AFFINITY GROUPS
Build relationships with BK members who share your interests! See below for a list of our current groups, and email Farrell if you would like to create a new group.
BOOK CLUB
Mission Statement
Readers come together to discuss a wide range of books (fiction and nonfiction) to engage, explore and examine the wider world through our shared, yet diverse, Jewish lens.
CONVERSATIONAL HEBREW
For more information, contact Ruth Lowenkron or 917-804-8209.
Do you speak Hebrew? Are you fluent? Not so fluent? Somewhere in between?
Come join us every Shabbat, 12:30 - 2:00pm at BK, and just talk Hebrew!
You'll love it and we would love to have you!
COOKING CLUB:
Like latkes? Want to learn some ways to cook them? Have a great recipe you want to share? Join the Cooking Affinity Group on Sunday, December 11th at 2 pm. We’re making and eating latkes. So far, we’re exploring potato latkes and chickpea latkes. Please let us know if you’re joining us!
The BK Cooking Affinity Group gets together to enjoy the art cooking and the company of good people. If you like to cook, want to learn to cook or just like to eat, join us. We will share recipes and pick up new cooking skills.
GOTTA DANCE:
MAH JONGG:
The BK Mah Jongg Group gets together to enjoy the art of playing Mah Jongg and the company of good people. If you know how to play, whether beginner, expert, or somewhere in between, please join us. We currently once a month.
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THE MONTCLAIR ISRAELI DANCE PROGRAM
Please email Shana Siegel if interested.
MOVIE-LOVERS GATHERINGS:
Barry Ehrlich and Barbara Blumenthal
You can text/call us at 914.471.3898.
Do you love a good movie? Even better, do you like to watch it while chomping on good munchies? Even better, do you like chatting about it with friends afterward? So do we! Join us for a monthly film club where we’ll watch a variety of interesting and provocative movies selected by the group. Meetings will take place at members’ homes. We’ll all bring some snacks to share and follow-up the movie with questions, reactions brilliant insights.
PLAYGROUND GROUP
Monthly on Sundays at 11:00am
Email Stephanie for the location or other info
BK Young Families brings together members with young children for regular monthly playdates at area playgrounds and occasional special events and social gatherings. Connect with us to find new playdates for children, hold an adult conversation while your kids play, swap survival tips, and build community with other young families across the congregation.
POETRY GROUP:
Email Jessica Gidal or Jessica de Koninck
Any BK-nik who feels 2% better after reading poetry aloud (or hearing it read aloud) should join us. Bring a poem to share (á la BK Poetry Slam), or just tune in to listen, discuss, and let us know what might interest you. Details about the Zoom meeting, poetry resources, etc. can be found here. Feel free to post your poem ahead of time in the document.
THE RENAISSANCE GROUP:
Email Ruth Spodak to get involved.
The Renaissance Group is to provide an opportunity for members (60+ years old) to form new and vibrant relationships (or revive former ones) at Bnai Keshet. Monthly Shabbat Dinners provide a welcome setting for us to mix and mingle in a warm informal setting. Upcoming meetings will explore other activities and venues for increased engagement.
Social Singles
This affinity group is currently not functioning because it is in search of a new leader. Contact the BK office if interested.
Let's chat over coffee, see a Jewish-themed film, walk in nature, go on an outing to the beach or museum, throw hatchets, sit around a fire pit -- or, what would you like to do together? We're a group for Bnai Keshet and other area singles to do social stuff, sometimes with Jewish themes. Not specifically a dating space, our events are open to self-identified singles of all ages, gender and sexual identifications, races, and Jewish backgrounds, though some of our events may be more geared to adults than teens. We hope to create an ongoing space for fun, friendship connections, and a home-within-the-home for our larger community.
TAKE A HIKE:
Mission: Grab your hiking boots or any sturdy pair of shoes and head on out to the great outdoors with members and friends of the BK community. Hiking is good for the body and soul, especially during these (pick your adjective) times when many of us are glued to our news feeds or TVs. Take a break from the news, technology, and your daily stresses, and come with us to explore some beautiful spots in New Jersey and beyond. We have been averaging one hike per month on a Sunday and are doing our best to vary the challenge level and length of the hikes. All hikes are within one hour’s drive of Bnai Keshet and are usually more like half an hour’s drive. Please look for our Facebook group and ask to join (you can search “Take a Hike!”), and then post your favorite hike (if you have one), as we are always looking to expand our repertoire. If you’re not on Facebook, contact Betsy and ask to be added to the email list. Look forward to hiking with you!