Sukkot/Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah
Shavuot dinner/Tikkun Neil 5782
Join us as we celebrate Chag Shavuot with a festive meal, commemorating our receiving the Torah at Sinai, at the House of Friends. Shavuot is not only about the cheesecake! (but, it doesn't hurt...)
Saturday, June 4th
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Winter Lecture Series 5782
Beit Chaverim Winter Lecture Series
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Online Series
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Simchat Torah 5782
Join us for some Simchat Torah Fun!
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July 17-18, 2021
The 2021 BC Winter Lecture Series
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Challah Baking at Beit Chaverim
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The Days of Our Joy:Sukkot at Beit Chaverim
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Oct 13-22Selichot night Sep 21
Join us for a spiritually uplifting evening starting with a musical Havdala at 8:30PM, followed by a concert at 9PM featuring David Morgan, Rabbi Greg, and Chazan Brian Shamash, who will lead Selichot services at 10PM
Spectacular Fundraiser - 09-08-2019
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Thank you to our gracious hosts: Brett Cohen and Gwen Lopez-Cohen Thank you to all of our sponsors: JGB Management, Positively Electric, Tami and Greg Kramer, Bonnie and Andrew Marcus, Bill Fogel, Brett and Marjorie Steenbarger, Max Karpel. Thank you to our donors: Rachel Levitch, Barton Holl, Larry and Sherry Schwartz, E. Moas, Andy Meyers Thank you to all who attended and helped to make this a night to remember! |
Shabbat at the Beach! Shabbat Dinner!
Shabbat is washing up on Compo Beach! Mark down our remaining Friday night shoreline Kabbalat Shabbat date, complete with live music: Friday August 16, on the south beach, next to the cannon at 6:00PM, followed by our Shabbat Nachamu Dinner
Mention Beit Chaverim and you will be admitted to Compo without a parking pass
Friday night Shabbat Nachamu dinner, 7:30PM
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The Shmorg
Tuesday:
7PM-9PM The Shmorg: Westport's Community BeitMidrash
4 simultaneous classes at 7PM and 8PM, with an intermission for refreshments and conversation.
No experience required!
Classes in Hebrew Reading, Jewish History, Jewish Theology, practical Kashrut, and Talmud
Shavuot Dinner and Tikkun LeilJune 8th at 7:30PM
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Rabbi David Aaron, Scholar in Residence, May 3-4
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Beit Chaverim Annual Gala
May 5th, 2019 at 5:00 in the evening
Beit Chaverim Gala
Honoring Rona Wall
Service Award for Jason and Andrea Ross
Please Join us
for this special evening
click to reserve a seat, place a journal ad or donate
Passover at the House of Friends!
Pesach 5779
Click the above link to download Pesach guides, sell your chometz, learn how to kasher your kitchen, get some great resources to make your best seder ever!
The Beit Chaverim Winter Lecture Series
Shabbat Across America Dinner
March 1, 5:30PM
A real Shabbat experience for the
entire family!
Be a part of thousands of simultaneous Shabbat Dinners around the USA and Canada!
It's just a fun, spiritual Shabbat dinner, filled with song, stories and delicious food and wine. Candles, Kiddush, Motzei, and more!
More info and reservations here
Mussar Class
Mussar(Jewish Ethics) class
Sunday evenings at 7:00pm
sessions led by MorahChanaStein
for more information or to register, email chanasmussar@gmail.com
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TzedakkaFest 2018
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Shabbat Dinner and Shabbaton with world renowned speaker R' Mordechai Becher! Nov 30/Dec 1
R' Becher's depth of knowledge, quick wit, and charming personality will leave you delightfully satiated and inspired, and the delicious repast of fine food, wine and spirits will be a hint of the delicacies awaiting us in the world to come.
Our famous musical Shabbat service is at 5:30PM, pre shabbat class at 4:45PM
More info and dinner reservations here.
This dinner is made possible in part by a generous gift from the Nadel Family in honor of the yartzheit of Murray Nadel on the 14th of Kislev. Additional sponsors include the Munenzon and Steenbarger families.
Rabbi Becher's visit is made possible in part by a generous gift from Terry and Bernie Nevas.
Selichot 2018!
Havdala, Concert, Selichot service, and Reception Saturday, Sep 1, 8:30PM
Get your High Holiday season off on the right foot with an inspiring evening of music, song, prayer, and introspection.
Selichot is a unique opportunity to center ourselves, to focus on the upcoming yomim tovim, and to formally mark the end of our summer escape.
Many people find that the service is a tremendous help in developing a spiritual goal for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Perhaps you will too...
We will begin with a musical havdala ceremony at 8:30PM, followed by a concert by the New American Quartet, and then a song filled selichot service.
We will conclude with dessert, wine and coffee.
Sponsorships for our Selichot concert are available.
I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in the rain-and back in rain.
I have outwalked the furthest city light.
I have looked down the saddest lane.
I have passed by the watchman on his beat
And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.
I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet
When far away an interrupted cry
Came over houses from another street.
But not to call me back or say goodbye;
And further still at an unearthly height,
One luminary clock against the sky
Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.
I have been acquainted with the night.
-Robert Frost
Shabbat on the Beach!
Shabbat is washing up on Compo Beach! don't miss our last Friday night shoreline Kabbalat Shabbat date, complete with live music: Aug 31, on the south beach, next to the cannon at 6:30PM
There is designated parking for your event(s). If cars are parked outside of the designated parking lots, they will be ticketed and fined.
If you do not have a beach emblem, they will be given a parking pass to be placed on the dashboard of their car and directed to the designated parking lot.
Beit Chaverim Jewish Authors Speak
This month, on April 22 at 4PM, we are presenting the next installment of the Beit Chaverim Jewish Authors series.
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Sharon Hart-Green just released her panoramic new novel Come Back for Me this summer, but it is already receiving stellar reviews. Chosen as the inaugural fiction offering of the New Jewish Press (an affiliate of the University of Toronto Press), Come Back for Me is getting rave reviews from a wide range of prominent writers.
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Leah Kaminsky, winner of the Voss Literary Prize, called Come Back for Me "heart-wrenchingly beautiful," and "a must read for anyone with a moral conscience and a soul." Maxim Shayer, author of Leaving Russia said, "Sharon Hart-Green takes the modern Jewish novel to new heights."
Reviewed recently in the Times of Israel, the Jerusalem Post, and the NY Jewish Week, Come Back for Me is clearly creating a buzz. It was also just named an Editors Choice Book by the Historical Novel Society.
Beit Chaverim Jewish Authors Speak
This month, on April 22 at 4PM, we are presenting the next installment of the Beit Chaverim Jewish Authors series.
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Sharon Hart-Green just released her panoramic new novel Come Back for Me this summer, but it is already receiving stellar reviews. Chosen as the inaugural fiction offering of the New Jewish Press (an affiliate of the University of Toronto Press), Come Back for Me is getting rave reviews from a wide range of prominent writers.
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Leah Kaminsky, winner of the Voss Literary Prize, called Come Back for Me "heart-wrenchingly beautiful," and "a must read for anyone with a moral conscience and a soul." Maxim Shayer, author of Leaving Russia said, "Sharon Hart-Green takes the modern Jewish novel to new heights."
Reviewed recently in the Times of Israel, the Jerusalem Post, and the NY Jewish Week, Come Back for Me is clearly creating a buzz. It was also just named an Editors Choice Book by the Historical Novel Society.
Complete Passover 2018 info here
Beit Chaverim Passover Across America Seder March 30@ 6:30PM
We are planning a spectacular Community Seder on Friday night, March 30th. Enjoy a new spin on one of our oldest traditions.
Our seder will be inclusive, participatory, fast paced, musical, mystical and insightful, as well as delicious.
For more info and reservations click here
Shabbat Across America 2018
A real Shabbat experience for the entire family!
More info and reservations here
Be a part of thousands of simultaneous Shabbat Dinners around the USA and Canada!
It's just a fun, spiritual Shabbat dinner, filled with song, stories and delicious food and wine. Candles, Kiddush, Motzei, and more!
Friday, March 9, beginning with our famous Kabbalat Shabbat service at 5:30PM. Bring a friend, or another family.
Purim- Feb 28 6:00PM
Holy Hamentashen!
It's the Annual Purim bash!
Join us, together with our friends from Temple Israel for the sure cure for the Winter Blaahs- Our annual Purim Bash with programing for the entire family! Our famous children's carnival, a sumptuous banquet featuring the cuisine of Shushan, and live music from the Jazz Rabbi. The Whole Megillah!
Annual Gala Jan 24
Family Shabbat Mexican Dinner Jan 12 with special guests!
Join our special guests The Traveling Chassidim on Friday, Jan 12th for the most tasty Shabbat dinner birthday party ever, celebrating the birthdays of some of Beit Chaverim's most delightful members!
We will enjoy the sumptuous South of the Border cuisine of Carlos and Gabby's, with plenty of fun activities for the entire family.
Candlelighting and Preshabbat Celebration 4:28PM, Dinner at 6PM
Reserve Early and Save:
Early Advance Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for children 12 years old and under.
Price Increases Jan 1, 2018 to$36 Adults and $20 Kids
Sponsorship opportunities available.
The Great Latke Fry-Off!
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GET YOUR LULAV ON!
If you can't hand select an etrog at the Shuk,
click here to order your own set.
You'll have it before Sukkot!
Shabbat at the Beach!
Shabbat is washing up on Compo Beach! Mark down our remaining Friday night shoreline Kabbalat Shabbat date, complete with live music: Friday August 25, on the south beach, next to the cannon at 6:30PM.
Mention Beit Chaverim and you will be admitted to Compo without a parking pass
Shabbat Nachamu Community Dinner Aug 4.
Shabbat Dinner!
Join us for a special Shabbat dinner at 8PM, following Kabbalat Shabbat at the beach (see below).
Open to all- bring a new family! Reserve here
Guests of honor: the The Offengenden Family!
Shavuot 5777
On Tuesday May 30, at 7:30PM, come celebrate Chag Shavuot with a festive meal, commemorating our receiving the Torah at Sinai, at the House of Friends. Shavuot is not only about the cheesecake! (but, it doesn't hurt...)Second Seder April 11@7PM
Reserve Now!
We are planning a spectacular Second Seder on Tuesday night, April 11th. Monday night, enjoy your traditional family seder, and onTuesday night, enjoy a new spin on one of our oldest traditions. Feeling on seder night like you personally left Egypt can mean that you have been liberated from a rote, repetitive prequel to a nice dinner. Our second seder will be inclusive, participatory, fast paced, musical, mystical and insightful, as well as delicious.
For more info and reservations click here
Upcoming at the House of Friends
Family Tu'b'Shevat Seder and Shabbat Dinner Feb 9
Shana Tova, it's New Year's Eve again!
Tu'b'Shevat is one of the four talmudic New Year's days of the Jewish calendar, and this year it falls out on Shabbat!
We will have a mystical Tu'B'Sehvat seder,
as practiced by the kabbalists of the holy city of Tzfat, celebrating the gifts that grow on trees, four kinds of wine, and a sumptuous feast guaranteed to satisfy herbivores and carnivores alike!
Reserve now, and bring your friends.
How to create a Tu'b'Shevat seder? Don't worry, come to the House of Friends on Feb 9th, and we will create one together!
Candle lighting 5PM, followed by song filled Shabbat Service. Seder/dinner at 6PM.
commemorating our receiving the Torah at Sinai, at the House of Friends.Starting with seudat shlishit, sponsored by Elisheva Timber in loving memory of Beulah Timber, we will progress to food for thought. We will pause for Kiddush and Havdala, and enjoy a Yom Tov Seudah sponsored by the Ziskin/Berson family in loving memory of Hadassah Ziskin.
Spring Gala 5777, March 19
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Our 2017 Gala, honoring Irena Veksler Offengenden and Dimitri is coming up fast! Reserve and arrange a journal ad, and spread the word!
Purim 5777
Purim is coming! Come to our annual Purim Bash, Saturday March 11 at 7:15PM
DON'T BE LEFT OUT!
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On Saturday night March 11 we will invite our friends from Temple Israel Westport to join us for a community Purim megillah reading and celebration, featuring the cuisine of Shushan, a children's carnival, and the debut performance of our new orchestra, the Westport Klezmorim. A second surprise musical attraction is also on the bill.
LET'S MAKE THIS OUR BEST PURIM YET!
Volunteers and sponsors needed. Your donation of time and or tzedakka will enable us to offer this program free of charge, and attract many fresh faces to our shul.
Family Tu'b'Shevat Seder and Shabbat Dinner Feb 10
Shana Tova, it's New Year's Eve again!
Tu'b'Shevat is one of the four talmudic New Year's days of the Jewish calendar, and this year it falls out on Shabbat!
We will have a mystical Tu'B'Sehvat seder,
as practiced by the kabbalists of the holy city of Tzfat, celebrating the gifts that grow on trees, four kinds of wine, and a sumptuous feast guaranteed to satisfy herbivores and carnivores alike!
Reserve now, and bring your friends.
How to create a Tu'b'Shevat seder? Don't worry, come to the House of Friends on Feb 10th, and we will create one together!
Candle lighting 5PM, followed by song filled Shabbat Service. Seder/dinner at 6PM
Reserve by Feb 5th, early bird discount before Feb 1.
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Tot Shabbat Sat, Jan 28 10:15am- noon
Shabbat Chanuka dinner with the Traveling Chasidim Dec 30
A Shabbat filled with light!
Music,great food, Chanuka and Shabbat candles, and special guests,
The Traveling Chassidim!
Dinner 5:30PM, music filled pre Shabbat celebration begins at 3:45PM. Bring the kids!
We are not accepting anymore reservations at this time.
Lox 'N Learn June
Join us Sunday morning June 5th, right after the 8:30 Shacharit service, for a tasty and stimulating discussion of our Festival of Shavuot, and find out how you can make this year's holiday more meaningful than you ever imagined!
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Purim at Beit Chaverim! Wednesday, March 23 @7PM. Kids program and dinner 5:30PM
Join us for our annual family Purim extravaganza, with great food, drinks, activities for kids of all ages, and that special Beit Chaverim vibe…In other words,
the Whole Megillah!
complete details here
Shavuot 5776
Shabbat Across America Dinner, March 4, 2016 with guest speaker Professor Allan Arkush
Join us for a mouthwatering Shabbat dinner and a stimulating presentation by Allan Arkush, Professor of Jewish Studies at SUNY Binghampton.
Info and reservations HERE
Shelly Christensen at Beit Chaverim May 21 during Shabbat Services
Fairfield County Inclusivity Long Weekend May 19-22
Noted presenter and author Shelly Christensen to speak throughout the area on how to make sure that everyone in our area has access to Jewish programming and services.
Shelly Christensen, who’s ground breaking work in Minneapolis led to community wide embracement of inclusion, and the founding of Jewish Disability and Awareness Month (JDAM) will be the featured guest for Fairfield County’s first Long Weekend of Inclusivity, Thursday May 19ththrough Sunday, May 22, at various locations throughout our area.
Shelly Christensen literally wrote the book on inclusion of people with disabilities, the Jewish Community Guide to Inclusion of People with Disabilities which provides the roadmap and guidance that any faith-based organization can use to become more welcoming and intentionally inclusive of people with disabilities and those who love them.
Complete info and full schedule Here.
Pre Pesach Lox 'N Learn with the Bridgeport Kollel April 3
Join us Sunday morning April 3, right after the 8:30 Shacharit service, for a tasty and stimulating discussion of our Festival of Liberation, and find out how you can make this year's holiday more meaningful than you ever imagined!
PAST EVENTS
In Poland, a Search for Jewish Heritage
Noted writer and longtime New York Times reporter Joseph Berger will speak at Beit Chaverim for our annual Yom Hashoah event on Sunday, May 1, at 4PM. Berger, a child of 
Holocaust survivors, has written extensively about growing up as a first-generation American. His memoir, Displaced Persons: Growing Up American after the Holocaust, has been widely praised.
Click here for more info.
First Seder April 22
Join us for the Seder that will make you feel like you are experiencing the Exodus yourself. We will take our time, and read between the lines of the Haggadah and share some timeless wisdom in this family friendly and delicious festive meal.
Details and registration here.
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Latkes?Vodkas, and All That Jazz
As usual, we do up Hannukah in style here at the House of Friends! Great Food, Free Flowing Drinks, and Delightful Music.
Reserve now for Latkes/Vodkas, and All That Jazz on Dec. 12 at 8PM
Sponsorship opportunities available! Inquire here...
Kids' Hannukah Carnival is Dec 13, at noon. Entertainment,prizes!
Details here..
What Does G-d Want From Me?
| New Class! What Does G-d Want From Me? Saturdays 7:00PM beginning June 27 |
Have you ever wondered just what God wants from you, anyway?
You are not alone! Join the conversation as we begin a guided tour through Sefer Hachinuch, the Book of the Mitzvot. Originally written as a gift to the author's son, this classic anonymous text is a timeless introduction to the Mitzvot, and has launched a discussion that has been going on for hundreds of years. Classes will be taught in English- no Hebrew required! A must for every Jew, and also great for someone wishing to study for conversion. RSVP to Rabbi Wall here.
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Summer 2015 Schedule:
A Taste of Persia
A special Persian Shabbat at the House Of Friends!
Leave the driving to us! No muss, no fuss, no logistics- just a fun, spiritual Shabbat dinner, filled with song, stories and delicious food and wine. No worrying about guests, this one's for you!
Friday, November 20, beginning with our famous Kabbalat Shabbat service at 5:30PM.
Tantalizing Persian menu! Fascinating guest speaker! Exotic children's programming by our BCY youth directors.
Reserve by Nov. 12 and save $6 per adult reservation.
Andrée Brooks will speak on:The History and Culture of the Jews of Persia (Iran). Jews have been in Persia/Iran since biblical times. Why were they so prominent in the Persian Empire? What was their changing role in society? How were they treated over the ages? Why did most of them leave when the Shah was deposed in 1979? How have they fared in modern times in the U.S?
Sangria in the Sukka
Shabbat Project 2015
The Shabbat Project! Oct 23-25
Join the Beit Chaverim family for a special Shabbat to remember at the Crown Plaza in Stamford, and join a million Jews around the world as we all cebrate shabbat together! Programming for the whole family, NCSY Teen extravaganza, world class guest speaker YY Rubinstein, Sat. night concert extravaganza and melave malka
Details here
Annual Selichot Concert
Tisha B'av 5775
Lox 'N learn with the Bridgeport Community Kollel July 12
Scholar in Residence Rabbi Elisha Paul
July 3 and 4 Beit Chaverim presents scholar in residence Rabbi Elisha Paul, new head of school of the Jewish High School of CT. He will speak throughout shabbat about Jewish education, community building, and the Three Weeks leading up to Tisha B'av.
Jon Kalish
June 19 we welcome special guest radio producer, Jewish Forward correspondent and NPR commentator Jon Kalish. 
Jon has written extensively on the transformation of Jewish life in New York, and has constantly sought out the most unusual and fascinating aspects of Jewish life in America to bring to his readers and listeners. Jon will speak after the Torah reading shabbat morning.
Bente Kahan
June 13 join us as we welcome special guest Norwegian actress, singer/songwriter, Jewish activist and historian Bente Kahan.
Bente will speak about her mission to restore Jewish life and culture to Wroclaw, Poland (formerly Breslau, Germany!), and her work rescuing great Jewish songs from the ash cans of European history.
Gala
Grow and Behold
Calling all Carnivores! (Vegetarians too..)
Join us this Shabbat morning as we welcome Anna And Naf Hanau from Grow and Behold Foods, taste their delicious pastured kosher meats, and learn about sustainable and healthy practices in the world of Jewish agribusiness.
Join us for Mincha/Seudat Shlishit for a taste of their incredible pastrami!
Shavuot 5775
Shavuot Schedule
Friday, May 22 Mincha/ Maariv 6:15PM
Sat, May 23 Shacharit 9AM
Mincha 7:30 PM
Maariv 9PM candlelighting after 9:01PM
Sunday, May 24 Yom Tov 1 Shacharit 9AM
Mincha/Maariv 7:45PM
Monday May 25 Yom Tov 2 Shacharit 9AM, Yizkor 10:45 followed by kiddush BBQ
Mincha /Maariv 7:45PM
Tikkun Leil Shavuot Sat May 23 9:30PM-??
All night learning and noshing!
Join our members and guests as The People of the Book turn it inside out again, in celebration of receiving it
Perek in the Park
It's Back! Perek in the Park/ פרק in the פארק!
Starts Sat. April 30, at 6PM at Earthplace
The section of the Mishna called Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) has been inspiring our people for almost 2000 years. It is a custom to study this timeless and meaningful text on Shabbat afternoons between Pesach and Shavuot.
The class is very interactive, no Hebrew is required, and the material lends itself to some great discussions.
Join us as we continue our annual study this Sat at 5PM at Earthplace (The Nature Center, for you oldtimers..) 10 Woodside Ln, Westport. Binyomim and Naomi will be there-bring the kids! If you would like to to lead part of the discussion please contact Rabbi Wall.
Purim 5775
Purim is here!
Wed night March 4:Megillah reading and Purim Bash "A Taste of Persia" @6:30PM and wild Kids' Carnival!
Thursday March 5@ 6:30AM: Shacharit and Megillah
9AM: megillah reading followed by bagel breakfast
Beit Chaverim Hanukkah Blowout and Bracha Bee
Sunday, December 21@9AM, followed by brunch, and family programming.
Musical Hallel with a live band!
Great Food! The Beit Chaverim Brachot Bee finals!
Come spread the light...
Latkes,Vodkas, and All That Jazz
Join us at Café Beit Chaverim for an evening of adult Hanuka cheer with gourmet latkes and vodkas, three candles and world class swingin' jazz from The Jazz Rabbi and Friends featuring Ken Wessel, world-renowned guitarist. RSVP to this evite by Dec 15th for a delightful evening of shmoozin', swingin' and samplin'.
This event is made possible by the generous sponsorship of Dr. & Mrs. Larry Schwartz and The BC Board. Please feel free to invite your friends. There is no charge, donations graciously accepted.
Michal Smart
Scholar in Residence, Nov 14/15
Michal will speak Shabbat morning, and present at a women's Seudat Shlishit at the Wall home at 4PM.
Michal Smart is the editor of Kaddish, Women’s Voices, from Urim Publications, winner of the 2013 Jewish Book Award. Michal serves as the Director of Judaic Studies at Bi-Cultural Day School in Stamford, CT. A Fulbright Scholar in Jewish Thought, Michal received her A.B. from Princeton University in Religion and an M.S. from Cornell. She is also an alumna of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship, the Melton Senior Educators Program at Hebrew University, and the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies. Michal lectures widely on Jewish texts and philosophy, with a focus on Jewish women. Earlier, Michal pioneered Jewish outdoor and environmental education in the U.S. She is a founder of the TEVA Learning Center and co-author of Spirit in Nature: Teaching Judaism and Environment on the Trail (Behrman House, 2000). Michal lives in Stamford, CT with her husband, James, and their five children.
Cigars, Single malt, and a Shot of Torah!Cigars, Single Malt, and a Shot Of Torah!Monday, October 13th, at 8PM, in the Beit Chaverim Sukkah!RSVP to Rabbi WallCigars and Single Malt are not the most healthy additions to your lifestyle, but may ad
Sukkah BBQ Bash! Oct. 12, 4PM
Rosh Hashana Dinner 5775
Sep 26 Post Rosh Hashana Family Shabbat Dinner
Leave the cooking to us- this one's for you!
reserve here now!
(reservations close Sep 19)
Hasidic New Wave in concert
Sep 20 9PM Pre-Selichot concert
featuring Hasidic New Wave
followed by song filled selichot, and delicious reception
Rabbi Avi Orlow
Education director of the Foundation For Jewish Camp.Lewis Glinert
SEP 6 PROFESSOR LEWIS GLINERT
British by upbringing and a scion of the Chajes dynasty of scholars, Lewis Glinert is a graduate of Magdalen College, Oxford and yeshivat Netzach Yisrael, Jerusalem, holds a Ph.D. in linguistics from London University, and has semicha from Rav Dan Channen (Israel), head of Pirchei Shoshanim Torah Network.
Lewis Glinert has held appointments at Haifa and Bar-Ilan universities, the University of Chicago, and as Professor of Jewish Language and Culture at London University, where he chaired the Centre for Jewish Studies until moving to the US in 1997. His courses at Dartmouth College include 'Midrash', 'Jewish Humor', 'Hasidic Tales', and 'Film, Fiction and the Arab-Israel Conflict.'
Among his books are "The Grammar of Modern Hebrew" (Cambridge University Press), the best-selling "The Joys of Hebrew" (Oxford University Press), 'Hebrew in Ashkenaz' and 'Mamme Dear', an introduction to the lost art of writing Yiddish letters that was a Jewish Book Club main selection in 1997. He has published many scholarly articles in the field of Jewish literature and culture. Invited by the BBC to script and present a documentary marking 100 years since the Rebirth of Spoken Hebrew, Glinert's "Tongue of Tongues" was a BBC 1992 nomination for a SONY award. Another of his BBC documentaries is "Golem! The Making of a Modern Myth".
As an Oxford undergraduate, Lewis Glinert worked closely with the Chabad Movement, and was sent by the Jewish Agency to teach in the USSR. An experienced baal tefillah and Hebrew folk singer, he is cultural director of the Dartmouth Jewish Sound Archive (www.dartmouth.edu/~djsa), the largest Jewish musical resource on the Internet. He and his family reside in Newton, MA.
Melissa Kapustin
This Shabbat we welcome as scholar in residence the dynamic and engaging Melissa Kapustin, who makes Jewish History come alive. Melissa will be speaking during kiddush following 9AM Shabbat services this Saturday in an interactive presentation called "Escaping Jewish History.
Mrs. Melissa Kapustin taught Jewish History at Ma'ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls from 2001-2004, during which time she helped to develop the Jewish History curriculum for ninth and tenth grades. She temporarily left Ma'ayanot to earn her J.D. at Rutgers University School of Law, but recently returned to teach Jewish History part time while continuing to pursue her legal career by working as a litigation attorney. In addition to her J.D., Mrs. Kapustin holds a B.A. from Stern College with a major in Judaic Studies and a minor in American Studies, and an M.A. in Modern Jewish History from Bernard Revel Graduate School of Yeshiva University. She has also taught weekly adult education courses in Jewish Law and History at Congregation Etz Chaim in Livingston for the past 12 years.
What a great ride we had this morning, followed by an inspired davening on the beach. Thanks to Alan Benjamin for organizing the ride, and for taking this nice shot. Stay tuned for a followup ride soon!
