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.
Torah Study
Beginning With Genesis
Saturdays — 9:30 a.m.
A New Year of Torah Study begins in Genesis on Saturday, October 6. We invite you to join us as we follow the words of Rabbi Ben Bag Bag and turn it (the Torah) over and over again. Each week we learn Torah together and share our thoughts and ideas and wrestle with the words of the commentators. Newcomers to the group are encouraged. The class is perfect for those with background in biblical studies as well as those just starting out. The ability to read Hebrew is not required.
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Hebrew
For Adults
Monday — 7.00 p.m. (Beginning level)
Tuesday — 10.00 A.m. (Beginning level)
Wednesday — 10.00 A.m. (Intermediate level)
Why not resolve to learn how to read and write Hebrew? Begin with the Alef-Bet and progress to being able to comfortably follow and recite the prayers at a Shabbat service. Intermediate students improve their reading skills and fluency, expand their comprehension and gain further understanding of the meaning and significance of our prayers. Many culminate their studies becoming an adult Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The tuition is $100.00 per 11-week session. Please call Amy at 336-1858 or e-mail amy@congregationbnaiisrael.org to register.
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Nosh & Drash
Thursdays, ongoing @ 10:00 a.m.
Join a group of adults who discuss, debate and learn together lessons from our sacred texts. Exploring our biblical prophets, we devote attention to their religious experience, futuristic visions and relevance then and now.
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Men’s Spirituality
Dates and times tba
The Men’s Spirituality Group combines lively conversation about Jewish tradition with supportive dialogue about living Jewishly in the contemporary world. Contact Amy at 336-1858 or amy@congregationbnaiisrael.org for dates and directions to the meetings.
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It’s More Than Just Numbers:
Accountants and Financial Folks Study Rabbinic Texts
second Wednesday of the Month—8:15 a.m.
Join colleagues as traditional Jewish texts with a focus on financial/business concerns are discussed, debated and made relevant to today. Texts are in English. All accountants and those involved in the “fiscal world” are welcome. We met at Cohen, Burger, Schwartz and Sax, 2228 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield. Please contact Rabbi James Prosnit to be added to the email list.
Rosh
Chodesh at Congregation B'nai Israel
Thursdays —7.30 p.m.
October 18, November 15, December 13,
January 10, February 14, March 13,
April 10, May 15
Rosh Hodesh, the holiday that celebrates the new moon, has traditionally been set aside as a time for women to rest from the hectic pace of their daily lives. This is a monthly women’s group geared toward deepening our Jewish learning and promoting spiritual growth. All women welcome.Facilitated by Rabbi Rachel Gurevitz. Please call Amy at 336-1858 or click here to be added to the mailing list.
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Talmud
At The Bar:
Lawyers Study Jewish Law
Second Thursdays, Beginning in October — @ 8:15 a.m.
Join colleagues as we connect Talmudic studies and areas of traditional Jewish law to issues relevant to today. Texts are in English. All attorneys (or those involved in the legal profession) in the congregation, and their colleagues, are welcome. We meet in Bridgeport at Pullman and Comley, People’s Bank Building, 8th floor. Please call or e-mail Amy at 336-1858 to be added to the mailing list.
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Understanding Judaism: A Guide For Enquiring Minds
Sundays—9:40 a.m.
| 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–GLBTQ Outreach
Social Gatherings & Study Group
Open to all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning
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
Select Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
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 Judaism
Make 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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Unique Opportunities
Single session courses, lectures and learning opportunities that require their own category!
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The Tent of Abraham
Interfaith Reflections on the Meaning of Life in Ritual and Reason
PART 2: Marriage and Family
Sunday, October 21 — 2:00 p.m.
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 Worlds
January 21 – 7:30 p.m.
The 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 Happiness
Sunday, February 10 — 3:00 p.m.
Depression 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
Sunday, March 16 — 4:00p.m.
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
Monday, April 28—7:00 p.m.
‘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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Tikkun Leil Shavuot
Sunday, June 8—8:00 p.m.
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.
