Beth El – Keser Israel Events for December 2025

Hanukkah for Children, Teens, Tweens 

BEKI is offering three children’s Hanukkah events as well as events for tweens and teens this month. For more information, consult Education Director Annie Norman-Schiff at anormanschiff@beki.org.

“Hands-On Chanukah with PJ Library

On Sunday, Dec. 7, “Hands-On Chanukah with PJ Library” will be offered at BEKI. Enjoy latkes and an immersive musical experience with Tkiya songleader Rachel Haymer, a ukulelist and singer from Honolulu, who will lead joyful, participatory Hanukkah songs. The program is best for children ages 0-7; siblings are welcome. Details at beki.org.

Menorah Lighting Each Evening

The lighting of the Hanukkah menorah will be every evening (except Friday/Saturday) as part of Maariv prayers in the chapel, starting Sunday, Dec. 14. Details at beki.org.

Hanukkah Supplies, Gifts, Books

BEKI’s Sisterhood Store, which will be open during Sunday Hanukkah events and also by appointment, offers a wide range of Hanukkah items as well as books for children and adults, jewelry, and other gift items. For more information, email giftshop@BEKI.org.

Children’s Shabbat Programs

Children's Havura, K-2 Kehila, and Junior Congregation, all led by parent or grandparent volunteers, meet each Saturday. For more information, consult Education Director Annie Norman-Schiff at anormanschiff@beki.org.

Learn with the Rabbi

Rabbi Eric Woodward teaches a one-hour Talmud class on select Sunday mornings, including Dec. 7 and 14. Details at beki.org.

Yoshie Fruchter & Rabbi Deborah Sacks-Mintz 

ReynHartsik, which is the Yiddish musical duo of Yoshie Fruchter and Rabbi Deborah Sacks-Mintz, will perform at BEKI on Saturday, Jan. 10. ReynHartsik explores Yiddish texts in an intimate acoustic folk setting. Using a combination of their voices with cello, guitar, bass, and mandolin, Fruchter and Sacks-Mintz bring new melodies to the Jewish music canon, using intricate songs, sensitive musicianship, and a sincere desire to connect with audiences. 

Sacks-Mintz, the Director of Tefillah and Music at Hadar Institute, is also a performer and composer who has collaborated on over two dozen albums and produced three of her own albums. Fruchter, who is a musician, composer and bandleader with nine albums, has performed with a wide variety of Jewish artists and at Broadway shows. He plays guitar, bass, oud, and mandolin.

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BEKI is located at 85 Harrison Street (corner of Whalley Avenue - Route 63 - in Westville)