Explore Judaism Course Starting in January!

Beth Israel offers an 8-week course online for local people interested in exploring Judaism (Judaism 101) to build connection, knowledge and confidence in the traditions, starting the week of January 5th. Whether you identify as Jewish or not, have prior knowledge of Judaism or don’t, join us to explore the foundational topics of Jewish living, including Shabbat, the year cycle, lifecycle events, synagogue, spirituality, etc. The cost is $200 per household for members, $300 for non-members. Some subsidies available. Please click here to express your interest; registration to follow.

Chanukah-Is-Coming Brunch’n Dance Tickets!

Celebrate the joy of (almost) Chanukah with delicious food, great company and DANCING, Saturday, December 21st from 10:30am-2pm. New this year: professional dance instructor Jenny Wiesel will lead us in traditional and modern Jewish Folk Dancing! Tickets are $36 per family or $15 per adult (members; $20 for non-members), and $9 per child and include a  latke-centric brunch, dancing and more!. Latkes are gluten free, and the caterer is nut free.  Click here for ticketscapacity is limited.

BIC Book Club: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

After a wonderful and engaging discussion of The Art of Leaving, the Beth Israel Book Club is off and running, and invites you to join us to read and discuss The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride, which tells the tale of an American Jewish couple’s struggle and the Black community who unite to help them. The book is available from the Peterborough Public Library in print and electronically. Join us to discuss over snacks at Beth Israel on Thursday, January 23rd at 6:30 p.m. RSVP via email appreciated, but not required.

Jewish Community Choir; Apply Now for January Start

Do you want to learn about and sing Jewish songs, prayers, and music across genres with others to develop a repertoire to share? Well, you’re in luck! The Jewish Community Choir, Directed by Ruby Rowan, will explore Jewish music in English, Yiddish, and Hebrew. No singing or music experience required. If you are interested to join the Choir OR if you play an instrument/s or have experience with klezmer and/or Yiddish music, please complete this brief application so we can get to know you and confirm a start date.

Children’s Program for Chanukah

Join us on Saturday, December 14 for the Beth Israel Children’s Circle! Children ages 5-12 learn the prayers over the candles, bake donuts and make beeswax candles! Younger children are welcome with a parent. RSVP here to help us ensure enough supplies. Note: this program is designed for children ages 5-12, younger children can attend with a parent.

Beth Israel Membership for 5785: Renew! Apply!

Enquiring minds want to know: Where is my Membership Renewal Letter? How much are my Dues? Membership renewal notices will go out via email presently. To APPLY for or RENEW your membership for the 2024-25 year, please complete the complete this form. If renewing and none of your information has changed and you just want to send in your dues, please see the membership dues form and remit payment by Thursday, October 31st to remain a member in good standing. Information on how to pay is conveniently included via all of the links above. 

Thank you for being part of Beth Israel Congregation!

**Board of Directors; Are You Our Next Board Member?!**

Are you 18+ and a paid up voting member of Beth Israel Congregation (BIC)? Do you desire to actively shape the future of our amazing congregation? Well, now is your chance! The BIC Board of Directors has an opening. Those with any of the following skill sets are especially invited to apply: legal, accounting, bookkeeping, secretarial interests, prior experience on boards. For the pertinent BIC bylaws, click here. To submit your request to become a Director, please email Mark Siegel. 

Mark’s Rosh HaShana Message+

BIC Board President Mark Seigel shared his outgoing Rosh HaShanah address to the community, focused on inclusion and the ‘Big Tent’ approach he has championed during his tenure. Click here for the full content. Mark also highly recommends Meet Robert; Meet Jessica: The Challenge of Jewish Diversity During Difficult Times, a Rosh Hashanah sermon by Rabbi Mark Glickman of Calgary’s temple b’nei tikvah.