BZBI

A Musical Hug from Israel
2024-02-07 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Kahaner Auditorium
BZBI, the Israeli American Council, Moishe House and Society Hill Synagogue are coming together to sponsor an evening with Israeli music expert and radio personality Josh Shron. Josh will take us through the songs that have been released in Israel since October 7 – helping us connect to the vibe of Israel during one of its darkest hours.
How is music helping Israelis heal from this unspeakable tragedy? Hear the songs, watch the videos and be inspired by the remarkable spirit of Israel.
The cost of this program is $8 for BZBI members, IAC, Moishe House & Society Hill Synagogue members and $10 for the general community in advance; $10 at the door.
Click here to buy your tickets in advance.

WhyDoWe Post-Kiddush Congregational Learning Program
2024-02-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Kahaner Auditorium
Pesach Practices: what is your favorite or most unusual Pesach practice? Have you chosen to cook with legumes (kitni’ot)? How do you handle egg matzah, sponge cake, or matzah brei (French toast)? How do you mark the end of Pesach? What practices (if any) do you use to mark the Omer period up to Shavuot?
If there are topics you’ve always wondered about or if you’re a maven on some aspect of Jewish life, contact Davida Charney.

Roadmap for Justice: POWER Interfaith Convention
2024-02-19 11:30 - 16:00 | 2910 Dekalb Pike, East Norriton, PA 19401, 2910 Dekalb Pike, East Norriton, PA, 19401, United States
Over the last few months, many Jewish groups have felt disconnected from interfaith allies as we face growing antisemitism and a sense of isolation. Let’s combat that isolation by coming together with partners across lines of faith and race, fighting for a more just society in Pennsylvania and around the world. Together we will launch our legislative agenda for the 2024-2025 legislative session, hear from key state lawmakers on how they will champion our agenda, and create our collective roadmap for justice this year.
Find out more information here and register here. Buses will be available from Center City.

A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Program
2024-02-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Landmark’s Ritz Five, Philadelphia, 214 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA, 19106
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia will be hosting a free screening of HBO’s “A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting”, followed by a panel of survivors and experts. The program is in partnership with the Secure Community Network, the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America.
Click here to register.
EVENT DETAILS

Advance registration is required. For security purposes, we are not able to accept walk-ins.
We kindly ask all adults to show their government issued photo IDs at check in.
Bags are subject to search.
For questions, please contact events at events@jewishphilly.org or 215.832.0534.

Security Trainings Provided by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia
2024-02-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Rodeph Shalom & Har Zion Temple
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia will be offering two Counter Active Threat Training (CATT) sessions for agencies and congregations.
These trainings will be led by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Security Director Scott Kerns of Secure Community Network (SCN), the official safety and security organization of the Jewish community in North America. These trainings are open to staff, lay leaders and congregant members.
Click here to register.

Rodeph Shalom | 1:00 PM
Har Zion Temple | 6:30 PM

EVENT DETAILS

Advance registration is required. For security purposes, we are not able to accept walk-ins.
We kindly ask all adults to show their government issued photo IDs at check in.
Bags are subject to search.
For questions, please contact events at events@jewishphilly.org or 215.832.0534.

Torah Study with Rabbi Mort Levine
2024-03-06 08:15 - 09:00 | Zoom Only
In honor of the (soon-to-be) opening of our newly remodeled kitchen, the Wednesday morning Torah study group will be examining various prayers and other sources dealing with food and its preparation. On February 28, the group will start a study of the Birkat HaMazon (Grace after Meals).
This Torah study is free and open to everyone! Click here to access the daily Minyan link to connect to the class. All texts are in English translation.

Firsthand Accounts from Israel: Ronit Bart
2024-03-11 18:00 - 19:30 | BZBI chapel
As the crisis in Israel continues, it is vital that we hear the firsthand testimony of those who survived the October 7 massacre and the realities since the deadliest day to Jews since the Holocaust.
Ronit Bart has been calling Kibbutz Saad home for 30 years. She has been working as an English teacher at the kibbutz school for the past 22 years and is in charge of the lone soldiers program on the Kibbutz for the past 13 years. Displaced since October 7, she is currently residing at a hotel by the Dead Sea.
Ronit will be visiting BZBI to share her experiences. This presentation is free but advance registration is requested. Click here to register.

Megillah Reading
2024-03-23 20:00 - 21:30 | BZBI Sanctuary
Celebrate Erev Purim with us by attending the Megillah reading! Costumes are highly encouraged. The following categories will be judged for best costume this year during the Megillah reading: best biblical/Jewish costume, best group costume, best word play/pun costume, best Philadelphia themed costume.

Purim Pub & Karaoke Party
2024-03-23 21:30 - 23:30 | Kahaner Auditorium
After the Megillah reading, join us in the Kahaner Auditorium for our annual Purim Pub and Karaoke Party! Snacks and special Purim themed cocktails will be provided.

New This Year: Movies & Munchies and Teen Purim Pub
2024-03-23 21:30 - 23:30 | Lower Wolfson
Saturday, March 23 from 9:30 to 11:30 PM on the lower level of the synagogue
BZBI is offering movies and munchies for kids 3rd-6th grades and a teen Purim pub for 7th-12th graders in the lower level of the synagogue in celebration of Purim. Snacks, drinks and fun will be provided for both of these programs! You can enjoy the Purim pub upstairs while your kids enjoy their Purim programming downstairs. Registration is required – please register your child(ren) by March 20 at 5:00 PM. Programming costs $5.00 per child/teen.
Click here for registration.
If you miss the registration deadline there will be spots available for your child(ren) at the door for $10.00 per child.

Morning Minyan with Megillah Reading
2024-03-24 09:00 - 10:00 | BZBI chapel
The fun just keeps rolling this year! Purim Morning Minyan with Megillah Reading begins at 9:00 AM in the Klinghoffer Chapel. Come in costume, get rowdy, cheer for Mordechai and SHOUT HAMAN DOWN!

Purim Block Party with Carnival Games
2024-03-24 15:00 - 17:00 | Fitler Square, Pine Street between 23rd & 24th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19103, United States
On the day of Purim, join us in Fitler Square for our annual block party.
Expanded activities include carnival games, face painting, sand art, DJ Aluminum, Drag Purim Story Hour, Dr. Dani Dancepants, a photobooth, hamentashen, pretzels, cotton candy, a Mr. Softee ice cream truck and more!
Wristbands will be sold at the check in table for $15.00 per wristband (includes all carnival games) or $1.00 game tickets (one game ticket for one carnival game). Food sales are not included in wristband purchase. Please call the Temple Office if you have any questions relating to the Block party or wristband cost.
Important: We need volunteers for our Purim Block party to make it as successful as possible! Please sign up for a volunteer time slot to help out and enjoy all the fun that’s in store. Click here to volunteer.

Performing Esther on Stage: Questions on Gender, Image, and Music
2024-03-27 19:00 - 20:30 | Kahaner Auditorium
In this presentation Katharina Galor will introduce the forgotten opera Esther de Carpentras by Jewish French composer Darius Milhaud, originally performed in Paris in 1938, and then fallen into oblivion.
Inspired by the composer’s Provençal heritage, the work is based on a Purim play staged in the ghettos of southern France while under papal rule (17th through 19th centuries). In her talk Katharina will explore the place of women and the role of sound and music in the original performances and how they shaped an opera of one of the early 20th centuries most important composers.
Registration is free and there is a suggested $10 donation for security costs. Click here to register!

Judaism Is About Love: Book Release with Shai Held and Robert Krulwich
2024-03-28 19:00 - 20:30 | The Weitzman, 101 South Independence Mall, Philadelphia, PA, 19106, United States
What does Judaism say about love, and why do so many people–Jews included– seem to think that love is a “Christian idea”? How can Judaism’s teachings on love transform our lives and the lives of our families, communities, and the broader world? Philosopher and educator Rabbi Shai Held and and host emeritus of Radiolab, Robert Krulwich, take to the Weitzman Museum’s stage in Philadelphia for a freewheeling conversation on just how and why “Judaism Is About Love.”
Produced by the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in partnership with the Hadar Institute, the Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia, and Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel.
Click here for tickets.

Clean Your Pantry for Pesah Food Drive
2024-04-01 08:00 - 17:00
Donate unopened and unexpired packages of canned goods, pasta, rice, chickpeas and legumes for our annual Pesah Food Drive! A bin will be available in the 18th Street Lobby to drop off donations.

Sima's Stitchers Takes a New Twist
2024-04-05 11:00 - 14:00 | The Weitzman, 101 South Independence Mall, Philadelphia, PA, 19106, United States
Want to learn how to knit caps for IDF soldiers? Need knitting lessons? Know how to knit but need directions for these caps?
Eileen Dwell is willing to provide you with private or small group lessons at a mutually convenient time in person or on Zoom. Yes, lessons can be on Zoom!
Do you still want to know how to knit but need a different alternative? Consider joining Srigah B’ Ahava, (Knit with Love), a group of knitters that meets on Fridays from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at The Weitzman on the third floor.
Feel free to reach out to Eileen Dwell by phone, text or email. Click here to send her a message with questions.

Post Kiddush: Standing Together
2024-04-06 13:15 - 14:15 | BZBI Sanctuary
Please join us to meet two Israeli grassroots activists, Rula Daood and Itamar Avneri, from New Israel Fund grantee Omdim Beyachad/Naqaf Ma’an (Standing Together). Hear about the issues at the heart of the Israeli social change movement and how Jews and Palestinians are working together for a better, more just future.
As the largest Jewish-Arab grassroots movement in Israel, Standing Together has become an essential voice during this difficult moment in Israeli history. Rula and Itamar will share personal stories about the work they have done and the support system they have created through their thousands of members to maintain a group of dedicated Jews and Arabs who are devoted to creating a society capable of achieving peace, equality and social justice for all.
As with any of the programs we offer, the viewpoints reflected by the speakers may or may not be those of the leadership of the synagogue. Our world has become more polarized and we are committed to providing room for all voices to be heard, especially about Israel. We recognize the diversity of opinions represented in our community and support the opportunity to engage in robust and thoughtful conversation.
Click here to register.

Sisterhood Passover Sip & Sale
2024-04-08 17:00 - 19:00 | BZBI chapel
Join the BZBI Sisterhood and Giftshop for evening Minyan at 5:45 PM and a wine tasting with Rosenberg’s Blue Star Kosher Wines. This year we are also adding a Pesah Candy Sale! Buy your Pesah wine and candy at the tasting.
Wine and candy will be available to purchase at the Giftshop throughout Pesah.

Freedom Seder Revisited
2024-04-14 18:00 - 20:00 | The Weitzman, 101 South Independence Mall, Philadelphia, PA, 19106, United States
As many Jews prepare for Passover, the most widely celebrated Jewish holiday, we invite people of all backgrounds to join us for this long-running and beloved annual Weitzman event. Experience an artfully curated lineup of speakers, storytellers, and musicians as they reflect on traditional Passover themes such as freedom, renewal, transmitting traditions, and welcoming the stranger.
This year’s event features stories from members of Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Restorative Justice Program; remarks and poetry from spoken-word artist Vanessa Hidary, aka “The Hebrew Mamita;” and music from the most exciting band in Philadelphia, Snacktime, who will lead us in song together throughout the evening. Dinner will be served halfway through the show, when performances will stop for all to converse with their neighbors and enjoy the delicious kosher food provided by CookNSolo.
BZBI is a partner of this event, our discount code is “BZBI” at registration. Tickets cost $25 with discount code. Click here to register.

The Amerita Chamber Players Concert Series
2024-04-17 20:00 - 22:00 | BZBI Sanctuary
BZBI is thrilled to again welcome the Amerita Chamber Players to the Goldberg Sanctuary for a collection of short pieces from Amerita’s repertoire. Highlights include Pergolesi’s violin sonata and Vivaldi’s Trio in C Minor.
Click here for more information.

Different Than Other Nights: Leading an Exciting Seder
2024-04-18 19:00 - 20:00 | BZBI chapel
Are you hosting a Seder for the first time? Is this the year you get back in the saddle after the pandemic? Have you been hosting for what feels like forever, and you need to spice things up?
Join Rabbi Abe for this interactive workshop as we learn new strategies for engaging guests, low-stress menu planning, creative activities, and more.
This workshop is in person only and free of charge.

Center City Jewish Teen Scavenger Hunt
2024-04-21 13:00 - 15:00
All 7th – 12th graders are invited to join the Center City Jewish Teen Scavenger Hunt on Sunday, April 21 at 1:00 PM in Rittenhouse Square. Once the scavenger hunt is completed, we will return to Rittenhouse Square by 3:00 PM.
This program is free but feel free to send your teen with money for ice cream! This event is being co-sponsored by Mercaz, BBYO, USY, and BZBI. For more information, email teens@bzbi.org.
Click here to register your teen.

Sisterhood Torah Fund Shabbat
2024-05-04 09:30 - 13:00 | BZBI Sanctuary
Join the BZBI Sisterhood to celebrate the Women’s League of Conservative Judaism Torah Fund. All donations towards the Torah Fund supports the continuation of scholarships and programs in the worldwide Conservative / Masorti institutions of higher Jewish learning.
Shelley Szwalbenest, Torah Fund Vice President for Mid-Atlantic Region of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, will speak after announcements during Shabbat and a festive Kiddush will follow. To contribute to the 2023-2024 Torah Fund campaign, click here or write a check payable to Torah Fund and bring it in to the Temple Office.

Pirkei Avot Class
2024-05-06 18:00 - 19:30 | BZBI chapel
Pirkei Avot, usually translated as ‘Ethics of the Fathers,’ is a fascinating and central Jewish text. Part of the Mishnah, it contains teachings of the sages on ethical living, proper interactions with others, how to find the balance between the spiritual and material, and so much more. Traditionally, one of the ways it is studied is a chapter at a time during the weeks between Pesach and Shavuot.
Join fellow congregant Nancy Leaderman in a very modern exploration of this traditional text as we dive into The Illustrated Pirkei Avot, in which author/illustrator Jessica Tamar Deutsch has combined the entire English text with graphic illustrations. Whether you are already very familiar with Pirkei Avot or are a complete novice, there is something for everyone. We’ll explore a chapter a week on Monday evenings from 6:00 to 7:15 PM (please join us for minyan first at 5:45 if you are able). If you are on the fence about joining the class, keep in mind that it was in Pirkei Avot that Hillel so famously asked, “If not now, when?”.
Class will meet on May 6, 13, & 20 (no class on Memorial Day, May 27) and June 3 & 10. Cost for the six week class is $36 and includes a copy of the text.

A Conversation about October 7th and Its Aftermath: Legal Challenges and Responses
2024-05-08 19:00 - 20:00 | BZBI chapel
BZBI will welcome Professor Tomer Broude, Dean of the Faculty of Law at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Topics of Broude’s presentation will include the proceedings in the International Court of Justice (South Africa v. Israel, Nicaragua v. Germany); proceedings in the International Criminal Court (potential prosecutions of Hamas terrorists regarding October 7 and risk of prosecutions against Israeli military commanders and politicians).
Click here to register, there is a $10.00 suggested donation to cover the cost of security.

BZBI Welcomes Israeli Poet and Activist Adi Keissar
2024-05-11 13:00 - 14:00 | BZBI Sanctuary
Join us as Adi shares her poetry and experiences growing up in Israel, her family’s Yemenite background and how personal identity impacts culture in Israel.

From Grief to Hope: Transition Ceremony from Yom Hazikaron to Yom Ha'atzmaut
2024-05-13 19:30 - 20:30 | BZBI chapel
Each year, Israel observes Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day) just one day prior to Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day). This year, as we mourn the devastation of the last six months as well as the many losses throughout Israel’s history, we also hold space for hope as we celebrate Israel’s resilience.
Join us at BZBI as we hold a tekes ma’avar, a traditional ceremony to mark this transition. More details to follow.

Celebrating Older Americans Month: Powered by Connection with Penn's Village
2024-05-18 13:00 - 14:00 | BZBI chapel
This year’s theme, Powered by Connection, aptly describes the work of Penn’s Village, a membership nonprofit organization serving older adults in central Philadelphia for more than 15 years. Through a strong cadre of vetted volunteers, they offer members, depending on membership level, more than eight services to help older adults stay in their own homes as long as they are able. These include companionship, rides, technology assistance, minor home repairs, errands, Health Pals, emergency pet services, home organization, as well as weekly in-person and virtual social, wellness and educational programs, participation in interest groups, access to a preferred provider list, and more.
Penn’s Village members and volunteers will present a program on “How Decluttering Helps You to Stay Independent and in your Own Home,” at a post-Kiddush program on Saturday, May 18. As one member said, “We’ve lived in our home for 50 years, and the only thing we’ve thrown out are the kids.” Join us and learn more about their programs and services.

Red Cross Blood Drive at Tenth Presbyterian Church
2024-05-29 14:00 - 19:00 | tenth presbyterian church, 1701 Delancey Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19103, United States
Donate blood in May! Red Cross will be collecting blood at Tenth Presbyterian Church and BZBI members are encouraged to join. Click here to register.
Contact Julie at julieatchick@bzbi.org if you are available to volunteer and sign people in at the blood drive.

Rally to Call for the Return of Hostages
2024-06-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Logan Square
Join multiple Jewish organizations for an international collaboration supporting the hostages, their families and calling against antisemitism! The afternoon will focus on unity, support, music and activities for children. This event is a static rally, not a march – so it will take place only in Logan Square. This event has been made possible by Stand With Us, ADL, AJC, IAC and the Greater Philadelphia Jewish Federation.
Click here to register and order a T-shirt.
