Learn About Bnai Keshet
Joining Bnai Keshet is a rewarding way to involve yourself in a vital, multi-faceted Jewish community. We strive to be a central meeting place where people come to experience spirituality, exchange ideas, and learn from each other. At Bnai Keshet, we participate in challenging and controversial discussions, enjoy dynamic arts performances and social events, as well as relax with old friends and welcome new ones. We also have a stimulating and progressive Jewish religious school for children.
We would love to help you learn more about Bnai Keshet. Please feel free to contact Mark Bograd at the synagogue office if you would like to speak directly with Rabbi Elliott or Rabbi Ariann. You also may contact Stephanie Greenwood, our VP of Membership, to discuss any questions you may have. We look forward to welcoming you to Bnai Keshet.
You can also visit our Facebook page to see a sample of our Family or Main Service
Come join us!
Whether you are considering membership, looking for some spirituality, or just interested in connecting with our community, you are always welcome to join us at the many events that are open to the public.
We also host regular open houses to give you an opportunity to meet us and ask questions. When you do stop by, please make sure to introduce yourself - we look forward to meeting you!
Here's a quick introduction to Bnai Keshet:
Virtual Programming
During the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, Bnai Keshet found many new ways of maintaining our sense of community and togetherness. We shifted to engaging and interactive virtual services with music and guest participants, virtual weekly meditation sessions, minyanim and adult education. Our community interest groups continued to be active, with virtual poetry readings, book clubs, cooking groups and gardening clubs! We remained active in social action, advocating for those experiencing injustice, such as immigrants and those in the criminal justice system.
Our community engagement during these difficult times remained strong, and we are thrilled that our virtual programming enabled us to engage many new participants.
Though we have shifted back to in-person programming, we continue to offer virtual options such as offering Zoom and Facebook Live streams of Shabbat services, Zoom-in options for weekly Meditation, and streaming other services and events.
Donate now to help support our ability to continue to offer robust virtual offerings.
Religious Life
Our style is relaxed and participatory, and services are both intellectually and spiritually stimulating. Shabbat services always are followed by a casual kiddush, and often are followed by educational programs or other events.
- Weekly adult education happens from 9:00 - 10:00am on Shabbat, with services following at 10:00am.
- Every month we host a Kaplan Minyan with opportunities for engagement and deep discussions on a variety of topics
- High holiday services are open to the public. Check the calendar for dates and times.
- All of our major holiday celebrations are open to the public. Join us for Sukkot dinner outside, Latkepalooza fun at Chanukah, our annual Purim carnival, all night studying at Shavuot and more!
Community
Affinity groups - our affinity groups include tennis, hiking, cooking, book club, dancing, and movie watchers. Feel free to contact any of the group leaders to learn more, or just show up for our next get together listed on the calendar.- Havdalah cafe - join us at a local establishment for a brief havdalah service followed by music, poetry and all kinds of performances from local artists. Check the calendar for dates and locations.
- Israeli dancing - join us for Israeli dancing the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month at 7pm (with a break over the summer). See the upcoming schedule here.
- Get to know people at seasonal congregational Shabbat and Saturday night dinners in members homes.
Spiritual
- We host a monthly Meditation as well as weekly morning meditation on Wednesdays at 8:00am and every Saturday afternoon at 4:00pm.
- Monthly chanting class before Shabbat services.
Repairing (Social justice / tikkun olam)
- Get hands on and support our immigration and refugee rights efforts through the Sanctuary alliance.
- Help us feed the homeless through our weekly
hosting of MESH on Monday nights. - Volunteer at the St Paul’s Men’s Shelter the first Saturday of each month.
- Read about our trip to Montgomery, AL where we learned first hand about the history of racial injustices in the US.
For children
- Join us for Tot shabbat.
- Participate in our Pre-K workshops and PJ Havdalahs.
- Join us at the Montclair library for a monthly Hebrew story hour with Rabbi Ariann. Check the library Calendar for dates and times.
- Learn more about Youth Bet Midrash
Check out our full calendar to see everything that’s coming up and hope to see you soon!