High Holy Days
With Gratitude to All Who Contributed this High Holy Days Season
Just a few days ago we ushered in the month of Heshvan, bidding farewell to Tishrei and all its beautiful holidays. With our hearts opened ...
Join Our Community-Wide Writing Project
This Elul, we invite you to join our community-wide writing project and share your reflections. We ask you to respond to the simple, yet profound, ...
Mazal tov to our Simhat Torah honorees, Judith Trachtenberg and Micah Torres Dicker!
This year, we are thrilled to honor Judith Trachtenberg and Micah Torres Dicker by naming them the Kallat Torah and Hatan Bereshit, respectively. Mazal Tov ...
Yom Kippur 5784 Streaming Links
Whether from nearby or across the globe, we know that many will be joining us online for the High Holy Day season, experiencing intimate moments ...
What is Yom Kippur?
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the culmination of a 40-day-long process of teshuvah—shedding the dysfunctional patterns in our lives, making amends for our ...
Opening the Gates: Observing Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is the pinnacle of our introspective season. Throughout Yom Kippur, you will encounter prayer services that have some familiar elements and others that ...
Digging Deeper: A Spiritual Accounting
Kol Nidre, the prayer that begins our Yom Kippur experience, is most well known for its iconic and haunting melody. The Book of Life is ...
Foundation: What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah not only marks the start of the Jewish year but also begins the Yamim Nora’im, the Days of Awe, a 10-day period that ...
Opening the Gates: Observing Rosh Hashanah
On Rosh Hashanah, we use special greetings, we eat sweet foods, and we perform the ritual of tashlikh—symbolically casting away our sins.
Digging Deeper: Opening Our Hearts
Throughout the month of Elul, in the lead-up to the Yamim Nora’im, we engage in heshbon nefesh, reflecting on who we are and who we ...
Foundation: What is Elul?
During Elul, the Hebrew month leading up to Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, we feel the spiritual ...
Opening the Gates: What is Heshbon Nefesh?
Heshbon Nefesh, literally “Accounting of the Soul,” is a process of introspection. It is a deep examination and a personal inventory of our behavior, motivations, ...
Digging Deeper: What is Teshuvah?
Often translated as “repentance,” teshuvah literally means “to return”: returning to the version of ourselves that is most true and holy, no matter how far ...
Digging Deeper: What is Psalm 27?
We recite Psalm 27 twice daily from the second day of Rosh Hodesh Elul through Shemini Atzeret. The psalm depicts a person of pure unwavering ...
With Gratitude to All Who Contributed this High Holy Days Season
We take a moment to pause and appreciate the hard work our many volunteers put into creating the High Holy Days at BJ.
With Gratitude to All Who Contributed this High Holy Days Season
We take a moment to pause and appreciate the hard work our many volunteers put into creating the High Holy Days at BJ.
Mazal Tov to our Kallat Torah and Hatan Bereshit, Dova Marder and Matan Marder Friedgood!
This year, we are thrilled to honor Dova Marder and Matan Marder Friedgood by naming them the Kallat Torah and Hatan Bereshit, respectively. Mazal Tov ...
Rosh Hashanah Kavannah
Rosh Hashanah is a time to reflect on the previous year and contemplate changes for the upcoming one. As you light the Rosh Hashanah candles, ...
Rosh Hashanah Kavannah
Rosh Hashanah is a time to reflect on the previous year and contemplate changes for the upcoming one. As you light the Rosh Hashanah candles, ...
Your Support Matters: Reflections from West Side Campaign Against Hunger
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- By Kiana Davis
BJ and the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) have been longtime partners, bolstering each other’s efforts to address food insecurity on the Upper West ...
Your Support Matters: Reflections from West Side Campaign Against Hunger
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- By Kiana Davis
BJ and the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) have been longtime partners, bolstering each other’s efforts to address food insecurity on the Upper West ...
Your Support Matters: Reflections from West Side Campaign Against Hunger
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- By Kiana Davis
BJ and the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) have been longtime partners, bolstering each other’s efforts to address food insecurity on the Upper West ...
Your Support Matters: Reflections from West Side Campaign Against Hunger
-
- By Kiana Davis
BJ and the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) have been longtime partners, bolstering each other’s efforts to address food insecurity on the Upper West ...
Your Support Matters: Reflections from West Side Campaign Against Hunger
-
- By Kiana Davis
BJ and the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) have been longtime partners, bolstering each other’s efforts to address food insecurity on the Upper West ...
Your Support Matters: Reflections from West Side Campaign Against Hunger
-
- By Kiana Davis
BJ and the West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH) have been longtime partners, bolstering each other’s efforts to address food insecurity on the Upper West ...
Find Your Way Home: A Reflective Journal for Elul
As we enter this month of reflection and essential spiritual work, we are excited to share Find Your Way Home: A Reflective Journal for Elul, ...
What it Takes for BJ to be BJ
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- By Greenawalt
I continue to be both honored and humbled at the accomplishments of our special BJ community, including our dedicated spiritual leadership and staff. Thanks to ...
What it Takes for BJ to be BJ
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- By Greenawalt
I continue to be both honored and humbled at the accomplishments of our special BJ community, including our dedicated spiritual leadership and staff. Thanks to ...
What it Takes for BJ to be BJ
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- By Greenawalt
I continue to be both honored and humbled at the accomplishments of our special BJ community, including our dedicated spiritual leadership and staff. Thanks to ...
What it Takes for BJ to be BJ
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- By Greenawalt
I continue to be both honored and humbled at the accomplishments of our special BJ community, including our dedicated spiritual leadership and staff. Thanks to ...
What it Takes for BJ to be BJ
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- By Greenawalt
I continue to be both honored and humbled at the accomplishments of our special BJ community, including our dedicated spiritual leadership and staff. Thanks to ...
Recommitting to The Year of Environmental Teshuvah
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- By Hazon
We are in a global environmental crisis. Jewish tradition compels us to respond. Now more than ever, we must stand up and assess the role ...
Recommitting to The Year of Environmental Teshuvah
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- By Hazon
We are in a global environmental crisis. Jewish tradition compels us to respond. Now more than ever, we must stand up and assess the role ...
Recommitting to The Year of Environmental Teshuvah
-
- By Hazon
We are in a global environmental crisis. Jewish tradition compels us to respond. Now more than ever, we must stand up and assess the role ...
Recommitting to The Year of Environmental Teshuvah
-
- By Hazon
We are in a global environmental crisis. Jewish tradition compels us to respond. Now more than ever, we must stand up and assess the role ...
Recommitting to The Year of Environmental Teshuvah
-
- By Hazon
We are in a global environmental crisis. Jewish tradition compels us to respond. Now more than ever, we must stand up and assess the role ...
Inspiration for Your High Holy Days Table
Jewish food links us to the past in a way that touches the soul and fills the belly. Whether it’s a brisket recipe passed down ...
Walk to Shul With Your Friends: Introducing Sidebar
Do you miss mingling with people at kiddush? Saying Shanah Tovah to your neighbors as you settle into your seat in the Sanctuary? We know ...
Walk to Shul With Your Friends: Introducing Sidebar
Do you miss mingling with people at kiddush? Saying Shanah Tovah to your neighbors as you settle into your seat in the Sanctuary? We know ...
Walk to Shul With Your Friends: Introducing Sidebar
Do you miss mingling with people at kiddush? Saying Shanah Tovah to your neighbors as you settle into your seat in the Sanctuary? We know ...
Walk to Shul With Your Friends: Introducing Sidebar
Do you miss mingling with people at kiddush? Saying Shanah Tovah to your neighbors as you settle into your seat in the Sanctuary? We know ...
Walk to Shul With Your Friends: Introducing Sidebar
Do you miss mingling with people at kiddush? Saying Shanah Tovah to your neighbors as you settle into your seat in the Sanctuary? We know ...
What it Takes for BJ to be BJ
-
- By Greenawalt
I continue to be both honored and humbled at the accomplishments of our special BJ community, including our dedicated spiritual leadership and staff. Thanks to ...
Recommitting to The Year of Environmental Teshuvah
-
- By Hazon
We are in a global environmental crisis. Jewish tradition compels us to respond. Now more than ever, we must stand up and assess the role ...
Round Challah for Rosh Hashanah
Looking for something fun to do to make your High Holy Days meals extra special? Why not bake some delicious round challah? The following recipe ...
Walk to Shul With Your Friends: Introducing Sidebar
Do you miss mingling with people at kiddush? Saying Shanah Tovah to your neighbors as you settle into your seat in the Sanctuary? We know ...
Tuning our Souls for Teshuvah
This poetical and musical experience with Rabbi Roly Matalon, Lizzie Leiman Kraiem, Rabbi Uri Kroizer, Hazzan Yair Harel, and Dan Nadel (guitar) will engage us ...
Tuning our Souls for Teshuvah
This poetical and musical experience with Rabbi Roly Matalon, Lizzie Leiman Kraiem, Rabbi Uri Kroizer, Hazzan Yair Harel, and Dan Nadel (guitar) will engage us ...
Tuning our Souls for Teshuvah
This poetical and musical experience with Rabbi Roly Matalon, Lizzie Leiman Kraiem, Rabbi Uri Kroizer, Hazzan Yair Harel, and Dan Nadel (guitar) will engage us ...
Tuning our Souls for Teshuvah
This poetical and musical experience with Rabbi Roly Matalon, Lizzie Leiman Kraiem, Rabbi Uri Kroizer, Hazzan Yair Harel, and Dan Nadel (guitar) will engage us ...
Tuning our Souls for Teshuvah
This poetical and musical experience with Rabbi Roly Matalon, Lizzie Leiman Kraiem, Rabbi Uri Kroizer, Hazzan Yair Harel, and Dan Nadel (guitar) will engage us ...
B’nai Jeshurun Invites Participation in Virtual High Holy Days Journey
Through its innovative Waze to the Light, guided, curated online programming and events created to engage the public in this year’s unique High Holy Days ...
Tuning our Souls for Teshuvah
This poetical and musical experience with Rabbi Roly Matalon, Lizzie Leiman Kraiem, Rabbi Uri Kroizer, Hazzan Yair Harel, and Dan Nadel (guitar) will engage us ...
Toward Shabbat: Shoftim
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- By Peter Geffen
After these many months of communal and personal isolation, we will soon greet a new Jewish year. These weeks before the High Holy Days are ...
Find Your Waze to the Light: Our High Holy Days Journey
Today is Rosh Hodesh Elul—the beginning of the month before the High Holy Days. So, as we do every year, our community embarks, individually and collectively, ...
High Holy Days Mahzorim and BJ Volunteer Opportunities
Learn about acquiring High Holy Days mahzorim (prayer books) and volunteering with BJ during the High Holy Days season.
Our High Holy Days Plans (2020)
And so while it is clear we cannot celebrate the Yamim Nora’im together in person this year, the BJ community will come together as one, ...
Our High Holy Days Plans (2020)
And so while it is clear we cannot celebrate the Yamim Nora’im together in person this year, the BJ community will come together as one, ...
Our High Holy Days Plans (2020)
And so while it is clear we cannot celebrate the Yamim Nora’im together in person this year, the BJ community will come together as one, ...
Our High Holy Days Plans (2020)
And so while it is clear we cannot celebrate the Yamim Nora’im together in person this year, the BJ community will come together as one, ...
Our High Holy Days Plans (2020)
And so while it is clear we cannot celebrate the Yamim Nora’im together in person this year, the BJ community will come together as one, ...
Our High Holy Days Plans (2020)
And so while it is clear we cannot celebrate the Yamim Nora’im together in person this year, the BJ community will come together as one, ...
High Holy Days Events
Weeks of Comfort, Days of Awe: Post-Kiddush Learning (In Person)
Venue: Rabbi Rachel Cowan Chapel Location: 270 West 89th StreetLed by BJ’s new rabbinic fellow, Iliana Brodsky, we’ll explore how comfort and consolation are expressed in our tradition, and consider how embracing comfort as a spiritual posture can deepen our preparation for the High Holy Days.
BJ Selihot Experience
Venue: Sanctuary Location: 257 West 88th StreetDedicated in loving memory of Bob Owens by his family, we gather on the threshold of the High Holy Days for an evening of music, prayer, poetry, meditation, and reflection, opening our hearts through Selihot liturgy and soulful spiritual practices.
Weeks of Comfort, Days of Awe (Online)
Venue: Remote Access OnlyLed by BJ’s new rabbinic fellow, Iliana Brodsky, we’ll explore how comfort and consolation are expressed in our tradition, and consider how embracing comfort as a spiritual posture can deepen our preparation for the High Holy Days.
Praying with Your Children: High Holy Days and Year Round
Venue: Remote Access OnlyThis is a space for parents to reflect on their own High Holy Day intentions and prepare mind, body, and soul to have a meaningful prayer experience with their children.
High Holy Days 101
Venue: Rabbi Rachel Cowan Chapel Location: 270 West 89th StreetWhether you are well-versed in High Holy Day traditions and prayer or just beginning your exploration, Senior Rabbinic Fellow Joe Blumberg will guide us through the essential prayers and practices, helping us find personal meaning and intention for this sacred season.
Elul and the Aging Process
Venue: Location given after registrationThis season invites us to engage in forgiveness, accept our mortality, and envision the year ahead. As we grow older, these themes resonate differently. Join BJ member Linda Thal, co-author of Wise Aging, to reflect on this meaningful time.
Music of the High Holy Days
Venue: Sanctuary Location: 257 West 88th StreetJoin Hazzan Ari Priven, as we prepare for the Yamim Nora’im by singing new and old melodies that we’ll hear throughout the High Holy Days.
Elul Processing Group for BJ Therapists
Venue: Remote Access OnlyAs we prepare for High Holy Days in this unprecedented time, Jewish mental health professionals have unique challenges. This gathering is a space for BJ members who are therapists to prepare for the new year in a supportive communal way.
Rosh Hashanah Evening Service (First Day)
Venue: Sanctuary Location: 257 West 88th StreetJoin us for Erev Rosh Hashanah services, held in person in the Sanctuary.
Aviv 20s and 30s: Rosh Hashanah Dinner
Venue: Community House Location: 270 West 89th StreetCome together with the Aviv 20s and 30s for a Rosh Hashanah dinner that’s more than just a meal. Connect with like-minded individuals, share traditions, and create lasting memories.
Rosh Hashanah Morning Services (First Day)
Venue: Multiple LocationsJoin us for Rosh Hashanah morning services, held in person in multiple locations on the Upper West Side.
Early Childhood Service for Rosh Hashanah (First Day)
Venue: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan Location: The Samuel Priest Rose Building, 334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th StreetJoin us for Rosh Hashanah Early Childhood services—for children ages 6 and under and their families—led by Rabbi Becca Weintraub and Shira Averbuch. Registration is required.
Aviv 20s & 30s: Rosh Hashanah Morning Service (First Day)
Venue: Community House Location: 270 West 89th StreetEngage in self-discovery and spiritual transformation as we reflect upon this past year and imagine what we will create together in 5786. Join folks in their 20s & 30s on a social and spiritual journey at BJ’s Aviv High Holy Day services.
Early Elementary Service for Rosh Hashanah (First Day)
Venue: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan Location: The Samuel Priest Rose Building, 334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th StreetJoin us for this engaging service for children 9 and under and their families—led by Rabbi Deena Cowans. Registration is required.
Family Services for Rosh Hashanah (First Day)
Venue: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan Location: The Samuel Priest Rose Building, 334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th StreetJoin us for an uplifting service geared toward children 13 and under and their families—led by Rabbi Becca Weintraub and Rabbi Anne Ebersman. Registration is required.
Community-Wide Learning & Tashlikh
Venue: Rabbi Rachel Cowan Chapel Location: 270 West 89th StreetExperience the ritual of Tashlikh, a symbolic casting away of the year’s hardships and misdeeds. Begin at the BJ Community House with parallel learning opportunities: the Family Life & Learning team will guide children and families, while the Rabbinic Fellows lead adults in reflection and preparation for the new year. Then, we’ll gather by the water at 6:10 PM for Tashlikh.
Rosh Hashanah Evening Service (Second Day)
Venue: Sanctuary Location: 257 West 88th StreetJoin us for Erev Rosh Hashanah services, held in person in the BJ Sanctuary.
Rosh Hashanah Morning Services (Second Day)
Venue: SPSA Sanctuary Location: 263 West 86th StreetJoin us for Rosh Hashanah morning services, held in person in the SPSA Sanctuary.
Mindfulness Service for Rosh Hashanah
Venue: Community House Location: 270 West 89th StreetOn the second day of Rosh Hashanah, join us for a meditative, soul-stirring, and deeply powerful service, led by Rabbi Shuli Passow, Rabbi Marc Margolius, and Cantor Dave Mintz. Registration is required.
Early Childhood Service for Rosh Hashanah (Second Day)
Venue: Sanctuary Location: 257 West 88th StreetJoin us for Rosh Hashanah Early Childhood services—for children ages six and under and their families—led by Rabbi Becca Weintraub and Shira Averbuch. Registration is required.
Family Services for Rosh Hashanah (Second Day)
Venue: Sanctuary Location: 257 West 88th StreetJoin us for an engaging service geared toward children 13 and under and their families—led by Rabbi Becca Weintraub and Rabbi Deena Cowans. Registration is required.
High Holy Day Bereavement Group: Night of Remembrance
Venue: Remote Access OnlyAs Yom Kippur approaches, BJ Social Worker Jane Blumenstein will lead a bereavement group for those who are experiencing the High Holy Days without a loved one. This event is for BJ members only. Please register in advance.
Kol Nidre
Venue: Multiple LocationsJoin us for Kol Nidre, held in person in multiple locations on the Upper West Side.
Family-Friendly Kol Nidre
Venue: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan Location: The Samuel Priest Rose Building, 334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th StreetJoin us for an uplifting Kol Nidre service, geared toward children 13 and under and their families—led by Rabbi Becca Weintraub and Rabbi Deena Cowans.
Aviv 20s & 30s: Kol Nidre Service
Venue: Community House Location: 270 West 89th StreetEngage in self-discovery and spiritual transformation as we reflect upon this past year and imagine what we will create together in 5786. Join folks in their 20s & 30s on a social and spiritual journey at BJ’s Aviv High Holy Day services.
Yom Kippur Morning Services
Venue: Multiple LocationsJoin us for Yom Kippur morning services, held in person in multiple locations on the Upper West Side.
Early Childhood Service for Yom Kippur
Venue: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan Location: The Samuel Priest Rose Building, 334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th StreetJoin us for Yom Kippur Early Childhood services—for children ages 6 and under and their families—led by Rabbi Becca Weintraub and Shira Averbuch.
Aviv 20s & 30s: Yom Kippur Morning Services
Venue: Community House Location: 270 West 89th StreetEngage in self-discovery and spiritual transformation as we reflect upon this past year and imagine what we will create together in 5786. Join folks in their 20s & 30s on a social and spiritual journey at BJ’s Aviv High Holy Day services.
Family Service for Yom Kippur
Venue: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan Location: The Samuel Priest Rose Building, 334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th StreetJoin us for an uplifting service geared toward children 13 and under and their families—led by Rabbi Becca Weintraub.
Early Elementary Service for Yom Kippur
Venue: Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan Location: The Samuel Priest Rose Building, 334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th StreetJoin us for this engaging service for children 9 and under and their families—led by Rabbi Deena Cowans. Registration is required.
Seder Ha-Avodah
Venue: SPSA Sanctuary Location: 263 West 86th StreetJoin us for Seder Ha-Avodah, a short and powerful service, as we move through the afternoon of Yom Kippur.
Yom Kippur Minha and Ne’ilah
Venue: Multiple LocationsJoin us for Minha and Ne’ilah services, the conclusion of Yom Kippur, held in person in multiple locations on the Upper West Side.
Community Break Fast
Venue: Frankel Hall Location: 257 West 88th StreetTransition from the spiritual heights of Yom Kippur at the BJ Community Break Fast. The Community Break Fast is sponsored by Helena Diamant Glass in honor of Rabbi J. Rolando Matalon and his 40 years of brilliant, visionary, and compassionate leadership.
Aviv 20s and 30s Break Fast
Venue: Community House Location: 270 West 89th StreetEnd Yom Kippur with a sense of peace and renewal. Join us for a nourishing Break Fast filled with good food and great company with the Aviv 20s and 30s community.
Early Childhood Simhat Torah Evening Service (Age 6 and Under)
Venue: Sanctuary Location: 257 West 88th StreetFamilies will enjoy this spiritual and fun holiday service full of singing, movement, learning, and dancing with the Torah!