We had an action-packed Sunday, between around 50 people joining us for ice skating and a very succesful middle school field trip to the Museum of Jewish Heritage! We also have a lot happening in the next few weeks, and we can't wait to see you!
As a reminder, Youth & Family Shabbat Dinner early bird registration (and $100 family cap) end tomorrow!Click here to register!
Here is our calendar:
Thursday, February 1: Regular RS
Saturday, February 3: Casino Night at 8 pm. Register here.
Sunday, February 4: Regular RS & Moadon
World Wide Wrap & BE Mitzvah session for 6th grade, 8:00-10:30 am. Register here.
World Wide Wrap & early dismissal for 7th grade, 8:00-11 am. RSVP here.
We Belong Together: Neurodiversity in the Synagogue Zoom webinar at 7:30 pm. Register here.
Friday & Saturday, February 9 and 10: Youth & Family Shabbat
Friday night dinner & Shirateinu performance with dinner. Register here.
Saturday: Teens take over Shabbat services!
Sunday, February 11: Regular RS & Moadon
Thursday, February 15: Regular RS
Sunday, February 18: NO RS: February Break
Thursday, February 22: NO RS: February Break
Sunday, February 25: NO RS: February Break
Thursday, February 29: Regular RS resumes
UPDATED Religious School Calendar:click here
Upcoming Events
Youth & Family Shabbat Friday, February 9 at 6 pm (dinner at 7 pm) Join us for a special family Friday night! Shirateinu will sing during Kabbalat Shabbat services at 6 pm, which is followed by a delicious, fully-catered dinner at 7 pm.
Saturday, February 10 at 9 am Support our Teens as they take over Shabbat services! We also include speakers during Kiddush luncheon and invite representatives from a local Jewish day schools to join our community for this special Shabbat.
Casino Night & Silent Auction Saturday, February 3 at 8 pm open to all Beth El adults
Join us for Casino Night— win big prizes at our Vegas-style tables, enter the poker tournament, shop our silent auction, and L’chaim at the open bar! It’s an evening of games and cocktails for a good cause, our beloved Nursery School. Hosted by comedian Ben Asher.
Our online auction is live! Start your bidding today here.
We Belong Together: Neurodiversity in the Synagogue Thursday, February 8 at 7:30 pm on Zoom
Beth El Synagogue Center is offering a webinar by Matan to help our community understand the needs of neurodiverse individuals, potential barriers to Jewish life, and how each member of our community can help overcome those barriers to enhance inclusion. Matan guides, trains, and supports Jewish community leaders and educators to provide purposeful, enriching, and inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities and their families.
TONIGHT, Tuesday, January 30, 7:30 pm One of the most fascinating features of the Talmud is its rich tapestry of narratives. If storytelling is an art form, then the Talmud is an artistic masterpiece. Please join us as Dr. Jeffrey Rubenstein guides us through a close reading of three different Talmudic stories and teaches us how the Talmud weaves them together to form an interesting and cohesive literary unit.
There will also be a delicious dinner and drinks at the start of the evening.
This program is sponsored by Dorothy Fox, in memory of Herb Fox z"l.
Dr. Jeffrey L. Rubenstein is the Skirball Professor of Talmud and Rabbinic Literature in the Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies of New York University.
To sponsor an Open Beit Midrash Scholar Series, click here. The Open Beit Midrash Scholar Series is underwritten by the Yvette and Herman Gordon Century Fund for Adult Teaching and Learning. To ensure we can continue to offer high level adult educational programming please consider contributing to that fund here.
This Saturday, February 3, 8:00 pm Join us for Casino Night— win big prizes at our Vegas-style tables, enter the poker tournament, shop our silent auction, and L’chaim at the open bar! It’s an evening of games and cocktails for a good cause, our beloved Nursery School. Hosted by comedian Ben Asher.
This is not just for Nursery School families - all adult members of Beth El are welcome!
This Thursday, February 1, 7:00 pm Beth El Security Committee has invited the New Rochelle Police Department to present the "CRASE" training, (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events). This training emphasizes RUN, HIDE, FIGHT and teaches survival techniques for an active shooter scenario, including what to expect when the police arrive.
We strongly encourage everyone to attend this important safety event. Register Here.
Tuesdays: 2/6, 3/12, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9 at 7:30 pm A fundamental reality of being human is learning to grapple with our own mortality. No one escapes this world without encountering the death of friends and loved ones, nor are we immune from sickness. In this class we will explore rabbinic teachings that enrich the ways we think about the process of death and dying, as well as the rituals we've inherited that guide us through some of the most difficult moments in our lives.
Join us for a special musical Kabbalat Shabbat service on the First Friday of each month. This is an opportunity for our Prayer Team to lead us in song, with new melodies and harmonies.
No registration required.
The 2024 campaign season is officially underway! We learn in the Ethics of our Fathers that, “One should not separate themselves from the community.” (Pirkei Avot 2:4). Bartenura explains that this means we must share in the community's troubles in order to see its consolation. Living in a democracy is a privilege and the way in which we share in the burdens of the community is through exercising our right to vote.
If you are a first time voter in Westchester the last date to register to vote for the congressional race is June 15th. The Congressional primary will be held on June 25th, 2024.
As a reminder, you can only vote in the primary election if you are enrolled in a major political party. If you are registered as an independent or would like to change your party affiliation in order to vote in the 16th Congressional District primary this must be done before February 14th, 2024. If you are unsure if you are registered or unsure about your party affiliation you can checkhere. If you are interested in changing your party affiliation you can do so online.
Thursday, February 8, 7:30 pm on Zoom For Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month (JDAIM), Beth El Synagogue Center is offering a webinar by Matan to help our community understand the needs of neurodiverse individuals, potential barriers to Jewish life, and how each member of our community can help overcome those barriers to enhance inclusion. Matan guides, trains, and supports Jewish community leaders and educators to provide purposeful, enriching, and inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities and their families.
Join us for Youth and Family Shabbat on Feb. 9th-10th! Join us for a special family dinner starting with a Kabbalat Shabbat Service at 6 pm, followed by a delicious, fully-catered, three-course dinner at 7 pm.
This event is catered by Zami Caterers.
$30 for 13 and older, $18 for children 3-12, 2 and under are free Family cap rate of $100 expires on February 1st. Registration closes Monday, February 5th.
Tuesday, February 13, 7:30 pm We are so fortunate to have our very own member Dr. Marvin Chinitz discuss his highly acclaimed haggadah, The Chinitz Zion Haggadah, which will transform the meaning of Pesach from an ancient holiday to the most relevant modern Jewish/Israeli/Zionist holiday on the Jewish calendar. This Haggadah is the most-timely Haggadah for our current times, as it includes not only the traditional text, but a treatise on teaching and defending modern Israel and Judaism. The commentaries of the Haggadah are related to modern Israel, "modern" antisemitism issues, and the essays included are the core of Zionist/Israeli education that needs to be passed from one generation to the next for years to come. Do you want to know how to explain current events to your college children, friends and extended family? All of this is included in The Chinitz Zion Haggadah.
This program is sponsored by Dr. Marvin and Shari Chinitz in memory of Shari's mother יהודית ברינדל בת רחל ויצחק ז''ל and in honor of presenting The Chinitz Zion Haggadah.
Thursday February 15th, at 1:30 pm In Person Tracy Wright, who has been the Director of Eastchester Library since 2007, will be sharing her expertise on Jewish authors. She will be reviewing new authors and their books, as well as discussing established authors.
Register Here. This program is sponsored by Beth El Sisterhood and Hadassah Westchester.
Save the Date! Sunday, March 3 Join us for a special luncheon honoring Sheila Cohen. All donations help support our future rabbis, cantors, and Jewish lay leaders at the seminaries in the United States, Germany, Argentina, and Israel. These students will ensure the continuity of future generations of Conservative Jews.
Every Torah Fund gift of $180 will be acknowledged with our unique pin. All contributions, of any amount, will be gratefully accepted and appreciated. Make your donation online at this safe, secure site: www.jtsa.edu/torahfund and be sure to enter ‘Beth El New Rochelle’ in the Affiliate space on the form.
This event is sponsored by Beth El Sisterhood & Women's League for Conservative Judaism.
Get Your Mahj-on(gg) on with us on March 7 at 7:30. Join in the fun with an intergenerational group for a Mah-Jongg Jamboree. Meet new friends, enjoy cocktails, mocktails and great snacks while we play and learn Mah-Jongg together.
For planning purposes please and registration fill out this Google Form.
All Profits go to Beth El Sisterhood then to Beth El Note: We can only accept checks and cash!
*Any day not listed has no scheduled programming (besides minyan). **Unless otherwise indicated, all programs are in person only.
Tuesday, January 30th
10:00 am – Silver Sneakers for Seniors
1:00 pm – Mah Jongg 7:30 pm – Open Beit Midrash Scholars Series: The Cycle of Stories in Rabbinic Literature with Dr. Jeffrey L. Rubenstein. Registerhere. 7:30 pm – Shul Shenanigans Rehearsal
Wednesday, January 31st 7:30 pm – Shul Shenanigans Rehearsal
Thursday, February 1st 1:30 pm – Parashat HaShavua (In Person & Zoom). Join online here. 6:30 pm – Teen Learning Collab (Offsite) 7:00 pm – Security Presentation with the NRPD. Register here. 7:30 pm – Shul Shenanigans Rehearsal
Friday, February 2nd 6:00 pm – First Friday Kabbalat Shabbat (In Person & Livestream)
Saturday, February 3rd
9:00 am – Shabbat Services (In Person & Livestream) 10:30 am – Mini Minyan 10:30 am – Tot Shabbat 11:15 am – Parsha Club 12:45 pm – Daf Shevui 5:00 pm – Mincha/Maariv (In Person & Livestream) 8:00 pm – Casino Night. Register here. Sunday, February 4th 8:15 am – BE Mitzvah Experience: World Wide Wrap. Register here. 12:00 pm – 4th Graders BE Mitzvah Reveal Date. Register here. 3:00 pm – Teen Bowling (Offsite). Register here. Monday, February 5th
10:00 am – Silver Sneakers for Seniors 1:00 pm – Mah Jongg
7:30 pm – Open Beit Midrash Intensive: The Centrality of Mourning in Jewish Life with Rabbi Zach Sitkin (In Person & Zoom). Register here. Join online here.
We have enjoyed a beautiful day today celebrating Tu B' Shevat, the birthday of the trees. We have some important date changes and event reminders below:
DATE CHANGE: The beautiful Challah Bakewith Morah Eden previously scheduled for Wednesday, January 31 will now be taking place on Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 7:15PM. Further details for this meaningful event may be found on the flyer below. Register here.
The Nursery School's biggest fundraiser, Casino Night, is on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 8:00PM. It is a fabulous evening on every level and something you will definitely want to be a part of if you haven't signed up already. Click here to register. Also, the online auctionis live with wonderful items to bid on. Click here to access the online auction.
DATE CHANGE: The February Staff Meeting has been changed from Tuesday, February 6 to Wednesday, February 7. As a result, After Care on February 7 will end at 2:30pm. February 6 will be a regular After Care day. Please be sure to note the change in your calendar.
Registration continues and classes are filling up. If you haven't done so already, we encourage you register as soon as possible. Register here.
Enjoy the rest of your afternoon, Ronnie and Shery
Highlights:
Nursery School Registration for the '24-'25 School Year. Register here.
Anaf parents are invited to the Youth Lounge to celebrate Havdallah onMondays at 9AM
Sunday, January 28: Youth & Family Ice Skating
Saturday, February 3: Casino Night at 8PM. Register here.
Wednesday, February 7:Challah Bake with Morah Eden at 7:15PM.Register here.
Wednesday, February 7: NS Staff Meeting - After Care ends at 2:30PM.
We hope you've been staying warm and dry—it's hard to realize that with Tu BiShvat tomorrow, Spring in Israel is arriving! Please think Spring-oriented thoughts, but still join us for ice skating on Sunday!
Here is our calendar:
Thursday, January 25: Regular RS
Sunday, January 28: Regular RS & Moadon
6th & 7th grade field trip to the Museum of Jewish Heritage from 9 am-2 pm.Register here.
Y&F Ice Skating from 1:30-3 pm at Hommocks Park Ice Rink. Register here.
Thursday, February 1: Regular RS
Saturday, February 3: Casino Night at 8 pm. Register here.
Sunday, February 4: Regular RS & Moadon
World Wide Wrap & BE Mitzvah session for 6th grade, 8:15-10:30 am. Register here.
World Wide Wrap & early dismissal for 7th grade, 8:15-11 am. RSVP here.
Friday & Saturday, February 9 and 10: Youth & Family Shabbat
Friday night dinner & Shirateinu performance with dinner. Register here.
Saturday: Teens take over Shabbat services, followed by Educators' Panel during Kiddush
UPDATED Religious School Calendar:click here
Upcoming Events
Family Ice Skating Sunday, January 28 from 1:30-3 pm at Hommocks Park Ice Rink
Join us for family ice skating with your Beth El friends! Have a great time on a Sunday afternoon!
Cost: $10 per skater (observers are free); $6 to rent skates Register here.
Casino Night & Silent Auction Saturday, February 3 at 8 pm open to all Beth El adults
Join us for Casino Night— win big prizes at our Vegas-style tables, enter the poker tournament, shop our silent auction, and L’chaim at the open bar! It’s an evening of games and cocktails for a good cause, our beloved Nursery School. Hosted by comedian Ben Asher.
Our online auction is live! Start your bidding today here.
Youth & Family Shabbat Friday, February 9 at 6 pm (dinner at 7 pm) Join us for a special family Friday night! Shirateinu will sing during Kabbalat Shabbat services at 6 pm, which is followed by a delicious, fully-catered dinner at 7 pm.
Saturday, February 10 at 9 am Support our Teens as they take over Shabbat services! We also include an educators’ panel during Kiddush luncheon and invite representatives from a local Jewish day schools to join our community for this special Shabbat.
We hope you've been staying warm and dry—it's hard to realize that with Tu BiShvat tomorrow, Spring in Israel is arriving!
We have our annual ice skating event on Sunday, January 28 at Hommocks Park Ice Rink, and we can't wait to skate with you!
Please also save the date for our Youth & Family Shabbat on February 9 and 10. More details are below.
Thanks, Alyssa
Casino Night & Silent Auction Saturday, February 3 at 8 pm open to all Beth El adults
Join us for Casino Night— win big prizes at our Vegas-style tables, enter the poker tournament, shop our silent auction, and L’chaim at the open bar! It’s an evening of games and cocktails for a good cause, our beloved Nursery School. Hosted by comedian Ben Asher.
Our online auction is live! Start your bidding today here.
Youth & Family Shabbat Friday, February 9 at 6 pm (dinner at 7 pm) Join us for a special family Friday night! Shirateinu will sing during Kabbalat Shabbat services, followed by a delicious, fully-catered dinner at 7 pm.
Saturday, February 10 at 9 am Support our Teens as they take over Shabbat services! We also include an educators’ panel during Kiddush luncheon and invite representatives from a local Jewish day schools to join our community for this special Shabbat.
Beth El Synagogue Center 1324 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804
January Lounge Night - Challah Making Wednesday, January 24, 6:30-8:00 pm for 8th-12th graders; in the Youth Lounge at Beth El
Let's make challah together! Join us for pizza, learn how to make challah and fulfill the mitzvah of hafrashat challah, or separating the challah. We will come together and bless the challah, pray for healing of the wounded and peace for the souls lost since October 7, and pray for the safe and rapid return of the hostages still held in Gaza by Hamas.
Bring yourselves, your homework, and/or your Beth El friends. Pizza provided.
Register atwww.bethelnr.org/teenloungenights.
Lounge Nights happen monthly on the following Wednesdays all year long: Feb. 28, Mar. 13, April 17, and May 8. Mark your calendars!
Questions? Want to help plan? Contact teens@bethelnr.org.
Are you going to Israel this summer? LET US KNOW! Email Alyssa at aberman@bethelnr.org!
Community Service Opportunity: HOPE Cooking Sunday, January 28, 10:45 am-12:15 pm for 8th-12th graders; in the Kitchen at Beth El Help us cook for Hope Community Services! We need up to 8 people to assist in making our monthly meal, and you can earn community service hours while you do it!
GENuine Connections Group with Dorot Mondays, beginning on January 29, 4:30-5:45 pm for 8th-12th graders; on Zoom Join DOROT to build intergenerational connections that celebrate Jewish identity and cultivate community through texts, visuals, ideas, and challenges. The Jewish people are vibrant, diverse, and multicultural, with each individual contributing a unique perspective to our collective narrative. Even among those of similar backgrounds, diverse lived experiences have shaped our perspectives and outlooks. Members will share personal stories and provide guidance and support to one another across generations.
Teen Collab: Now Registering Module 2! Thursdays, 6:30-8:00 pm at the JCC Mid-Westchester for 8th-12th graders
The Teen Collab is a joint project of six Conservative Synagogues in Southern Westchester. Teens from all six synagogues meet weekly to connect, socialize and learn. We offer three modules, and each module has options for two courses.
We meet on Thursdays from 6:30-8:00 pm at the JCC Mid-Westchester, and each module is about 8 sessions. We are now enrolling for Module 2, which begins in January!
Module 2: January to early March (you can still sign up!)
The Ethical Life: Jewish Values in an Age of Choice
Israeli TV: Checkout
Module 3: mid-March to May (you can still sign up!)
HEY SENIORS! Thinking about gap year programs? There are many! Contact Bekkah (teens@bethelnr.org) for more information and check out the info session below for one of the awesome gap year opportunities in Israel.
Beth El Synagogue Center 1324 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804