BJ Community Shabbaton

Registration for the Shabbaton is open to all who want to experience this special Shabbat at BJ. The non-member registration fee is $180, inclusive all all learning, programs, gatherings and meals. As always, Shabbat services and community Kiddush after Shabbat morning services are free and open to all who would like to experience the music and prayer that are so core to BJ, as well as the schmooze and food that takes place after Shabbat morning service.

Absolutely! For a one-on-one connection, sign up on the registration form to be paired with a veteran BJ member who will be your buddy, sit with you at services, and answer your questions throughout the weekend. We will also offer a tour of the BJ Sanctuary and Community House on Shabbat afternoon for those who want to explore the history and design of the building. Also, check out our website for more information about the building and our services.

Limited home hospitality with local BJ members may be available. If you are interested in this option, please fill out this form.

There are several hotel options on the Upper West Side that are convenient to BJ. As a courtesy, we have made arrangements with the following hotels that are within walking distance to the synagogue (10 to 15 blocks):

• Arthouse Hotel New York City
• Hotel Beacon
• Hotel Belleclaire
• The Lucerne

Rates have been discounted and/or certain fees waived, but the rates themselves can fluctuate daily. Hotel rooms are expected to be in high demand at the time of our Shabbaton; reservations should be made as soon as possible since most of these hotels have established cut-off dates for BJ’s discounted rates. 

While we may not be able to accommodate all allergies or restrictions, all communal meals will have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. Please be sure to note any dietary restrictions on your Shabbaton registration.

Thanks for helping! Please take a look at these volunteer opportunities and sign up for what speaks to you.

• Sanctuary Welcome Team: Bring your warm smile and open heart by serving as a greeter for services on Friday night and/or Shabbat morning. We’ll give you all the info you need, so even if you’ve never been inside BJ before, you can absolutely be part of the welcome!
• Out-of-town Host: Host BJ members coming in from outside the New York area for the weekend. If you select this volunteer opportunity, our Out of Town subcommittee will follow up with additional details and questions for you. You don’t need to host a Shabbat dinner in order to provide accommodations.
• BJ Buddy: Welcome a specific person to BJ, sit with them during services to help orient them, and answer questions they may have. We’ll match you with a BJ member who has requested a buddy.
• Clean Up Crew: Ease the burden on BJ’s operations staff by helping with clean up after Friday night dinner, community Kiddush, or Saturday evening dinner. You’ll also help direct people to dispose of their waste in the appropriate receptacles (trash, recycling, or compost).
• Communal Meal Table “Host”: Help people feel at ease during the communal meals at BJ by facilitating introductions and conversation at your table.
• Floor Team: Say hello to someone who is standing alone, introduce people, answer questions, and generally help create an atmosphere of warmth and belonging. We’ll give you all the info you need to do this job well, plus a big name tag so people know they can approach you!
• On-Call Volunteer: Be on the list of people we can call if we need some extra hands leading up to the Shabbaton.

Got another special skill or super power? Let us know how else you want to volunteer!

Refunds will be granted for those who cancel by Thursday, November 30.

COVID-19 policies, if any, will be determined as we get closer to the Shabbaton, based on our assessment of the situation at that time.