Sunday Flicks at Congregation Brit Shalom
Join us on March 22 at 2:00pm for a screening of “Bad Shabbos,” the last film in the 2026 Brit Shalom movie series.
CLICK HERE to see complete information about the film.
Join us on March 22 at 2:00pm for a screening of “Bad Shabbos,” the last film in the 2026 Brit Shalom movie series.
CLICK HERE to see complete information about the film.
Join us for the Brit Shalom community seder on Wednesday April 1st at 5:30 pm to be held at the Centre Hills County Club. To view the menu, pricing and methods of payment, CLICK on the image to the left.
Join for the discussion of Anita Diamant's best-selling novel TheBoston Girl on Sunday April 26 at 1:00pm. The novel is a beautifully written first person account of the societal changes experienced by women in the period between 1900 - 1985. Addie recounts challenges she and her friends experienced growing up and striving for women’s empowerment,
For more details —>
Our local Chevre Kaddisha (Hebrew Burial Society) is hoping to enlist some new members. We had originally scheduled a meeting for Sunday December 14th, but that meeting will be rescheduled after the Winter Break.If you are interested in learning about the holy work of preparing the dead for burial—or to join the local group, please contact Jim Ultman (jsu@psu.edu), Zoe Boniface (zeboni@hotmail.com ), or Rabbi Ostrich (rabbiostrich@britshalomstatecollege.org) .
Join us on Monday March 2 at 7:00 as we observe the Mitzvah of listening to the Megillah as Purim begins. We’ll gather in the Social Hall for a round-the-table reading of the Megillah.. Both groggers and delicious refreshments will be provided.
Let’s make a little noise, eat some hamantaschen and enjoy each other’s company! Join us for a Purim party on Monday March 2 at 2pm in the Congregation Brit Shalom Social Hall. There will be lots of treats, hot coffee and good company. Feel free to come in costume! If you would like a ride contact Esther Siegfried (814)-880-2724.
Members and our Teens of Congregation Brit Shalom are invited to participate in a joint cookie baking event with Penn State students on Weds. Feb. 25 at 6 pm at Penn State Hillel (180 S Garner St, State College, PA 16801). We will be making hamantaschen and other treats! Everything will be provided, so roll up your sleeves and be ready to bake and mingle! If you need more information or need a ride contact Esther Siegfried (814)-880-2724 or Marjorie Miller: Marjorie.Stromberg@gmail.com to reserve a spot or your teen.
Join Rabbi Rob and Missy Gleisser on Saturday Feb 19 at 10:00am for a special Purim Tot Shabbat ! We will learn about Purim, sing songs, read books and nosh on bagels! Costumes are encouraged! Tot Shabbat is geared towards children ages 0-5 and their families. Please RSVP to Marjorie Miller by Feb. 19 so we know how much food to provide: Marjorie.Stromberg@gmail.com. We hope you can join us for this fun celebration!
Please join us on February 20 for a special Shabbat where our new members will be highlighted by participating in the service. Dinner will be at 6PM and services at 7PM. Everyone is invited.
There will also be prospective members attending, so it will be a great opportunity to help welcome them to our congregation. Please RSVP here for dinner. A main course and drinks will be catered, but you are welcome to bring side or dessert.
7:00 PM Shabbat Worship Service on Friday Jan 30 at 7:00 pm will feature Religious School students as service leaders. And, the Oneg Shabbat will have a birthday cake so that we can honor all winter birthdays. Offered both In-Person and on Zoom.
You’re invited to an Israeli Wine Tasting Dinner, an evening of flavor, community, and celebration on Saturday, January 24 at 5:30 pm. This event is hosted by the Congregation Brit Shalom Programming Committee along with Bruce Pincus and Jens Thorsen. The cost is $65 per person. Please RSVP by January 6 by calling our office (814) 238-4611 OR by paying online (https://www.britshalomstatecollege.org/donations-payments) and including "Wine Tasting" in the notes section.. CLICK HERE FOR MORE DINNER DETAILS.
Join us for the our in our Torah Luncheons on January 14th and 28th and on February 11th and 25th at 12:00pm. Enjoy the original free lunch: a delicious salad bar with stimulating conversation and religious study.
The donation of blood for the saving of lives is a mitzvah of Piku’ach Nefesh. To donate, just come to the synagogue’s social hall anytime between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm on Wednesday December 24. You can either drop in. Or to save wait time, schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visiting www.redcross.org
Join Rabbi Rob and Missy Gleisser for a Hanukkah Tot Shabbat at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 20 in the social hall at Congregation Brit Shalom. We will learn about Hanukkah, sing songs, play dreidel and enjoy Sufganiyot and bagels! Please bring your own menorahs to light! Please RSVP to Marjorie Miller by December 18 so we know how much food to provide: Marjorie.Stromberg@gmail.com.
Join us at 7:00pm on Friday December 19 as we all bring our Menorahs and light them together during in a student-led Shabbat service. Feast on Hanukkukah treats.
Come to a Senior Social on Thursday December 18th from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. Smoozing and nashing are sure to be enjoyed by all (Catered by Esther Siegfried and her crew!)
Our popular Torah study luncheon continues at noon on Wednesday December 17 at 12:00-1:30 pm. Join us for a delicious salad bar lunch, delightful kibbitzin’, and Torah study.
Come to Congregation Brit Shalom on 620 East Hamilton Avenue at 12:30-3:00 to purchase a selection of homemade foods. Fresh made latkes will be available to take home or eat while you peruse the baked goods.
To prepare for the Food Fair, we need as many enthusiastic bakers and cooks as possible. Please consider volunteering to bake or assist by following this link to our sign-up page.
Learn more about needs for volunteers —>
Join us in honoring and thanking Lynn Petnick for all her volunteer work at our synagogue. This will take place during our Shabbat services on Friday November 21 at 7:00 pm.
Shabbat Morning Worship Service on Saturday November 15 at 10:00 will be led by our Religious School Students and be followed by a Kiddush Luncheon. Attending Shabbat services is a great way for students to become familiar with, and gain understanding and experience in the service and prayers, while celebrating Shabbat with their friends. Bring your families!
Come to our Fall Congregational Meeting on Sunday November 9 at 2:00. Hear reports and updates on CBS activities, and nosh and talk with other members. Much to learn and discuss.
Join Rabbi Rob and Missy Gleisser for a Fall Tot Shabbat at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 1 in Congregation Brit Shalom’s social hall. We will learn about Shabbat, sing songs, and make friends while enjoying a nosh! Tot Shabbat is geared toward children ages 0-5 and their families. Please RSVP to Marjorie Miller at Marjorie.Stromberg@gmail.com by Thursday, October 30.
All middle and high school students (grades 6-12) are invited to “Bagels with Hillel” on Sunday October 19 at 11:30 am in Congregation Brit Shalom’s social hallHillel representatives from Penn State will share how to get involved with Hillel and NFTY, what college life is like as a Jew, and how they maintain their Jewish identities and communities as young adults.We hope this event will bring together Hillel and Congregation Brit Shalom students and teen group, creating a community of sharing and friendship. Please RSVP to Marjorie Miller by October 17 at Marjorie.Stromberg@gmail.com.
Please join us for Pizza in the Sukkah directly following Hebrew School (6 p.m.) this Thursday, Oct. 9 at Congregation Brit Shalom. Bring your families and enjoy dinner under the stars. RSVP to Marjorie Miller (email, phone or Facebook event) by Tuesday, Oct. 7 so we know how much pizza to order.
If you'd like to bring a salad, dessert or dairy side dish to share, please sign up here. Gluten free pizza is available upon request.
Setup: Sunday Oct 5 Breakdown: Sunday Oct 19
Helping Hands Needed! Calling all handymen and handywomen as well as all shlepers, please come and help for about an hour for the setup and breakdown of the CBS Sukkah which, by the way is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Join us on at 11:30 am on Sunday August 3 for a fundraising event organized by the Jewish Support Committee of our congregation (previously Hadassah). In addition to a scrumptious lunch, we are honored to have guest performances by Naomi Seidman (flute) and Jonathan Dexter (cello). Proceeds will go to Congregation Brit Shalom, and/or Israel or Local needs. A suggested minimum donor contribution is $36. Make check payable to CONGREGATION BRIT SHALOM, pay at the door or mail to Hermine Shapiro, 2523 Shawn Circle, State College, PA 16801. RSVP by JULY 23rd, to Hermine Shapiro pH: 607-346-0323 or email henryhonda@yahoo.com. RSVP by JULY 23rd, to Hermine Shapiro pH: 607-346-0323 or email henryhonda@yahoo.com.
Join Rabbi Rob and Missy Gleisser for a Tot Shabbat at 10am on Saturday August 2 in Spring Creek Park. (901 Houserville Road, State College). We will learn about Shabbat, sing songs, make friends, and enjoy the park and playground! Light refreshments will be served. Tot Shabbat is geared toward children ages 0-5 and their families. We are especially encouraging any rising CBS Religious School kindergarten students to join us to meet Mrs. Miller and new friends! Please RSVP to Marjorie Miller at Marjorie.Stromberg@gmail.com.
Join us at Tudek Park on July 25 for Shabbat Worship Services (not offered on Zoom) at 6:00 followed by an Oneg Shabbat Dinner at 7:00. A main course and drinks will be provided. You are welcome to bring side dishes or dessert (no raw nuts). If you would like a ride, please contact Esther Siegfried (814-880-2724). If you or your child would like to participate in this service, please contact Rabbi Ostrich (rabbiostrich@britshalomstatecollege.org).
Our local blood bank will again be taking donations at the synagogue on Wednesday July 9th from noon to 5:00. Please drop by to give the gift of life. Or make a reservation on the American Red Cross Blood Drive website.
Please join us for the Summer Senior Social on Monday June 30 at 2pm. All are invited to schmooze and share some yummy homemade treats. If you need transportation please contact Esther Siegfried by email (siegfriedesther44@gmail.com) or phone (814) 880-2724.
Our congregation will be celebrating the culmination of Pride Month with a Havdalah Service and Program on Saturday evening June 28th at 7:00 pm. As we celebrate the conclusion of the Sabbath, we shall have readings and songs that celebrate the “Image of God” in all of us. There will also be interfaith guests and, of course, excellent refreshments.
Join Rabbi Rob and Missy Gleisser for a Tot Shabbat in the Park at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 21 at Spring Creek Park. (901 Houserville Road, State College). Learn about Shabbat, sing songs, make friends, and enjoy the park and playground! Light refreshments will be served. Tot Shabbat is geared toward children ages 0-5 and their families. Please RSVP to Marjorie Miller no later than June 13 at Marjorie.Stromberg@gmail.com.
As a proud supporter of our LGBT+ Members and Community, our congregation celebrates Pride Month. We’ll be marching in the Pride Parade on Saturday June 7th, and we shall have a special Pride Havdalah event on Saturday evening June 28th. To participate, please contact Josh Wretzel (jwretzel@gmail.com), Michelle Katz (michelle_katz@mac.com), or Rabbi Ostrich (rabbiostrich@britshalomstatecollege.org)
Join us to celebrate Shavuot on Sunday, June 1st. We will have a dairy dinner (no need to bring anything!) and ice cream social at 6:00pm, followed by Torah study with the Rabbi at 7:00pm. RSVP’s are encouraged but not required. Contact michelle_katz@mac.com to RSVP or for questions.