For event accessibility needs, please be in touch so we can address them.
Friday, January 3rd 1:00pm Mincha 4:22pm Candle Lighting 6:00pm First Fridays Kabbalat Shabbat
Saturday, January 4th Parshat Vayigash 9:00am Shabbat Morning Services 10:30am Mini Minyan 10:30am Tot Shabbat 12:00pm Kiddush Lunch 12:45pm Daf Shevui 4:20pm Mincha/Maariv 5:22pm Havdalah
Reminder: Starting in January 2025, we will transition to one set of announcements sent every Friday. Tuesday Ride the El announcements will no longer be a part of our regular communication with members, instead we encourage you to utilize the calendar and the website for up-to-date details about all our programming.
Mazal tov to Barbara & Lawrence Orans on the birth of their grandson, Arbor Winston Orans, born on December 30th. Mazal tov also to parents Alix Samuel & Mark Orans.
Mazal tov to Liat Kalikow and Sean Murray on the birth of their daughter, Demi Paige, and mazal tov also to big sister, Piper.
Condolences to Greg & Hillary Portnoy on the loss of Greg's father, Norman Portnoy z"l.
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.
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.
For event accessibility needs, please be in touch so we can address them.
Reminder: Starting in January 2025, we will transition to one set of announcements sent every Friday. Tuesday Ride the El announcements will no longer be a part of our regular communication with members, instead we encourage you to utilize the calendar and the website for up-to-date details about all our programming.
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.
CHANUKKAH QUIZ If you want to test the Chanukkah knowledge of your family and friends, check out the Council's Chanukkah quiz here. Answers can be found by visiting the Council's website.
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.
Saturday, December 28th Shabbat Parashat Miketz 9:00am Shabbat Morning Services 10:30am Mini Minyan 10:30am Tot Shabbat 12:00pm Kiddush Lunch 12:45pm Daf Shevui 4:20pm Mincha/Maariv 5:17pm Havdalah
Reminder: Starting in January 2025, we will transition to one set of announcements sent every Friday. Tuesday Ride the El announcements will no longer be a part of our regular communication with members, instead we encourage you to utilize the calendar and the website for up-to-date details about all our programming.
SILVERSNEAKERS:FLEX Next Class: Tuesday, December 31st!
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.
CHANUKKAH QUIZ If you want to test the Chanukkah knowledge of your family and friends, check out the Council's Chanukkah quiz here. Answers can be found by visiting the Council's website.
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.
For event accessibility needs, please be in touch so we can address them.
Reminder: Starting in January 2025, we will transition to one set of announcements sent every Friday. Ride the El will no longer be a part of our regular communication with members, instead we encourage you to utilize the calendar and the website for up-to-date details about all our programming.
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.
CHANUKKAH QUIZ If you want to test the Chanukkah knowledge of your family and friends, check out the Council's Chanukkah quiz here. Answers can be found by visiting the Council's website.
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.
Condolences to Samuel (Joanna) Kaufman on the loss of his mother, Dr. Gale Kaufman z"l, and to Mitchell and Gisele Kaufman on the loss of their grandmother.
Condolences to Carrie Fox and David Shechter on the loss of Carrie's mother, Jane Perry z"l.
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.
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 look forward to celebrating together with you tomorrow at our Chanukah Chagigah! As a reminder, our Gezah, Anaf and Gesher families will drop their children off at their classrooms and then head over to the Crystal Ballroom where your children will meet you. Then at 10:00AM, we invite the Shoresh families to join us as we all congregate together in the Fayer Ballroom for a Chanukah musical sing-a-long. The festivities will conclude in your child's classroom with Chanukah treats. School will end at approximately 11:00AM on this special day. A gentle reminder that there is no pasta lunch or after care tomorrow.
Reminder to please bring in your "How Does My Child Shine" candle if you haven't done so already, as well as gloves and mittens to decorate our Chaverim Chanukiah in the Upper Lobby, and to do a mitzvah. We are collecting new gloves and mittens from Dec. 16- Dec. 20. Feel free to go with your child during drop-off or pick-up to add your donated items to the chanukia. All of the donated items will be given to The Sharing Shelf. Thank you in advance for participating in this important and meaningful mitzvah!
A message from our Project SEED (Supporting Early Emotional Development) consultant, Julie Schnur:
Hi Beth El Nursery School Parents!
I'd like to check in again and reintroduce myself now that we are a couple of months into the school year and I am getting to know your kids! My name is Julie Schnur and I am the social work consultant at the nursery school. I am in the school twice a month and available to you for calls and emails whenever concerns or questions arise. You can contact me at jschnur@wjcs.com or ask Ronnie to put us in touch!
Warmly, Julie 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!!!! Event details may be found below. Click here to register. 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.
Dec. 16 - Dec. 20 - Chaverim Chanukiah Project - Please send in new mittens and gloves to be donated to TheSharing Shelf.
Jan. 1, 2025 at 2:30PM - HaNEWkkah Celebration at Beth ElRegister here.
January 11, 2025, 8:00 - 11:00PM - Casino Night!Register here.
Anaf and Gesher parents/caretakers/grandparents are invited to the Youth Lounge on Monday mornings at approximately 9:15AM to celebrate Havdalah together.
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! Click here to register.
Adult Ed with Rabbi Bedo Dates: January 7th, 14th & 28th - Tuesday Nights at 7:30 PM (You don't need to attend all 3 classes to register!) Everybody Wants This: Depictions of Jewish Identity in Contemporary American TV Dive into the world of contemporary American TV to explore how Jewish identity is portrayed in popular shows like Transparent, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Broad City, Sex and the City, Nobody Wants This, and more! Together, we’ll watch and analyze key scenes that tackle Jewish rituals, holidays, lifecycle events, interdating and intermarriage, antisemitism, and the ever-complicated relationship with Israel. Click here to register.
Family Concert & Dinner at The Leffell School Sunday, January 26 On Sunday, January 26, The Leffell School is hosting a family concert and kid-friendly dinner featuring Rebecca Schoffer of the Shababa community at 92Y. This program is open to families of children ages 0-5 and registration is required. Click here to register.
Semi-Annual Meeting The Semi-Annual Meeting of the Membership will take place at Beth El Synagogue Center on Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 at 7:30 pm.
All members in good standing are eligible to attend and vote upon all matters duly presented at said meeting, including amendments to the constitution. The meeting will be in person with the option to attend via zoom.
We invite you to join us for a pre-meeting dinner and shmooze at 7:00pm. The meeting will begin promptly at 7:30pm. Please register today if you want to join us for the pre-meeting dinner.
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.
KOL RAM The Ramaz Adult Community Chorus presents a Winter Concert on Tuesday, December 17th 8:00pm-9:00pm at Shaarei Tikvah, 46 Fox Meadow Road, Scarsdale, NY. More details and register here.
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.
For event accessibility needs, please be in touch so we can address them.
Friday, December 13th
4:10pm Kabbalat Shabbat 4:10pm Candle Lighting
Saturday, December 14th 9:00am Shabbat Morning Services 10:30am Mini Minyan 10:30am Tot Shabbat 10:30am Teen Minyan This week's kiddush is sponsored by the Schlecker Family in honor of their granddaughter Belle Ruby Schlecker's baby naming. This week's kiddush is also sponsored by the Wolloch Family in memory of Helene Wolloch. 12:45pm Daf Shevui 4:10pm Mincha/Maariv 5:10pm Havdalah
Semi-Annual Meeting The Semi-Annual Meeting of the Membership will take place at Beth El Synagogue Center on Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 at 7:30 pm.
All members in good standing are eligible to attend and vote upon all matters duly presented at said meeting, including amendments to the constitution. The meeting will be in person with the option to attend via zoom.
We invite you to join us for a pre-meeting dinner and shmooze at 7:00pm. The meeting will begin promptly at 7:30pm. Please register today if you want to join us for the pre-meeting dinner.
Mazal tov to David & Susan Schlecker on the baby naming of their granddaughter, Belle Ruby Schlecker, and mazal tov also to parents, Mark Schlecker & Kaye Kirschner and grandparents, Bruce & Gwen Kirschner.
Condolences to Michael & Alyssa Sherman on the loss of Michael's mother, Birgitta Sherman z"l.
Condolences to Carol Perlman on the loss of her husband, Samuel Perlman z"l.
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.
KOL RAM The Ramaz Adult Community Chorus presents a Winter Concert on Tuesday, December 17th 8:00pm-9:00pm at Shaarei Tikvah, 46 Fox Meadow Road, Scarsdale, NY. More details and register here.
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 were delighted with the wonderful turnout Saturday night at HavDairy! What a beautiful way to welcome in the new week, all together as a community. We thank those of you who brought in new pajamas. We will be donating them to the Ronald McDonald House, who often help families in need. At times families will arrive at the house unexpectedly due to an emergency they are facing and are not equipped for the stay ahead of them. You have done a true mitzvah for which we are most grateful.
Next week, Wednesday, Dec. 18, is the Nursery School Chanukah Chagigah. Our Gezah, Anaf and Gesher families will meet their children in the Crystal Ballroom at 9:15AM for a hands-on experiential workshop. Please use this time to focus on your child as you participate together moving from station to station during this interactive experience. Then, at 10:00AM, we invite the Shoresh families to join us as we all congregate together in the Fayer Ballroom for a Chanukah musical sing-a-long. The festivities will conclude in your child's classroom with Chanukah treats. School will end at approximately 11:00AM on this special day. A gentle reminder that there is no pasta lunch or after care.
Today your children will be coming home with paper candles in their backpacks. We are asking that each family write something about what makes their child special - what makes them shine, or how they light up your life, etc. If you choose, you may also add a photo of your child. These candles will be part of a Chanukah display in your child's classroom, which will enable the children to see their classmates and themselves. We hope to read them aloud in each class at the Chagigah next week. Even our staff will be participating and each teacher will create a candle showing how their co-teacher shines! Please return your candle as soon as you can. Thank you for your participation.
The Nursery School Parent Association is sponsoring a mitzvah project for Chanukah called Chaverim Chanukia. We are collecting new gloves and mittens from Dec. 16- Dec. 20. These hand warmers will decorate a spectacular Chanukiah, a group endeavor created by all of our Nursery School children. Feel free to go with your child during drop-off or pick-up to add your donated items to the chanukia which will be located in the Upper Lobby. All of the donated items will be given to The Sharing Shelf. The Sharing Shelf addresses clothing insecurity and meets the basic material needs of children and teens in Westchester County, bringing dignity and respect, so they can thrive.Thank you in advance for participating in this important and meaningful mitzvah!
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.
Remember to complete your child's paper candle (going home today in their backpacks) and return it to school as soon as possible (no later than Tuesday, Dec. 17).
Dec. 16 - Dec. 20 - Chaverim Chanukiah Project - Please send in new mittens and gloves to be donated to The Sharing Shelf.
Jan. 1, 2025 at 2:30PM - HaNEWkkah Celebration at Beth El, Register Here.
Anaf and Gesher parents/caretakers/grandparents are invited to the Youth Lounge on Monday mornings at approximately 9:15AM to celebrate Havdalah together.
Teen Photographers: Jewish Youth For Unity Project and Contest Deadline: December 15 Grades 8-12
Enter the Jewish Youth for Unity Photojournalism Project and Contest!
This project invites teens to share their perspective, through photography, on the Jewish values of kindness, spreading joy, and giving. To enter the contest, teens submit an original photo, plus a short description (up to 100 words) about how their photo reflects these values.
Hadar's Ateret Zvi Prize Submit by December 31 Grades 9-12
High school students—we want to read your Torah! The Ateret Zvi Prize is awarded annually to an outstanding essay displaying rigorous scholarship and religious insight. Current high school students are invited to write an essay that offers an original interpretation of a classical Jewish text with a meaningful application for our lives today.
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.
