When and Where?

 

The Meetups take place one or two Sunday evenings a month (see calendar below), from 6:00-8:30pm, at Congregation Beth El in Sudbury (with select Meetups taking place at other temples/locations).

What happens at the bi-weekly Meetups?

6:00-7:00pm

Jewish Life Unpacked – for grades 8-9 with Rabbi Josh Breindel

The Dinner Club / Current Events Club – optional for grades 10-12

7:00-7:30pm

Delicious and nutritious community dinner

7:30-8:15pm

Electives, taught by our clergy members and educators:

  • Jewish Storytelling – led by Rabbi David Finkelstein
  • Wisdom for Real Life – led by Josh Conescu
  • Israeli Folk Dancing – led by Jo Rothman
  • Intro to Jewish Europe – led by Shoni Aronovich

8:15-8:30pm

Ice Cream (or other sweets) Social

2026 Spring Semester Lineup

Jewish Life Unpacked

Modern stories, videos and music can help us explore the values and core ideas of Judaism described in our ancient texts.  Jewish teachings can offer inspiration and guidance in surprising ways (be sure to ask Rabbi Josh about the link between rabbis, robots and wizards)!  Through our conversations together, students will find new resilience to support their growth as young adults in the modern world.

Rabbi Josh Breindel

Intro to Jewish Europe

In this Elective, students who plan on traveling to Berlin & Krakow in the spring, and other curious students, will explore the complex and rich history of the Jewish communities in Germany and Poland before, during, and after the war, conduct personal family research, and dive into key events and stories from WWII. While not required, participation in this elective is highly advised to students who will travel to Europe in the spring.

Shoni Aronovich

Wisdom for Real Life

Explore timeless wisdom from Mishlei (Proverbs) through the lens of the real decisions and pressures teens face every day. From managing digital reputation and navigating friendships to controlling anger, building integrity, and planning for the future, each session connects ancient Hebrew text to thoroughly modern challenges. Through small group discussion, personal reflection, and hands-on activities, students will examine what it means to build a good name in the age of social media, choose friends wisely in a world of peer pressure, and develop the inner character to act with honesty even when no one is watching. This course invites teenagers to see that wisdom written thousands of years ago speaks directly to the choices they face today.

Josh Conescu

Jewish Storytelling

In this elective, students discover the rich tradition of Jewish storytelling while developing their own voice as storytellers. Drawing on centuries of parables, folktales, and sacred narratives, students will explore how Jewish wisdom has always been passed down through story, and then practice that tradition themselves. Through listening, writing, and performing, students build core storytelling skills while connecting to a heritage that has always known the power of a well-told tale.

Rabbi David Finkelstein

The Dinner Club

Continuing a lovely “tradition” from last year, students who participate in this elective (running from 6-7pm) will learn how to make a different dish (or several) which will then be part of the community dinner! This elective is open to grades 10-12.

 

Shoni Aronovich

Israeli Folk Dancing

Tired of sitting still? Need to warm up? Come learn simple, joyful Israeli folk dances with Jo! We’ll be learning both line and circle dances ranging from classics like Nigun Atik to more modern dances like Golden Boy and Zahav. What better way to stay warm?
Jo Rothman

2025-26 Meetup Calendar:

 

Fall Semester

Sunday, September 7, 2025 – YEAR KICKOFF/OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Sunday, October 5, 2025

Sunday, October 26, 2025

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Sunday, November 23, 2025

Sunday, December 7, 2025

Sunday, December 21, 2025

Spring Semester

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Sunday, January 18, 2026 – MLK DAY OF SERVICE

Sunday, January 25, 2026

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Sunday, March 8, 2026

Sunday, March 22, 2026

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Sunday, May 3, 2026

Sunday, May 17, 2026 – END OF YEAR CELEBRATION

How much does it cost?

Participation at the Meetups is open to all J-LOFT members. The J-LOFT membership fee is $325 for families affiliated with one of the J-LOFT synagogues, or $499 for those not-affiliated. Early-Bird rates are available through Memorial Day!

 All ready to go? Go ahead and enroll!