our atelierista is collecting paper towel rolls and post-it notes. If you have any of these items, please send them into school. This will be an ongoing collection throughout the school year.
Special Persons' Shabbat for our Gezah, Anaf and Gesher Families will be on Friday, January 24. This is an opportunity for a grandparent, aunt, uncle or special friend to gain some insight into your child's shabbat experience at Beth El Nursery School. The Gesher and Anaf classes will celebrate Shabbat 9:30AM-10:30AM, and the Gezah class celebrations will be 10:50AM-11:50AM.both of these events will begin in the main sanctuary. We look forward to sharing the morning with all of your special people! As a reminder, registration is underway for the 2025-2026 school year! Register early and take advantage of the early bird rates. Please see the flyer below for more details and click here to visit our website for additional information.Special reminder: Refer a friend and both families benefit from a $400 tuition fee reduction! Click here to register. Please remember to scroll down so you don't miss out on anything happening in the Nursery School or the greater Beth El community. Enjoy the rest of your week and we look forward to celebrating together next Wednesday!
Warmly, Ronnie and Shery
Highlights:
Registration is now open for the 2025-2026 school year!Register here.
January 10, 2025 at 7:00PM - Beth El Community Shabbat dinnerRegister hereby January 7.
January 10-11, Youth and Family Shabbat at Beth El.
Monday mornings at approximately 9:15AM, our Anaf and Gesher parents/caretakers/grandparents are invited to the Youth Lounge to celebrate Havdalah together.
Friday, Janurary 24, 2024 - Special Persons Shabbat for Gezah, Anaf and Gesher families.
Sunday, January 26, 3:30PM - 5:00PM - Family Concert and Dinner at The Leffell Lower School. Register here.
Our Most Popular and Most Successful Fundraiser is Back! Join us for Casino Night on January 11, 8:00 - 11:00PM You don't want to miss this fabulous event! Further details may be found on the flyer below. Click here to register.
