In sorrow we inform you of the passing of former Beth El President (2001-2003)
Bertram Schwarz z"l,
husband of Miriam Schwarz, father of Edward (Lisa) Schwarz and Andrew (Katherine) Schwarz.
A private funeral will be held in New York on Sunday.
Shiva will be observed in Texas.
May the Schwarz family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
Lauren Freeman-Bosworth Beth El President
Members of our community who have suffered the loss of a loved one have been comforted by the generosity of donations made in the memory of those they have lost.
If you would like to make a donation to Beth El Synagogue Center, please click here.
Now, more than ever, it is important to find moments of joy and opportunities to gather. Join us on Sunday, November 19, at 3:00 pm for The Magic of Camp—a magic show and open house at Beth El Synagogue Center. See more details on the flyer below. Register here by Tuesday, November 14th.
wife of Miriam Herbst, father of our member Susan (Michael) Meisler and Ellen (Brad) Ashinoff, grandfather of Jacob (Yael) Meisler, Sarah (David) Fleishaker, Rebecca Meisler and Samantha (Mitch Goldich) Ashinoff, and great grandfather of Itai, Noa, and Avi.
The funeral will be held tomorrow, Thursday, November 2nd at 3 PM at Mt. Moriah Cemetery (685 Fairview Ave, Fairview, NJ).
Shiva will be observed at the home of Susan and Michael Meisler (67 Marion Drive, New Rochelle, NY 10804) according to the following schedule:
Thursday, November 2nd from 6:30-8:30 PM with minyan at 7:00PM
Friday, November 3rd from 10-2 PM (visiting hours only)
Saturday, November 4th from 7-9 PM (visiting hours only)
Sunday, November 5th from 12-6 PM with minyan at 4:30 PM
Monday, November 6th from 12-3 PM and 6-8 PM with minyan at 7:00 PM
Tuesday, November 7th from 12-3 PM and 6-8 PM with minyan at 7:00 PM
Wednesday, November 8th from 12-3 PM and 6-8 PM with minyan at 7:00 PM
May the Meisler family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
Lauren Freeman-Bosworth Beth El President
Members of our community who have suffered the loss of a loved one have been comforted by the generosity of donations made in the memory of those they have lost.
If you would like to make a donation to Beth El Synagogue Center, please click here.
November is here! As the temperatures (suddenly!) drop and we prepare to change the clocks next week, we want to share what your children have been learning in Religious School over the last several weeks. Click below for each class' updates.
Upcoming Programs Parsha Club Saturday, November 4 at 11:15 am in the Levenson Chapel geared towards 4th-6th graders (but flexible)
Parsha Club is a monthly opportunity for our upper elementary children to engage in leading the Shabbat service, while having rich and fun conversations and activities about the Torah portion. We can't wait to see you there!
Family Mitzvah Cooking Sunday, November 5 at 12:15 pm For families with children in K-7th grade
Help us make pies for our community with HOPE Community Services! We will join together to make Thanksgiving pies for the pie drive that accompanies HOPE's annual turkey drive, as well as make Thanksgiving cards for them to share. We can't wait to show them how much Beth El cares, through pie!
If your child normally dismisses from Religious School at 11 am (Gan, Alef, Bet), you can sign them up for Moadon from 11 am-12 pm for an extra $5, and then join them at 12:15 pm.
No need to worry about lunch—as part of our pie-baking, we're making pizza (pies)!
Cost: $18/family who have paid Youth Dues; $36/family otherwise* *We will email you separately if you have not paid Youth Dues before billing your account.
November is here! As the temperatures (suddenly!) drop and we prepare to change the clocks next week, we want to spread more joy and kindness through our Family Mitzvah Cooking on Sunday.
On Saturday, November 4, we have our monthly Parsha Club (flexibly) geared towards our 4th-6th graders. Parsha Club is an opportunity for them to engage in leading the Shabbat service, while having rich and fun conversations and activities about the Torah portion. This service begins at 11:15 am in the Levenson Chapel. We can't wait to see you there!
Thanks, Alyssa
Family Mitzvah Cooking Sunday, November 5 at 12:15 pm for families with children in K-7th grades
Help us make pies for our community with HOPE Community Services! We will join together to make Thanksgiving pies for the pie drive that accompanies HOPE's annual turkey drive, as well as make Thanksgiving cards for them to share. We can't wait to show them how much Beth El cares, through pie!
No need to worry about lunch—as part of our pie-baking, we're making pizza (pies)!
Cost: $18/family who have paid Youth Dues; $36/family otherwise* *We will email you separately if you have not paid Youth Dues before billing your account. Register Here.
Beth El Synagogue Center 1324 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804
father of Marci (Marc) Esrig, and grandfather of Caleb Esrig, Jordan Esrig and Kyra Esrig.
The funeral will be held on Friday, November 3rd at 12PM at Riverside Memorial Chapel (101 Old Saw Mill River Road, Hawthorne, NY). Please note the change of address for the Riverside Memorial Chapel as they have relocated to Hawthorne, NY.
Burial will follow at Sharon Gardens Cemetery, Valhalla, NY.
Shiva will be observed at the home of Marci and Marc Esrig (134 Bayberry Lane, New Rochelle, NY) according to the following schedule:
Sunday, November 5th from 1-3PM and 6:30-8:30PM with minyan at 7:00PM
Monday, November 6th from 1-3PM and 6:30-8:30PM with minyan at 7:00PM
Tuesday, November 7th from 1-3PM and 6:30-8:30PM with minyan at 7:00PM
Shiva will be observed at the home of Richard and Kelly Lobel (37 Jaffray Park, Irvington, NY) according to the following schedule:
Wednesday, November 8th from 1-3PM and 6:30-8:30PM with minyan at 7:00PM
Thursday, November 9th from 1-3PM and 6:30-8:30PM with minyan at 7:00PM
May the Esrig family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
Lauren Freeman-Bosworth Beth El President
Members of our community who have suffered the loss of a loved one have been comforted by the generosity of donations made in the memory of those they have lost.
If you would like to make a donation to Beth El Synagogue Center, please click here.
Shiva will be held at the home of Bob Strauch (5 Flagler Road, Rye, NY 10580) according to the following schedule:
Thursday, November 2 from 4-8PM with minyan at 7PM
Friday, November 3 from 12-4PM (visiting hours only)
Saturday, November 4 from 7-9PM (visiting hours only)
Sunday, November 5 from 4-8PM with minyan at 7PM
Monday, November 6 from 6-8PM with minyan at 7PM
Tuesday, November 7 from 6-8PM with minyan at 7PM
May the Strauch family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
המקום ינחם אתכם בתוך שאר אבלי ציון וירושלים
Lauren Freeman-Bosworth Beth El President
Members of our community who have suffered the loss of a loved one have been comforted by the generosity of donations made in the memory of those they have lost.
If you would like to make a donation to Beth El Synagogue Center, please click here.
[I intended to send this on Monday, before the UJA Federation solidarity mission began. My hope was to share more personally about my visit with my family and friends here before writing about the mission itself. I just have not had a moment to finish this note. Everything written below took place before the formal mission. Since writing this, I met with families of hostages, survivors of the massacre in the south, attended the funeral of a young soldier killed in battle on Tuesday, and so much more that I want to share with you. I have learned so much since writing this. I will write about these things when I return, and speak about them on Tuesday night at 7:30, so please join me then for my reflection on this week.]
Dear Friends,
I landed at Ben Gurion airport and it was empty. The open view of the departures area- usually filled with people drinking coffee and shopping for duty free items- was a ghost town. It was the first sign that we are living through an extraordinary moment. My journey from leaving the plane to exiting the airport took no more than 25 minutes. I never thought that I would miss the long lines and chaos of Ben Gurion.
My brother-in-law Noam picked me up from the airport and took me to his kibbutz in the South. Noam grew up on a moshav in the desert and is a sabra in the best possible way. Allow me to paint a picture. A few years ago, Noam and I drove to pick his kids up from gan (preschool), a trip that should have taken about ten minutes. About 45 minutes later, we were still talking to a total stranger about his tractor, which Noam spotted as we were driving. He drove off the highway onto a dirt road in a field just to get a closer look at the tractor.
On any drive with him he might see the perfect spot for a cup of coffee, pull off the road, take two chairs out of his trunk, make a fire, two cups of Turkish coffee, and just sit, delighting in the magic of the desert. He is salt-of-the-earth defined. You get the picture?
When I exited the airport, he gripped me in a typical bear hug, and I felt my body relax. I don’t think I fully comprehended how much stress I was holding in my body for those 22 days. Just seeing him was a tremendous relief.
On the way to the kibbutz, Noam and I caught up. I asked about his kids, the kibbutz, the overall mood. He shared a bit, and then the conversation moved to a surprising place. He wanted to know how my family and I were dealing with the explosion of antisemitism in America. We discussed it for a bit, but I was in Israel to offer him comfort and support, not the other way around.
Tonight, Tuesday, October 31, 7:30 pm Learn about the past, present and future of the Jewish community of Morocco based on Dr. Roy Mittelman’s 45 years of traveling to, studying and teaching about the community. Dr. Roy Mittelman is director of the Michael & Irene Ross Program in Jewish Studies at City College.
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.
We are excited to announce the upcoming Beth El visits by two Rabbi search candidates: Rabbi Leora Kling Perkins and Rabbi Viktoria Bedo. Please register herefor the Saturday evening, November 4, wine and cheese gathering with Rabbi Kling Perkins and register herefor the Friday evening, November 17, community shabbat dinner with Rabbi Bedo. This will be an informal opportunity to meet the respective candidates.
Wednesday, November 1, 8:30 am Since the horrific attack by Hamas on October 7th, Amir Tibon has appeared on "60 Minutes", CNN, and other major media outlets. We are fortunate that Amir has agreed to share with us his personal story of surviving the horrific attack with his family in his own home and the heroic acts of his parents, as well as latest developments and what lies ahead. Join us in the Den to watch on Zoom together over breakfast or log in directly by Zoom from your home or office.
Now, more than ever we recognize the importance of being a part of our special Jewish community. Please contribute to the B'Yachad Campaign, by supporting Beth El—we can continue to act as one, together for the good of all.
Friday, November 3, 9:00 am Zoom Only Join us for a conversation featuring Westchester rabbis, including Rabbi Schuck, who are on UJA's Solidarity mission in Israel right now.
The rabbis, who represent our diverse Jewish community, are lending support and solidarity to the people of Israel during these immensely challenging times. On their return, they’ll share with us their experiences being on the ground, and we will hear how we can support Israel even if we can’t physically be there.
This program is organized by UJA Federation New York.
Saturday, November 4, 10:00 am
*Please note the time change
Join Rabbi David Schuck for Kavannah, an hour of mindfulness, meditation, intentional study, silence, singing, and prayer. This time is a gift for yourself.
This program is in person only. No registration is required.
Wednesday, November 1, 7:00 pm With all of the uncertainty in the wake of the devastating attacks on Israel, we understand the need for ongoing support at this time. We are offering space to process feelings about the unfolding situation in Israel with Shari Baum from Westchester Jewish Community Services.
Thursday, November 9, 7:00 pm Join us to commemorate the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, with a special tekes. Our member Mark Seidenfeld will be sharing the story of his parents, who survived the Holocaust.
Please submit the Hebrew names of your children or grandchildren who are currently serving in the IDF. We would like to recite their names and pray for them on Shabbat. Click hereto submit the names or email Zoe at zraynes@bethelnr.org.
Thursdays: November 2, 9, and 16, 12:00-1:00 pm
In Person & on Zoom
Tracing concepts of the body and soul from biblical times to the present. We will use the insights found in the mythical-erotic language of Tony Bennet, Amy Winehouse, Frankie Valli, and the Zohar as refracted through the lens of Professor Melila Hellner-Eshed’s A River Flows From Eden: The Language of Mystical Experience in the Zohar. This class is taught by Rabbi Barry Kenter.
Tuesdays: 10:15-11:00am First class: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 - No Charge Future Dates: November 14, 21, 28 and December 5, 12, 19 SilverSneakers Classic focuses on strengthening muscles and increasing range of movement for daily life activities. Participants can use hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a SilverSneakers ball. Often a chair is used for seated exercises and/or standing support. The class runs for 45 minutes and is a great way to make connections with people in our community. Equipment is provided by Beth El.
Visit SilverSneakers.com online to check your eligibility and find your member ID number. Not a member of SilverSneakers? Cost $5, payable at the class, no charge on 11/7. Register here.
Celebrate Thanksgiving by donating funds to buy Turkeys for our New Rochelle neighbors at HOPE. Every year Beth El is crucial to buying Turkeys for hundreds of families who will not celebrate Thanksgiving without our help. Each turkey costs $25.
Sunday, November 12, 10:00 am Do a mitzvah at UJA’s Dignity Project on Sunday, November 12, 10-11:30 am at Beth El Synagogue Center. We’re gathering as a New Rochelle community to do chesed and pack self-care bags with menstrual supplies for local women in need. On Monday, November 6–Wednesday, November 8, Beth El will be collecting toiletries (soap, skin, hair and dental care products) in the lobby for the project. Debbie Young is an event co-chair.
$54 per person. Teens can join for free with a registered parent/guardian.
Thursday, November 16, 7:00 pm Join us to learn how Sigd was observed for centuries by the Beta Israel Jews of Ethiopia and how it is observed today in Israel. Let's celebrate Sigd together with kosher vegan Ethiopian food, Ethiopian music, and dancing. Guest Speaker, Sigal Kanotopsky, Northeast regional director, The Jewish Agency for Israel, will join us.
$10 per person
Register Here. Beth El is partnering with UJA-NY, Westchester Jewish Council, and Temple Israel of New Rochelle for this program.
Saturday, November 11, 8:00 pm The Symphony of Westchester will present an all Beethoven concert, which will be held at the Christopher J. Murphy Auditorium in the Murphy Science and Technology Building on Summit and North Avenues in New Rochelle, across from the main campus of Iona College. Tickets are $55 for General Admission, $40 for seniors (over 65) and $15 for students with valid ID. Beth El Sisterhood partners with the Symphony and receives a portion of each ticket sold.
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here or call 914-654-4926. If you purchase tickets, please email marcia.assor@gmail.comand let her know how many you have purchased.
Saturday, November 18, 7:00 pm The Night of Jewish Learning will offer 28 courses with diverse topics sure to interest everyone. After 2 sessions of teaching, we will join as a community for a kosher dairy dessert.
$20 per person by November 3rd. The price will go from $20 to $25 after November 3 and $30 the day of the event. This event will take place at Beth El Synagogue Center.
Register Here. This event is organized by the Westchester Board of Rabbis and the Westchester Jewish Council.
*Any day not listed has no scheduled programming (besides minyan).
Tuesday, October 31st 1:00 pm – Mah Jongg (In Person) 7:30 pm – Open Beit Midrash Series: A Journey Through History, Present, & Future of the Moroccan Jewish Community with Dr. Roy Mittelman (In Person). Register here.
Wednesday, November 1st 8:30 am – Israel 360 Breakfast Briefing with Amir Tibon – Ha’aretz Diplomatic Correspondent and Survivor of the Hamas Attack on Kibbutz Nahal Oz (In Person & Zoom). Register here. Join online here. 7:00 pm – Group Processing Circle with Shari Baum (In Person). Register here. Thursday, November 2nd 12:00 pm – Body & Soul: Guf & Nefesh (In Person & Zoom). Register here. Join online here. 1:30 pm – Parashat HaShavua (In Person & Zoom). Join online here. 6:30 pm – Teen Collab Learning (In Person, Offsite) 7:30 pm – Evening Book Club (In Person). Register here.
Friday, November 3rd 9:00 am – Israel at War: Rabbinic Reflections (Zoom). Register here. 6:00 pm – First Friday Kabbalat Shabbat Service with Rabbi Kling Perkins (In Person & Livestream)
Saturday, November 4th 9:00 am – Shabbat Services with Rabbi Kling Perkins (In Person & Livestream) 10:00 am – Kavannah Service (In Person) (Den) 10:30 am – Mini Minyan (In Person) 10:30 am – Tot Shabbat (In Person) (Youth Lounge) 11:15 am – Parsha Club (In Person) 12:45 pm – Shiur (text study) with Rabbi Kling Perkins (In Person) 5:20 pm – Mincha/Maariv (In Person & Livestream) 6:30 pm – Havdalah followed by Wine & Cheese with Rabbi Kling Perkins (In Person). Register here.
Sunday, November 5th 8:15 am – Morning Minyan with Rabbi Kling Perkins (In Person & Zoom) 9:15 am – Religious School with Rabbi Kling Perkins (In Person) Monday, November 6th
11:00 am – SMART Zoom (Zoom). Join online here. 1:00 pm – Canasta (In Person)
Tuesday, November 7th 10:00 am – SilverSneakers for Seniors (In Person). Register here. 1:00 pm – Mah Jongg (In Person) 7:30 pm – Textual Magic: The Jewish Wisdom and Themes That Ignited My Love for Judaism with Rabbi David Schuck (In Person & Zoom). Register here. Join online here.
ISRAEL RESOURCES: click herefor events, ways to help, and resources.
