An afternoon of three Jewish short stories from India and from the Iranian-American community in New York City, read aloud by West End congregants, followed by a chance for questions and comments.

(Following services, in person)

How American Jewish & non-Jewish composers have infused mainstream musical forms and styles with Jewish passion and yearning as well as Jewish musical themes and motifs. The presentation will include audio with the sounds of Jewish chant and the texts of Jewish prayer.

Presented by Robert Cohen, historian of folk and Jewish music.

Ellis Island, immigration history and common misconceptions, presented by Jeffrey Heller, synagogue member and immigration attorney.  (More information coming)

Prof. Richard Gyug will provide a survey of Jewish life and culture in Iberia before the expulsion of the Jews in 1492. He will discuss how their position changed from the golden age of Jewish culture under the Islamic states of Iberia to life under the growing Christian kingdoms in later centuries.

Richard Gyug, Professor Emeritus at Fordham University, taught in the department of History, and Medieval Studies. His research has focused on religious culture in the Western Mediterranean.

This talk explores Jewish life in the Mediterranean port of Livorno, Tuscany, a thriving mercantile hub that hosted the largest Jewish community in Italy at one time. Prof.

The Sephardic Jewish community in Aleppo, presented by Sarina Roffé, and what happened to the Jews of Syria from 1936 to the aftermath of the creation of the State of Israel.

What do we mean when we pray to God as King and God as Father?

We will study the answers from our tradition as well as Reconstructionist and other contemporary wrestlings with the God images in our prayers. All are invited to join the discussion.  Led by Susan Schorr. 

This session will be on Zoom only.  admin [at] westendsynagogue.org">Please contact Joan for the Zoom link.

A musical lay-led service.  Led by Sharon Cinnamon and Eli Shapiro

The service will be both in person and on Zoom. 

In Person:  Elevator access is available to all levels of our synagogue building.
WES does not require masking but does provide a “Masks Only” section at services and most programs.

Zoom: If you would like to join us for services on Zoom, please email admin [at] westendsynagogue.org (Joan) for Zoom access.

This longstanding Adult Education group meets on Zoom two Tuesdays a month at 7:30pm to study the Torah in English translation, in depth, considering it from the perspectives of literature, sacred text, religious mythology, family lore, psychology, drama, history, pop culture, and more. Please contact the office for Zoom link.