A minyan (a Jewish quorum for prayer) consists of ten Jews. According to the Talmud, when ten pray together, the Shechina—God’s presence—dwells there. We are stronger together. Judaism multiplies life by the Power of Ten.

On this special evening, ten host homes will welcome ten more congregants for a delicious meal and entertainment.

The evening begins with Havdalah and a cocktail hour at CBJ from 6-7PM, where you will find out your assigned destination. Each guest will be matched with a host/program based on the order paid reservations are received. At 7PM we will depart CBJ and off to your hosts home.

How It Works

1. Review the program options below.
2. Rank your top three choices on the registration form.
3. If you and a partner are attending different events, please complete two separate registrations.
4. If registering with friends, include everyone’s names on one form and pay together.

Programs & Hosts

Rosalind Atkins, Ph.D. – Grandparenting: L'Dor V'Dor
Erik Erikson wrote that “a mature man needs to be needed, and maturity needs guidance ... from ...those who must be taken care of.” A person feels the need to be a contributing member of a group. How do grandparents, then, who want to stay engaged, fit into the intricate pattern of a family? Grandparents can bring accumulated wisdom and openness, compassion and fairness, as well as love. Bring your questions and observations to the conversation with Psychologist Rosalind Atkins.

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale – Private Tour* (on November 18th)
The Beinecke Library at Yale provides access to one of the world’s largest collections of rare books, manuscripts, and related materials. We will enjoy a private tour led by a member of the Beinecke staff, with the opportunity to see things not available to the public! Learn about the Beinecke’s mission, history, and dramatic architecture, and see treasures including the Gutenberg Bible and James Audubon’s Birds of America, as well as items of particular Jewish interest. Start with lunch at CBJ at noon, followed by the tour at 2:00 pm.

Celin Garcia – Vibrant and Bold Flavors of Israel: A Cooking Demonstration
Celin is a passionate culinary professional with over 25 years of experience as a caterer and culinary instructor. She delights in crafting global flavors and creating personalized menus drawn from her travels to the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. Celin is a strong proponent of farm-to-table cooking and seasonally sourced ingredients. A graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York, she is also co-author of The Farm Bounty cookbook, a collaboration from New Haven Farms.

Seth Gerber – Sommelier Secrets
Join Seth, a semi-finalist for the 2024 James Beard Award for Best Restaurateur and a Certified Sommelier, for an unforgettable evening as we journey through the vineyards of Italy with a guided tasting. Together, we’ll explore the history, regions, and traditions that shaped Italy into one of the world’s great wine cultures. Along the way, you’ll also learn how professionals approach tasting and evaluating wine, giving you the tools to appreciate every glass like an expert.

Christine Hayes, Ph.D. – Laughing with God
Why is ancient rabbinic literature filled with so much humor—and why is so much of it directed at God? Join Talmud scholar and retired Yale Professor Christine Hayes to find out what made the rabbis laugh, why their stories and legends make us laugh today, and what their humor reveals about Judaism’s counter-cultural understanding of God’s character.

Richard Katz, M.D. – The History of Piano
In the early 20th century, 60–70% of American homes had a piano. This presentation traces the evolution of the modern piano from harpsichord and clavichord to fortepiano to the modern concert grand. Keyboard examples and a Middle Eastern meal complement this musical journey.

Masters in Mixology – Presidential Tipples & Trivia
If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to be president, now is your chance. Dine as a president while sipping some of our presidents’ favorite drinks, re-created by a master mixologist. Test your knowledge in several rounds of presidential trivia—you may even win “re-election”!

Susan Mindell, Esq. – The Business of Broadway
What does the business of Broadway really mean—from an idea, to development, to Broadway? What does it take to actually make money on Broadway as an artist, producer, or investor? What is a reading? Get answers to these questions and more in a Q&A led by Susan Mindell, Esq., a New York entertainment attorney with 30 years of experience in theater, film, television, and talent.

Andy Rubenoff – The Great American Soundtrack: A Piano Sing-a-Long
Andy will play favorite standards, pop tunes, and special requests before and after dinner—singers encouraged! A well-known New Haven designer, Andy Rubenoff has also entertained at parties, cabaret events, galas, and restaurants for many years. Enjoy a wonderful evening of song and nostalgia.

Jon Silbert, M.D. – Chinese Dumplings with a Jewish Twist: A Night of Wrapping, Schmoozing & Soy Sauce
Join Jonathan Silbert as he teaches the art of making traditional Chinese dumplings, and hear about his experiences growing up “Chewish”—as the son of a Jewish father and a Chinese mother. Although raised in a Jewish household and a longtime CBJ member, Jon made the choice to become a bar mitzvah alongside his son, Jacob, in 2016. Guests will of course enjoy their freshly made dumplings as part of a delicious dinner!
 

*If you select the Beinecke Library option, please note: This program takes place on Tuesday, November 18 (lunch at CBJ at noon, tour at 2:00 pm). You are welcome to also attend Havdalah on Saturday and pay to attend a second event.

Cost

$100 per person
Complimentary for All-Inclusive Members (for one event).
If you have already registered for a complimentary event on Nov. 15, the Beinecke tour is $100 per person.

Optional Donation: Sponsor another congregant to attend — $100 (individual) or $200 (couple).

Registration

Please complete the online form below (or download and return the printed form with payment to: Congregation B’nai Jacob, 75 Rimmon Road, Woodbridge, CT 06525.

Paid reservations are time-stamped when received, and assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Questions?

Email bnaijacobscrip@gmail.com or contact Rebecca Belsky and Judy Taylor at 203-980-5607.

Or review our Frequently Asked Questions.