While our hearts are heavy with the news from Israel, we continue to put one step in front of the other and show up for our many other programs and activities.
It is with that sentiment that I bring you our upcoming events in October and the beginning of November:
Tie Dye (for preschool-2nd grade): Sunday, October 22 from 12:30-1:30 pm. Register here.
Tie Dye (for 3rd-7th grades): Sunday, October 29 from 12:30-1:30 pm. Register here.
Save the date: Mitzvah Cooking on Sunday, November 5 at 12:30 pm.
Shababa Concert at The Leffell School: Sunday, October 22 from 3:30-5 pm. Register here.
If you would like a listening ear, support, or resources for yourself or your children, please be in touch.
Am Yisrael Chai, Alyssa
Youth & Family Tie Dye Sunday, October 22 (preschool-2nd grade) Sunday, October 29 (3rd-7th grade) from 12:30-1:30 pm
In honor of Parshat Noach's rainbow, join us for TIE DYE! Shirts provided for the children—please dress them in clothing that can get messy! If adults volunteer, they can tie dye, too (bring your own shirt)!
Save the Date: Family Mitzvah Cooking Sunday, November 5 at 12:30 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. We can't wait to show them how much Beth El cares, through pie!
Community Events Shababa Family Concert & Dinner at The Leffell School Sunday, October 22, 3:30 pm for families with children under 6
Calling all families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers! Rebecca Schoffer of the Shababa community at 92Y will be coming to White Plains for a family concert, followed by a kosher kid-friendly dinner at The Leffell School.
We know this has been an incredibly challenging time these past 11 days. It's been comforting and hopeful to gather as a community as often as we have in order to support one another and create space for understanding, questioning, processing, and being together.
This is not ending so soon, unfortunately, and we will continue to create opportunities to come together to learn, process, and act. That said, we also believe it's fundamentally important to come together in joy as well.
With that said, join us tomorrow night, 6:30-8:00 pm at Beth El for this month's Lounge Night: a cupcake decorating competition. Sign up here or just show up. We'd love to see you!
To stay connected with what's going on in Israel:
Get Informed: We will do our best to provide you with online resources to learn about what is happening on the ground in Israel. In the interim, we recommend reading this Times of Israel article and this this fact sheet from the IAC for an overview of the last few days, put together by our friends at The Jewish Education Project.
Connecting with Israeli Friends and Family: Many of you may have friends and family in Israel. Overwhelmingly, we are hearing how meaningful it is for our friends and family in Israel to hear from us and now we are thinking of them. If you are comfortable, we urge you to reach out to the people in your life in Israel.
Typically, we'd encourage you to follow us on Instagram @bethelnr_teens. In light of the events in Israel and how it is being publicized, we are discouraging you from going on social media at this moment in time. If you do choose to log into social media, please try not to click on photos and videos, as they are incredibly hard to see (and unsee). We are here to support you.
We hope to see you tomorrow,
Bekkah and The Teen Leadership Board
Teen Collab: begins Thursday, October 12 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.
Module 1: October to December
Jewish Spirituality
A Taste of World Jewry
Module 2: January to early March
The Ethical Life: Jewish Values in an Age of Choice
Israeli TV: Checkout
Module 3: mid-March to May
Jewish and Israeli Art & Artists
Jewish Youth Climate Movement
Cost: Each module is $300, or you can sign up for all 3 for $750.
-- November Lounge Night Wednesday, November 29, 6:30-8:00 pm for 8th-12th graders; in the Youth Lounge at Beth El Join us for pizza, video games, friends, and a dessert bar! Bring yourselves, your homework, and/or your Beth El friends! There will be space to process the situation in Israel as well. Register atwww.bethelnr.org/teenloungenights. Lounge Nights happen monthly on the following Wednesdays all year long: Nov. 29, Dec. 13, Jan. 24, Feb. 28, Mar. 13, April 17, and May 8. Mark your calendars! Questions? Want to help plan? Contact teens@bethelnr.org.
Other Community Events & Programs
USY Fall Convention: USY2K November 17-19 on the Jersey Shore for all 8th-12th graders
Join NY and Hagalil for their Fall Convention! The hotel is the Days Inn Hotel by Wyndham in Toms River, and transportation is available from Queens, Livingston and Highland Park.
Cost: $349 (early bird registration), $374 (until November 3) -- Tzelem for Trans, Nonbinary, Gender Expansive, and LGBTQ+ Jewish Teens in Westchester, NY Located at Congregation Kol Ami, 252 Soundview Ave., White Plains, NY 10606
Moving Traditions and Keshet are excited to partner and bring you Tzelem for Trans, Nonbinary, Gender Expansive, and LGBTQ+ Jewish teens in Westchester, NY. Tzelem offers a safe, supportive space to make new friends and explore issues like: Life transitions; Healthy Relationships; Body Positivity; Self-Compassion; Mental Health; Jewish Identity; And much more!
All sessions run from 11 am – 12:30 pm on the following Sundays: 10/22, 11/19, 12/10, 1/28, 2/11, 3/10, 4/7, 5/19.
Group Leader: Eliana Rubin Eliana Rubin (she/they) is a queer and trans artist and educator. She recently moved back to NYC from her hometown of Los Angeles. She serves as the Inclusive Education Consultant at The Jewish Education Project. Eliana received her Master of Educational Leadership from HUC-JIR. They are the creator of Jewsicals (Jewish musicals), short musical numbers based around our sacred texts. This will be Eliana’s second time leading Tzelem and she couldn’t be more excited! When Eliana is not working in education, she is songwriting, exploring the Big Apple, and eating copious amounts of movie theater popcorn.
Fun Fact: Eliana and Bekkah work together, so feel free to reach out to Bekkah to learn more!
Stay tuned for even more Teen programming!
More information coming soon!
Beth El Synagogue Center 1324 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804
Dr. Yuval Donio-Gideon, the Consul for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Israel in New York, will provide an overview of the current crisis and challenges that Israel is facing today.
Please note that all bags will be checked, ID and pre-registration will be required.
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.
We would like to hear from you about your experience over the High Holidays and ask that you take a few minutes to fill in this survey. We take the feedback seriously and have already made changes to our services based on your feedback from last year, including the addition of contemplative and middle school services.
All responses are completely confidential and each member of your family may fill out a separate survey. As with any survey, the more responses we receive, the better our data will be. Please fill out the survey by THIS Friday, October 20th.
We want to thank you in advance for your feedback, it is critical for us to continue to examine our practices, and hearing from you is an essential part of the process.
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.
Thursday, October 19, 7:30 pm “Let’s Talk About It” is a discussion group comprised mainly of parents who have adult children in interfaith relationships. Led by social worker Shari Baum, we discuss issues related this and how we can incorporate our Jewish values and beliefs during the holidays and life cycle events.
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.
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. To sponsor a future Open Beit Midrash Scholar Series, click here.
In this course, we will study some of the texts that made me fall in love with the Jewish intellectual canon. We will study selections from the Hebrew Bible, Mishnah, Gemarrah (Talmud), Midrash, Halacha (Law), Philosophy, History, Poetry, and Hasidut. We'll also explore diverse topics such as time, love, loss, joy, spirituality, friendship, community, subversive texts, Israel, and the permissibility of Tattoos, among others. This class is taught by Rabbi David Schuck.
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.
Please join us to hear the story of how an Afghani woman refugee and her family walked from Uruguay to Texas in search of a safe haven. The woman was a women’s rights advocate in Afghanistan.
Join our Prayer Team for wonderful, social, musical, and prayer experiences! Everyone is welcome, no experience or special skills needed. Led by Rabbi Schuck this year, we'll meet periodically, have special events, and share special moments during Shabbat and Holidays. If you're already part of the team, stay tuned for updates! If you would like to join our prayer team, please email Jack Klebanow at jklebanow@bethelnr.org. If you have questions, please be in touch with Rabbi Schuck, Cantor Gaby, or Jack.
Wednesday, November 1, 8:30 am Join us for an update on Israeli events with Amir Tibon, Diplomatic Correspondent for Ha'aretz and resident of Kibbutz Nahal Oz near the Gaza border. Amir will discuss his personal story having survived the Hamas attack in his own home, the latest developments in Israel, and what lies ahead. Come to the Den to watch Amir on Zoom at a bagel breakfast together or log in directly by Zoom from your home or office.
For Children with Birthdays: Jan. 1, 2022 - Dec. 31, 2022
Fall/Winter Session begins October 23rd!
*Play, art, and music *Make new friends and learn together! *Classes begin with sensory and art experiences meant to develop decision-making skills, followed by gross-motor play, snack, and music.
Tuesdays: 10:15-11:00am First class: Tuesday, November 7, 2023 - No Charge 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.
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. Checks for $25 or more may be dropped off or mailed to the Beth El office made out to Bel El Synagogue Center. Please put HOPE turkey Drive on the memo line of your check.
Sunday, November 12, 10:00 am Join the New Rochelle community, Beth El Synagogue Center, Temple Israel of New Rochelle, Young Israel of New Rochelle, Young Israel of Scarsdale, and JCC-Mid Westchester for a morning to benefit UJA’s Dignity Project, which supports women and girls in need of menstrual supplies. We’ll pack self-care packages for women facing economic challenges that will be distributed by Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS), a UJA partner.
This event will take place at Beth El Synagogue Center. $54 per person
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 18, 7:00 pm Two sessions of live classes led by 28 Westchester rabbis. One class per session available on livesrtream. There will be a kosher dairy dessert reception.
$20 per person by November 3rd. 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.
Thursday, October 25, 7:30 pm Facilitated by our "Partners in Caring" social worker, Shari Baum, this group is designed to provide a safe space to support one another as we care for our aging parents with dignity and love.
*Any day not listed has no scheduled programming (besides minyan).
Tuesday, October 17th 1:00 pm – Mah Jongg (In Person) 7:30 pm – Israel 360 Presents: A Presentation by Dr. Yuval Donio-Gideon, the Consul for Public Diplomacy at the Consulate General of Israel in New York (In Person). Register here.
Wednesday, October 18th 6:30 pm – Teen Lounge Night (In Person). Register here. Thursday, October 19th 1:30 pm – Parashat HaShavua (In Person & Zoom). Join online here. 6:30 pm – Teen Collab Learning (In Person, Offsite) 7:30 pm – Let's Talk About It (In Person). Register here.
Friday, October 20th 5:50 pm – Kabbalat Shabbat Services (In Person & Livestream)
Saturday, October 21st 9:00 am – Shabbat Services (In Person & Livestream) 10:30 am – Mini Minyan (In Person) 10:30 am – Tot Shabbat (In Person) 12:45 pm – Daf Shevui (In Person) 5:40 pm – Mincha/Maariv (In Person & Livestream)
Sunday, October 22nd 12:00 pm – Youth & Family Tie Dye (In Person). Register here. 7:30 pm – Keruv Committee Meeting (Zoom). Join online here. Monday, October 23rd
11:00 am – SMART Zoom (Zoom). Join online here. 1:00 pm – Canasta (In Person)
Tuesday, October 24th 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). Register here.
We are mourning the tragic events unfolding in Israel and are here to support our Beth El Day Camp community. Despite these challenging times, we know you need to plan for this summer. 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 hereby Tuesday, November 14th.
We have all had a difficult week this week. Thank you all for your support and kindness.
We have our opening Sunday in two days! Please arrive by 9 am for our Family Kehillah welcom program. Please park in the back two parking lots (near the playgrounds), because the parking lot closest to the building will be reserved for the Rosh Chodesh bar mitzvah in the sanctuary.
We are meeting downstairs in the Kasakove at 9 am.
We can't wait to see you! Please keep reading for information about upcoming programs. Highlights:
Youth & Family Tie Dye event (preschool-2nd grade): Sunday, October 22 from 12:30-1:30 pm. Register here.
Youth & Family Tie Dye event (3rd-7th grade): Sunday, October 29 from 12:30-1:30 pm. Register here.
Matan: conversations to determine what Jewish programming needs are for children with disabilities in the Westchester area. Sign up here for a conversation.
Shababa Concert at The Leffell School: Sunday, October 22 at 3:30 pm. Register here.
Upcoming Religious School Dates:
Sunday, October 15: Opening Sunday of RS!
Family Kehillah & Welcome Assembly at 9 am (Kasakove). Please plan on staying until 9:45 am.
Moadon begins (11 am-12 pm).
Thursday, October 19: Regular RS
Sunday, October 22: Regular RS; Moadon; Tiedye for NS-2nd
Sunday, October 29: Regular RS; Moadon; Tiedye for 3rd-7th
Youth & Family Tie Dye Sunday, October 22 (for preschool-2nd grade) Sunday, October 29 (for 3rd-7th grade) from 12:30-1:30 pm (RS kids will have lunch from 12-12:30 pm)
In honor of Parshat Noach's rainbow, join us for TIE DYE! T-shirt for tie dying will be provided for the children. While the children will be wearing smocks, please dress them in clothing that can get messy! If adults volunteer, they can tie dye, too (bring your own shirt)!
Community News Matan Conversations for families of children with disabilities
My colleagues at Matan are working with the JCC of Mid Westchester to determine what the Jewish programming needs are for children with disabilities in the Westchester area. If you or someone else might have information to share with them please sign up for a brief/confidential interview (under 30 min).
Shababa Family Concert & Dinner at The Leffell School Sunday, October 22, 3:30 pm for families with children under 6
Calling all families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers! Rebecca Schoffer of the Shababa community at 92Y will be coming to White Plains for a family concert, followed by a kosher kid-friendly dinner at The Leffell School.
We are mourning the tragic events unfolding in Israel and are here to support our Beth El Day Camp community. Despite these challenging times, we know you need to plan for this summer. 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 hereby Tuesday, November 14th.
Please don't hesistate to reach out with any questions!
We are mourning the tragic events unfolding in Israel and are here to support our Beth El Day Camp community. Despite these challenging times, we know you need to plan for this summer. 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 hereby Tuesday, November 14th.
Please don't hesistate to reach out with any questions!
This is a follow-up to the email we sent on Monday regarding security at Beth El.
We are aware of the social media posts regarding alleged threats toward Jewish institutions, for Friday, October 13th.
Local officials, including the New Rochelle Police Department, our FBI liaison, and the Jewish Security Alliance have assured us that there is presently no credible threat in our region. As always, in addition to Beth El security, we have outside security when children are on our campus and when we have large/high-profile events. Tomorrow there will be outside security for the entire day until the last person leaves Beth El after minyan. In addition, we are increasing our use of outside security for the foreseeable future. We are grateful to our local police department for their constant presence and who will continue to be visible in the coming weeks.
If we receive any further information, we will of course reach out to all of you.
I hope that your families are safe and "okay," whatever that means these days. While we know that you and your children may be hearing and discussing what's going on in Israel already, we also want to provide resources and support:
Please let us know if a parent-focused conversation would be valuable or helpful to you, or if you personally want support. ~~~ Parents of Teens & Tweens: Information has been widely circulated that extremely disturbing videos, including footage of hostages, may be spread across social media. These images will likely be shared through Instagram, TikTok, and other social media outlets.
Please consider temporarily deleting your children's social media accounts (TikTok, Instagram, etc.), exploring the parental controls on their devices, and helping your children exercise extreme discretion around social media as we navigate this challenging situation.
Am Yisrael Chai, Alyssa
Beth El Synagogue Center 1324 North Avenue New Rochelle, NY 10804
