Join us every Friday night at sundown as we welcome in Shabbat, and new people, as a community. We also pray and study Shabbat/Saturday at 9:30am, and have Torah learning an hour before sundown, followed by an intimate gathering to usher out Shabbat. We pray with a lot of spirit, singing, intentions, sharing, and dancing, and with a mechitza.
Meaningful High Holyday prayers and meals, Hanukkah celebrations in the streets, rocking Passover Seders — you definitely want to spend Jewish holidays with us, especially if you’re new, or looking for something new. It's traditional, but hopefully will also feel alive and welcoming in all the right ways.
New to the neighborhood? Going through a tough time? Feeling alone in the big city? We aim to support people through Shabbat meals, chicken soup deliveries, and other community support. We would also love to go out for coffee and get to know you better and how the Beis could support you - or vice versa! Best way to do that is contact any of the fine, friendly folks listed below!
The Beis is an intentional, inclusive, innovative Orthodox Jewish community that provides a home for people looking to explore their Judaism, to connect with others, and to be inspired.
The Beis Community was started in 2013 when a bunch of Jews living in a big city felt like their neighborhood should feel more like home. They were looking for a little more intimacy, intention, and spirit; diversity, welcoming, and inclusion; and values that are brought into practice. And other neighborhood folks starting coming too, seeking the meaning and Jewish community that the Beis provides. Join us and find your home at the Beis Community!
Hart works to bring Jews together, starting in college with Heart to Heart, with OU, Mizrachi, now with OpenDor Media, and with the Beis - where he plays the role of spiritual leader. Hart loves inviting new people for Shabbat, and creating data visualizations.
Reb Tanya taught Torah to high school and then elementary school students for many years and is currently on the faculty of Yeshivat Maharat, where she teaches gemara and serves as mashgicha ruchanit (spiritual advisor). Reb Tanya is so grateful for the Beis as a community and spiritual home that reflects the dynamic values of inclusivity, meaning-making, and intentional Judaism.
Yael has lived in Washington Heights for over 10 years. She loves dreaming up new ideas to make people feel seen, Torah feel accessible, and community feel like a home. She would love to host you for a Shabbat meal.
Yoni Oppenheim is a director, dramaturg, translator and teaching artist. He is also the artistic director of 24/6: A Jewish Theater company.
Anat Coleman (she/her/hers) has enjoyed calling the Heights her home since 2002, when she moved from London. Anat is the Director of Strategic & Community Initiatives at the Jewish Community Council of WaHi, and has been part of the Beis community since its inception.
Miriam is new to Washington Heights, but is thrilled to be serving on the Beis board. Miriam works at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, and enjoys creative writing, cooking, and hosting friends.
Providence-born Jacob Klein has been involved with the Beis since 2017. A rabbinical student and gay man, Jacob finds a lot of value in building LGBT-inclusive Jewish community and is always open to sharing Torah and pastries.
After moving to the Heights in April 2023, Roni found his spiritual home at the Beis community. Shortly afterwards, Roni started leading a monthly mishmar learning program at the Beis, in which community members teach and learn on a variety of topics. Roni hopes to become a Rabbi in the future and work towards creating Orthodox communities that are more accepting of transgender folks. He is currently studying Torah at Hadar.
Shayna Herszage-Feldan(she/her) is originally from Columbus, Ohio, but she moved to NYC in 2018. She is passionate about the role of a community as a support system, and loves that the Beis is a welcoming space that holds space for individuals to make their own impact. When she is not planning programs, events, and initiatives in the community, she is a Master's student in Psychology at Queens College.
