Dear CBAJ family, Enclosed, you will find our annual High Holiday newsletter. Besides the Rabbi’s message and schedule for the upcoming weeks of events at CBAJ (which I personally leave on my countertop for daily reference), you’ll find an outline of our events schedule for the coming year - everything from family events to Rabbi Kean’s fall lecture series and weekly learning opportunities.
I’m grateful to be able to spend another High Holiday season in Albany, and you - congregants and members of the CBAJ family - are the biggest reason why. (Although I will confess I’m a little apprehensive about mid-October evenings in the Sukkah…)
On behalf of the CBAJ Board of Directors, I would like to wish you a Shana Tovah Umetukah. I hope to see you at an event or service in the very near future!
"And with a great shofar it is sounded, and a thin silent voice shall be heard. And the angels shall be alarmed, and dread and fear shall seize them…" –Unetaneh Tokef
Dear CBAJ family,
As the Yamim Noraim (High Holy Days) approach this year, and as the year 5784 comes to a close, I am overwhelmed and haunted by the question I have heard from the mouths of many in recent months: how would our tefilot (prayers) on last Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur been different if we knew what this past year would bring?
Apples and honey, traditions, & your legacy. For this Rosh Hashanah make a commitment that will be a sweet reminder of who you are and what is important to you.
CBAJ would like to thank and honor our community members who have already committed to leaving a legacy gift by joining our Legacy Society. Please email office@cbaj.org if you would like to be contacted by CBAJ's Life & Legacy committee co-chairs Ellen Kaplowitz and Paula Mosher
CBAJ ANNUAL SUKKAH BUILDING - PART 1 Sunday, September 29th, 8:45 am
Calling all volunteers to help build the frame of our sukkah! Folks with stepstools, small ladders, and solid gloves are encouraged to bring their own. We'll provide bagels, pastries, coffee, and juice. and then...
Why do Eruv Tavshilin? Eruv Tavshilin allows you to cook on Friday of a 3 day Yom Tov for Shabbat, even though normally, we do not cook on Yom Tov for the next day. What supplies do I need? One cooked dish, such as a hardboiled egg, and one baked dish, such a piece of matzah. When do I do it? Wednesday before the start of a "three day Yom Tov" in which Yom Tov leads into Shabbat. See the Koren Siddur, page 759, for the full text of the blessing, declaration, and instructions. It may be said in Hebrew or any other language.
Shabbat Shuva Drasha by Rabbi Kean Shabbat, October 5 Following 9:00 AM Shabbat Morning Services (Approx. 11 am)
Friday, October 25 Services & Dancing 9:00 AM Annual Ungerman Family Breakfast & Lunch
Shabbat Mornings, Grades K - 5, beginning September 28 10:00 AM to the end of services Meeting each day of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot! Led by new CBAJ youth directors Shore & Shajar Goldberg.
Mondays, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Open to anyone in grades 8 - 12 Dinner served each week. Semester began Monday, Sept. 23. We are still accepting enrollment. Please RSVP to rabbi@cbaj.org
SPECIAL dates: Rosh Hashanah 10/3 & Sukkot 10/17 This year, starting after Simchat Torah, Tot Shabbat will take place approximately every other Shabbat! Check weekly Shabbat notes for updates. All sessions run 10:30 - 11:30 am
Celebrate your Simcha with our special monthly Simcha Kiddush! Schedule to be announced - Stay Tuned!
Share your insights into one chapter of Tehilim (Psalms), what it means to you, and what it can teach us! Following Kiddush on winter Shabbats, begins Nov. 9 Contact Simma Kinderlehrer or Rabbi Kean to sign up
THURSDAYSTorah & Tea 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom Continuing to study II Kings SATURDAYSTalmud Shiur - Learn Masechet Makkot Daylight Saving Time: begins 1 hour before Shabbat afternoon Mincha Standard Time: begins 1 hour before Shabbat ends DAILY Nach Yomi Sunday at 7:30 AM, weekdays at 6:10 AM Join us as we work through all of Nevi'im (Prophets) & Ketuvim (Writings)
October 22 (Chol HaMoed Sukkot) The Time of Our Joy: Reading Kohelet on Sukkot October Lunch & Learn meets in the Sukkah (weather permitting)!
November 19 What We Know About Avraham's Son Yishmael
December 17 The Miracle of the Oil: A Miracle for Our Time
Tuesdays at 7:30 PM: November 5, November 12, December 3, December 10 In person in the Carr Chapel & ZOOM option to be made available
Save the date: Shabbat, November 16th Click here to Sponsor for this kiddush in honor of your Simcha
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
JOIN US FOR A FULL DAY OF CBAJ ACTIVITES SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH
First...
CBAJ ANNUAL SUKKAH BUILDING - PART 1 Sunday, September 29th, 8:45 am Calling all volunteers to help build the frame of our sukkah! Folks with stepstools, small ladders, and solid gloves are encouraged to bring their own. We'll provide bagels, pastries, coffee, and juice.
and then...
Meet up with your CBAJ community at Indian Ladder Farms at the pick-your-own area, weather permitting.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Dear CBAJ family, Enclosed, you will find our annual High Holiday newsletter. Besides the Rabbi’s message and schedule for the upcoming weeks of events at CBAJ (which I personally leave on my countertop for daily reference), you’ll find an outline of our events schedule for the coming year - everything from family events to Rabbi Kean’s fall lecture series and weekly learning opportunities.
I’m grateful to be able to spend another High Holiday season in Albany, and you - congregants and members of the CBAJ family - are the biggest reason why. (Although I will confess I’m a little apprehensive about mid-October evenings in the Sukkah…)
On behalf of the CBAJ Board of Directors, I would like to wish you a Shana Tovah Umetukah. I hope to see you at an event or service in the very near future!
"And with a great shofar it is sounded, and a thin silent voice shall be heard. And the angels shall be alarmed, and dread and fear shall seize them…" –Unetaneh Tokef
Dear CBAJ family,
As the Yamim Noraim (High Holy Days) approach this year, and as the year 5784 comes to a close, I am overwhelmed and haunted by the question I have heard from the mouths of many in recent months: how would our tefilot (prayers) on last Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur been different if we knew what this past year would bring?
Apples and honey, traditions, & your legacy. For this Rosh Hashanah make a commitment that will be a sweet reminder of who you are and what is important to you.
CBAJ would like to thank and honor our community members who have already committed to leaving a legacy gift by joining our Legacy Society. Please email office@cbaj.org if you would like to be contacted by CBAJ's Life & Legacy committee co-chairs Ellen Kaplowitz and Paula Mosher
CBAJ ANNUAL SUKKAH BUILDING - PART 1 Sunday, September 29th, 8:45 am
Calling all volunteers to help build the frame of our sukkah! Folks with stepstools, small ladders, and solid gloves are encouraged to bring their own. We'll provide bagels, pastries, coffee, and juice. and then...
Why do Eruv Tavshilin? Eruv Tavshilin allows you to cook on Friday of a 3 day Yom Tov for Shabbat, even though normally, we do not cook on Yom Tov for the next day. What supplies do I need? One cooked dish, such as a hardboiled egg, and one baked dish, such a piece of matzah. When do I do it? Wednesday before the start of a "three day Yom Tov" in which Yom Tov leads into Shabbat. See the Koren Siddur, page 759, for the full text of the blessing, declaration, and instructions. It may be said in Hebrew or any other language.
Shabbat Shuva Drasha by Rabbi Kean Shabbat, October 5 Following 9:00 AM Shabbat Morning Services (Approx. 11 am)
Friday, October 25 Services & Dancing 9:00 AM Annual Ungerman Family Breakfast & Lunch
Shabbat Mornings, Grades K - 5, beginning September 28 10:00 AM to the end of services Meeting each day of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot! Led by new CBAJ youth directors Shore & Shajar Goldberg.
Mondays, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Open to anyone in grades 8 - 12 Dinner served each week. Semester began Monday, Sept. 23. We are still accepting enrollment. Please RSVP to rabbi@cbaj.org
SPECIAL dates: Rosh Hashanah 10/3 & Sukkot 10/17 This year, starting after Simchat Torah, Tot Shabbat will take place approximately every other Shabbat! Check weekly Shabbat notes for updates. All sessions run 10:30 - 11:30 am
Celebrate your Simcha with our special monthly Simcha Kiddush! Schedule to be announced - Stay Tuned!
Share your insights into one chapter of Tehilim (Psalms), what it means to you, and what it can teach us! Following Kiddush on winter Shabbats, begins Nov. 9 Contact Simma Kinderlehrer or Rabbi Kean to sign up
THURSDAYSTorah & Tea 9:30 - 10:30 AM on Zoom Continuing to study II Kings SATURDAYSTalmud Shiur - Learn Masechet Makkot Daylight Saving Time: begins 1 hour before Shabbat afternoon Mincha Standard Time: begins 1 hour before Shabbat ends DAILY Nach Yomi Sunday at 7:30 AM, weekdays at 6:10 AM Join us as we work through all of Nevi'im (Prophets) & Ketuvim (Writings)
October 22 (Chol HaMoed Sukkot) The Time of Our Joy: Reading Kohelet on Sukkot October Lunch & Learn meets in the Sukkah (weather permitting)!
November 19 What We Know About Avraham's Son Yishmael
December 17 The Miracle of the Oil: A Miracle for Our Time
Tuesdays at 7:30 PM: November 5, November 12, December 3, December 10 In person in the Carr Chapel & ZOOM option to be made available
Save the date: Shabbat, November 16th Click here to Sponsor for this kiddush in honor of your Simcha
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
JOIN US FOR A FULL DAY OF CBAJ ACTIVITES SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH
First...
CBAJ ANNUAL SUKKAH BUILDING - PART 1 Sunday, September 29th, 8:45 am Calling all volunteers to help build the frame of our sukkah! Folks with stepstools, small ladders, and solid gloves are encouraged to bring their own. We'll provide bagels, pastries, coffee, and juice.
and then...
Meet up with your CBAJ community at Indian Ladder Farms at the pick-your-own area, weather permitting.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
June is our special Graduation Simcha Kiddush in celebration of all moving-up or graduation accomplishments
email your graduate's photo for our photo board along with their moving-up or graduation details office@ cbaj.org ~ Sponsors are invited to submit their celebratory announcements by 10 AM Friday 6/14
As always we are happy to share in the celebration of any simcha, all are welcome!
For those new to CBAJ, once a month, the Kiddush will be specially prepared by our Simcha Kiddush Committee & co-sponsored (at any level you'd like) by members of our community celebrating a special occasion that month.
Please email office@cbaj.org if you are interested in joining the Simcha Kiddush Committee
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE SHABBAT & FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER MAY 17 - 18 CBAJ is excited to invite you to join us for our Spring scholar-in-residence Shabbat with Dr. Sara Ronis.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & TALKS Friday 7:00 PM CBAJ Friday night services 8:00-9:00 PM Shabbat dinner (by pre-registration only) 9:00-9:45 PM The Demons in the Details: What are All Those Demons Doing in the Talmud? The Babylonian Talmud is filled with stories about demons, and laws that regulate how humans and demons should interact. But what are all those demons even doing in the Talmud? Together we'll examine how demons are constructed in the Talmud, and explore medieval and modern resistances to the presence of demons in Judaism.
Saturday 9:00 AM Shabbat morning services 11:30-11:50 AM Living in the Center and On the Margins: The Complex World of Rabbinic Babylonia [CW: Infertility] The Babylonian rabbis who wrote the Talmud lived in a multireligious and multiethnic society in the Sasanian Empire. But how did they think about that society? And how did others think about them?
12:00-1:00 PM Simcha Kiddush Luncheon - open to all.
1:00-1:45 pm (approx.) Fetal Positions: The Talmudic Approach(es) to Personhood Just like modern American politicians, the rabbis of late antique Babylonia thought a lot about fetuses. But the Babylonian rabbis in Sasanian Babylonia explored not whether the fetus is considered a person, but more crucially, what kind(s) of person it is. Together, we'll explore some of the different ways that the Talmud answers this question in different legal contexts, and draw some surprising conclusions about how the Talmud thinks about fetal personhood.
6:50-7:50 PM Talmud Class (presented by Dr. Ronis) Yalta in the Talmud One of the few named women in the Talmud, Yalta was the wife of Rav Nachman bar Yitzchak and a powerhouse in her own right, known for her brilliance, power, and strong personality. Join us to learn more about Yalta's remarkable life as conveyed through Talmudic texts.
7:50 PM Mincha Followed by Seudah Shlishit 8:55 PM Maariv
For those new to CBAJ, once a month, the Kiddush will be specially prepared by our Simcha Kiddush Committee & co-sponsored (at any level you'd like) by members of our community celebrating a special occasion that month.
Please email office@cbaj.org if you are interested in joining the Simcha Kiddush Committee
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
The April13th Simcha Kiddush has been cancelled due to unforeseen reasons However... All Simcha Kiddush Sponsors & celebrants are invited to be sponsors for the Shabbat HaGadol Metzora Luncheon April 20th Click here to become a sponsor
include your celebratory information in the notes section
Tot Shabbat will proceed as scheduled April 13, 2024 For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3
For those new to CBAJ, once a month, the Kiddush will be specially prepared by our Simcha Kiddush Committee & co-sponsored (at any level you'd like) by members of our community celebrating a special occasion that month.
Please email office@cbaj.org if you are interested in joining the Simcha Kiddush Committee
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Join the CBAJ Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3
For those new to CBAJ, once a month, the Kiddush will be specially prepared by our Simcha Kiddush Committee & co-sponsored (at any level you'd like) by members of our community celebrating a special occasion that month.
Please email office@cbaj.org if you are interested in joining the Simcha Kiddush Committee
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
We are grateful to have had Rabbi Kean as our Rabbi for the past three years. As time seems to move so quickly it is already time to reappoint Rabbi Kean for his next CBAJ contract. Thanks to all of you who gave us valuable feedback and filled out the membership survey, to Mark Israel, Elliot Chester and the Board of Directors for their assistance through this process. The next step is a membership meeting to review the survey results, answer any questions and vote to reappoint Rabbi Kean.
The meeting will take place on Sunday March 17th at 7:30 pm. You can either attend in person (there will be cookies:) or virtually (Go to: https://zoom.us/join, enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 and enter passcode: 613518).
All members in good standing will have a vote.
Any questions feel free to reach out to me atpresident@cbaj.org I look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday evening March 17th.
Most Sincerely,
Laura Segal CBAJ President
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Join the CBAJ Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3
The submissions for the CBAJ Life & Legacy Art Contest : "What I love About Beth Abe" will be on display
For those new to CBAJ, once a month, the Kiddush will be specially prepared by our Simcha Kiddush Committee & co-sponsored (at any level you'd like) by members of our community celebrating a special occasion that month.
Please email events@cbaj.org if you are interested in joining the Simcha Kiddush Committee
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
We are grateful to have had Rabbi Kean as our Rabbi for the past three years. As time seems to move so quickly it is already time to reappoint Rabbi Kean for his next CBAJ contract. Thanks to all of you who gave us valuable feedback and filled out the membership survey, to Mark Israel, Elliot Chester and the Board of Directors for their assistance through this process. The next step is a membership meeting to review the survey results, answer any questions and vote to reappoint Rabbi Kean.
The meeting will take place on Sunday March 17th at 7:30 pm. You can either attend in person (there will be cookies:) or virtually (Go to: https://zoom.us/join, enter meeting ID: 940 508 9347 and enter passcode: 613518).
All members in good standing will have a vote.
Any questions feel free to reach out to me atpresident@cbaj.org I look forward to seeing everyone on Sunday evening March 17th.
Most Sincerely,
Laura Segal CBAJ President
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Please email office@cbaj.org if your child plans to submit a piece of art for the Life & Legacy Art Contest We want to be sure all submission are received in time to be displayed at the March 16th Life & Legacy Simcha Kiddush
Calling all budding artists!
The CBAJ Life & Legacy Committee and our CBAJ Youth directors invite all CBAJ children, between the ages of 3 - 18 years, to participate in an art contest with the theme:
"What I Love About Beth Abe..."
All eligible CBAJ kids can create something meaningful to them, based on the theme "What I love about CBAJ". Please contact office@cbaj.org or one of the event coordinators listed below if your child plans to submit a piece of art.
Express yourself using any medium or format - either a piece of art or even a poem! Create a drawing, a painting or use a variety of materials.
Award winning art pieces will be presented, along with all submissions, at our very special
Life & Legacy Simcha Kiddush March 16
Show us your artistic talents and celebrate Life & Legacy. Our Children are indeed our future !!!
Any additional questions can be directed to Daniela Mikhaylova 518.577.0625 & Life & Legacy Committee chairs Ellen Kaplowitz 518.772.9706 Paula Mosher 518.724.9163
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
The CBAJ Life & Legacy Committee and our CBAJ Youth directors invite all CBAJ children, between the ages of 3 - 18 years, to participate in an art contest with the theme:
"What I Love About Beth Abe..."
All eligible CBAJ kids can create something meaningful to them, based on the theme "What I love about CBAJ". All entries are due by Monday, March 4th (Contact office@cbaj.org to coordinate).
Express yourself using any medium or format - either a piece of art or even a poem! Create a drawing, a painting or use a variety of materials.
To help with this endeavor come to CBAJ Sunday, February 25, 10 AM - Noon for a
Children's Creative Art Day with Youth Director Daniella Mikhaylova
Bring your own art supplies or use what will be made available. Young children should be accompanied by a parent.
Award winning art pieces will be presented, along with all submissions, at our very special
Life & Legacy Simcha Kiddush March 16
Show us your artistic talents and celebrate Life & Legacy. Our Children are indeed our future !!!
Any additional questions can be directed to Daniela Mikhaylova 518.577.0625 & Life & Legacy Committee chairs Ellen Kaplowitz 518.772.9706 Paula Mosher 518.724.9163
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
December Simcha Kiddush & Tot Shabbat 12/23/2203 (new date)
Celebrate a birthday or mark an anniversary. Announce an engagement, marriage, or a new baby Make known an achievement or express gratitude
Sponsors are invited to submit their celebratory announcements by next Thursday 12/21/2023
Click here to complete the online form or email office@cbaj.org
Join the CBAJ Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3
For those new to CBAJ, once a month, the Kiddush will be specially prepared by our Simcha Kiddush Committee & co-sponsored (at any level you'd like) by members of our community celebrating a special occasion that month.
Please email events@cbaj.org if you are interested in joining the Simcha Kiddush Committee
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Applications can now be submitted for the David and Rose Udelson Bray Scholarship Fund. The award is available to support undergraduate or graduate study.
Details about eligibility, the application process, and award amounts can be found here. Inquiries and completed applications may be sent to president@cbaj.org.
Applications for the current fall semester or upcoming spring semester are due bySunday, Decmeber 31, 2023.
Sincerely, Laura Segal President
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
December Simcha Kiddush & Tot Shabbat 12/23/2203 (new date)
Celebrate a birthday or mark an anniversary. Announce an engagement, marriage, or a new baby Make known an achievement or express gratitude
Sponsors are invited to submit their celebratory announcements by next Thursday 12/21/2023
Click here to complete the online form or email office@cbaj.org
Join the CBAJ Tot Shabbat For children ages 0-5 and their parents at 10:30 am in classroom 3
For those new to CBAJ, once a month, the Kiddush will be specially prepared by our Simcha Kiddush Committee & co-sponsored (at any level you'd like) by members of our community celebrating a special occasion that month.
Please email events@cbaj.org if you are interested in joining the Simcha Kiddush Committee
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Applications can now be submitted for the David and Rose Udelson Bray Scholarship Fund. The award is available to support undergraduate or graduate study.
Details about eligibility, the application process, and award amounts can be found here. Inquiries and completed applications may be sent to president@cbaj.org.
Applications for the current fall semester or upcoming spring semester are due bySunday, Decmeber 31, 2023.
Sincerely, Laura Segal President
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
We are excited to announce our next Scholar-in Residence November 10 - 11 Parshat Chayei Sarah
Rabbi Moshe Kurtz will join CBAJ for special lectures and to discuss his new book. Rabbi Kurtz uses the lens of halacha (Jewish law) to explore contemporary issues.
To start things off CBAJ will host a Friday Night Dinner
PLEASE REGISTER HERE (prior registration required to attend - deadline Tues. 11/7, 9:00 am) We are still looking for a few more sponsors!
Schedule of events Friday Night Dinner 5:30 pm Lecture & Discussion 6:30 pm (following dinner)
Shabbat morning lecture & discussion: Harmful Speech, Sensitivity, and "Political Correctness" following morning services
Simcha Kiddush following Shabbat morning lecture
Shabbat Afternoon Shiur (in lieu of weekly Talmud Class) Is it ever 'Too Hot' for Halachah? Exploring the Concepts of איסטניס and מצטער. 4:30-5:30 pm (followed by Maariv)
Dessert Reception, book signing, and discussion Saturday evening 7:00 pm
about Rabbi Moshe Kurtz
Rabbi Kurtz is the assistant rabbi of Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford, CT, where he lives with his wife, Marisa, and their beloved daughter, Talya.
Rabbi Kurtz lectures on a range of contemporary issues, including political correctness, nationalism, and gender identity, through the halachic lens. His writings have appeared in forums such as The Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society (“RJJ Journal”), Panim Journal, Tradition, The Lehrhaus, and Torah Musings.
He recently published his first sefer, Challenging Assumptions (Mosaica Press, 2023).
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
We are excited to announce our next Scholar-in Residence November 10 - 11 Parshat Vayera
Rabbi Moshe Kurtz will join CBAJ for special lectures and to discuss his new book. Rabbi Kurtz uses the lens of halacha (Jewish law) to explore contemporary issues.
To start things off CBAJ will host a Friday Night Dinner
PLEASE REGISTER HERE (prior registration required to attend - deadline Tues. 11/7, 9:00 am) We are still looking for a few more sponsors!
Schedule of events Friday Night Dinner 5:30 pm Lecture & Discussion 6:30 pm (following dinner)
Shabbat morning lecture & discussion: Harmful Speech, Sensitivity, and "Political Correctness" following morning services
Simcha Kiddush following Shabbat morning lecture
Shabbat Afternoon Shiur (in lieu of weekly Talmud Class) Is it ever 'Too Hot' for Halachah? Exploring the Concepts of איסטניס and מצטער. 4:30-5:30 pm (followed by Maariv)
Dessert Reception, book signing, and discussion Saturday evening 7:00 pm
about Rabbi Moshe Kurtz
Rabbi Kurtz is the assistant rabbi of Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford, CT, where he lives with his wife, Marisa, and their beloved daughter, Talya.
Rabbi Kurtz lectures on a range of contemporary issues, including political correctness, nationalism, and gender identity, through the halachic lens. His writings have appeared in forums such as The Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society (“RJJ Journal”), Panim Journal, Tradition, The Lehrhaus, and Torah Musings.
He recently published his first sefer, Challenging Assumptions (Mosaica Press, 2023).
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
Rabbi Kurtz is the assistant rabbi of Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford, CT, where he lives with his wife, Marisa, and their beloved daughter, Talya.
Rabbi Kurtz lectures on a range of contemporary issues, including political correctness, nationalism, and gender identity, through the halachic lens. His writings have appeared in forums such as The Journal of Halacha and Contemporary Society (“RJJ Journal”), Panim Journal, Tradition, The Lehrhaus, and Torah Musings.
He recently published his first sefer, Challenging Assumptions (Mosaica Press, 2023).
A complete schedule of special lectures and discussion about Rabbi Kurtz's new book to follow
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
CBAJ is proud to join the wider community at the Albany JCC for " Lehrhaus, A Community Learning: Judaism & the Ethics of War" in solidarity with Israel. Rabbi Kean will participate in the panel. To register,click here or use the QR code below.
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TheFirst Simcha Kiddush of the New Year 10/21/2023
UPDATED ISRAEL SOLIDARITY PARTICIPATION: DUE TO THE ONGOING WAR IN ISRAEL, CBAJ WILL USE THIS UPCOMING KIDDUSH TO HONOR OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH CONNECTIONS TO ISRAEL. PLEASE USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO LET US KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE CBAJ TO ACKNOWLEDGE YOU, YOUR FAMILY MEMBER, OR LOVED ONE WHO IS IN ISRAEL, WHO IS SERVING IN TZAHAL, WHO WAS AFFECTED BY THE CRISIS (HEAVEN FORBID). PLEASE EMAIL LAURA SEGAL, CBAJ PRESIDENT, WITH ANYONE YOU WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE.
Celebrate a birthday or mark an anniversary. Announce an engagement, marriage, or a new baby Make known an achievement or express gratitude
Sponsors are invited to submit their celebratory announcements by next Thursday 10/19/2023
Click here to complete the online form or email office@cbaj.org
For those new to CBAJ, once a month, the Kiddush will be specially prepared by our Simcha Kiddush Committee & co-sponsored (at any level you'd like) by members of our community celebrating a special occasion that month.
Please email events@cbaj.org if you are interested in joining the Simcha Kiddush Committee
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
TheFirst Simcha Kiddush of the New Year 10/21/2023
Celebrate a birthday or mark an anniversary. Announce an engagement, marriage, or a new baby Make known an achievement or express gratitude
Sponsors are invited to submit their celebratory announcements by next Thursday 10/19/2023
Click here to complete the online form or email office@cbaj.org
For those new to CBAJ, once a month, the Kiddush will be specially prepared by our Simcha Kiddush Committee & co-sponsored (at any level you'd like) by members of our community celebrating a special occasion that month.
Please email events@cbaj.org if you are interested in joining the Simcha Kiddush Committee
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
We need volunteers to help finish building the CBAJ sukkah on Wednesday, 9/27
There are two times to help:
1) Following shacharit, Artie Brenner will lead a small but capable team of underdogs to carry all of the walls/roofing from the attic to the parking lot.
2) At 5pm, a (hopefully) larger crowd will come and put up the walls and the roof.
Thank you !
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
The beautiful season of Yamim Noraim is upon us. The excitement is growing as the High Holy days of awe come closer. Like many of you, I am busy thinking about preparing special holiday foods, cleaning, and getting excited to welcome our family and guests who will be joining us.
This is also the time for deep reflection, a time to find our real selves, our potential in life, wondering if we achieved our goals and thinking about how we can improve.
With my first year serving as CBAJ President behind me, I am filled with gratitude for this community, people who go above and beyond on a regular basis. No fan fair, no need for praise, just quietly, persistently, lovingly, taking care of our Shul and each other.
When our recent guest speaker announced that although she has been to many, many shuls over her long career, ours is the friendliest one she’s ever been to, I couldn’t stop smiling. That was a proud moment.
I am proud that we understand what it takes to run a Shul, making it a place everyone who wants to be a member or participate in a program is able to, no matter their financial situation.
I am proud that you will contribute what you can to sustain our beloved CBAJ.
Your donation contributes to our biggest annual fundraiser. The Chai Campaign supports our educational initiatives, social programs, celebrations, holidays, and helps to ensure all who want to participate are welcome.
You can make your donation byclicking on this link, contacting the office, or sending in a check.
May we all be inscribed for a year of success, good health, happiness and meaning in our lives.
With warmest regards, Laura Segal President, Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob
Congregation Beth Abraham-Jacob 380 Whitehall Rd Albany, NY 12208
On Sunday, July 30 at 9:00 am the CBAJ Playground is getting some work done and we need volunteers to help with spreading the new mulch and cleaning up the space. All are welcome, especially families with children of all ages. We had a great time the last few times so please come and enjoy!
Bagels and drinks will be provided.
Bring your own tarps, gloves, rakes and shovels.
Please also bring old newspapers for some extra weed control.
On Sunday, July 30 at 9:00 am the CBAJ Playground is getting some work done and we need volunteers to help with spreading the new mulch and cleaning up the space. All are welcome, especially families with children of all ages. We had a great time the last few times so please come and enjoy!
Bagels and drinks will be provided.
Bring your own tarps, gloves, rakes and shovels.
Please also bring old newspapers for some extra weed control.
