Beth El – Keser Israel Events for January 2026

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.

For tickets and other information, go to https://holdmyticket.com/event/455652

Celebrating Calligraphy

Jerise Fogel, who designed the gleaming metal lettering in BEKI’s redesigned sanctuary, is exhibiting a collection of her work at the synagogue through Feb. 28. A faculty member in Classics at Montclair State University, she has studied calligraphy since high school and is also a paper-cut artist. The works on exhibition include brushwork, expressive color, and paper cuts, or combinations of techniques and materials.

The BEKI exhibit also includes creative works by BEKI members and calligraphic works from members’ personal collections or from the BEKI art collection.

Fogel and BEKI artist Tani Cohen-Fraade will discuss their work on Saturday, Jan. 24. Sabbath rules will be observed. To arrange to attend the conversation, email art@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 Jan. 4, 11, and 25. Details at beki.org.

Services Twice Daily

BEKI offers both a morning and an evening service throughout the week. Consult beki.org for details.

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