Congregation Beth El – Keser Israel Events for May 2023
James Berger Poetry
James Berger will read from and discuss his 3rd book of poetry, The Obvious Poems and The Worthless Poems, on Saturday May 6. Berger, who is a Senior Lecturer in English and American Studies at Yale, published this latest book in November 2022. Details at beki.org.
Courtyard Campfire
Monday evening May 8 is Lag BaOmer, the 33rd day of the Omer. The folk-custom is to sing around a campfire at a “kumsitz,” meaning “come” and “sit.” BEKI’s program in the courtyard will feature niggunim—which have no words—as well as traditional American songs and Hebrew songs, all led by congregant Max DuBoff. Song sheets will be provided. Details at beki.org.
Celebrate and Learn
A celebration of Jay Sokolow and Ina Silverman’s 65th birthdays on Saturday, May 13 will include a study session on Kibud Av V’aim, honoring thy father and mother, led by Shai Sokolow Silverman. Details at beki.org.
Pride Shabbat
Saturday, June 17 will be BEKI’s annual Pride Shabbat, honoring the diversity of gender identity and sexual orientation in our congregation. Details at beki.org.
Shavuot at BEKI
Arriving the evening of Thursday, May 25 and lasting for two days, the holiday of Shavuot celebrates the giving of the Torah. BEKI will hold its annual Tikkun Leyl Shavuot night of study—with breaks for creamy (dairy and non-dairy) desserts. No background knowledge is required, just an interest in Jewish learning. Consult beki.org for Shavuot service information. Yizkor prayers will be included on Saturday, May 27.
Children’s Programs
Children’s Havura, K-2 Kehila, and Junior Congregation, all led by parent volunteers, meet in person each Saturday. For more information, consult Education Director Annie Norman-Schiff at anormanschiff@beki.org.
Study with the Rabbi
Rabbi Eric Woodward leads a discussion of the weekly Torah portion on Thursdays. Details at beki.org.
Art by Dganit Zauberman
An exhibit by Israeli-born artist Dganit Zauberman, titled “Land in Flux,” is on view in the BEKI Gallery through June 14. Based in a studio at New Haven’s Erector Square since 2016, she has exhibited in galleries located throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, California and Connecticut, including at the Institute Library and ArtSpace in New Haven.
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