In This Issue
Hearing Enhancement Devices

Hearing enhancement devices are available during services at the security desk. In addition, there is a Hearing Loop in the Schafler Forum. Please switch hearing aid to T-coil.

Union Field Cemetery

Come visit and learn more about Rodeph Sholom's historic Union Field Cemetery. Discounted fees are available for CRS members. For more information, call our knowledgeable staff at 718-366-3748.

Bereavement Notices 

Click here if you would like to be informed of deaths in our community.
December 6, 2016
175th Anniversary in 2016
It has been a whirlwind of activity this fall celebrating our 175th anniversary. As we close out 2016, we wanted to share pictures and fond memories:


Special Worship
and Spiritual Opportunities in December
 Chanukah Shir Chadash

Join us as we celebrate the Festival of Lights with a musical Shir Chadash, featuring our Junior Junior Choir and Children's Choir.
Shireinu Chanukah Service

Come join the Rodeph Sholom family for a warm, inviting, musical and interactive experience! This Chanukah celebration is designed to be accessible and sensitive to a variety of needs. There will be healthy snacks available (gelt too!) and the service will be ASL interpreted.
Community Events
Chanukah Latke Party 

Congregational Oneg Shabbat Latke Party, co-sponsored by Brotherhood and the Membership Committee, with a (practice) candle lighting ceremony following the Erev Shabbat service.

Please feel free to bring your own menorah!
Young Families Chanukah Puppet Show and Celebration

We need your help to find The Lost Latke! Plus a puppet workshop, dreidel spinning and plenty of gelt!  

Sign up for the Rodeph Sholom Trip to Israel
August 21-31, 2017
Just a friendly reminder that you can sign up for our trip to Israel now!  Contact  Rabbi Greg Weitzman for schedules and more information.  Special discount for those who sign up before January 15th.
Yom Kippur Appeal 5777/2016
It's nearly the end of the year - have you participated in the Yom Kippur Appeal yet?
 
The YKA is our largest source of revenue aside from membership dues, which only cover 55% of our operations. From providing dues assistance, to making unexpected repairs to our building, to supporting our remarkable clergy, your philanthropic support makes a tangible impact.
 
To make your gift to the appeal:
  • Send in a check made payable to CRS to 7 W. 83rd Street.
  • Click here to make a gift online.
  • Call the Development Office (646-454-3052) for information about automatic recurring payments, gifts of appreciated stock, or adding a pledge to your synagogue account.
Please note that CRS offices will be closed from December 26 to January 2. If you would like your donation to qualify for a 2016 tax credit, please be sure to make an online gift by midnight on December 31 or send in a check before the end of the year. Any mail postmarked by December 31 will qualify. If you would like to make a gift of appreciated stock, please be sure to leave enough time for the transaction to be completed during this busy season.
 
Your support is essential to our congregation's strength. We thank you in advance for your generosity!
Adult Education 
Hebrew Classes 

Learning Hebrew can be a fun adventure, and a way to open the magic of the Torah and the living language of Israel.  Our instructor, Sara Rosen, works one-on-one with students so you can start at any point in the year!

Mah Jongg
Upcoming dates: January 12, February 9, March 9

Are you ready to play? Do you want to learn? Whether you're an expert or a novice, come enjoy a few hours of camaraderie and the "bridge mix!" Bring your own cards, or purchase them when you arrive.

To RSVP or for more information, contact: [email protected].
Our Haven and Our Strength: Personal and Spiritual Pathways through the Psalms
with Rabbi Jackie Ellenson
Upcoming dates: Fridays on January 12, February 10, March 10, April 21, May 12, June 9

The Book of Psalms contains expressions of all human experience and multiple manifestations of the ancient search for God's presence. Join us for a a year-long series of discussions as we gather for a participatory learning experience.
From Orchard Street to Central Park West:
Jewish History with a New York Lens
Taught by Rabbi Daniel Bronstein

In September, 1654, twenty-three Jews arrived in New Amsterdam. From that time, the history of New York and its Jewish population has been deeply intertwined. In the midst of our 175th year, join Rabbi Daniel Bronstein for a course on the history of the American Jewish experience, New York City style.

Lunch Together
Upcoming dates: January 24, February 14, March 28, April 25, May 16, June 13

This month's Lunch Together features noted author and journalist Joseph Berger, who will be talking about his book, The Pious Ones, about the Hasidim.

Please RSVP to [email protected] or 646-454-3043.
Book Group

This month, we will read The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem by Sarit Yishai-Levi.  In February, we will read Max's Diamonds, by our own congregant Jay Greenfield.  Jay will be present for the discussion.

PJ Library

Sign up and share the fun of reading!

 

Congregation Rodeph Sholom and PJ Library invite you to join in the fun of reading with FREE Jewish children's books and music. Click here to sign up or to receive more information.
Tikkun Olam
E-Advocacy

After the election, in a letter to the congregation last month, Rabbi Levine wrote:

We will continue to stand for the values which Judaism wisely has imprinted on our brains and souls: the affirmation of human dignity for all of God's children. We will fight hatred and division in every way we know how.

We are going to send out a dedicated E-advocacy email every month with one online action you can take to help. Email Kirsten Major  [email protected].  

Offsite: St. Xavier's Soup Kitchen

Help prepare and serve meals to visitors at the St. Xavier's Soup Kitchen in Chelsea. Please click here to sign up. Volunteers must be 17 and over.
Backpack Buddies Expanding to Serve More Hungry Children

Thanks to the strong partnership of our community, we are able to fill more backpacks to help children in our neighborhood who don't have enough to eat. Click here to sign up.
Volunteer at the CRS Shelter!

By volunteering at our homeless shelter, you will provide in-the-moment assistance to people who have nowhere to sleep.   

Please help.  Click here to sign up!