Congregation Beth El – Keser Israel Events for December 2023 & January 2024

‍Light Movies for Dark Nights

Through the month of January, BEKI will show a series of weekend Jewish films—both classics and more recent films—on the big cinema screen in the social hall.  All of the movies include some comedy, and all are free.  Refreshments will be served.  Details at beki.org.

Trauma in Israel & Palestine

Dr. Ilan Harpaz-Rotem will speak Saturday, January 13 on the topic “Intergeneration and current trauma:  The complexity of trauma in the context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.”  A Professor of Psychiatry and of Psychology at Yale, Dr. Harpaz-Rotem is an investigator at the National Center for PTSD and directs the evaluation of PTSD treatment programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Details at beki.org.

Climate Talk

"We are All Climate Hypocrites Now” is the topic for a Zoom Schmooze on Tuesday, January 16 at 7:30 pm.  Environmental writer Sami Grover, who has written a book with that title, is the featured speaker at this event, organized by BEKI’s Green Team.  Grover approaches the climate crisis with urgency, moral righteousness, and practicality.  The conversation will focus on thinking both individually and collectively about the imperative to protect our planet.  To request the Zoom link, email office@beki.org or call 203.389.2108 x 114.

Tu Bishvat Seder

Celebrate the New Year of Trees at a Tu Bishvat Seder, a dessert Seder for adults, on Wednesday, January 24.  RSVP to office@beki.org.

Shabbat Shirah

In honor of the “Sabbath of Song,” BEKI will offer a Singing Schmooze on Saturday, January 27.  Come learn and sing Jewish music with Max DuBoff and other community members.  Details at beki.org.

Children’s 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 leads a discussion of the weekly Torah portion on Thursdays. Talmud class meets Sunday, December 17 and other select Sundays.  Details at beki.org.

Located at 85 Harrison Street (corner of Whalley Avenue - Route 63 - in Westville)