Congregation Bnai Israel

05/20/2026

Shavuot 2026 Begins at sundown on May 21st and continues through nightfall on May 23rd
Chag Shavuot Sameach!

05/14/2026

04/01/2026

Passover 2026 Begins This Evening
Chag Pesach Sameach!

03/01/2026

PURIM 2026

The holiday of Purim begins at sundown on Monday March 2nd and ends on Tuesday March 3rd at nightfall. Chag Purim Sameach!

01/29/2026

Tu B’ Shevat The 15th of Shevat 2026
Also known as the New Year of the Trees, begins at sundown on Sunday February 1st and ends at nightfall on Monday February 2nd.
Though we are unable to plant a tree in the middle of winter, we can look ahead to the spring, a time of renewal, and be mindful of our spiritual connection to the natural world. Chag Sameach!

12/17/2025

AND AGAIN
A message from UCJF President Mark Grunblatt and Past President, RonDavid Gold
Our Federation joins in support of the Australian Jewish community as they mourn and care for the victims of the mass shooting on Bondi Beach. Tragically, the mass killing of Jews is a recurring theme in human history. Somehow, the deranged murderers crave a world that celebrates the slaughter of innocents because of how they pray. There is no adequate remedy for such loss. Please remember the Australian victims as you recite Mourner's Kaddish and Mishaberach.

Know that your Ulster County Jewish Federation will continue to fight anti-Semitism wherever we face it. State and local police have responded to our concerns and redoubled their patrols and vigilance at synagogues and Jewish events. As before, if you, your synagogue or someone you know suffers an anti-Semitic threat or attack, stay safe, then file a police report and alert our Federation by phone at (845) 338-8131 or email below. Your information may help us identify anti-Semitic plots and groups. We work with police task forces and the Jewish Federation of North America to find patterns and repeat offenders. Justice can prevail.

Through the ages, we have survived the efforts of those who seek to eradicate us because our faith in God and our spirit as a people has been unwavering. We have continued to strive to be ethical, honorable and bring light into the world. May you find comfort in this poetry, invoking the story of the Maccabees to give us strength against hate.
Light one Candle by Peter, Paul and Mary

"Don't let the light go out
It's lasted for so many years lasted for so many years
Don't let the light go out
Let it shine through our love and our tears
Don't let the light go out
It's lasted for so many years lasted for so many years
Don't let the light go out
Let it shine through our love and our tears"

09/22/2025

Rosh Hashanah 2025/5786. Begins at sundown on Monday September 22, 2025 and concludes after nightfall on Wednesday September 24, 2025.
Shanah Tovah Umetukah
Blessings of Health, Happiness, and Peace for the New Year!