WEEKLY NEWS

Ansche Chesed is now on Instagram! Follow us (and like us on Facebook) for photos, events and more. 

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Mazel Tov to Callie Meyer, her parents, Dorothy and Raoul Meyer, and her sister,Clio, on her Bat Mitzvah this Shabbat at mincha.

Join us in mourning Phyllis Sperling z'l, and wishing comfort to her daughter, Sharon, her grandchildren, Isaac, Sam, and Rebecca, and to her brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and many friends. 

Member Name Badges: Last Chance to Request!

As a special gift, all AC members are welcome to fill out our online form to request name badges. We hope you’ll join us as we build our community by making it easier to connect with one another.

Please request a badge by this Friday, September 6. Badges will be available for pickup at AC in September (stay tuned for details).

Renew Your Membership and Reserve High Holiday Seats: Tickets Will be Mailed Next Week

Please help support our communal Jewish home by renewing your Ansche Chesed membership. High Holiday seats are now being assigned on a first come, first served basis; renew your membership to reserve seats. Tickets will be mailed next week.

Entering the Gates of the High Holiday Season Through Melodies, with Hazzan Natasha Hirschhorn

This Evening (September 5) from 7 - 8pm in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel

Join Hazzan Hirschhorn for an evening of song and reflection, as the month of Elul begins. Let's open our hearts to the music of the season, rich with memories of years past and inspiration for reconnection with God, our community and our truest selves. RSVPs requested, walk-ins welcome.

Jewish Daughters Poured Out Their Hearts: Yiddish Women's Prayers for Elul

Saturday, September 7 During Kiddush (around 12:45pm) in the Multipurpose Room (Upper Hirsch Hall Lobby)

Ashkenazi women traditionally had limited knowledge of Hebrew and were excluded from formal communal prayer and study. Still, they developed a rich array of texts and customs rooted in their vernacular: Yiddish. Please join us to study women's tkhines, "supplicatory prayers," particularly those for the month of Elul including the practice of measuring graves with wicks to make candles for Yom Kippur Eve. 

Taught by AC member Prof. Cecile Kuznitz, Bard College. Please enjoy communal Kiddush food and join us for discussion and study.

Welcome Back Family Shabbat Services and Kiddush

Saturday, September 7 from 11am - 12:45pm

Join Aliza and Rabbi Yael the first Shabbat morning of every month for Family Shabbat Services! Kids and adults will help lead tefillot (prayers) & read Torah. If you're interested in helping lead, please reach out to Aliza and Rabbi Yael. Tot families are invited for Mishpacha services too! 

Join us for a special Welcome Back Kiddush!

There will also be a teen program called "Beyond Civil Discourse: A Talmudic Approach to Engaging with Our Political Moment" for the first three months.

Registration encouraged; walk-ins welcome.

Alan Mintz Memorial Study Session, with Minyan M'at

Sunday, September 8 from 11 - 12:30pm on Zoom

Join Minyan M'at for a teaching session in memory of our dear friend Alan Mintz, a longtime member of Ansche Chesed and Minyan M’at and one of the preeminent scholars of modern Hebrew literature. Teaching this year's session will be Alan’s friend and fellow Agnon scholar Dr. Anne Golomb Hoffman, Professor Emerita of English and Comparative Literature/Fordham University and a member of AC and M’at.

Anne invites us to consider the ways in which we connected with Alan and continue to feel his presence in our lives. With Alan’s work in mind, she will share thoughts about an Agnon story, האדונית והרוכל (The Lady and the Peddler) and draw on Freud’s conception of melancholia to explore loss and connection as facets of literary experience. We encourage everyone to read the story in advance, in Hebrew or in English, but it is not required to attend and participate! Please RSVP online.

Beginner's Hebrew Course

Monday Evenings from 7 - 8:30pm in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel

First Class this Monday, September 9

This advanced-beginner class, taught by experienced teacher Nadav Wiesel, will delve deeper into modern Hebrew, in speaking and listening as well as reading and writing. We will engage in structured conversations on useful everyday themes, Learn new vocabulary and use it to read, write and discuss new ideas.

Class size is limited, so every student has enough opportunity to participate.

Please contact the office with any questions, or if you want to learn more about whether the class would be a good fit for you. Register Online

AC Community Security Training: Welcoming and Aware

In-Person Training Session on Tuesday, September 10 at 6pm in 5 North

We are continuing our security initiative with Community Security Services to provide the whole community with a baseline level of awareness and training. Please join your fellow members who have already taken this important step in making us all safer so that we can all be partners in enhancing our security while continuing to be a welcoming "community of kindness."

This two-part training consists of an initial self-paced online course (not more than 3.5 hours) followed by an in-person session (2.5 - 3 hours). Learn More and Sign Up

"Questions You'll Be Asked in Heaven" with Rabbi Yael Hammerman

Thursday, September 12 from 10 - 11:30am in 5 North

Elul is a month of self-reflection - a time to prepare yourself for the Yamim Noraim. But, what exactly should you reflect on? Join Rabbi Yael Hammerman in exploring the “Questions You’ll Be Asked in Heaven” - at least, according to the Talmud (Shabbat 31a). In truth, no one has ever come back to verify this... Nonetheless, we’ll look at what the rabbis proposed to get our minds, hearts and spirits warmed up for Tishrei. No Hebrew or Talmud skills required. Just bring your curiosity -- we’ll provide the coffee and questions. Online registration requested, walk-ins welcome.

ELUL PROGRAMMING

Learn more about the High Holidays at AC on our webpage,.

Time-Machine Teshuva, with Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky

Wednesday, September 18 at 7pm in 5 North

"The past is never dead," William Faulkner wrote. "It's not even past." OK, Faulker was probably not talking about Jewish concepts of penitence. But he could have been. One of our deepest teachings is that teshuva today today transforms both tomorrow and yesterday. Let's talk with sages through the ages to reflect on how reshaping the future reshapes the past. Please RSVP online. Walk-ins also welcome.

"Of a Certain Age": An Elul Tale of Two Goats

Thursday, September 19 from 12 - 1:30pm in 5 North

Please join us to read Sheldon Lewis’ new, entertaining, thought-provoking short play about forgiveness, sacrifice, and moral accountability. A lively discussion will follow. Please RSVP online.

Community Shabbat Dinner + "Who Knows One?" Live

Friday, September 20 at AC

6pm: Kabbalat Shabbat | 7pm: Shabbat Dinner

"Who Knows One?" is a hilarious live show that became a cultural hit in the Jewish community over the course of the pandemic, reuniting old friends and creating new ones with an innovative game that combines Six Degrees of Separation and Jewish Geography.

This September, Micah Hart, the creator of "Who Knows One?" is bringing the experience to Ansche Chesed, over Shabbat dinner, with a new live, interactive version of the show. Come see how we're all connected to each other and share a few laughs along the way - and maybe even be a part of the show yourself!

This event is open to AC members (and "not-yet" members) of all ages and stages. It's for you if you've been a member for 40+ years or just moved to the neighborhood this summer. It's for you if you want to make new friends at AC, or want to reconnect with the community before Rosh Hashanah. Come to laugh, play, or just for the good food! 

Register by Tuesday, September 17 at noon.

Poems for our Days: Conversation with Sacred Texts, with Israeli Poetry Teacher Rachel Korazim

Monday, September 23 at 6pm on Zoom

The calamity of October 7th and the ongoing war have left Israel and the Jewish world in shock and despair. The unimaginable became our reality, yet we find ourselves less able to talk about it. The most common expression is ein milim/no words! And yet, some struggle and do find words in poetry.

Israeli poetry has always been in conversation with Torah, Midrash, prayer and other classical texts. It is not surprising that amazing new poems, all over the Israeli ideological spectrum, are challenging God, rewriting the Akedah, creating new prayer in the wake of October 7. Please join us to study powerful writing with Rachel Korazim, a world renowned teacher and editor of the recently published anthology Shiva: Poems of October 7. RSVP online.

Save the Date: Selichot Program and Service

Saturday, September 28 at 9pm in Hirsch Hall

Save the Date: Rosh HaShanah Challah Bake

Sunday, September 29 at 10:30am in 5 North

Open House M'at Shabbat

Saturday, September 14 at 10am in 5 North

Check out Minyan M’at next Shabbat, Sept 14th.  We’d be thrilled to show you how we daven and spend a shabbat morning together. This is a follow up program by the Recruitment and Retention Committee to the Wrestling with Oct 7th panels last spring.  At the spring panels, people had the opportunity to see our intellectual minds at work, and now are showing them how we spend a shabbat morning together.  How being in community helps during these difficult days.

We will have davening led by Leilah Rosen and a D’var Torah from Rabbi Danny Nevins. Danny’s drash is entitled, “When We Go to War: Literal and Metaphorical Readings of Ki Tetzei.”  

And please join us for a wonderful kiddush on the roof (if the weather cooperates!).

Rabbi Jules Harlow Parshat HaShavuah Class

Saturdays, 9am in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel or on Zoom

Come before class at 8:45am for hot coffee and schmoozing! This class is dedicated to Rabbi Jules Harlow, a great teacher of Torah and Jewish liturgy. Click for this week's Source Sheet (updated Friday afternoons). 

Shirei Chesed Community Chorus

Tuesdays from 7:30 - 9pm in 5 North

Shirei Chesed Community Chorus continues to build community through learning a rich and diverse repertoire of Jewish music, and bring harmony into the world that needs it more than ever. Our 4-part chorus brings together lovers of choral singing from both AC and the wider Jewish community. For more information or to schedule an audition, email Cantor Natasha Hirschhorn.

Parsha Talk

Join Rabbi Kalmanofsky and his buddies Rabbis Barry Chesler and Eliot Malomet for their weekly Parsha Talk. Watch the latest episode

Shabbat Family Beit Midrash and Nosh: 3rd - 5th Graders

First Meeting on Saturday, September 21 from 11am - 12pm

All 3rd through 5th graders -- from ACHS, Jewish day schools and beyond -- and their parents are invited to join us to study the weekly parsha. The Beit Midrash will be led by Aliza Sebert and Jess Feiwus. We'll study selections from Devash: Hadar's Weekly Parashah Magazine and we'll enjoy some nosh and being in community! RSVP online, walk-ins welcome.

ANSCHE CHESED HEBREW SCHOOL

2024-2025 Hebrew School Registration

Register for our 2024-2025 Hebrew School year online. We look forward to building our Hebrew School community with you and your children. Spread the word to your friends; we'd love to welcome them too!

Contact Education and Family Program Director Aliza Sebert with any questions at 212-865-0600 ext. 217 or ASebert@anschechesed.org.

Sacred Rights, Sacred Song

Sunday, September 22 at 7pm in the Sanctuary

Created by Ansche Chesed member Francine M. Gordon in collaboration with Dr. J. A. Kawarsky, Sacred Rights, Sacred Song premiered in Cleveland, Ohio on November 6, 2010. This multi-composer cantata highlighted the dangers of excessive right-wing ideology in Israel's civil society. Instead of polarization, Sacred Rights, Sacred Song calls for unity within the "moral middle" and seeks a concerted and harmonious future in the Holy Land.  

With music by Naomi Less, Elliot Z. Levine, Cantor Benjie Ellen Schiller, and Cantor Gerald Cohen, the songs produced and performed with AC members Naomi Cohen and Sharon Litwinoff will offer you inspiration as we look to a New Year of being Zionists in love with the complicated Medinat Yisrael.

"I Like It Here" at New Plaza Cinema

New Plaza Cinema (35 W 67 Street) is showing the film "I like It here" on Saturday at 3:50 and Sunday at 2:40. Senior tickets are $12. Ralph Arlyck, a figurehead of American independent documentary, contemplates aging, mortality, and finding contentment in the present while looking back on his life and career. Learn more on their website.

Chef's Table

Our longtime friend and kitchen tenant, Bruce Soffer of Chef's Table, offers a special catering menu for Rosh HaShanah, as well as Shabbat and other holidays. Chef's Table prepares delicious kosher meals, delivered to your door. Please see their Rosh HaShanah menu online.

Contact Bruce at (917) 868-7964 or visit his website for more information.

Babysitting Emergency Friday Afternoon

This Friday afternoon, our daughter Hannah needs someone from 2:00 to 5:00 for her 3 children, 5, 7 and 9 years old. 

This Friday is an emergency for a funeral, but probably Friday afternoon will be a regular need in future. It is an easy job because the 2 older children only need to be dropped at and picked up from Krav Maga on 100 Street. Contact Nahma Sandrow at 917-617-7353.

Job Opening: Executive Director of Kosher Senior Independent Living Facility

Riverwalk, the kosher senior independent living facility on the campus of the Hebrew Home in Riverdale, is hiring a new Executive Director. Job description and salary can be found online.

Hadassah Seeking Senior Social Media Manager

Hadassah is looking for a Senior Social Media Manager who will play a key role in developing strategy and policies for the national organization and will manage daily activity across Hadassah’s social media platforms. See the job description and salary here: https://bit.ly/SrSocialMediaManage

GENERAL DONATIONS

David Brauner

Milly Heller & George Denegre, in honor of Nick Lemann on his 70th birthday

Adam Teitelbaum, in memory of Mindy Fischer

Charles Gropper, in memory of George and Margaret Gropper

Joy Axelrad & Michael Jacoby

Laurie R. Dien & Alan S. Yaillen, in memory of Roberta Shapiro's step-mother Lucille Kupietz. With condolences, Alan, Laurie, Aliza and Josh

RABBI'S FUND DONATIONS

Amelia & Daniel Feinberg, in memory of Fred Mansbach

Marcelle Hohl

Joni Greenspan & Dan Lenchner

Lois & Howard Nachamie, in honor of Rabbi Kalmonvsky’s brilliance and kindness. The personification of chesed

YAHRZEIT DONATIONS

Michael Bar & Terrett Abramson

Harriet Cosenza, in loving memory of Harriet's mother, Ruth Gelfand, and the meaningful times spent with my family at Ansche Chesed

Batya Miller & John Davenport, in memory of Michael Silberman and Anna L. Kaufman

Mary Feinberg, in memory of her father, Joseph Montalto

Grace Freundlich, in memory of her mother, Lisl Freundlich

Laura Gold, in memory of her father, Robert Gold

Michele Siegel & Oren Grad, in memory of Michele's grandmother, Anna M. Polisar

Sigrid Hess, in memory of Manfred Hess

Lisa Litt & Michael Knopf, in memory of Michael’s father, Harold Knopf

Erica Gruen & Richard Pravda, in memory of Richard’s father, Morris Pravda

KIDDUSH DONATIONS

Mary Feinberg

Jody Sperling & Doug Fox, in honor of their daughter Evie's Bat-Mitzvah

Stephen Gross, in memory of Adela Brechner, and in celebration of Bonnie Leeds and Alex Sheldon's wedding

Helen Rubinstein, in memory of her brother, Michael Joel Rubinstein

"OF A CERTAIN AGE" DONATIONS

Tamara & Martin Green

Naomi Marcus

Linda Messing, in honor of Tamara Green's 80th birthday and the marriage of Bonnie Leeds and Alex Shelton

Anne Mintz

Sandra Novick

Rachel Fremmer & Caleb Pollack

Judith Pollack, in honor of Suzanne Cavalier

Barrie & Jerry Raik

Ralph Seliger

Maron Waxman

Aviva & Allen Zweben

MUSIC FUND DONATIONS

Nancy Abramson

Cherie Rosen & Robert Barmack

Susan Tanenbaum

Maron Waxman

SHELTER DONATIONS

Freda & Evan Eisenberg

Elizabeth Moskatel & Avram Sand