Announcements

As of Monday, January 11, New York State entered Phase 1b of vaccine distribution for COVID-19. To see if you're eligible for the vaccine, click here. We understand that registering for a vaccine can be difficult, and Beth El is here to support you. If you need assistance, please email vaccinehelp@bethelnr.org and someone will be in touch to help you navigate the process.

Join us at 8pm on January 14th for an evening of learning, reflection, and conversation as we enter a new month. All are welcome!

Brought to you by Sisterhood & SMART: Senior Mature Adults Retired Together - join us 11am on January 18th via Zoom from the comfort of your own home! Lois Silverman, current co-chair of communications for Women's League, will share a fascinating look at Jews in the Movies, 1890s-2000s. For more information, head to www.bethelnr.org/brunch. The Zoom link is available on our Livestream Page.

Explore the real science of how a mindfulness practice can help you navigate tough times on January 24th at 10:30am. Discover surprises in the research behind stress and learn about data-backed tools/techniques that promote our ability to bounce back better and continue to adapt and thrive through the challenging road ahead. Sponsored by Beth El's Mental Health Initiative. More information at www.bethelnr.org/bmr.

We have a lot of fun events planned for Tu B'Shvat this year, including a Youth Community Drive By, a family program with the Westchester Shinshinim, a Religious School Zoom with Rabbi Josh Warshawsky, and a special event from our Israel Affairs Committee with Author Dr. Dan Oren and a hands-on scallion growing demonstration with Rabbi Jessica Fisher. Click here for more information!

Learn how to make Hot Chocolate Bombs - the latest craze in cold weather beverage fun!! Join us on Wednesday, January 27th at 7:30pm via Zoom. The cost to attend is $36. This event will be a fundraiser for the Nursery School to enhance the classroom libraries with books dealing with diversity. Led by our very own Renowned Baker and beloved teacher, Eden Aronoff.  Register here!

Join us January 28-31 to celebrate Tu B’Shvat and Shabbat Shirah with special guest Rabbi Josh Warshawsky - acclaimed Rabbi, Singer, Songleader, Musician and Composer! Head to www.bethelnr.org/weekendwithjosh for all of the most up-to-date information and schedule.

Most of Beth El’s programs are currently virtual, which is a challenge for congregants who do not know how to Zoom or access livestream. Consider becoming a “tech buddy” for someone who needs introductory help. You will be matched with one person only, you can provide help remotely (no house calls), and it’s a mitzvah! You may also make a new friend in the Beth El community. To sign up, email bethelcares@bethelnr.org with subject “Volunteer Tech Buddy.” If you have questions, email Carrie Fox at csfox99@gmail.com.

Kabbalat Shabbat Time Change - Please Note: As we move further into the year, our virtual Kabbalat Shabbat service will begin starting later in the day, depending on sunset times. This Friday, please join us at 3:30pm!

Journey with JTS, a Four Session Learning Series - The first installment, Meet the new JTS Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz, will be on January 25, 2021 at 7:30 pm. Chancellor Schwartz will be in dialogue with Rabbi Gordon Tucker, JTS’s Vice Chancellor for Religious Life and Engagement. Click here to register and read more about this series.

Disability Inclusion in the Time of Covid and Beyond - An invitation from UJA specialists to Beth El congregants, clergy and staff. Three Tuesday morning online learning sessions, 9:30-11am on the following dates: January 26: Creating More Inclusive Communities; February 2: Making Online Spaces Accessible and Inclusive; and February 9: Moving Inclusion Forward, Fostering a Sense of Belonging. Participants can sign up for single sessions. Synagogues that send at least two representatives to all three sessions will be eligible for a UJA micro-grant. If interested in participating contact Nina Luban at nina.luban@gmail.com  or 914-830-8833 (cell phone).

WJC Gala - The Westchester Jewish Council invites you to its 45th Anniversary Virtual Gala on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 7:30pm honoring Lisa Roberts and Beth El's very own Harriet Kaplan Suvall and Marc Suvall. To register and make a donation toward the Gala, please go to www.wjcouncil.org/gala.

Virtual Government and Public Policy Mission to Washington, D.C., 2/1-2/2 - Join UJA-Federation and the Jewish Federations of North America for high level meetings with policymakers, political leaders and activists from both sides of the aisle to advocate on behalf of the Jewish community and for strong U.S.-Israel ties. Register here. For more information, contact Ali at blumberga@ujafedny.org.

C.A.P. (Children of Aging Parents) Group - Meetings will start once again on January 28th at 7:30pm. They will be led by our own Shari Baum, LMSW, coordinator of Partners in Caring Westchester Jewish Community Services. Click here for more details. If interested, email Erica Epstein: Mmleepstein@gmail.com.

Inside AIPAC: Looking at the US-Israel Relationship in 2021 - Presented by Beth El Synagogue Center and AIPAC. Thursday, February 11th at 7:30pm, take a look inside the relationship between the US and Israel with AIPAC's Dan Granot (Assistant Director in AIPAC’s Policy and Government Affairs department). Head to www.bethelnr.org/insideAIPAC for more information and to register.

OBM Sponsorship - "Who is honored? One who honors others." Pirkei Avot 4:1 - This teaching from Pirkei Avot reminds us that our tradition has an ethic of honoring our loved ones. One way we do this is through teaching and studying Torah in their honor or in their memory. If you would like to celebrate someone marking a simcha or elevate the name and memory of a loved one, consider honoring them with your Beth El community by sponsoring an OBM session. Click here to learn more.

Bagels and Books - Join us for our morning book club. See our meeting dates and book list at www.bethelnr.org/bagelsbooks.

Minyan attendees are needed throughout the week - review available time slots and sign up at www.bethelnr.org/minyansignup!

Shabbat Services: In-Person & Livestream - In our sanctuary on Saturdays at 9:30am (only for those who signed up in advance). To attend, please email minyan@bethelnr.org with your name and the dates you wish to attend by 11am on Fridays. Please note: if you are not on the list, you may not enter! Access the livestream here.

Youth Shabbat Services - Join us Saturdays from 9:45-10:15am for in-person Tot Shabbat - to attend, sign up here! Join us from 10:45-11:30am on Saturdays for our in-person Family Kehillah Service - to attend, sign up here!

Livestream Events - view our current livestream schedule and get the Zoom links for all events at www.bethelnr.org/livestream.

Westchester Jewish Council Calendar - The WJC has compiled the virtual opportunities from synagogues throughout Westchester (and the country) on their calendar so you can take advantage of the rich programming being offered.

Useful Links & Resources - Click here for a list of Beth El and Westchester resources that may be helpful during this challenging time.

Facebook Group - You can also join our private Facebook group for Beth El members to interact with fellow congregants directly. Click here to join.