Activities & Groups
The Hesed Group
The Hesed Group is an important part of the Kane Street community. Hesed volunteers support members of the community in times of need, whether due to a happy occasion, like the birth of a child, or a sad occasion, like illness or the death of a loved one. The Hesed Group is here to provide meals, visit you in the hospital, take you to an appointment, or pick up a prescription. Just send us a message.
To join the Hesed Group volunteers, please contact Ellen Shaw and Elizabeth Cleek, co-chairs of the Hesed Committee at [email protected]. If you prefer, you may first contact the Rabbi.
Up on the Roof
We’ve been reconnecting in-person with Kane Street friends and community on weekday evenings this spring and summer on our wonderful Goldman Center roof. We hope this fun and informal series—that has included ice cream parties, a singing circle, and Pride Party—offers something for everyone. See the schedule and sign up for an upcoming gathering at kanestreet.org/UpOnTheRoof.
Kane Street Readers
Calling all readers. Join us as we dissect and discuss selections that deal with a variety of Jewish themes, perspectives, and characters. Our book club is facilitated by Julia Hirsch, a Kane Street member and retired Brooklyn College Professor of English and American Literature. All sessions are now meeting via Zoom. All are welcome. Check back for our next selection and discussion date.
And here’s a survey of some of our former reads: Three Floors Up by Eshkol Nevo, Call it Sleep by Henry Roth, Dora Bruder by Patrick Modiano, Dancing Arabs by Sayed Kashua, The One Facing Us by Ronit Matalon, Kaddish.com by Englander, Jews Without Money by Michael Cohen, Waking Lions by Ayelet Gundar- Goshen, The Art of Leaving by Ayalet Tsabari, The Parisian by Isabella Hammad, Painting Resilience: The Life and Art of Fred Terna, and The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish.
Contact [email protected] for more information.
Our Jewish Life
Monthly Discussions on Contemporary Culture, Controversies and Challenges
Engage in community, conversation, and new ideas during these free leader-led discussions, usually held on the third Thursday of each month. Sponsored by the Hazak Committee.
Past discussion topics have included: What’s a Politically Liberal American Jew to Do?, Observations on Visiting Israel & the Palestinian Territories, the Jewish Mediterranean Diaspora, Anti-Semitism in 21st Century America, the Changing American-Jewish Commitment to Israel, and the Supreme Court and Religious Liberty.
For More information contact Our Jewish Life, an initiative of our Hazak Committee supporting activities especially for 60+ and retired community members.
Kane Street Walkers
Join other pedestrian seekers as we take to the sidewalks and green spaces of Brooklyn. Our walks explore local parks, history, and Jewish sites, with Jewish teachings and reflections. These walks are a wonderful way to meet new people and expand your Jewish journey. Learn more
Past walks have included Spring Into Passover and Blessing of Flowering Trees, First Fruits Pilgrimage Through Prospect Park, Birding in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Tu BiShvat Tree Walks, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO Neighborhood walks, and Cemetery visits
Kane Street Cooks
1 Part Tradition; 1 Part Innovation; All Parts Kane Street
From dishes passed down like family heirlooms to showstoppers that create new traditions, we’re collecting the recipes that have flavored community members homes and holidays. Recognizing that most of us are now devoting more time to preparing meals, we’re releasing submitted recipes on a rolling basis to community members by email so we can more regularly help one another with meal ideas and provide some comfort food for a difficult time. We are inviting all Kane Street community members to submit one or more recipes for a forthcoming Kane Street Synagogue Cookbook. Learn more about our cookbook initiative and how to participate.
L’dor V’dor — Oral History Project
This is an oral history project of Kane Street Synagogue that works to preserve and document the stories of our members and congregational history, as well as promote relationships between the multiple generations that make up our community.
Kane Streeters, in partnership with Hannah Senesh Community Day School, are interviewing and collecting the oral histories of our older members, asking them to share memories and reflections of their childhoods, relationship to Jewish life, and Kane Street experiences.
We will be presenting these oral histories – interviews between Interviewers and Storytellers — as the collection grows. Contact [email protected] for more information or to participate.
Brooklyn Israel Film Festival
In January 2019, the Brooklyn Israel Film Festival at Kane Street Synagogue marked its 15th year presenting the best of new Israeli cinema. The Festival features six compelling films for adults and children, showcases the best and brightest Israeli filmmakers, and takes a deep dive into the many experiences of Israeli life.
