As we grow and evolve we want to better understand who you are and how we can shape our synagogue life to reflect and support us all. So we are asking: what kind of services and programming would you like to see this year? If you haven’t already, please let us know in this short-if-you-want-it-to-be survey. Click to have your say now!
We invite all current members to renew your membership, and everyone interested in becoming a member of Beth Israel Congregation to apply now for the 2025-26 year. Our little-congregation-that-could and all that we offer (programming, beautiful space, religious leadership, holocaust and anti-semitism education, this information, etc.) is made possible by the work, and financial support, of members. For more information or to renew or apply, click here. Please note: to align with the Beth Israel Ptbo bylaws, this and subsequent membership years will run until the Annual General Meeting – anticipated for June 14, 2026. Please pay your dues by September 30th to remain a member in good standing.
Thank you for your generosity – this wouldn’t be possible without you.
Thank you for being part of Beth Israel Congregation!
High Holy Days services are led by Cantor Leon Litvack, and are open to all (tickets are not required). However we would welcome you to become a member, or make a donation in support of the congregation here. For children’s activities during services, email Zoe. These programs are sponsored by the Beth Israel Congregation. For more information on Membership, or to make a donation, click here.
Erev Rosh HaShanah – Monday, September 22nd from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Rosh Hashanah I morning service – Tuesday, September 23rd, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Followed by Tashlich at Jackson Creek and a Rosh Hashanah pot luck afternoon event
Rosh Hashanah II Meditative Shacharit, followed by Torah & Musaf services – Wednesday, September 24th from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Erev Yom Kippur: Kol Nidrei – Wednesday, October 1st from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Yom Kippur morning service inc. Yizkor – Thursday, October 2nd from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m; Cantor’s Minchah-time discussion begins at 4:30 p.m., followed by Ne’ilah, with havdalah at 7 p.m. followed by community potluck breaking of the fast
Join Dr. Dan Houpt and friends for an Oneg Shabbat Friday, September 12th at 6 p.m. as part of the 22nd Annual Abraham Festival. Please come enjoy the beautiful community service and help us welcome guests from Christian and Muslim faiths to our shul!
Also you are invited to attend Jummah prayers at the Oasis (at St. James Church, 221 Romaine St., Peterborough) on Friday, September 12th at 1pm, and Christian Worship at the same location, Sunday September 14th at 10:30am, followed by a vegetarian potluck lunch at noon, and then sit back, laugh and dance “Jerusalema” together with comedian Azfar Ali! For more information, click here. All events are free, with donations gratefully accepted.
Would you like to connect more with Jewish practice and prepare for greater participation in High Holy Day and other future services? Join Beth Israel’s own Dr. Dan Houpt Wednesday, September 10th at 7 p.m. to learn the prayers before and after recitation from the Torah and make your participation in services more meaningful! RSVP here and add it to your calendar.
The next two meeting dates and books for the Beth Israel Congregation Book Club have been announced! On Thursday, Sept. 11th the club will be meeting to discuss The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem by Sarit Yishai Levi, and on Thursday, Oct. 23rd the club will meet to discuss People of the Book, by Geraldine Brooks. Save the dates, start reading and we’ll see you all again soon. Thanks again to Ariela for organizing, and to everyone who came out to meet last week about The Safekeep.
All are welcome Friday, July 25th for an Oneg Shabbat service with the Beth Israel Congregation. The service will begin at 6p.m. Please feel free to bring non-members, family, and friends! For more information regarding this event, please contact the congregation’s director of communications at bethisrael@jccpeterborough.com with the subject line “July 25th Shabbat Service Inquiry” or call us at (705) 745-8398.
All are welcome August 15th for an Oneg Shabbat service with the Beth Israel Congregation. The service will begin at 6 p.m. Please feel free to bring non-members, family, and friends! For more information regarding this event, please contact the congregation’s director of communications at bethisrael@jccpeterborough.com with the subject line “August 15th Shabbat Service Inquiry” or call us at (705) 745-8398.
Hi! My name is Gabriel Barr, and from now until August 11th I’ll be helping out the Beth Israel Congregation as a part of the Canada Summer Jobs program! I am a Peterborough local and grew up as a member of the Unitarian Fellowship. For the past 3 years I’ve been living in Montreal studying communications/media production and biology at Concordia University. I’m looking forward to meeting you at the upcoming service & picnic, and at the AGM!
We invite you to join us to celebrate a most excellent year of Beth Israel religious and community programming and events, and to honour all those who have worked hard this year (gotten up and to school/your studies most of the time counts) Friday June 20th with a special Oneg Shabbat Service beginning at 5pm (note earlier time) followed by a picnic and songs at 6:30 at a another special venue. All are welcome. For more details please contact: Beth Israel . Please RSVP here for the event.