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Outpouring of Support for Local Jews

after Bondi Beach Shootings

Along with the statement of support from Peterborough Police and Mayor Jeff Leal, 

BIC was supported in person by Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith and Monaghan Ward Coun. Matt Crowley at the BIC’s Candle Lighting event, and by local faith communities, including this statement on Facebook by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Joseph, along with moving phone calls from Peterborough MP Emma Harrison, the Curve Lake Christian Assembly of First Nations People, the Greek Church of Peterborough, the Board of Masjid al-Salaam, and numerous local individuals. We are very moved and grateful.

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Book Club:  Rescheduling Update 

“Girl In the Middle” (author: Anais Granofsky)

Following an excellent discussion, our growing Beth Israel Book Club will read The Girl in the Middle, Growing Up Between Black and White, Rich and Poor by Anais Granofsky, available from the Peterborough Public Library. We will meet and discuss on Thursday, March 12th at 5:30 p.m. (NEW TIME). All are welcome! If you have any questions, or to RSVP, please reply to this email.

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Understanding Modern Antisemitism

w/ Dr. Neil Orlowsky (January 17th)

The Holocaust Education Committee and BIC Book Club are excited to host author and educator Neil Orlowsky, PhD, Saturday, January 17th at 2 p.m. at Beth Israel Synagogue. Dr. Orlowsky will speak on his recent book:  “The Virtue of Hate: How Oct. 7 Exposed Moral Homelessness and Rebranded Antisemitism“. Dr Orlowsky will discuss understanding modern antisemitism and how it affects our shared democratic and civic culture and provide strategies to address the forms of antisemitism we experience today. Q&A will follow. RSVP required.  To RSVP, please email Ralph.

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Jewish Community Singing Group (Choir)

Returns in January

Would you like to explore and engage with Jewish music in English, Yiddish, and Hebrew with others of varying musical abilities and experience? Then you are invited to join the Jewish Community Singing Group, Wednesdays beginning January 7th, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. For more on the purpose of the choir and what you can expect have a look below.  If you are interested in joining, please email Ruby now. 

 

Jewish Community Singing Group Details

Our local Jewish Community Singing Group will explore Jewish music in English, Yiddish, and Hebrew. No singing or musical experience required – just a desire to engage with Jewish culture through music. The group will be directed by Ruby R., and Ruby will curate the song choices. We are a group that is welcoming and inclusive to all regardless of your musical experience or abilities. 

We will meet Wednesdays from 7 – 8:30 p.m. beginning January 7th, 2026. 

We will stop for a break in mid March. 

Purpose of the choir:

  • To learn and share knowledge about the meaning and history of Jewish songs, prayers, and musical genres. 
  • To revel in the feeling of raising our voices together in song. 
  • To develop a repertoire. 
  • Sometimes some members of the group will perform at services or local events. This is optional. 

Interested members can expect to:

  • Learn new songs via live instruction and videos/recordings. (No musical knowledge required.) 
  • Have opportunities to sing harmonies and rounds. 
  • Engage in an experimental and exploratory creation process.
  • Meet regularly.
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Oneg Shabbats in the New Year –

Mark Your Calendars

All are welcome to join Dan for Oneg Shabbat services at Beth Israel:

  • Friday, January 9th,
  • Friday,February 13th
  • Friday, March 6th

…beginning at 6pm.

Non-members, family, and friends are also welcome.

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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, February 22nd at 11 a.m. Eastern time. Leon will discuss Oliver Twist’s Fagin and Dickens’ relationship with Jewish people. Brushing up on Oliver Twist is suggested but not required. Q&A will follow. To register and receive the zoom link, Email Ron: gabbai@jccpeterborough.com. Write “Dickens Yes,” your full name, and location if outside Peterborough. 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.