Beth El – Keser Israel Events for October 2024

Study with the Rabbi

Rabbi Eric Woodward leads a discussion of the weekly Torah portion most Thursdays.  Talmud class meets Sunday, October 20 and other select Sundays.  Details at beki.org.

On Wednesday, October 9 Rabbi Carl Astor continues monthly learning sessions on Zoom, now focusing on Psalms: a Literary and Linguistic Analysis.  Request the Zoom link from office@beki.org.

Casting Off Our Sins

BEKI’s popular Tashlich, a brief ceremony suitable for all ages, will be held—rain or shine—on Thursday, October 3 at two outdoor locations:  the Edgewood Bridge and the Whitney Museum Covered Bridge.  No reservations are needed.  Details at beki.org

River Cleanup

On Sunday, October 6, the community is invited to reverse the traditional Tashlich observance of throwing crumbs into the West River.  Instead, the focus will be removing debris from it—as well as trash and invasive species from Edgewood Park.  This event is open to all ages.  Details at beki.org.

Two Sukkah Parties

BEKI’s annual Sukkah Hop (a progressive party around Westville) will be Thursday, October 17.

BEKI Apizza will be Sunday, October 20 in the sukkah (inside in case of rain).  Vegan and gluten free pies will be available.  Reservations are due October 16 to the BEKI office, 203.389.2108 x114 or office@beki.org., $10/adults, $5/child under 12, $30 maximum/household.

Yizkor and Simchat Torah

Shmini Atzeret services on Thursday, October 24 will include Yizkor memorial prayers.  Simchat Torah services will include torah processions, singing and dancing.  Details at beki.org.

Overdose Awareness Presentation

Steve Werlin and Evan Serio from Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen [DESK] will discuss how overdose deaths continue to plague our communities.  In this presentation on Sunday, October 27, they will discuss how harm reduction strategies not only can save lives immediately, but also can improve the well-being of our entire community.  Additionally, they will provide practical training on how to identify and respond to an overdose in progress.  Details at beki.org.

Current Exhibition

Artwork produced by over a dozen BEKI visual artists is on exhibition through November 17.  Featured artists include David Chorney, Susan Dardik, Diana Firestone, Karen Kassap, Diane Krevolin, Mary Lesser, Julie Leviter, Margaret Olin, Betsy Ratner, Helen Rosenberg, Cynthia Rubin, Beth Weintraub, Dan Weintraub, and Eve Garrick Zelinsky.  The exhibition is open to the public by appointment; email office@beki.org or call 203.389.2108 x 114.

Children’s Programs

Children's Havura, K-2 Kehila, and Junior Congregation, all led by parent or grandparent volunteers, meet each Saturday.  For more information, consult Education Director Annie Norman-Schiff at anormanschiff@beki.org.

<span class="fineprint">BEKI is located at 85 Harrison Street (corner of Whalley Avenue - Route 63 - in Westville)</span>