Ongoing Study programs are weekly or monthly sessions designed to create a sense of continuity. Be a regular or occasional participant and find a chevrah a group of fellow learners.
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| This series addresses some of the ‘big questions’ in Judaism and is appropriate for all levels of adult learner, Jewish and non-Jewish, whether you are an experienced student, looking for a way to learn more about Judaism for the first time, or somewhere in-between. Topics are listed by date, and you are welcome to attend the entire series or pick and choose. | ![]() |
November 4 |
Stand, Sit, Bend and Bow – What’s with the Prayer Aerobics? (the meaning behind prayer choreography, and some other thoughts on prayer). |
December 9 |
To Wear or Not to Wear, That is the Question: What is the Meaning Behind Wearing a Tallit or a Kippah and Why is it such a Big Deal in Reform Judaism? |
December 16 |
Who or What is the Jewish Messiah, and Why isn’t Jesus it for us? |
January 6 |
What is a D’var Torah and How Do I Write One? |
January 13 |
Doing Jewish every day, Part 1: Where does Judaism fit in the workplace? |
February 10 |
Doing Jewish every day, Part 2: Citizenship and Social Justice – what’s Jewish about our rights and responsibilities? |
March 9 |
Do Jews Believe in Life after Death, and What Does it Look Like? |
March 16 |
Near, Far, or Playing ‘Hide and Seek’? Where Can I Find God? |
April 6 |
If I Pray for Healing for Someone I Love and They Don’t Get Better, Did I Fail? (Understanding healing in a Jewish context) |
April 27 |
Do Jews Meditate? Or, “Can I Have a ‘Spiritual Practice’ Without Becoming a Buddhist?” |
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Kulanu welcomes all GLBTQ to our community. We meet for social gatherings, Shabbat dinners, study and discussion afternoons, cultural trips, and also organize educational opportunities for the wider community. Please contact Rabbi Gurevitz or visit http://www.congregationbnaiisrael.org/kulanu.html for dates, location and further information about Kulanu activities in the coming year. Please contact Rabbi Gurevitz for readings, locations and further information about Kulanu activities in the coming year or visit our web page.
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The Kesher Project kindles the light of Judaism in developmentally challenged adults. We are proud hosts of this program, which focuses on the ritual and spirit of Jewish holidays and incorporates arts and crafts and snacks with the traditional Jewish songs of each holiday. Participants need not be members of Congregation B’nai Israel. If you would like to be on the group’s mailing list or have any questions please contact us at 336-1858.
Home-Made JudaismMake Judaism come alive for you and your children! This user-friendly series will bring simple yet meaningful Jewish celebration to the home. Each event will bring together an intimate group of family units in a host home to socialize and celebrate. In preparation, parents are invited (if they wish) to choose one thing that they would like to learn or try to contribute to the celebration and will receive all the support and resources they need to achieve their goal. Home-Made Happenings will take place in homes in a variety of neighboring towns, including Fairfield, Trumbull, and Easton.
Saturday, September 29 — 1:00 p.m. |
Home-made Sukkot |
Friday, October 26 — 5:30 p.m. |
Home-made Shabbat |
Saturday, November 17 — 4:00 p.m. |
Home-made Havdalah |
Sunday, December 9 — 4:00 p.m. |
Home-made Chanukah Party |
Friday, February 29 — 5:30 p.m. |
Home-made Shabbat |
Saturday, March 15 — 4:00 p.m. |
Home-made Hamentaschen bake |
Saturday, April 26 — 4:00 p.m. |
End of Pesach Chametz-Fest |
Friday, May 30 |
Shabbat in nature. Picnic celebration outdoors |
| Any parent(s) with a child under 5 are welcome to participate, subject to space availability. Please contact Gail Weinstein to sign up for a Home-Made Happening at gweinstein@congregationbnaiisrael.org or 335-5058. You need not have a child in the nursery school to attend, and we welcome unaffiliated families to join us too.
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Single session courses, lectures and learning opportunities that require their own category!
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A series of afternoons bringing together Christians, Jews and Muslims to share the beauty and meaning of the different ways we celebrate marriage in our traditions. Three brief presentations will be followed by facilitated dialogue in mixed-faith groups to share our own experiences and learn from and about each other.
Presenters will be Rabbi Daniel Satlow, Congregation Beth El, Fairfield, The Reverend Linda Kraft, Pastor Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Trumbull, Moina Noor and Azra Reza, American Institute for Islamic & Arabic Studies. The program meets at the University Commons; Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield.
For information or to register, please contact Laurie Gross at 372-6567 x 172 or lauriegross@jccs.org. Registering in advance will assist us in catering and facilitating dialogue groups. Sponsored by: American Institute for
Islamic & Arabic Studies, Bridge Building Ministry, The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport, The Jewish Center for Community Services, Sacred Heart University.
Tu Bishvat Seder: A Mystical Journey through the Four WorldsThe original Tu Bishvat Seder was developed by Lurianic Kabbalists (Jewish mystics of the sixteenth century) in Safed, Israel. Sampling different categories of fruit, and four shades of wine, we will study a range of mystical teachings that use nature to take us on a journey of the soul. Led by Rabbi Gurevitz.
The Science of HappinessDepression rates in the US are currently eight times higher than they were during the Great Depression. Positive Psychology is an emerging branch in social psychology that attempts to answer this paradox. Researchers in this field are also investigating whether there is a way of living and thinking that can lead not only to increased happiness, but also to a longer, healthier life.
Distinguished Harvard teacher Shawn Achor will explore some of the techniques that incorporate positive psychology and can lead to increased happiness and health. He is the Head Teaching Fellow for the most popular course at Harvard, Positive Psychology. Please join us for this very unique session, as we bring the university to B’nai Israel. There will be a tuition fee for this special event.
A Bite of Judaism: Haman’s Ears Join Ira Wise for the latest installment in our ongoing culinary series. Each session includes a little study, a little cooking, a pot-luck dinner and perhaps a few surprises! We will bake Hamentaschen for dessert (and to take home) after our dinner. Whether you like eating, cooking or both, these classes will definitely give you something to chew on.
Green: The New Red, White & Blue‘An Inconvenient Truth’ demonstrated the undeniable reality of global warming. But what is the next step? In this documentary, Thomas Friedman presents the argument that moving to a renewable energy or clean energy, low-carbon economy will not only
address global warming, but also stimulate the US economy and help to maintain national security. This 65 minute documentary will be followed by discussion and suggestions of practical ‘next steps’ with Rabbi Gurevitz

Bridgeport Community Mission to Israel
Two full days in the Galilee Region including:A tour of the Golan Heights with IDF officials, a visit to the Emunah Center and Nir Haemek School in Afula; Home Hospitality in our sister community of Afula/Gilboa.
Jerusalem Accommodations at the King David Hotel. Shabbat in Jerusalem. Visit to Knesset and meet with Israel’s Leadership. Political Lectures on “Living amidst Hezbolla and Hamas” and The internal conflict “A State for the Jews or a Jewish State”. Experience the politics, psychology and spirit of Israel with your
Rabbi, your friends, your family.
Sponsored by Congregations Ahavath Achim, Beth El, B’nai Israel, B’nai Torah, Rodeph Sholom, Temple Beth Shalom and The Jewish Federation of Eastern Fairfield County.
*Subject to change
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Our tradition says that in every generation we should view ourselves as if we personally had gone out from Egypt, stood at Mt. Sinai and received the Torah. Join Rabbis Prosnit and Gurevitz and Ira Wise for a Shavuot journey of learning. Watch the bulletin and web site for more details.
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