News

On a wickedly windy, cold February evening, my children and I braved the weather and made our way to a downtown family service at Central. We are new to the congregation, and our daughter is preparing for her Bat Mitzvah in Spring of 2020. So, in truth, we've only been to a handful of services in the stunning uptown sanctuary. And as much as we love it, let's be honest, at 6 o'clock on a Friday, from downtown, it's a schlep. Read more

Author Deborah Lipstadt joined our Central community for a meaningful discussion about the persistence of anti-Semitism.

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As a part of our continued conversation about bail reform in New York State, Rabbi Stephanie Kolin spoke to a congregation at Trinity Church about the importance of criminal justice reform. Read more

As February arrives, we launch our next Joy is Central theme: Practice is Central. We are often so caught up attending to the demands of daily life that we skip caring for ourselves. Beginning this month, we invite you to experiment with a personal practice (a “practice” in this sense is simply an intentional, regular habit that supports your well being).

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Overtime; A Circle for Strength and Inspiration welcomes those parents nurturing children --teenage and up--who have chronic mental health issues. This closed and confidential group pairs traditional support work--sharing stories, normalizing experiences, offering resources--with a unique focus on caregivers through reading and writing poems together. Read more

On Friday, January 25, Central members hosted Shabbat dinners across New York City as a part of our Joy is Central, Shabbat is Central event. Congregants joined hosts for dinners for a chance to relax, unplug, and connect. Emily Steinman, a dinner host, shares her experience welcoming fellow congregants into her home to share in the joy of Shabbat. Read more

Every Thursday and Friday morning at 6AM, nine sleepy but enthusiastic Central volunteers gather in the Community House to heed Isaiah's call. We serve a hot breakfast and a take away lunch to approximately 120 New Yorkers each Thursday and Friday in desperate need of a smile, a meal and a place to be safe. Read more

In this new year, we continue our Joy is Central series and invite you to lean into Shabbat. Join us on Friday, January 25, where we hope to engage all ages in one of our special Shabbat is Central dinners or events. Additionally, we encourage you to choose one thing that will make Shabbat feel special this month; attend our Friday night services, light candles, bake challah, or even use Shabbat as a time to “unplug,” as Rabbi Buchdahl explains in her video below. Don’t worry – you don’t have to do it all – choose what works for you.

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