ABOUT
When you say, “young,” what do you mean?
Brooklyn Jews has at its core a firm belief that the Jewish world needs new voices, ideas, and questions setting the agenda for the future of our communal life. Since new voices and ideas tend to be young ones, we have built this community for people in their 20s and 30s. However, we also value connecting inter-generationally, so we often join with CBE for community-wide events. If you are not in your 20s and 30s but you are still looking for creative, progressive Jewish life, we highly recommend that you check out CBE's offerings for adults or email Matt directly at mgreen@cbebk.org.
But can I bring my kids/parents to Shabbat and holiday services with Brooklyn Jews?
During Shabbat and High Holiday services, absolutely! If you’re looking for a place to explore Judaism with newborns and toddlers, CBE has lots of options for members and non-members alike; we especially recommend our partner community, Shir L’Shabbat!
When you say “Jewish,” what do you mean?
The best kind of Jewish. See “Our Judaism” for more info.
Do I have to be a member of CBE to be part of Brooklyn Jews?
Nope! We welcome those Brooklyn Jews folks who want to join CBE formally as members, but our community is made up of both members and non-members.
SHABBAT
What are services like?
Our community is made up of people who grew up with every imaginable kind of Jewish background – as well as plenty with no Jewish background at all! Our services are designed to reflect that fact, hewing close to Jewish tradition, but offering instrumental music that is singable and a prayerbook, Mishkan Tefilah, that includes both transliteration and translation.
What’s dinner like?
After services, Brooklyn Jews Shabbat includes a communal dinner. Often, there will be a speaker, performer, or artist joining us at dinner, adding intellectual and cultural meaning to our meal together. Please note: our food is not kosher, but it is kosher style. Most of the time, this means that dinner is vegetarian, with gluten-free options. When meat is served, there is always a vegetarian alternative. Our decision not to have catered, kosher meals reflects the needs and tastes of our progressive Jewish community.
Do I have to RSVP?
Please do! We never turn anyone away at Shabbat dinners, but RSVPing by the Wednesday before a given Shabbat helps us know how much food to order.
HOLIDAYS
What are High Holy Day services like?
Our holiday services are designed with the same values in mind as our Shabbat services. Since our community is made up of people who grew up with every imaginable kind of Jewish background—as well as plenty with no Jewish background at all—our services are designed to reflect that fact, hewing close to Jewish tradition, but offering instrumental music that is singable and a prayerbook that includes both transliteration and translation.
We use a Conservative prayerbook, Mahzor Hadash, and we stick to the structure of a traditional service (notably, a traditional Torah reading, and Musaf inclusion). From there, we add certain English readings and abridge pieces of the service that we feel do not add sufficient value to our prayer experience.
How much are tickets for High Holy Days?
Information about High Holy Days with Brooklyn Jews is coming soon. Stay tuned!
How long are High Holy Days services?
Erev Rosh Hashanah and Kol Nidre services are about 80 minutes long. Morning services are typically 2.5 hours.
Where do High Holy Days services happen?
Our services have taken place in a combination of CBE (271 Garfield Pl in Park Slope) and one other location. Previous locations include the Prospect Park Picnic House, All Saints Episcopal Church, and BKLYN Studios at City Point.