Be sure to join us for Shabbat services this weekend: Friday, Jan. 9, at 7:30 p.m., and again on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 9:30 a.m., when Rabbi Eytan Hammerman will lead services from our pulpit. Rabbi Hammerman has served three Conservative synagogues in New York: Temple Gates of Prayer in Queens, the Jewish Community Center of Harrison, and Temple Beth Shalom in Mahopac. He is known for his energy, innovative programming, and love of [...]
In November 2025, three of America’s largest kosher-certifying organizations came together to release new guidance regarding the status of beer, which has long been considered kosher by default. But due to the proliferation of flavorings brought on by craft brewing and other industry changes, the rabbis who declare food products to be in line with Jewish dietary laws now say to check the label before drinking. “We’ve discovered that companies use many flavors to enhance [...]
Mourners gathered on Dec. 15 at Sydney’s Bondi Beach to light the menorah for the second night of Hanukkah, one day after the mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration. Officials say a father and son killed 15 people and wounded more than three dozen others at the beachfront gathering, making it one of the deadliest attacks on Jews outside Israel in years. The father, Sajid Akram, 50, was killed, and police said they plan to [...]
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation on Dec. 1 that will establish New York’s first state-sponsored Holocaust memorial. The memorial will be built at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, a centerpiece in the state’s capital. New York has a number of Holocaust memorials, but none funded and supported by the state government. The legislation says the monument will be called the New York State Holocaust Memorial, and will aim to commemorate the victims [...]
Of course, those of us of a certain age read it, and saw ourselves in it, and the Book Circle is entering those days once again. In Herman Wouk’s powerful coming-of-age novel, a starry-eyed, 19-year-old beauty named Marjorie Morgenstern leaves home to accept the job of her dreams — working in a summer stock company for Noel Airman, its talented and charismatic director. Released from the social constraints of her traditional Jewish family, and [...]
Last fall, our shul became aware of a program offered by the Anti-Defamation League to help synagogues combat antisemitism. We applied and were accepted into the 5786/2026 Cohort. This program, called Kulanu (meaning “all of us”), is a new congregational engagement program from ADL that empowers congregations to address antisemitism and hate in their communities. By taking advantage of webinars and the resources of the Kulanu network, congregations are encouraged to implement initiatives appropriate to [...]
It was snowing all day, and then it wasn’t. But it was cold. We didn’t care. We gathered in Mitchell Park at 5 p.m., on Dec. 14, and Rabbi Howard Diamond led the prayers before we welcomed Hanukkah by lighting the “candle” on the first of the eight nights of the holiday. An ecumenical spirit filled the park as Christmas lights glowed in the background. Back at the shul, latkes were heating in the [...]
Thank you for supporting our Toy Drive. Your generosity brings so much joy and peace to families in our community this Christmas. Because of you, children will have beautiful gifts to unwrap this holiday season. We are so grateful.
Recently, I received a number of phone calls and email messages wanting to know the status of our shul, given the challenges to our leadership and disruptions within the shul family. All inquiries that were presented with thoughtfulness and insight were considered carefully, others dismissed. As president, I brought congregant concerns to the Board of Directors and to the Ritual Committee. Following protracted discussions, a letter was prepared and emailed on December 11 to all [...]
On Friday, Jan. 2, the Shabbat service will begin at 7 p.m., a half-hour earlier than usual, to allow for the reading of a one-act comedy titled “I’ve Got This,” written by Chuck Simon, immediately following the service. In the starring roles — our own shul members and guest actors. Enjoy the play, the Oneg Shabbat, fun for all, many laughs, good food, and good company. I’ve Got This by Chuck Simon Friday, Jan [...]
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