Beth El – Keser Israel Events for September 2025

High Holy Days

Arrangements for tickets for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services can be made via the BEKI office; email office@beki.org or call (203) 389-2108 x114. Active-duty military, police personnel, and full-time students may enter for free with valid official ID; however, advance arrangements are required. 

Children’s Programs

BEKI’s K-6 religious school, called BINA, is accepting registrations from member and non-member families through the BEKI office, 203.389.2108 x114 or office@beki.org. School resumes Sept. 7.

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.

Sanctuary Rededication

The celebration of the renovated sanctuary, which re-opened in June after months of construction, will be on Sunday, Sept. 7, starting with the morning service, followed by a brief ceremony, then dessert reception. Details at beki.org.

Selichot

On Saturday, Sept. 13, after Shabbat ends, BEKI will offer a two-part program: Rabbi Eric Woodward will lead a spiritual reflection program, followed by the Selichot Service. Details at beki.org.

Torah Study as an Infinite Cycle 

The Shabbat Schmooze on Saturday, Sept. 13 will feature Education Director Annie-Norman Schiff, speaking about “Turn It Again: Torah Study as an Infinite Cycle.” The topics we study stay with us forever, she notes, as we return to them at greater depth. Details at beki.org.

Book Talk About Conversion

On Sunday, Sept. 14 Kelsey Osgood will discuss her new book Godstruck: Seven Women's Unexpected Journeys to Religious Conversion, about her own spiritual journey and conversion to Judaism as well as the experiences of 6 other women who convert to Quakerism, Evangelicalism, Mormonism, Islam, Amish Church, and Catholicism. Books will be available for sale and signing. Details at beki.org.

New Year Song Circle

BEKI’s High Holy Day service leaders will lead an Elul niggun song circle on Saturday, Sept. 20. A niggun, which is a wordless, melodic Jewish tune, can be a form of personal and communal meditation. Details at beki.org.

Community Tashlich 

BEKI’s popular Tashlich, a brief ceremony suitable for all ages, will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at the bridge at the West River Playground on Blake St. The site is handicap accessible, located below BEKI on the other side of Valley St. Minchah at BEKI will follow. In case of rain, the event will be delayed till the following day. Details at beki.org.

Learn with the Rabbi

Rabbi Eric Woodward teaches a one-hour Talmud class on select Sunday mornings, including Sept. 21 and 28. Consult office@beki.org for details.

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