Prayer and Beyond
(The group formerly known as What Are We Saying When We Are Praying?)
A Discussion Group Facilitated by Brenda
Delicious snacks will be served! Be part of this interesting and interactive discussion!
Please RSVP to Brenda whether you are planning to attend or not! Email Brenda or call her.
11/10/2026 2:00 pm
Brenda's House
Kristallnacht Interfaith Commemoration
Join us on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at Page Hall on the University at Albany downtown campus for a Kristallnacht Interfaith Commemoration featuring a special one-time screening of This Ordinary Thing. This powerful Holocaust film shares the true stories of ordinary non-Jewish Europeans who risked their lives to save Jewish strangers during the Holocaust. Featuring dramatic readings from interviews with more than 40 survivors and rescuers, brought to life by acclaimed actors including Helen Mirren, Jeremy Irons, and Ellen Burstyn, the film explores courage, compassion, and the extraordinary impact of individual acts of kindness.
11/10/2026 7:00 pm
Page Hall on the University at Albany downtown campus
Honoring our Veterans: A Special Shabbat Service
Dear Friends,
As Veterans Day approaches, we look forward to taking a moment as a congregation to honor and thank the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, our country.
In past years, we have marked Veterans Day with a guest speaker and a special Sunday brunch. This year, we will celebrate and express our gratitude together during a special Shabbat service on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 6:30 pm.
Our service will include prayers for our country and A Song of Service: A Prayer for the U.S. Armed Forces, as we recognize the dedication, courage, and sacrifices of our veterans and military service members.
Following services, we will gather for a festive Kiddush, sharing friendship, appreciation, and community.
We warmly invite everyone to join us for this meaningful evening as we honor those who have served and those who continue to protect our nation. Shabbat Shalom!
11/13/2026 6:30 pm
Congregation Beth Shalom and via Zoom
“Burt”
Sunday – 15 November 2026; 7:00 PM; Schenectady Jewish Community Center
Discussion Leader: Joe Burke, Film Director (via Zoom)
Discussion Facilitator: Jane Ginsburg, Jewish Family Services (JFS)
Burt, a 69-year-old street musician living with Parkinson’s, has his life turned upside down when Sammy, a wayward young man from New York, shows up claiming to be his son. Having always dreamed of being a father, Burt embraces Sammy and invites him to stay for the weekend at his home, where he lives with his grumpy landlord, Steve. Inspired by the real life of singer/songwriter Burt Berger, who stars in the film alongside actor Oliver Cooper, this movie blurs the line between reality and fiction with disarming authenticity. An instant laugh-out-loud-and-cry indie darling. The movie is a powerful love letter to Burt, his music, and the filmmaker’s own father, who also lives with Parkinson’s. Directed by Joe Burke.
Single price tickets are $10 for JCC members and $15 for guests at the door and $8 for members and $13 for non-members with prepayment. Refreshments are being provided by 518 Kosher and the SJCC.
11/15/2026 7:00 pm
Schenectady Jewish Community Center
Hadassah Book Review for November
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is the endearing story of a curious old man who quietly moves into a southern city and, for reasons unknown to anyone but himself, undertakes a campaign of anonymous generosity.
Theo’s love for people, combined with his fondness for books, art, birds, and story, unite in a colorful expression of outreach and affection.
Stories are shared, friendships are born, and lives, in response to his inexplicable kindness, are affirmed and transformed.
The old man, no stranger to sadness and loss, quickly becomes a welcome presence in the community but his new friends and neighbors wonder, who is Theo? And why is he here?
Beautifully written stories of kindness and neighborliness are always timely, but perhaps especially so now.
Meet Theo of Golden. He’s happy to meet you.
11/16/2026 1:00 pm
Congregation Beth Shalom and via Zoom
Kaaterskill-Klez, a Chanukah musical celebration
Join Margot Leverett, Zoe B. Zak, Robert Bard & Studio Stu for a joyous musical celebration of Chanukah and the enduring spirit of Jewish music. Through the soulful sounds of Klezmer, we’ll look back at the traditions and stories that have carried us through generations—and look ahead with hope toward peace.
An evening of music, community, and the light we carry forward.
Registration required & reception included. $10 donation requested
12/17/2026 7:00 pm
Congregation Beth Shalom and on Zoom
