For more information about attending an event at Central Synagogue, call our Events coordinator at (212) 838-5122
Posted/updated: January 19, 2012
Members: Please click on links for information on the upcoming trips.
May 10-14, 2012
October 20 – 29, 2012
Posted/updated: January 18, 2012
About the course
Taught by Rabbi Lisa Rubin, this semester-long course will give students a foundation in the basic tenets of Judaism. Areas such as history, holidays, life-cycle events, theology, prayer, and communal life will be explored through foundational Jewish texts, beliefs, and customs.
Classes will be held Tuesday evenings from 7 - 8:30 pm at Central Synagogue from May 1, 2012 to September 11, 2012. Registration is required along with a preliminary meeting with Rabbi Lisa Rubin and the course will close when class is full.
The course is open to Jews and non-Jews alike; members or non-members of Central Synagogue.
For students exploring the possibility of converting to Judaism, this course serves as the first prerequisite step at Central Synagogue. Jewish partners of potential converts are welcome and strongly encouraged to attend classes.
Students exploring conversion will also meet once a month with the instructor or other clergy for individual mentorship meetings.
The cost for the program is $750 per student (partners of students attend free). No one will be turned away for financial reasons. If you have concerns about payment, please .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call her at (212) 838-5122 x5002.
Students should purchase the following books prior to the first class:
Essential Judaism: A Complete Guide to Beliefs, Customs, and Rituals by George Robinson
Finding God by Rifat Sonsino and Daniel B. Syme
Introduction to Judaism: A Sourcebook compiled and edited by Stephen J. Einstein and Lydia Kukoff
Jewish Literacy by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
The Jewish Home: A Guide for Jewish Living by Daniel B. Syme
Tenach (Jewish Bible)
Posted/updated: January 04, 2012
Let us know how we can celebrate and support you. We want to know what is happening in your life. Our clergy are committed to providing pastoral guidance and support through the joys and struggles of life’s journey. Share with us at clergy@censyn.org or (212) 838-5122 x5098
Posted/updated: December 05, 2011
Many families have the custom of exchanging gifts on each night of Chanukah. This year, we hope that you will consider “giving” one night of Chanukah to a charitable organization.
We suggest the 7th night. On December 26, your family would give tzedakah rather than spend that amount on gifts.
We have sent home instructions with two candles to our nursery and religious school families. You can choose a candle color of your choice and do the following to join this worthwhile effort to help others. Place your candles in the 7th position (one for the 7th and one for the 8th night) as a symbol of your “gift giving.”
Each family member may select his/her own tzedakah recipient or you may decide as a family to combine “gifts” into a single contribution.
If you don’t have an organization in mind, here are some suggestions:
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
The RAC is Reform Judaism’s social justice lobbying arm in Washington, D.C.
Metropolitan Council for Jewish Poverty
Met Council is the first line of defense for the needy in our community.
Avodah: The Jewish Service Corps
Avodah engages young adults through a yearlong fellowship in service and community building.
Doe Fund
The Doe Fund’s programs help homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals achieve permanent self-sufficiency.
Susan’s Place
Susan’s Place is dedicated to serving homeless women with a broad range of health care and social services.
Donors Choose
Browse project requests submitted by public school teachers and pick one that inspires you.
Posted/updated: November 30, 2011
By Rabbi Gary M. Bretton-Granatoor, Vice President, Philanthropy, WUPJ
As Americans, this past Thursday evening, many gathered around holiday tables to celebrate Thanksgiving. Towards the end of the evening, my daughter, Samantha, leaned over to me and said, “I’d like to invite you to come to Shabbat services with me Shabbat morning.” It is not often that a rabbi gets invited to Shabbat services by his or her progeny, so my interest was piqued. My daughter is a full-time teacher at NYC’s Central Synagogue. She added that this Shabbat would be very special.
Two summers ago, my daughter spent part of the summer in Belarus, assisting with the Minsk Netzer summer camping program. This was part of Central Synagogue’s on-going partnership with the Minsk Progressive Jewish community. Like many synagogues that are “twinned” with congregations in the FSU, Central Synagogue provided financial support to the Minsk community. After a trip to Belarus, and meeting with the leaders of the Progressive Jewish community there, Rabbi Peter Rubinstein, the Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue felt that they could do more than just send financial support. Central had embarked upon a program of hiring dynamic, young, full-time teachers to educate their young people. Central committed to send some of these young teachers to assist in the Netzer summer camp program and to consult with the educators and rabbis leading the Belarusian Progressive community. My daughter Samantha was sent to Minsk in the summer of 2010. This past summer, Central Synagogue sent their youth group leader, Zach Rolf, with several of their teen leaders. There, they worked with Rabbi Grisha Abramovich, and community leader Michael Kemerov and community educator (and Michael’s spouse) Irina Kemerov. One of the young people with whom my daughter bonded was Michael and Irina’s daughter Elizabeth – at the time, she was 11 years old.
Influenced by the warm relationships Elizabeth established with the representatives of Central Synagogue, it became her desire to become bat mitzvah in New York City. This morning I was blessed to be part of the extended family that surrounded Elizabeth as she was called to the Torah as Bat Mitzvah. Through digital streaming, the services were shared by hundreds of people, watching over the internet, in Belarus, in Israel, and in California. But the community in the sanctuary was special as well.
The service was beautifully led by Rabbi Peter Rubinstein and Rabbi Michael Friedman and many talented musicians and singers. In the congregation were Rabbi Ken and Sue Weiss from Salem, Massachusetts who had an aliyah – and have had a long standing relationship with the Kemerov family and the Minsk community. Seated behind me were Rabbi Michael and Olga Farbman and their two sons. Rabbi Farbman is a proud product of the World Union’s efforts in the FSU as he was a participant in our Machon Program and then went on for his rabbinical studies and ordination at the Leo Baeck College in London – he now serves a Reform congregation in New Haven, Connecticut. Samantha and Zach, the teachers, were there as were the four young people who spent part of their summer at the Netzer Camp in Minsk. Members of the congregation were present and even a member of the custodial staff, Misha, who often translated calls and emails with the Minsk community.
But, this morning’s true star was Elizabeth Kemerov – who conducted the Torah Service in Hebrew, English and Russian with such dignity and grace. She taught us that the moral ambiguities of the Torah are filled with lessons for us. Rabbi Rubinstein offered, in his d’var Torah, the very poignant cry of Rebekah, who was brought low from the pain of carrying the twins, cried out “Em zeh, lama zeh anochi” (If this is so, why do I exist?) And yet, he taught, that Rebekah was that link in the chain that brought Jacob to the fore, from whom we all descend. And like the pain that generations in the past suffered to maintain their Jewish heritage, the end result is a joyful congregation blessed to welcome the next generation of leaders who will bear Torah into the future. Elizabeth Kemerov reminded us of the precious legacy that has been passed down and the tremendous efforts required to maintain that legacy. But the smile on her face, and the smiles on the faces of everyone present reflected how worthwhile that effort has been – and how much hope we have in the future generations. Elizabeth thanked Rabbi Rubinstein and the many teachers she had, but when she mentioned Samantha Bretton-Granatoor and Zach Rolf by name, my heart swelled with pride, for my next generation helped to nurture Michael and Irina’s daughter, who will help nurture the next generation of Jews in Belarus.
There were many things for which I was grateful this past Thanksgiving eve – but none more profound than when my daughter invited me to Shabbat services, and I was again reminded of the blessed work that we do. For this, I give thanks.
Posted/updated: November 29, 2011
During Shabbat services on November 11, Central Synagogue presented its Annual Shofar Award to Writer and Women's Activist Letty Cottin Pogrebin. Mrs. Pogrebin then addressed the congregation.
Letty Cottin Pogrebin’s writing and advocacy helped secure equal rights for women at a time—not so long ago—when the notion of equal pay and non-sexist childrearing were novel and controversial ideas in American society. She was a founding editor of Ms. magazine as well as a co-founder of the National Women’s Political Caucus, which supports women who seek political office.
Pogrebin was raised in an observant Jewish home in Jamaica, Queens, and studied Torah and Talmud, a rarity for girls of her generation. Her mother died when she was 15, and when she was denied the honor of being included in the minyan to say Kaddish because she was female, she turned away from Judaism for years. The account of the incident in her book Deborah, Golda and Me: Being Female and Jewish in America is shocking and haunting. But as women in liberal Judaism were allowed to take their place in minyans, and became rabbis and cantors in the 1980s, she was, in her own words, “born again” to her people.
When the 1974 United Nations Conference on Women passed a platform declaring that “Zionism is racism,” Pogrebin challenged this anti-Israeli, anti-Semitic stance by writing about it in Ms. and other publications. She has been a regular contributor to the Forward, the Jewish Week, Moment, Taken, and Lilith and has also been extensively published in Ms., the Ladies Home Journal, the New York Times, and others too numerous to name.
She served two terms as chair of the board of Americans for Peace Now, an advocacy organization that works toward a negotiated settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has also been president of the Author’s Guild. She is a member of the advisory board of the Harvard Divinity School’s Women in Religion Program as well as on the board of the Women’s Studies Program at her alma mater, Brandeis. With Marlo Thomas, she co-created the book, record album, and Emmy-award–winning television special Free To Be You and Me.
She is the author of ten books.
Pogrebin and her husband Bert have been married for over 40 years and are the parents of Abigail, Robin, and David and the grandparents of six.
---Please click here to read the NY Magazine article on how Ms. Magazine came to be 40 years ago and how Letty Cottin Pogrebin was involved.
Posted/updated: November 09, 2011
The 23rd Annual New York Cares Coat Drive is here at Central Synagogue!
To meet the growing demand for coats and to help the 18.7% of New York City families living in poverty, Central Synagogue is partnering with New York Cares as a donation location. We’ll be collecting coats from November 15 - December 30. Help us keep more New Yorkers warm this winter.
Donation materials that are highly needed this year are coats, scarves, gloves and especially hats for men, women and children.
You can drop off your donations in the Stern Lobby of the Community House (123 East 55 Street) anytime from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday through Thursday and 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on Fridays. Please contact Shari Edwards at 212-838-5122 ext. 4005 for more information.
Posted in: Social Action
Posted/updated: October 12, 2011
Every year, presidential speechwriters dating back to Harry Truman gather in Washington, D.C., to share horror stories about writing for the leader of the free world.
One can only imagine what that meeting would be like if it was instead comprised of people asked to give the Yom Kippur appeal.
It seems that everyone bestowed with this honor has one final appeal of their own after being asked: “Please, not me.”
So when I thought about standing on the bimah tonight in front of all of you, I actually had somewhat terrifying flashbacks to my bar mitzvah day.
Those that know me well might find it hard to believe, but 45 years ago, being on stage in the spotlight was not something I relished. I was a somewhat shy, overweight young man. I felt awkward around girls, so much so that I didn’t invite any to my bar mitzvah. It must have been a blast for my guy friends. I was also fearful that day because the Jewish Community Center in White Plains, where my family belonged, just started using a reel-to-reel tape recorder so that the chanting of ones haftarah could be preserved for life.
Hardly a comforting thought for a 13-year-old boy whose voice was in the midst of change. But G–d was looking after me that morning—the tape recorder didn’t work and we ended up with two straight hours of tone. So you’ll have to take my word for it: I was good!
And just as I had to study and prepare for my bar mitzvah, for tonight’s talk I decided to go to “school” again and do some research to understand the concepts behind this annual tradition.
What lies behind tzedakah is the power of community.
The famous Talmudic saying, “kol Yisrael arevim zeh ba-zeh,” means we are legally bound to each other—we are each other’s guarantors through good times and bad. We have a responsibility not only to ourselves, but to others.
And the word tzedakah itself does not actually mean charity or giving. Its actual translation is justice or righteousness.
In Judaism, giving is not about giving. It is about the transcendent power of community. It is a fulfillment that elevates us and binds us to each other. It is…Central Synagogue.
While I certainly am not the most ritually observant person here, I strongly believe in the incredible power of community and, like you, I have witnessed and experienced that power here at Central.
What members of any community share in common is an understanding of what I call the “Power of We.” That in today’s complex world, we don’t have the option of existing in isolation. The problems and challenges we face are too big for a single person to take on alone.
We must put aside our individual concerns and work together for the greater good. And to me, there is no better place that symbolizes community than our synagogue.
It touches so many people in so many different ways. With more than 6,000 congregants from more than 2,000 households, we are vibrant and strong. We are blessed with the leadership of passionate and compassionate clergy. Our religious school educates more than 700 students and teaches values that will serve as a compass for our children as they go through life. Our nursery school provides the youngest among us a warm and nurturing environment. Our social action and community service opportunities, through Mitzvah Day and others, continue to grow. And during these difficult economic times, our Yom Kippur Appeal allows more than 400 families to remain members of our community despite their financial hardships. We continue to assist Jews in communities around the world and remain steadfast in our commitment to Israel.
A year ago, Rabbi Rubinstein asked us to understand the challenges and generational shifts that modern Judaism is facing. He asked that we ensure that Central Synagogue continue to be the place where we can learn and explore our faith. But to ensure Central’s bright future—for our generation, for our children, and for our grandchildren—it takes each and every one of us to make a commitment to this, the most special of communities. There are many meaningful and important ways to contribute and we are blessed to have an active and engaged congregation. But we also must commit financially.
You may ask, “Why, on the holiest night of the year, do we even talk about money?”
The historian Jenna Weisemann Joselit went looking for an answer to this question and explained that the appeal is “American Jewry’s salute to the power of community.” Kol Nidrei is the day on the calendar when the greatest number of Jews gather at synagogue. To use a hotel term, we are running at very high occupancy tonight.
If giving is about the transcendent power of community, then there is no better place to give than our synagogue, and there is no better night to commit than tonight.
One of the great Jewish scholars of all time, Rabbi Akiba, was sitting with his students and he decided to give them a math test. “You have a thousand dinars,” he said, “and you give away 300. How many do you possess?” “Seven hundred,” they quickly responded.
“Wrong. You really only have the 300 you gave away. Many things could happen to the 700 you ‘have.’ You could be robbed or lose them in a business deal. But no one can ever take away from you all the good you have done with that which you have given away.”
And I believe that is true. We will be known and remembered less for what we do for ourselves than for what we do for others. So try to be generous with what you have been given. Please give others opportunity, just as opportunity has been given to you. And if through hard work and a little bit of luck, you should experience good fortune, please remember the lesson of Rabbi Akiba. And please remember Central Synagogue.
As Rabbi Rubinstein has taught us, we all approach our religion from different backgrounds and beliefs. I am the first to admit that I do not spend as much time at Central as I could, but I also think about how important this institution has been in my life.
I reflect warmly on Peter and Angela presiding over the b’nei mitzvah of my sons Charles and Henry. And the joy and love I felt when the two of them officiated at my wedding to Lizzie exactly four years ago. But as we all know, life consists of more than just happy occasions and Central Synagogue is there during difficult times as well. When my father took ill several years ago, Rabbi Rubenstein was a source of continual comfort to my family and to me. His simple presence offered a larger understanding and helped us tremendously. Peter was, quite simply, Peter.
We all have our personal memories of Central and what it has meant and continues to mean in our lives. For some of you, contributing will be a way of showing your gratitude for what you have received. But I also ask you to think of it as our responsibility. Because only by being responsible, not only to ourselves but to our community, are we able to live, work, and raise a family in a meaningful and fulfilling way.
As I look around this room, I see so many friends, and people, whose generous spirit is evident in the many worthwhile causes that they support. I ask you to share that same generous spirit with our fellow congregants in this important Kol Nidrei tradition, and help ensure that Central Synagogue continues to be a vital part of our community and of our lives.
Thank you and Shanah Tovah.
Posted/updated: October 12, 2011
On May 6, 2011, The Central Synagogue Archives Department (Anne Mininberg, Archivist and Amy Goldberger Chairman of the Archives Committee) presented a wonderful lecture and concert with Musicologist and Author Judah M. Cohen. Judah read from his book, Sounding Jewish Tradition: The Music of Central Synagogue(© 2011).
Central Synagogue, which commissioned and published Mr. Cohen’s book received the 2011 Award For Excellence from the Greater Hudson Heritage Network.
Performing the evening’s musical selections were:
Central Synagogue’s Cantors – Angela W. Buchdahl & Elizabeth K. Sacks,
Music Director, Organist and Pianist – David Strickland,
Choir – Jennifer Bates, Soprano; Melissa Attebury, Alto; Brian Downen, Tenor; Joseph Neal, Baritone
Clarinetist – Ivan Barenboim
The following pieces were among those performed and recorded at that evening’s concert.
Psalm 150 — 
Download Mp3
Samuel Welsch (Cantor 1865-1880)
The Way of Wisdom — Download Mp3
Theodore Guinsberg (Cantor 1880-1920)
On the Go (Galop Brillanté) arr. Strickland — Download Mp3
Theodore Guinsberg
Mi Chamocha — Download Mp3
Lazar Weiner (Composer/Choir Director 1930-1974]
Posted/updated: September 28, 2011
Just over ten short years ago—September 9th, 2001, to be precise—we held a dedication ceremony for the reopening of our sanctuary following the devastating 1998 fire. For those in attendance, it was a glorious and moving evening, punctuated by remarks from our clergy, clergy of other faiths, and politicians. More significant, however, than the pomp and circumstance of that evening was what enabled us to reach that moment: the will of this congregation, the lay leadership, and the clergy to rebuild, restore, and reunite. From the moment the news spread of the extensive destruction, there was never a doubt as to the path forward: we would rebuild, we would restore, and we would come together once again as a congregation housed in this magnificent sanctuary. That resolve defined us as a community: our character, our culture, our commitment to a Jewish way of life. It was through the efforts of so many of you—through your time, energy, and generosity—that we were able to accomplish so much so quickly. It was a testament to our leaders, lay and spiritual alike, that we remained united in spirit and in prayer during those unsettling three years. And it was easy to measure our success in September of 2001. Our doors reopened, our sanctuary was more glorious than ever, and we once again could pray as a community within these four walls.
I look back over this past year and ask myself: how do we measure success in a synagogue, a house of worship? By what standards are we to judge ourselves? Professional sports teams, at any point in their season, can refer to the league standings to evaluate how they are measuring up to the competition. Corporations are judged, sometimes harshly, by their short-term financial performance and, inevitably, their stock price. Students bring home report cards. Even rabbis are rated (we being fortunate to have two of our clergy rated in the list of top rabbis in the country).
A synagogue has both tangible and intangible components that define it. Let’s first explore the tangible. Our clergy, from top to bottom, is unparalleled. I say that without bias or self-interest. They are true leaders in every sense of the word. They lead us in prayer and song; they rejoice with us in good times and comfort us in times of need and distress. They are compassionate, generous with their time, and provide a moral compass that guides us in our spiritual and secular lives. They reach beyond our congregation to the broader Jewish community, both domestically and abroad, and are committed to the continuity of Judaism and Jewish life throughout the world. They preach the authenticity of Reform Judaism in the face of constant questioning by other denominations. They are ardent supporters of Israel but don’t turn a blind eye to certain of its more controversial political and social policies. They reach out to other faiths in an effort to foster better relations and understanding. They strive for excellence in everything they do and they implore us to apply the same standard in our lives. We may take the clergy for granted at times, but if we step back for a moment and reflect, I’m sure we will all agree that we are truly blessed.
Attendance at services, especially Friday evenings, is another tangible measure of success. We often number 500–600 attendees of all ages, shapes, and sizes. The services are uplifting, a wonderful way to end the work week and transition into the weekend. The musical program is inclusive and brings joy to those participating. Those services have become a destination for out-of-town visitors who undoubtedly bring back to their congregations some of the more memorable features of our service.
As most of you know, some years ago, in an effort to manage our growth, we imposed a limit on the size of our membership. Those applying for membership were placed in an associate category. Historically, the associate list numbered approximately one hundred and the waiting period to become a member was less than a year. Today, our associate list approximates 300 and we estimate a waiting period of two to three years. We are making every effort to better integrate our associates into our congregational life and make them feel part of the Central Synagogue community. But the fact remains: there are few, if any, synagogues in this country that face this “good” problem. We must be doing something right to attract this level of demand.
We talk often about the quality of our children’s Jewish education at Central Synagogue. The nursery school continues to flourish and the Hebrew school, with its full-time-teacher program, strives to be the gold standard for Reform Jewish education. We recently hired our first Director of Learning and Engagement Brigitte Sion. Brigitte has oversight of all educational programs at Central—from early childhood to adult education. I hope many of you make an effort in the coming months to meet Brigitte and develop the same level of enthusiasm and excitement that the clergy and lay leadership have about the future of Jewish education here at Central.
I could go on. But the point is, by any objective standard, we are succeeding, recognizing, as we do, that there is always room for improvement.
But the true measure of success of a synagogue is how and whether it is meeting the needs of its congregants. Ask yourself: what is it that you seek when you come to services, whether it be Shabbos or the High Holy Days, when you interact with the clergy, when you send your children to Hebrew school? What does Judaism and being Jewish mean to you? What role does it play in your life and the lives of your children? Our report card isn’t complete without the answers to these and similar questions.
In an effort to be responsive to the needs of our members, the clergy and the board are in the final stages of developing an ambitious strategic plan. For those of you who attended the annual meeting this past May, you were introduced to the key components of the plan. For the rest of you, we are planning to hold a series of gatherings over the next 16 months in congregants’ homes. You will all be invited to attend one of these gatherings. I urge you to make every effort to attend. It will provide you with the opportunity to help shape the final plan and, more significantly, it will provide us with the opportunity to learn from you of your dreams and aspirations for the future of this great institution. Together, and only together, will we properly shape its future.
Inevitably, the future will bring changes and transitions. This congregation has demonstrated in the past the will to meet challenges with conviction, maturity, and togetherness. It is because of this that we should face the future, however uncertain, with great optimism. Debate and dialogue are healthy; divisiveness is cancerous. Together, as one community, we can continue this remarkable journey that we call Central Synagogue.
Indulge me for just another moment for a personal note. This is the final year of my presidency and this is the last Rosh HaShanah that I will address you. It has and continues to be a privilege and an honor. To all of the clergy: thank you for your wisdom and your friendship. To Livia Thompson and her staff: thank you for your professionalism and your dedication. To the board of trustees: thank you for being who you are and what you are: bright, thoughtful, caring individuals who devote a great deal of your personal time for the betterment of the synagogue. To my predecessors, Howard, Alfred, Martin, and Michael: thank you for your mentoring and encouragement. And most of all, to you, my fellow congregants: I will forever remember the support you provided me and the warmth with which you welcomed me and my family. This has been a defining event in my life and the opportunity to serve this congregation, a true reward.
May God bless each and every one of you and may this year, 5772, be a year filled with good health, good fortune, and peace in your lives. L’shana tovah.
Posted/updated: September 21, 2011
Dear Congregants,
In order to provide you background information and a spectrum of opinion about Israel and the UN we recommend the following resources:
- This Team Alert from our colleagues at ARZA
- A New York Times article by Thomas Friedman
- A Wall Street Journal video clip with Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren
- The full transcript of President Obama’s speech at UN General Assembly
We continue to pray for peace for Israel and its neighbors in the Middle East.
Best wishes for a good New Year,
Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein
Posted/updated: September 14, 2011
On Sunday, September 9, 2001, hundreds gathered outside Central Synagogue to celebrate the rededication of our Main Sanctuary, which had been badly damaged by fire in August 1998. Ten years later - on Friday, September 9, 2011 - Central Synagogue celebrated this milestone anniversary during our Shabbat evening service.
Watch Rabbi Rubinstein's heartfelt remarks:
Watch the video presentation, accompanied by our cantors' voices:
Posted in: Worship
Posted/updated: September 08, 2011
Content pending
Posted/updated: September 06, 2011
Dear Friends,
I have the privilege to serve as your new director of learning and engagement, a position that reflects Central Synagogue’s vision for excellence in lifelong Jewish learning. I see my role here as an advocate for innovative and meaningful Jewish education for all current and prospective learners. The Education Department that I oversee encompasses the Early Childhood Center (led by Susan Alpert and Jo Sohinki), the Religious School (led by Arielle Garellek), Youth Programming (led by Zach Rolf), and Adult Education (led by Rabbi Lisa Rubin), along with our educational administrative staff (led by Elana Paru), on the newly renovated 7th floor of the Community House.
With this extraordinary team of education professionals dedicated to excellence, we cater to every age group; we want to engage families and affinity groups, and we create innovative programs for our children, their parents and grandparents. We offer learning opportunities in classrooms, at holiday celebrations, in informal settings and outside the synagogue.
Our passion for Jewish learning can only be experienced by your active engagement with us, attending our programs and classes, sharing your suggestions and feedback, and playing a vital role in Central Synagogue’s community of lifelong learners.
Please visit our web site for more information about the Education Department, check the September Luach for our complete September listings, and download our Adult Education Fall brochure.
I look forward to getting to know many of you in person at our varied and enriching programs. Feel free to contact me at 212-838-5122 x4031 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
May this New Year be filled with a renewed commitment to Jewish learning.
Shanah Tovah,
Dr. Brigitte Sion
Director of Learning and Engagement
Posted/updated: August 22, 2011
Dear Friends,
As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said to Congress “two states for two peoples: a Palestinian state alongside the Jewish state” can only be achieved through bilateral talks. Thus the movement at the United Nations to endorse a unilaterally declared Palestinian state would be unhelpful and damaging to bilateral negotiations.
The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, in partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, launched a petition calling on UN member nations to vote against endorsing a unilaterally declared Palestinian state should it come to a vote in September.
To date over 24,000 signatures and 60 co-sponsors have been gathered. I’d ask you to join this effort by clicking this link and signing the petition.
Cordially,
Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein
Posted in: Social Action
Posted/updated: August 15, 2011
Central Synagogue is proud that more of our families are enrolling their children in Jewish summer camp. Our students’ participation at URJ Eisner and Crane Lake Camps has doubled over the last two summers from 5 to 10 to 20 students.
Recently, the leadership of URJ Northeast Camps presented our members Judith and Martin Hertz and Gail Sinai with a certificate to acknowledge the work they have done to promote this important initiative.
To learn more about how a URJ summer camp experience can impact your child’s Jewish future, contact contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) in our Religious School at (212) 838-5122 x4044.
Pictured (L-R): Louis Bordman, director of Northeast Camps, Judith Hertz, Martin Hertz, Gail Sinai, Debbie Schreiber, director of Crane Lake Camp, and Rabbi Jonah Pesner of the URJ.
Posted/updated: July 12, 2011
On Monday evening, a four-alarm fire broke out at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, a Modern Orthodox synagogue at 85th Street and Lexington Avenue.
Thankfully, there were no injuries reported and no Torah scrolls were inside the building, which is under construction. More details about the fire, which 170 FDNY firefighters brought under control, can be found online.
Rabbi Rubinstein immediately reached out to the leadership of KJ and the clergy and leadership of both our congregations are now in contact with each other. Central Synagogue has offered to help Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun in any way we can.
We have posted on (and will continue to update) our Facebook page and Web site home page in regard to how we can be of assistance to the Kehilath Jeshurun community.
We pray for our neighbors and wish them strength and healing.
Click here to read Rabbi Rubinstein’s response to the fire.
Posted/updated: May 25, 2011
June 27-28, 2011
Sheraton, Manhattan
Sponsored by The Israeli Consulate in NY & the Office of the Legal Advisor at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs & the American Association of Jewish Lawyers & Jurists
Note: Participants with diverse views will be welcome.
Discussions will focus on:
§ Law & Security: the legal framework in the fight against terrorism; operational dilemmas; methods of investigation
§ International institutions: challenges facing Israel within the UN system; the international legal sphere & the U.S. legal system
§ Law & advocacy: responding to campaigns of de-legitimization & “lawfare;” taking the legal initiative; presenting Israel’s case & advancing informed discussion
§ Key issues in Israel-Palestinian negotiations: updates & insights from Israel’s negotiations with its neighbors
In the course of the Conference, participants will have a unique opportunity to hear from legal experts from the Israel legal system, the military, the foreign service & academia, as well as legal experts from the U.S. The speakers will address the latest developments in the topic areas & share their experience and expertise with participants. The conference will also include working group
sessions, during which participants will pool resources & develop a plan of action.
The Conference is intended for U.S. lawyers in private practice, or in the public sector or academia, concerned about the current challenges faced by Israel in the international legal sphere. The goal is to provide the background & analysis that will enable the participants to engage in informed debate & advocacy about Israel as legal advocates & as spokespersons in the participants’ spheres of activity & influence.
To apply to participate in the Conference please click on the link http://www.israelfm.org/en/legal-advocacy-conference
Participation will be by invitation only and space will be limited.
For the conference program please click on the link http://www.israelfm.org/en/us-israel-legal-advocacy-program
Meals during the Conference will be covered.
CLE Credits will be available for NY. Other states under consideration.
Posted/updated: May 24, 2011
Posted/updated: May 18, 2011
Jeremy Fielding - Nominee
Jeremy Fielding has been a member of Central Synagogue since 1998. He is a Managing Director of Kekst and Company. He has extensive experience counseling executives, boards, and in-house communications professionals on ongoing communications opportunities and challenges, in addition to a large spectrum of transactional and other special situations. Jeremy has a PhD. from Yale University and an M.S. in Foreign Service from Georgetown University. He received his B.A. from the University of Leeds, England. Jeremy is also a member of the Executive Committee of the New York Chapter of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science. He and his wife, Lisa, have two children.
Abigail Pogrebin - Nominee
Abigail Pogrebin is the author of Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish (Doubleday 2005) and One and the Same: My Life as an Identical Twin and What I’ve Learned about Everyone’s Struggle to be Singular (Doubleday 2009). She is a freelance magazine writer, was a producer for Mike Wallace at 60 Minutes, and also worked for Bill Moyers and Charlie Rose at PBS. She moderates a regular interview series at the Manhattan JCC called “What Everyone’s Talking About.” She and her husband, David Shapiro, have two children, Benjamin and Molly.
Ellen Cogut - Nominee
Ellen Cogut has been a member of Central Synagogue since 1994. She received her BA from George Washington University in 1969 and her MA from Temple University in 1971. From 1971 to 1988 Ellen practiced as a speech pathologist, working primarily with pre-school language impaired children in a variety of settings. From 1988 to 1990 she supervised graduate students in speech pathology at Brooklyn College. Ellen has served on the Boards of the Brooklyn Heights Association, the Brooklyn Heights Montessori School, the Graham-Windham Agency, and The Brooklyn Children’s Museum. Since 2006, she has served as the co-chair of the Board of Community Roots Charter School, a K-5 school located in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. She resides in Brooklyn Heights with her husband, Casey. They have two daughters, Pamela, age 31, and Rachel, age 20.
Posted/updated: May 03, 2011
Dear Religious School Families,
On behalf of the lay leadership, clergy and staff, I am sharing with you important information about staff changes that will positively affect our children and families in the coming year.
We are delighted to announce that Arielle Garellek, who previously worked as a full-time teacher for Central Synagogue, will rejoin the Religious School staff on June 1 as our new director of the Religious School.
Some of you will recall that while at Central, Arielle was responsible for teaching our 3rd – 9th graders, with a focus on building 5th grade curriculum. She moved to Washington, D.C., last year to become the assistant regional director of education at the Anti-Defamation League. She and her husband are delighted to be rejoining the Central Synagogue community and to be returning to New York City. Arielle will begin reaching out to parents and children in June to arrange face-to-face meetings to talk about your experience with the Religious School and to share our vision for the upcoming year.
Cantor Sacks will continue to be the clergy liaison for grades K through 7. As you know, our Religious School was without a principal for much of the academic year, and we are all grateful to Cantor Sacks, as well as Full-Time Teacher Team Leader David Hoffman, the entire full-time teaching team and Frank Corso, for keeping things running smoothly and efficiently during this time.
The school’s former principal, Philip Dickstein, continues to recuperate following surgery in November, and will not be returning to Central Synagogue. We wish him a refuah shlema (complete healing) and all the best in his recovery.
Additionally, we want to share with you that Director of Lifelong Learning Yonni Wattenmaker has taken a new position as the new executive director of the Breast Cancer Alliance in Greenwich, CT, and will therefore be leaving Central Synagogue at the end of May. We thank Yonni for her hard work at Central and wish her much success in this new role.
At the same time, the lay leadership and staff have spent the past year focused on a strategic plan that pushes us to do more to develop our educational programming for all ages, young and old. As part of this strategic plan, we have decided to create the new position of director of learning and engagement to fulfill that goal.
The director of learning and engagement will work closely with all areas of education, including Early Childhood, the Religious School, Teens, Young Professionals and Adult Programming. We are in the process of identifying candidates for this new and important position. Additionally, we are in conversation with candidates for the position of assistant director of our Early Childhood Center, and look forward to updating you on both of these two positions soon. These roles will be supported by Elana Paru, our director of educational administration who joined Central Synagogue in January.
As we begin to approach the end of the school year, there is always transition in our teacher ranks, and we celebrate with Full-Time teachers Natalie Azatyan, Jonah Freelander, David Hoffman and Lee Kasper as they embark on the next chapter of their respective careers. We wish them all well, and thank them for their enormous contributions. Three new full-time teachers will soon join our talented staff, and we look forward to introducing them to you in the fall.
In addition, we are pleased that Zach Rolf, who has been successfully leading our teen program for the last year, will continue to develop programming and learning opportunities for our 8th – 12th graders. Zach’s new role as youth director encompasses his extended responsibilities and duties, both formal and informal, related to deepening our teens’ connection to Jewish life.
Though these transitions are part of the natural rhythm of our school year, we recognize they are bittersweet. We are saying “shalom” to beloved staff as they leave for other opportunities while we also say “shalom” to gifted and wonderful new talent.
Your feedback and questions are always welcome, and I look forward to sharing more information with you in the coming months.
I hope that your family will join us for Shavuot worship lead by our 10th Grade Confirmation Class on Wednesday, June 8 at 6:00 pm in the Main Sanctuary.
L’shalom,
Kenneth H. Heitner
president@censyn.org
Posted/updated: March 30, 2011
Central Synagogue is excited to announce the first Central CSA! CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture and Central has partnered with farmer Ken Frueshstorfer from Freebird Farms, to provide shares of vegetables (and fruit and eggs if desired) which allows our community to support and enjoy local, organic and sustainably farmed produce which is delivered weekly to Central Synagogue. The growing season is 22 weeks long (from June 7 - November 1), and full shares, good for a family, and half shares, good for individuals or couples are available. In addition, fruit and egg shares are also available.
It’s a Jewish Value!
From the story of creation, we learn that God put human beings on the earth to “till and tend it.” While most of us no longer have an agricultural vocation, the imperative to care for the earth is deeply rooted in Judaism. If we can support farmers who care for this earth, with our deeds and our finances, it is another way to care for the earth. In addition, our tradition has a food culture that believes that eating can be a sanctified act. Knowing the story of where our food comes from is another way to elevate this everyday act.
Buy Local
- Your support helps sustain small local farms who employ sustainable farming practices.
- Connect with the food you eat by meeting your farmers and exploring the farms.
- You can learn more about Freebird Farms at their website.
Eat Well
- If you’ve never had a farm-fresh tomato, you haven’t had a tomato!
- Buy the freshest food for your family.
- Explore new foods and learn to cook with them.
- Find out that beet greens aren’t just good for you, they’re tasty too!
Be Healthy
- Eat more fresh vegetables and fruit.
- Share healthy eating habits with your kids. Expose them early to a variety of regional, seasonal produce.
Protect the Environment
- Support farmers who take care of their land by growing food in ways that take care of the soil.
- Cut down on the number of miles your food travels from the farm to your plate.
IMPORTANT DETAILS:
Freebird Farms will be dropping off the produce every Tuesday from June 7- November 1. Pickup will be in Stern Lobby until the Fall, when we move to pick up in the Pavilion. PICK UP TIMES are between 4:30 - 7:00 pm. Every member of the CSA will be expected to volunteer for ONE pick-up afternoon to meet the other members of our Central CSA, and to facilitate pick-up.
SHARES
The cost of a full vegetable share, which is enough for a family of four is $575 (approx $24/wk). Half shares are $300 (less than $13/week) and are good for individuals or couples.
We are also offering fruit and egg shares either in addition to the vegetable shares or “a la carte”.
Fruit shares cost $150 (appox $7/wk). Fruit shares (depending on time of year) may include: apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, plums, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apricots and cherries. They will be available for 20 out of the 24 weeks.
An egg share costs $88 a share per dz. (about $4/wk) and $48 a share per ½ dz. (about $2/wk)
Missed weeks
There are no refunds for missed weeks of share pick-up. But you have the opportunity to do an additional mitzvah as leftover shares will be donated to a food shelter each week.
For more information or to sign up for this important and delicious program, please contact Greg Cicchino at cicchinog@censyn.org or 212-838-5122 x1012. We are looking for a few additional volunteers who are willing to be part of a core team of volunteers for our Central CSA, please let Greg know if you are interested in this helping out.
Posted/updated: March 14, 2011
According to current reports the catastrophic earthquake in Japan has claimed more than 10,000 lives - devastating an entire nation as many await news about their loved ones or are already mourning their loss. With many thousands injured, hungry, homeless and facing radiation poisoning from the subsequent nuclear meltdown, our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Japan and their families. As we have been reminded in the past, we are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. We must help.
The following organizations have established relief efforts and donations are now being accepted:
The UJA Federation of New York
The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
Central Synagogue is not in a position to re-direct donations. Instead, we encourage you to give directly to the funds listed above.
We have pledged $10,000 on our membership’s behalf to the JDC’s Japan Earthquake Relief Effort.
Our community continues to pray with and for those whose lives have been affected by recent cataclysmic upheaval.
Posted in: Social Action
Posted/updated: February 25, 2011
Purchase Tickets for a Yankee or Mets Game
Member Ron Tabak is organizing baseball fundraisers for Central Synagogue. Ron buys group tickets for New York Yankees & New York Mets games and asks people to pay him at his cost plus a donation to Central Synagogue. You may purchase as many tickets as you wish while Ron’s supply lasts.
Upcoming Yankee Games
Note: The seats are all in deep left field or deep right field grandstand (the upper deck).
For the games listed below, all seats are half-price ($11) payable to Ron Tabak (Mailing information below) + $9/ticket donation to Central Synagogue:
-Tuesday, August 9, vs. Angels, 7:05 pm
-Wednesday, August 24, vs. A’s, 7:05 pm
For the game listed below, all seats are full-price ($22) payable to Ron Tabak (Mailing information below) + $38/ticket donation to Central Synagogue:
-Wednesday, June 8 v. Red Sox, 7:05 pm
Upcoming Mets Games
Note: The seats are in the Promenade Reserve (the highest level, although it’s not as high as it is in Yankee Stadium or was at Shea). The first two games are above the infield, and the other two are above the outfield.
For the following game, all seats are $25.20 payable to Ron Tabak (Mailing information below) + $4.80 per ticket donation to Central Synagogue:
-Friday, August 5, vs. Atlanta, 7:10 pm
To purchase tickets, contact Ron Tabak’s assistant, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). You may either make out one check to Ron that includes the donation to Central Synagogue or send Ron two checks: one made payable to Ron for the ticket amount and one payable to Central Synagogue for the donation amount, which he will forward to the Synagogue.
Mail checks to:
Ronald Tabak
c/o Skadden Arps
Four Times Square
New York, NY 10036-6522
Posted/updated: January 24, 2011
Joan G. Wexler, President of Brooklyn Law School
You need Flash to play this video
You may download a PDF version of this speech. Click here
Posted/updated: January 21, 2011
Dr. Hussein Rashid (read bio) Photo Credit: Ali Ansary
Click on the link to listen to the:
January 20 lecture: Looking at the Qu'ran.
January 27 lecture: Who Speaks for Islam?
February 3 lecture: Gender Issues in Muslim Society
Posted/updated: January 14, 2011
Cantor Angela Buchdahl was recently featured as part of a 92nd Street Y panel discussion of Jewish female clergy. Rabbi Sara Hurwitz, Rabbi Diane Cohler-Esses, and Rabbi Diana S. Gerson are also featured. To view this discussion, tune into Shalom TV, the Free On Demand Jewish Television Cable Network. The program is available all the time through February 5th in the category, Judaism and Culture. There is no need to subscribe.
Cablevision: CH 502, select News and World, then Shalom TV
RCN: CH 1, select Religious, then Shalom TV
Time Warner Cable: CH 1012, then Shalom TV
Verizon FiOS: CH 900, select Browse All, then Free, then People and Culture, then Shalom TV
Posted/updated: January 10, 2011
Caption: Debbie Friedman performing at Central Synagogue in November 2009.
We invite you to view video of the memorial service for Debbie Friedman, held at Central Synagogue on Thursday, January 27. The service, which was attended by 700 people and lasted two and a half hours, is available in five parts:
If you have any problems viewing these links, please .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Posted/updated: December 03, 2010
Message from ARZA:
The worst fire in Israel’s history is raging across Haifa and the Carmel Forest. More than 40 lives have already been lost, and many more are in danger as Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services battle the blaze.
We grieve with the families who have lost love ones. We grieve for the loss of trees, so important in our tradition that we refer even to the Torah as the Tree of Life.
You can help.
ARZA and the URJ, with our partners, the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism, will help rebuild human lives through the IMPJ Humanitarian Fund.
Contributing to our Carmel Fire-Israel Emergency Fund is one more way for you to participate in building Israel, the land that we love.
*Neither ARZA nor the URJ withholds any overhead costs for Emergency Funds, with the exception of direct costs such as credit card fees.
Thursday Evening (December 2) Update
The situation as of 10.30 PM local time Thursday (3.30 PM New York) is as follows:
- Thousands of acres of forest and bush land have been destroyed. Given a winter in which virtually no rain has fallen, the vegetation is particularly dry.
- Some 40 trainee prison guards were burned to death when their bus caught fire on the way to evacuate inmates from a prison in the area.
- Fire fighters are hard put to cope with the situation and have run out of chemicals to extinguish the flames. Helicopters are unable to operate at night to put out the fires with water scooped from the Mediterranean Sea.
- Fire fighting teams have been brought in from all over the country to relieve the teams from the Haifa area and help is also on its way from Cyprus, Greece and Bulgaria.
- Kibbutz Beit Oren has been badly damaged and some 10,000 Israelis have been evacuated from their homes, including from Ein Hod, where our colleague Rabbi Bob Samuels lives with his wife, Annette. (I understand that they are currently overseas.)
- Haifa University has also been evacuated together with parts of Tirat el Carmel. The Haifa district of Denia may also have to be evacuated.
- Currently, the fires are not under control and there are fears that they could continue to wreak havoc throughout the weekend.
- The forecast for Friday (tomorrow) is for strong easterly winds that will make the fire fighters’ work even more difficult.
- It has been suggested that the fires were started on purpose, but it is too early to confirm this.
- The results of this awful tragedy are already described as being worse than from a terrorist incident.
Report thanks to Rabbi Michael Boyden.
-Evacuated: Ussafiya, Kibbutz Beit Oren, Haifa University, Ein Hod, Nir Etzion, Tirat HaCarmel Hospital, Yemin Orde, and more as the fire spreads; Kibbutz Beit Oren is reportedly destroyed by the flames.
Posted in: Social Action
Posted/updated: October 14, 2010
During Shabbat services on October 8, Central Synagogue presented its Annual Shofar Award to Pulitzer Prize-winning Playwright Tony Kushner. Mr. Kushner then addressed the congregation and answered their questions.
Tony Kushner’s plays include Angels in America and The Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide to Capitalism and Socialism with a Key to the Scriptures. He wrote the screenplays for Mike Nichols’ film of Angels In America and Steven Spielberg’s Munich. He is the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize, two Tony Awards, three Obie Awards, two Evening Standard Awards, an Olivier Award, an Emmy Award and an Oscar nomination, among other honors.
Posted/updated: October 01, 2010
Click here to listen to and read High Holy Days sermons by Rabbi Rubinstein, Rabbi Salth and Rabbi Friedman.
Click here to listen to Cantor Buchdahl sing Kol Nidrei.
Click here to listen to and read President Kenneth Heitner’s Rosh HaShanah Remarks.
Click here to listen to and read the Yom Kippur Appeal delivered by Abigail Pogrebin.
Click here to watch and read Ambassador Michael Oren’s Rosh HaShanah Remarks.
Posted/updated: September 20, 2010
More about the Kol Nidrei prayer.
Posted in: Worship
Posted/updated: September 17, 2010
When I told my mother-in-law, who lives in Chicago, that I’d been given the honor of delivering the Yom Kippur Appeal at Central this year, she responded with three words: “I’m so sorry.”
Because she knows it’s everyone’s least favorite moment, and in her experience, it’s always been the perfect time to escape to the bathroom to reapply her lipstick and think about whether she’ll break the fast with brisket or a bagel.
But I hope I’ll grab your attention by mentioning one particular Yom Kippur prohibition you may not be aware of: intimate relations. On Yom Kippur, we are not only supposed to stay out of the kitchen, but also the bedroom.
However: we can talk about falling in love.
When did you fall in love with Central?
When was the moment you decided to join, or – if it’s been in your family for generations – decided to stay?
If I were my mother, who insists upon hearing from every person at the dinner table, I’d suggest we go around the room sharing our “Why I’m at Central” stories; but tonight’s numbers, alas – or maybe thankfully – make that impossible.
But since I’ve been given the privilege of speaking to you tonight, I will tell you my story. You can relax; it’s very short. In fact, it can be encapsulated in one paraphrased cliché: love at first sound.
Very simply, five years ago, I was invited to the bat mitzvah of a friend’s daughter, and I heard Cantor Buchdahl sing.
And then I heard Rabbi Rubinstein speak.
And afterwards, I walked out, called my husband, and said, with as much certainty as I’ve ever felt, “This is where we belong.”
And since he’s a Jewish husband, he didn’t have much say in the matter, anyway.
Of course, it wasn’t my first synagogue experience, but in many ways, it was a first:
The first time I was moved.
The first time I was fully engaged.
The first time I didn’t watch the clock.
Those of us who have fallen in love with Central know exactly how rare it is to finally find a home.
I have so many friends who haven’t.
When I hear them describe how they don’t love their temple’s music, how the sermons don’t challenge them, how the religious school is unimaginative or the congregation lacks a certain warmth, I know how unique this place is.
Because here the music takes me somewhere, and the sermons make me think, and my son, Benjamin, after his bar mitzvah last may, actually told Rabbi Rubinstein it was the best day of his life.
Finding the right synagogue is like finding the right companion—neither is easy, and both, ideally, are for life.
When all of us here chose Central, we chose the place that would marry us, bury us, name our babies, and as they grow up, teach them Hebrew and history, call them to the Torah, and hopefully spark a pride and curiosity which makes them actually want a Jewish life, not just inherit it.
When we chose Central, we chose the synagogue that would help us mark every milestone and weather any heartbreak.
I’m not presuming that we’re all equally smitten with this place, or drawn by the same things. But whether we’re pulled by memory, melody, guilt, habit or a taste of challah, Central somehow manages to offer a gateway for every one of us.
Whether we’re sure of God or sure there isn’t one, whether we feel already anchored Jewishly or still wandering, whether we’re already in love with this place or still courting.
Even if you’re only in this magical sanctuary once or twice a year–this is your home too. When you crave an interval between your hectic week and your overscheduled weekend;
when life overwhelms and you need a rabbi’s ear or guidance; when you wish that you or your children knew more about our rich, resilient tradition - Central can be a resource, a refuge.
It’s too easy to sit in this packed house on Kol Nidrei and then go home and say, “I’m so glad Central is there, doing so many good things.”
We’re not just “the audience,” not just visitors.
We are Central’s engine and its oxygen. This synagogue’s ability to offer all that it does rests entirely on our willingness to step up and contribute as much as we can at this time every year.
So if you had a number in mind, I hope you’ll nudge it a little higher.
If you already gave this year, thank you. (And I hope you won’t hesitate to add a little more.)
Because I know you know you’re part of something unusual.
Because we want to keep a good thing going.
Because I’m sure you share my pride in the fact that Central is constantly reaching out to those who are genuinely - often quietly - struggling…in our midst, and outside our doors.
Sometimes we think to ourselves, “my richer neighbor can carry the load.”
The fact is that all of us are the mortar and pulse of this place, all of us know that our tradition reminds us again and again to be involved.
On Yom Kippur, an unsparing honesty is required of us: about who we’ve been, about who we want to become, about what really matters - in our heart of hearts.
I’d venture to guess we’re not just feeling reflective and repentant tonight; we’re also feeling lucky.
Lucky to have this sanctuary; this clergy; this congregation; this community.
Lucky to have fallen in love…and found a home.
Shana Tova.
Posted/updated: September 10, 2010
The Jewish people are, it must be said, unique. Most peoples in the world celebrate their new years with firecrackers and midnight parties and merriment.
We, by contrast, mark our new year by beating our breasts and begging G-d for forgiveness.
And why not? For most peoples have as their national books great tales of heroism and goodness.
They have their Iliads and their Gilgameshes – while our national book tells us how terrible we are.
In fact, the Bible’s complete title should actually be, “The Bible: How G-d Trusted Us and We Let Him Down.”
Certainly, our Biblical tradition instills in us a sense that somehow we weren’t good enough, that we could have done more, that we could have lived up to the lofty standards of G-d’s covenant with Israel.
But the Bible also bestows on us another identity, that of a nation of priests, a holy people, a light unto the world.
That tension – between a moral inferiority complex on the one hand and, on the other, a sense of moral obligation – is hardwired into the Jewish world-view.
The contradiction is compounded by another conflict: the Jews as a people responsible first and foremost for themselves and, conversely, the Jews as a people dedicated to the betterment of all.
The same Bible that contains six-hundred and thirteen commandments for Jews also ordains non-Jews to obey the so called Noahide Laws.
In Leviticus, G-d says I have “separated you from all other nations.” But in Deuteronomy, G-d also instructs us to provide for “the convert, the orphan, and the widow.”
Together, the seemingly irreconcilable dynamics of Jewish identity have immensely impacted the course of Jewish history – indeed, in the history of the world.
In addition to promulgating the revolutionary ideas of a single G-d and a universal morality, to say nothing of the proto-democratic notion of fallible kings, the Jews inspired the faiths to which roughly half of humankind now subscribes.
The Jews made these monumental contributions while committed to themselves as a people and not necessarily out of a sense of universal duty.
But that commitment was, throughout most of Jewish history, the product not only of free choice but also of legal and physical strictures.
Incarcerated behind ghetto walls, forbidden to follow all but a few professions, the Jews had little choice but to be a people.
The situation radically changed with the advent of the modern age.
For the first time, the Jews had the option between remaining apart and joining the rest of humanity—between peoplehood and universalism, the two conflicting components in their identity.
Impelled by their twin impulses of collective guilt and noblesse oblige, a great many chose the universalist idea of Communism which supposedly would redress all of the world’s evils.
At the turn of the 20th century, membership in the Russian Communist Party was disproportionately Jewish.
A Polish Jew named Zamenhof founded another universalist project, Esperanto, that aspired to create the first global language. It, too, attracted a great many Jewish adherents.
Meanwhile, millions of eastern European Jews immigrated to the West and, especially, to the United States.
They had to choose whether to remain within the folds of Jewish tradition and people anglicize their names, forget the haggim, and assimilate.
Similarly, they had to decide whether to support specifically Jewish or universalist causes—whether to give to the UJA or the United Way.
Was their first responsibility to their fellow Jews, their fellow Americans or their fellow man?
Judaism itself was wrestling with these dilemmas. Could it strike a balance between commitment to the Jewish people and Jewish commitment to the world – between tribalism and universalism.
The response came in the latter part of the 20th century with the emergence of the concept of tikkun olam, which translates literally as repairing the world.
The term, which we recite in our Aleinu prayer, does not appear in the Bible.
Rather, it is taken from the Talmud and, later, from Kabbalah, with different interpretations – from the rights of divorced women to the mystical need to reconstruct broken vessels of divine light.
But increasingly in the United States, tikkun olam came to connote the responsibility of Jews not only or even firstly to their own people, but as a moral obligation to the world as a whole.
To manifest our destiny as a light unto the world.
That dedication was not solely spiritual but also financial and even physical.
Instead of funding and building a new Jewish community center, American Jewish philanthropists could facilitate the construction of a new school in an impoverished country.
The collapse of the ghetto walls offered Jews yet another choice. Instead remaining in Russia and perhaps becoming a Communist or immigrating to America and possibly assimilating, they could return to their ancient homeland, the Land of Israel.
Jews could become Zionists and blend their traditions with modern modes.
They could take an ancient language that had no word for computer and infuse it with new life. “Computer” in Hebrew, by the way, is machshev, derived from lachshov, to think.
They could teach Jews who had never farmed to plow the earth and invent drip irrigation.
They gave Jews who had never fought the right and the means and the moral guidelines to defend themselves.
They could ingather millions of Jewish refugees, offer them education at six world-class universities and opportunities in a cutting-edge, high-tech market.
They could create an independent nation that would endow them with a new identity and a reborn dignity.
Faced with the challenges and choices of modernity, Israel gave Jews an answer.
It may even have given them the answer.
Communism failed, and Israel offered shelter to hundreds of thousands of its victims.
Assimilation greatly eroded Jewish identity in many communities, but young Jews are now regaining their identity through Birthright and other educational programs in Israel.
And yet the question remains: how can we reconcile Jewish unity with the vision of tikkun olam?
It’s the old biblical conundrum: How can we remain loyal to ourselves as a people and still show empathy for others?
Here, too, Israel offers the solution.
Through its groundbreaking scientific and medical research, its exploration of alternative sources of energy and means of cleansing the atmosphere, its development of sustainable agriculture capable of feeding millions – Israel is performing tikkun olam.
When Israel Defense Force doctors and nurses set up the first functioning mobile hospital in earthquake-devastated Haiti or in a fire-scorched village in the Congo – Israel is performing tikkun olam.
When Israel produces the most scientific papers, the most technical patents, and the most Nobel Prizes per capita in the world, that is also tikkun olam.
The Jewish people have made their greatest contributions when they acted together as a people and nowhere are Jewish energies more concentrated than in Israel.
This does not mean that Jews should stop contributing to schools in developing countries or, G-d forbid, cease giving to the United Way.
But Israel offers us – all of us – a means for channeling our charitable instincts.
In Israel, our identity as Jews faithful to our own people converges with our identity as Jews dedicated to the welfare of the world.
In Israel, we can demonstrate how a country situated in the roughest of neighborhoods can still act morally and justly;
How a country that has known only conflict can still strive unflaggingly for peace.
In Israel, we have the chance to succeed where we failed thousands of years ago – creating a society that lets down neither G-d nor our fellow man.
Yes, it’s true, on our New Year we beat our breasts instead of lighting firecrackers and beg for forgiveness rather than revel.
Yet, this Rosh HaShanah, let us celebrate the extraordinary privilege of being able to unite as a people for our people as well as for all peoples worldwide.
Let us rejoice in the existence of the Jewish state that is once again our homeland and a source of hope for humanity.
Posted in: Worship
Posted/updated: September 09, 2010
L’shana tova.
I approach the New Year, 5771, with great optimism.
You might ask why considering the continued weak state of the economy with joblessness continuing to hover around 10 percent; the lack of confidence being expressed regarding the start of direct peace talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians; the looming Iran nuclear threat and the constant stream of criticism (sometimes justified) levied at Israel in the media from the United Nations and elsewhere.
The basis for my conviction and optimism is right in front of me and behind me.
It’s because of each and every one of you, it’s because of this congregation, our community and its leaders, and it’s because of the principles that guide us and our traditions.
There is a long and storied history of the Jewish people. And each Shabbos that we celebrate a bar or bat mitzvah, we remind ourselves of that history as we pass the Torah from generation to generation to generation.
As I look back over the recent past at our deeds and actions, both individually and collectively, our link to our ancestors and to Jewish tradition is unmistakable. And it is because of this and my expectations for the future, that I’m brimming with optimism, that I’m proud to be your president and, most importantly, that I’m proud to be a Jew.
Last Yom Kippur we appealed to you in connection with our annual Yom Kippur appeal. Our message was quite different than in the past. We were experiencing ever-increasing numbers of congregants that were seeking dues relief, tuition relief and, in some cases, pleading for assistance in securing the bare essentials including food, clothing and shelter.
Nearly one out of every five congregants, or almost 400 families, is on some form of assistance. You responded in a manner that, frankly speaking, far exceeded my expectations. So many of you increased your gifts over historic levels and our participation rate also increased. But I would like to think this was not just a case of people further “opening their wallets” but rather people “opening their hearts.”
You responded to a pressing human need. You demonstrated a burning desire to help the less fortunate. You reached out to help our own.
This was accomplished without fanfare and without prodding (or at least not much prodding). This was a real demonstration of who we are as a people and as a community.
This enormous show of compassion, caring and a desire to help those in need, this outpouring of support, surely is a defining characteristic of the teachings of the Torah and of long-held Jewish beliefs.
This makes me proud to be your president, proud to be part of this central synagogue community and proud to call myself a Jew.
Every year for the past 13 years, central synagogue has sponsored Mitzvah Day. We send teams of congregants to such varied organizations as the Ronald McDonald house, the Doe Fund, Meals-on-Wheels, Habitat for Humanity and many others. The number of participants continues to grow, last year totaling more than 400 congregants. We serve meals to the elderly and the infirm, we spend quality time with terminally ill children, we assist in renovating residences for homeless families and we make home visits to long time members of central synagogue. We plant and we knit and we sing.
And for the past 28 years, Central Synagogue has partnered with some neighboring churches to sponsor a breakfast program for the homeless. Last year we served more than 20,000 meals to these less fortunate individuals.
Programs like Mitzvah Day and the Breakfast Program are just two examples of the wonderful institutional and individual display of acts of love and kindness. We experience the joy of giving and extending a hand to others. It’s an opportunity to set an important example for our children and renew our dedication to repairing the world around us. Tikkun olam. These surely are defining Jewish characteristics. This makes me proud to serve as your president, to be part of the central synagogue community and proud to call myself a Jew.
Due to the generosity of certain of our members, beginning in 2004, we were able to implement a full-time teacher program for our Hebrew school, a revolutionary concept in the reform movement. Although we continue to strive for excellence, this program for our more than 700 children attending the Hebrew school, is widely viewed as an unqualified success. For those that may not have seen it, there was a glowing article this past spring in the Jewish week extolling the virtues of our program and the precedent it is setting for reform congregations throughout the united states.
Our children are better educated, more engaged and more likely to live a Jewish life, respecting Jewish tradition and ritual.
But what does this program say about us as a Jewish community? It keenly demonstrates our lifelong commitment to Jewish learning. It reflects the importance we place on Jewish continuity. It is nothing less than our recognition, just as our parents recognized, of the importance of the survival and the perpetuation of Jewish life, Jewish tradition and the Jewish people. This way of thinking, this emphasis on education and continuity, makes this Central Synagogue community a special and holy place and makes me proud to be a part of it.
There are numerous other examples of our commitment to Jewish life, Jewish principles and Jewish tradition that we practice here at Central Synagogue. But they need not be mentioned because you get the point. The Central Synagogue experience captures the essence of who we are as a people and, despite all obstacles, should fill us with optimism and pride. I know it does me.
I would be remiss if I didn’t take a further moment of your time and attention to express my gratitude, once more, for your enabling me to serve this past year as your president. This congregation truly is remarkable, in its energy, its spirit, its devotion and its spirituality. And this past year has provided me with an up close and personal look at our remarkable clergy and senior staff.
Rabbis Rubinstein, Friedman and Salth and Cantors Buchdahl and Sacks have made and continue to make such meaningful impacts on all our lives. Their leadership, their compassion, their guidance, their professionalism and their friendship are all so invaluable to us in our personal, professional and spiritual lives.
And working with Livia Thompson and her staff can make even me look and sound knowledgeable and in control of things. Together, they inspire me as I’m sure they do you. We are truly blessed to call as one of our own, each and every one of them.
May the coming year be a good, sweet and peaceful year both within our community and throughout the world.
L’shana tova,
Kenneth H. Heitner
President, Central Synagogue
Posted/updated: August 31, 2010
Now through Wednesday, September 29, 2010:
Our annual food drive will take place during the festival of Sukkot. We hope that you will participate in this mitzvah project by bringing non-perishable items to Stern Lobby through Wednesday, September 29.
You may also make a donation to (or volunteer at) our weekly Breakfast Program, which feeds hundreds of hungry New Yorkers every week.
For more info contact the Social Justice Committee at: socialjustice@censyn.org
Posted/updated: August 11, 2010
Join and Help the Needy in our Community!
Sign up to help make sandwiches for our Breakfast Program - feeding homeless people in our community.
Please RSVP to your teacher if you would like to help on any of the dates. We need your participation!
Sandwich making dates through December are:
• Thursday 10/7
• Thursday 10/21
• Thursday 11/4
• Wednesday 11/10
• Thursday 12/16
All days sandwich making starts at 6:15pm for approximately one hour.
If you would also like to come and serve breakfast on any morning during the year, please join any Thursday or Friday at 6:30am for one hour!
Here is what some students say about helping serve breakfast:
“ It felt so good to come and help serve breakfast a few times with my mom and my dad. I served juice and helped out and also visited with some people. Some were sad and it was nice to help them and some told stories that were interesting. I saw how much our help was appreciated. I also enjoy making sandwiches that we give out after breakfast.”
Sarah Fassberg, 5th grade
“My experience at the Breakfast Program was great. I did mitzvah by feeding those in need and had fun at the same time. The Breakfast Program was an incredible thing for me to experience and I can’t wait to go back again!”
Kayla Gillman, 6th grade
Posted/updated: June 16, 2010
Andrew Cohen, the 2-year-old son of members of Temple Israel of New Rochelle, is currently a patient at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. His treatment for Neuroblastoma requires regular blood and platelet transfusions.
Andrew and his family would deeply appreciate your donation of blood and/or platelets and requests you ask others you know to donate. Donations not used by Andrew will be released for use by other patients - many of whom are children.
To benefit Andrew, all designated donations must be made in the Blood Donor Room of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Please visit them online for complete information about donor eligibility and the donation process for blood or platelets.
Contact:Joe Licata, (212) 639-8177
Manager, Blood Donor Program
licataj@mskcc.org
Blood Donor Room
(212) 639-7648
1250 First Avenue (between 67th & 68th Streets)
Schwartz Building Lobby
Open Every Day:
Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon: 8:30am - 3:00pm
Tues, Weds, Thur: 8:30am - 7:00pm
The process for donating whole blood takes approximately 1 hour. The process for donating platelets takes about 2½ hours. Appointments are necessary. All blood types are acceptable.
Free Donor Parking: Somerset Parking Garage, 1365 York Avenue (entrance on NW corner of 72nd Street)
Posted in: Social Action
Posted/updated: June 03, 2010
Dear Congregants,
Many of you have read with concern the coverage of Israel’s encounter with the Turkish ship, the Mavi Marmara.
We mourn the loss of civilian life in this tragic incident as well as the serious injuries to Israeli soldiers. We also regret that this event has become another touchstone in the ongoing battle of perception about Israel.
It can be difficult to sift through the many media images, videos and opinion pieces swirling around this incident to understand exactly what happened. There is a rush to judgment and a desire to understand who is to blame. We urge you to stay informed about what is happening in Israel and to push leaders both here and in Israel to work toward peace in Gaza and in the wider region.
We at Central Synagogue affirm Israel’s right to exist and to defend herself. We do not all agree with all the actions of the government of the State of Israel, but we commit ourselves to continue to engage with and support Israel in these challenging times. We must educate ourselves, speak up, and sometimes cry out.
In this spirit, I am including links to a few articles on the recent Flotilla incident.
Michael Oren in The New York Times
Daniel Gordis in The New York Times
Response from Association of Reform Zionists of America (ARZA)
I hope, also, that you will read the following sermons recently delivered on this topic at our Shabbat services:
May these recent events spur us to learn, to engage and to act on Israel’s behalf.
We pray for the State of Israel and all her people:
Oseh Shalom Bimromav, hu ya’aseh Shalom Aleinu v’al Kol Yisrael.
May the One who makes peace in the heavens, bring peace to us, to Israel, and to all the world.
B’shalom,
Cantor Angela Buchdahl
Posted/updated: February 12, 2010
"Justice, Justice, Shall You Pursue:" The Chief Judge's Perspective on Justice and Jewish Values
New York State Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman
You may download a PDF version of this speech. Click here
Posted/updated: October 13, 2009
All concerts are free of charge and held on Tuesdays (various dates) in the Main Sanctuary, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm.
October 11, 2011
Olivier Eisemann - Zurich, Switzerland
October 25, 2011
Student Organist
November 8, 2011
Brad Hughley, St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church - Atlanta, Georgia
November 22, 2011
Student Organist
December 13, 2010
Lynn Trapp, St. Olaf R. C. Church - Minneapolis, Minnesota
January 10, 2012
Jan Kraybill, Community of Christ, Kansas City, Missouri
January 24, 2012
Student from Curtis Institute of Music
February 14, 2012
Boyd Jones, Stetson University - DeLand, FL
February 28, 2012
Student from Cleveland Institute of Music
March 13, 2012
Roman Krasnovsky - Tel Aviv, Israel
March 27, 2012
Student from St. Olaf College
April 10, 2012
Sergio Paolini - Milan, Italy
April 24, 2012
Student from Vassar College
May 8, 2012
Thomas Dahl - Hamburg, Germany
May 15, 2012
Student from Duke University
May 23, 2012
7:00 pm - Gail Archer
*Programs subject to change without notice*
Posted/updated: June 30, 2009
For the first time in 30 years, the Reform Movement’s Biennial Convention will be held in Canada. So get ready to experience the magic of the Biennial, when 5,000 Reform Jews from around the world gather at the most exciting convention in today’s Jewish world. Visit the Union for Reform Judaism’s Web site for more information.
Posted/updated: June 29, 2009
UJA-Federation of New York’s Connect to Care initiative provides employment services and financial services and legal counseling free of charge for those impacted by the economic downturn. For more information about this program or to make an appointment in Manhattan, Riverdale and Brownstone Brooklyn, call JBFCS, a lead agency for UJA-Federation’s Connect to Care, at 212-399-2685 x206. You can also see the full description and workshops or find UJA-Federation’s Connect to Care Centers in other regions.
www.jcprograms.org/connect-to-care
Posted/updated: May 08, 2009
The Adult B’not Mitzvah Class of 2009/5769 invites you to read their personal D’vrei Torah, which they shared with the congregation on May 8, 2009.
On Giving Thanks: Reflections on Parshat EMOR and Becoming a Bat Mitzvah
Ravelle Brickman
Gail H. Geltman
Barbara Hochberg
Carol Hochberg
Robin Sue Kahn
Ruth Leibert
Alice Nanes
Susan Lee Rein
Patricia W. Rich
Martha Schwartz
Carol Winer
Elaine Weiss
If coincidence is God working behind the scenes, then it is no accident that my Torah portion today is about the Festival of Sukkot. In Emor, the holiday is described as a celebration of the harvest, commanded by God so that we, as Jews, will remember the days of wandering in the desert and give thanks for the gift of life.Just as giving thanks is the essence of this portion, it is also the catalyst for my own journey toward commitment. For me, the road back to Judaism began with the birth of my first grandchild more than nine years ago. Today, there are four girls. Their names—Eva, Abigail, Miriam and Hannah—recall some of the great women of Jewish history while preserving images of a more recent past.
Ironically, I never knew my own grandparents. There were not many people of that age in the mostly child-oriented streets of Queens when I was growing up in the 1940s. We had a few older relatives—my father’s stepmother, whom we rarely saw, some great-aunts, uncles and cousins—but they lived far away, in Brooklyn. My mother considered our family to be very lucky. She and my father were both born in America, allowing us—my parents, brother and I, our cousins, aunts and uncles—to escape the terrible fate that befell our relatives in Europe. Every night she led us in a simple prayer, thanking God for the fact that we were safe. We also prayed for the end of the war and the creation of a State of Israel, two things that actually happened.
The synagogue we attended was Conservative. My mother liked it because of the mixed seating and the fact that people chanted in unison. Although I could not become a Bat Mitzvah—the very idea was shocking—I was nevertheless packed off to Hebrew School to learn the first lines of Genesis and the Sh’ma. At 12, I joined the other girls for a Confirmation service where we wore white robes and took turns reading English speeches written, presumably, by the wife of an Episcopal deacon.
The speech I read, called the Flower Offering, bore no relation to Genesis, nor did it reflect on Judaism or rites of passage. My mother was nevertheless proud. I think she saw it as an aspect of the American dream. My mother had a surprisingly good Jewish education. Her Hebrew pronunciation was perfect, with not a hint of a Yiddish accent, and she could recite many prayers by rote. As a teenag
