Beth Israel

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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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Explore Judaism Peer Learning Group

Join Jen L. and friends for a facilitated discussion Exploring the Jewish Diaspora, Saturday, January 17th from 10am-noon. How have Jews managed to integrate and thrive all over the world? Participants are invited to research and share findings about the Jewish diaspora in an area of interest (history, ancient history, the present, the synagogues – whatever feels relevant to you, as you are able). Bring a coffee, Jen will bring her semi-famous cookies (not really but for vegan and GF they taste pretty good) and we will learn together. RSVP here.

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Beth Israel Men’s Circle: Drink and Shmooze January 28th 

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 28 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.

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Holocaust Education Week in November 3-9

In support of Holocaust Education, and the anniversary of Kristallnacht (The Night of Broken Glass), and pogroms that occurred throughout Germany in 1938, November 9th-10th, the Beth Israel Holocaust Education Committee invites and encourages each of us to attend these learning opportunities:

If you would like to attend any of these events with others from the Beth Israel community, please email Ralph, BIC Holocaust Education Chair and we will do our best to coordinate.