Beth El – Keser Israel Events for June 2025

Night of Adult Learning

BEKI’s tradition on Shavuot—which celebrates the giving of the Torah—is a late night of study, held this year on Sunday, June 1. No background knowledge is required—just an interest in Jewish learning.  The program’s first learning session is with Rabbi Eric Woodward on “Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof — Torah, Justice, and the Law.” After a light dairy meal, the evening will continue with more sessions. Details at beki.org.

Shavuot Services

Services on Monday, June 2 and Tuesday, June 3 will be followed by mini-kiddush snacks. Tuesday morning’s service will include Yizkor prayers. Details at beki.org.

Elm City Kallah June 6-7-8

This year’s Elm City Kallah speaker is Gila Fine, a lecturer of rabbinic literature at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, who explores the tales of the Talmud through philosophy, literary criticism, psychoanalysis, and pop-culture. Fine will speak Friday, June 6 at Westville Synagogue, will come to BEKI on Saturday, and will finish the weekend of study on Sunday at Congregation B’nai Jacob. More information at beki.org.

Jennifer Quaye-Hudson 

Jennifer Quaye-Hudson, Advocacy Director of Open Communities Alliance (OCA), will speak at BEKI on Saturday, June 14. Register for this event at office@beki.org. Founded in 2013, OCA is a civil rights organization that works to redress generations of discriminatory actions and policies based on race, ethnicity, and income in order to create open and inclusive housing opportunities in historically exclusionary communities. Sabbath rules will be observed.

Journalist Tal Shalev

Israeli journalist Tal Shalev, who is the chief political correspondent for Walla! News, the largest Israeli website that provides independent breaking news and analysis 24 hours a day, will speak at BEKI on Saturday, June 21. Her topic is “Putting Shared Values to the Test: Fighting for Democracy and Peace.” Sabbath rules will be observed. This Shabbat schmooze is co-sponsored by J Street New England. Register for this event at office@beki.org.

Annual Pride Shabbat‍

On Saturday, June 28, BEKI will honor the congregation’s diversity of gender identity and sexual orientation with festive Shabbat services and luncheon. Details at beki.org.

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