GET INVOLVED

There are many ways to get involved and take part in life at BHS. Our programs and groups span everything from volunteering and social action to Jewish learning, creative pursuits, and social gatherings. Members can also get involved through our committees, sharing their ideas and experience to help shape different areas of synagogue life.

Explore our programs and opportunities below, and if you have any questions or would like to get more involved, please contact Lisa Kopel, Director of Membership Engagement and Programming.

COMMUNITY & IMPACT GROUPS AND INITIATIVES

Chesed

Inspired by the Jewish value of chesed (loving-kindness), this group works alongside our clergy and Social Work Intern to care for congregants. Whether celebrating a joyful milestone or offering support during difficult times, volunteers strengthen our community through meal trains, visits to homebound members, holiday deliveries, accompanying members to services, and other acts of care. Learn more here, or reach out to our Chesed group at chesed@bhsbrooklyn.org.

Homeless Shelter

Since 1983, BHS has partnered with CAMBA to provide unhoused adults with a safe place to sleep, a warm meal, and compassionate hospitality during the winter months. Congregants and guests volunteer in a variety of ways to help make this longstanding community partnership possible. Learn more here.

Israel Matters

Israel Matters provides a welcoming space for members to explore and discuss Israel's history, culture, and current events. Through thoughtful conversation and shared learning, the group embraces diverse perspectives while strengthening our community's connection to Israel. Learn more here, or reach out to israelmatters@bhsbrooklyn.org.

LGBTQ+ Group

Our LGBTQ+ group welcomes all members of the BHS community who are LGBTQ-identifying, along with their families.  The group is an integral and visible part of the greater BHS community and creates spaces for LGBTQ Jews to be in joyous community with one another, gathering throughout the year for family-friendly and adult-only social and holiday events.

Men's Group

The Men’s Group brings BHS men together for thoughtful discussions about life, relationships, community, and the world around them.

Social Justice

Rooted in the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam ("repairing the world"), this group brings congregants together to advocate, volunteer, and take meaningful action on issues affecting our local and global communities. Throughout the year, members engage in initiatives such as climate action, criminal justice reform, refugee and immigrant support, reproductive rights advocacy, clothing drives, and partnerships with mission-driven organizations working toward a more just and equitable world. Learn more here.

Wise Aging

This group brings together senior adults for thoughtful conversation on relationships, well-being, spirituality, legacy, and other topics surrounding aging, with a focus on living with resilience, meaning, and joy.

Women’s Group

This group brings together women and non-binary folks for thoughtful conversations about social issues, relationships, Jewish identity, and shared values, creating space for deeper connection and intergenerational exchange.

CREATIVE, CULTURAL, & SOCIAL GROUPS AND PROGRAMS

Book Group

Discusses books of Jewish interest selected by participants, with conversation and special gatherings throughout the year.

Create Watercolor with Wonder

Explores creativity through a relaxing watercolor class for all levels.

Film Group

Discusses Israeli films that offer a window into Israeli culture, society, and history.

Israeli Dance

Teaches classic and modern Israeli dances through movement and instruction.

Knit & Nosh

Offers a relaxed space to knit alongside fellow members while enjoying snacks and conversation.

Lifelong Learning Group

Helps shape and organize adult learning opportunities throughout the year. Stay posted on classes here.

Mahjong & Canasta

Offers friendly games of Mahjong and Canasta, welcoming both experienced players and those newer to the games.

Moms & Margaritas

Explores the joys and oys of being a Jewish mother or mother to Jewish children. Non-binary parents are always welcome.

Torah on Tap

Explores the joys and oys of being a Jewish father or father to Jewish children. Non-binary parents are always welcome.

COMMITTEES

BHS committees bring members together to take an active role in helping shape key areas of synagogue life through planning and leadership. Working alongside staff, clergy, and lay leadership, committee members contribute their experience and ideas to support the work of BHS and strengthen our community.

  • The Building and Security Committee oversees the maintenance and improvement of BHS’s building and facilities at 131 Remsen Street. It also advises on policies, procedures, and investments that support the safety and security of our community.

  • In collaboration with BHS leadership, the Development Committee provides ongoing guidance to enhance the design and implementation of strategic advancement and fundraising plans, meaningful donor engagement, and strong community partnerships to ensure continued financial health at the Brooklyn Heights Synagogue for future generations.


  • The ECE Committee consists of current and past Preschool parents. This committee helps oversee the general operations of the preschool. The committee supports the Director's mission and advises the Director in areas that may include the hiring of staff, devising the ECE budget, legal counsel, "clinical" issues, and marketing. The committee advocates for the Preschool within the synagogue community (bridging the gap between entities; integrating the preschool into the larger synagogue community; representing the preschool on the synagogue board), and critically evaluates the existing preschool functions. The committee, on occasion, generates proposals for changes in accordance with the current and ongoing needs/goals for the school.

  • The Executive Committee (Officers of the Board) manages the affairs of BHS between meetings of the Board, designates chairs of all committees, and performs other duties as the Board may delegate, consistent with the Bylaws.

  • The Finance Committee develops the annual budget and makes recommendations about operational directions, efficiencies, and controls. The committee also provides budgetary support throughout the year and oversight of the annual compilation and/or audit.

  • The Membership Committee welcomes new members and assists in the development of robust programming and special events that appeal to our diverse, intergenerational community. Comprising members from various cohorts, the committee strives to engage the congregation and increase member involvement. Among the many programs and events are the Getting to Know You Dinners, New Member Shabbat, Passover Seders, and more. The Membership Committee ensures that there is something for everyone to feel welcome.

  • The Nominating Committee is chaired by the immediate past president. The committee develops a leadership pipeline and prepares a slate of nominees every year to fill the open board positions for that year.

  • The Personnel Committee is chaired by the First Vice President and is tasked to provide recommendations on personnel and personnel matters to the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees, as required.

  • The Religious School Committee is the parents’ committee for the Religious School. Working in partnership with the Director of Religious School Education and Associate Rabbi Bailey Romano, the committee advises on school policy, curriculum, and operations and helps coordinate activities and enrichment programs for the Religious School students.

  • The Ritual Committee works together with the Senior Rabbi, offering comments and advice regarding fostering attendance and participation in weekly Friday night Shabbat services, Saturday morning Chavurah service and study sessions, Shabbat morning sanctuary services, High Holiday services, festival services, and congregational seders. The committee examines elements of congregational worship, including worship times, the language of prayer, new ritual forms, music, the configuration of the worship space, and how members are greeted when they enter the sanctuary. The committee oversees the upkeep and maintenance of the Synagogue’s ritual objects, including prayer books, Sifrei Torah, silver ornamentation, Tallitot, and kippot.