March 12, 2013 | General News

In an email to the congregation today, Central's senior rabbi announced he will step aside at the end of June 2014:

I have always been enchanted by the lovely words from Ecclesiastes: “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heavens.” Yet the immense power of this imagery has never had quite the emotional impact as it does now

March 12, 2013 | General News

In response to Rabbi Rubinstein's announcement today, Congregational President David B. Edelson shared the following message:

As you know by now, Rabbi Peter Rubinstein has decided to step aside as the Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue effective June 30, 2014.

When Rabbi Rubinstein arrived at Central in July 1991, we had no idea how big an impact one man could have on our community. We have been blessed beyond imagination. Our goal is to ensure that Rabbi Rubinstein’s legacy of innovation and excellence continues under new leadership."

March 3, 2013 | General News | Worship and High Holidays

Passover will soon be upon us. As we commemorate our deliverance from Pharaoh’s cruelty around the Seder table, the food we eat is integral to both our history and our faith.

That makes our upcoming Shofar Shabbat particularly relevant to both the soul and the stomach, as we award the Central Synagogue Shofar Award to Michael Pollan.

February 28, 2013 | General News

Rabbi Rubinstein welcomed the 2013 New York City mayoral candidates to our Sanctuary for a forum hosted by the Daily News and Metro IAF. Watch the video.

February 28, 2013 | General News

In honor of Women's History Month, we share this archival image of Rebecca Kohut.

Rebekiah (Rebecca) Bettelheim Kohut was born 1864 in Hungary into a learned family of rabbis. In 1867 the family immigrated to America. In 1887 she met Ahawath Chesed’s recently appointed and recently widowed Rabbi Alexander Kohut. Although never having children of her own she became mother to his eight children, six of whom were under thirteen years old. As the children grew up she found time to work as a champion of improved public sanitation and founded the Sisterhood of Personal Service at Ahawath Chesed. This group of ladies aided immigrant families adapt to their new life in America. She earned an honorary degree from the Jewish Institute of Religion in 1934 and wrote both her husband’s and her own memoirs. In 1951 she died at the age of 87. Surely Rebecca’s life is encouraging and inspiring to us. She was a dedicated stepmother and a leader who organized women to help others, exemplifying great determination and dedication.

These monthly historical briefs are prepared by Amy Goldberger, Chair of the Archives Committee and Anne Mininberg, Archivist