Beth Israel

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Charles Dickens and the Jews:

ONLINE with Cantor Leon Litvack

Beth Israel Book Club is excited to host renowned Charles Dickens scholar, Cantor Leon Litvack, ONLINE Sunday, March 1st at 11 a.m. Eastern time – not Sunday, February 22nd as previously advertised. Leon will discuss Oliver Twist‘s Fagin and Dickens’ relationship with Jewish people. Participants are encouraged to read Oliver Twist. Q&A will follow. To register and receive the zoom link email Ron. This event is free courtesy of the Congregation. Donations gratefully accepted.

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Happy Chanukah Graphic

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Chanukah Party Tickets – 

Get yours by December 17th!

Will you celebrate the miracle of light and the joy of Chanukah with your Beth Israel mishpacha, Saturday, December 20th? The fun starts at 11 am, with a latke lunch at 11:30 am, along with dreidel, songs, and Israeli / traditional dancing  at 1:00 pm. Tickets are REQUIRED. Get yours here before end-of-day December 17th. If $ is an issue, reach out. 

Can you help us make the party? Set up (Saturday, 9am), greeting guests, and/or helping clean up? Sign up here. Last minute helpers (Saturday at 9am sharp for set up, and clean up after the meal) are also welcome!

Do You Need Chanukah Candles or Gelt?

If so, Karen Fisher has some available as a fundraiser for the synagogue. Basic boxes of candles are $5 and small bags of chocolate gelt are $2 each. Email Karen to arrange pick up.

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Trent University’s Max Eisen Lecture

in Holocaust Studies

The Max Eisen Lecture organizing committee warmly invites Beth Israel Congregation and friends to Flights of Spirit, the 2026 Max Eisen Lecture in Holocaust Studies, Tuesday, January 20th from 6 –7:30 pm at Trent University. The year organizers welcome Holocaust survivor and author Elly Gotz in conversation with Holocaust scholars Tomaz Jardim and Doris Bergen. This important talk continues the legacy of educating the public about the Holocaust and upholding human rights. Registration will open soon and is required to attend. Learn more at Trent University: Eisen Lectures.

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Peterborough Weekly – November 26: 

 Preparing Chanukah at Beth Israel

Go to the Peterborough Weekly flipbook link and look for the November 26th issue.  Checkout page 17! 

Many thanks to Alex and Ben!!

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BIC Torah Study – Online Edition!

The wonderful BIC Torah Study leaders are trying out an ONLINE torah study session! Join them Saturday, December 13th at 10:30am to read and discuss Parashat Vayeshev (Genesis 37:1 to 40:23), with the story of Joseph, his imprisonment, and the story of Tamar and Judah. Email Ralph B for the Zoom link.

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Beth Israel Men’s Circle:

Drink and Shmooze January 28 

Intended as a way for Jewish men to connect and support each other, the New BIC Men’s Circle plans to meet for a Drink and Shmooze, Wednesday January 28th, 7-9 pm. Location To Be Confirmed. Email Phil for details. Future meetings may include presentations, discussions, games, a hike, campfire or other ideas the men bring to the group. 

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Torah Study Returns Saturday, Nov. 22!

Join us for Torah Study – the parsha will be Toldot, the story of Isaac, Rebekkah, Jacob and Esau (those family dynamics are always interesting!).

When:  THIS Saturday, November 22nd at 10:30 a.m.

Where:  at Beth Israel.

All welcome!!

We also plan to join for Torah Study ONLINE in early December. For more information or to register (appreciated but not mandatory), email us (mailto: bethisrael@jccpeterborough.com).

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Holocaust Education Exhibits,

Friday, November 14th

In recognition of Holocaust Education Week there will be an assortment of exhibits on display at Beth Israel Synagogue from 4 -8 p.m. (before and after the Oneg Shabbat service) .  The theme of the exhibits is: “Resistance and resilience: artifacts, stories and memorials about the Holocaust”. Included will be a display in recognition of Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat who provided means of sanctuary and safety for many Jews, an exhibit from Yad Vashem: “Heroism and Resistance: Rescue by Jews During the Holocaust,” Holocaust survivor memoirs from the Azrieli Foundation, and more. Please join us!

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Exploring Judaism Peer Learning Group Starts Saturday, November 8th

Building on a very positive reception last season, Jennifer L. and BIC members will facilitate a peer-study group on Saturday, November 8th, beginning at 10am at Beth Israel. In the first session participants will talk about what they would like to learn about, and we will make dates for future sessions (one or more per season). This introductory group is open to all and there is no cost to attend. Donations are gratefully accepted. To register (required), click here.

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Family / All Welcome Shabbat in November!  

Join us Friday, November 28th to welcome Shabbat beginning at 5 pm to welcome Shabbat together with songs, brachot (blessings) and a potluck dinner (with some hummus, salad and falafel sponsored by Ben Langer). This is an all-ages, family-friendly evening, and all are welcome. Doors open at 5 pm; kiddush at 5:30; potluck dinner 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., followed by Birkat HaMazon, etc. All are welcome to bring a challah and their own candles/candlesticks if they have. RSVP Required. RSVP here, now.