Cultural Arts

Temple Beth-El offers a dynamic variety of cultural arts programs including film and book discussions, painting classes, comedy nights, Artist-in-Residence weekends, TBE Explorers (day trips), studies in cultural arts, and concerts.

Please support cultural arts programming at TBE by giving generously to the Susan Stumer Cultural Arts Fund. A longtime TBE member and singer in our choir, Susan was passionate about music and art. Her family established this fund to ensure that her love for the arts will continue at TBE for many years to come.

Susan Stumer Cultural Arts Center
2025-2026 Events Guide

Wednesday, September 17 • 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Gold Coast Arts Center Presents Hidden Treasures: A Private Tour of Temple Beth-El’s Arts and Judaica Collection
This fascinating talk with Regina Gil, executive director and founder of the Gold Coast Arts Center, will explore Temple Beth-El’s prestigious art and Judaica collection. View rarely seen works by renowned international artists, including Louise Nevelson, Chaim Gross, Tully Filmus, and Nathan Rapoport.

Registration is required for a maximum of 20 participants. The program costs $20 for TBE and Gold Coast members, $30 for not-yet members, and includes a light lunch.
Click here to register.

Sunday, October 5 • 4–6 p.m.
Great Neck Community October 7 Commemoration with Gold Coast Arts Center
In a joint event with the Gold Coast Arts Center, Temple Beth-El will present a special program featuring a musical ensemble and the Shireinu Choir of Long Island to mark the second anniversary of the horrific October 7 massacres and kidnappings in Israel.

The entire community is welcome at this free event, but registration is required.
Click here to register.

Wednesday, October 22 • 6:30–9 p.m.
Gold Coast Arts Center presents While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised the Most Powerful Military in the Middle East—A Conversation with Author Yaakov Katz, Former Editor of The Jerusalem Post
Through a detailed examination of the events leading up to the devastating October 7, 2023, invasion, the author of While Israel Slept offers a stark, sobering account of how overconfidence and complacency paved the way for disaster, while underscoring the critical lessons the country must embrace to safeguard its future.

For TBE or Gold Coast members, one ticket and one book cost $36, two tickets and one book cost $54; for not-yet members, one ticket and one book cost $41, two tickets and one book cost $59.
Click here to register.

Thursday, November 13 • 6:30–9 p.m.
Gold Coast Arts Center presents The Golem of Havana: Excerpts from the Critically Acclaimed Off-Broadway Musical
This unforgettable evening of live musical theater will explore the story of a Jewish family living in Cuba on the edge of revolution. The Golem of Havana beautifully weaves together the music, culture, and traditions of two vibrant worlds. Featuring lyrics by Temple Beth El’s own Len Schiff, this powerful production offers a moving reflection of identity, resilience, and the meaning of home.

The in-person cost is $26 for TBE and Gold Coast members and $36 for not-yet members. The online-only cost is $13 for members and $18 not-yet members.
Click here to register.

Sunday, December 7 • 10–11 a.m.
A Discussion with Shira Dicker: Author of Lolita at Leonard’s of Great Neck and Other Stories from the Before Times
Queens native and author Shira Dicker will take attendees on an intimate, uniquely Jewish journey from 1974 through the first decade of the new millennium as her characters wrestle with identity, independence, ambition, sexuality, faith, and love.

The community is welcome at this event sponsored by Nina Koppelman, and registration is required. The $18 ticket price includes a copy of the book.
Click here to register.

Saturday, January 31 • 7–10 p.m.
Comedy Night
The funniest night of the year will feature a three-comedian set, food, and fun. Enjoy a light-bite dinner, beer, wine, and desserts catered by W Kosher Events. Great Neck’s own Stan Levine will return as the master of ceremonies.

Doors will open at 7 p.m., and the show will begin at 8 p.m. Pricing details TBA.

Thursday, February 26 • 7–10 p.m.
Music to Warm the Soul: A Concert by Michelle Citrin
This renowned Reform singer/songwriter, known for her upbeat melodies and talent for seamlessly interweaving story and song, will warm our souls with a spiritually uplifting concert of original music.

The cost is $18 for TBE members, $25  for not-yet members, and free for children younger than 18.
Click here to register.

Thursday, May 7 • 6:30–9 p.m.
Shy Kedmi in Concert: Original Israeli Music to Benefit Cultural Arts at TBE
Our beloved Music Director Shy Kedmi and his band will debut a concert featuring the majestic pianist and innovative composer’s original works, which pay homage to his Israeli heritage and passion for the Hebrew language. All proceeds will support the Susan Stumer Cultural Arts Fund, helping to ensure TBE’s place as a center for Jewish cultural arts in Great Neck.

The community is welcome at this event, which costs $36.

June Date TBA • 7–9 p.m.
Gold Coast Arts Center Presents An Evening of Live Classical Music
Don’t miss this night of exceptional music starring TBE’s Choir Director Dr. Pam Levy on piano, Sharon Bernstein on cello, Dr. Esther Noh on violin, and congregant Robert Yamins on clarinet.

The cost is $18 for members and $25 for not-yet members.