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.
November 1, 2016
High Holy Days 5777
High Holy Days Sermons Now Online
Special Worship and Spiritual Opportunity in November
Healing Service

This service brings together the themes of healing of body and healing of spirit, expressing our hopes for physical, mental, and spiritual health-for ourselves and those we love. 
175th Anniversary Celebration
Mitzvah Weekend 

For over 20 years, Mitzvah Weekend has helped thousands in our community.  This year, we will take our commitment to the 175th degree! 

The weekend will start Friday, November 11th, at a special Erev Shabbat featuring Ambassador Rabbi David N. Saperstein.

On Saturday, November 12th, join an Interfaith Havdalah and Program. The evening will include a mitzvah project helping refugees. 

On Sunday, November 13th, a day of fun and service will ensue as we support our community through various mitzvah projects.  There is something for everyone-click here to learn more!
Heritage Weekend

Friday, November 18th at Erev Shabbat, we will rejoice in our history and renew our commitment to Rodeph Sholom. Andrew Dolkart, noted architectural historian and Professor of Historic Preservation at Columbia University, will provide insights into the history and design of our Sanctuary and our magnificent home. 

Our Heritage Weekend continues on Sunday afternoon when we visit our original building, now Chasam Sopher, on the Lower East Side.  In addition to a panel discussion there will also be neighborhood tours.
Rabbi Robert N. Levine 25th Anniversary Celebration

Join in celebration of this joyous milestone as we honor Rabbi Levine for his inspirational leadership for 25 years. Come worship, learn and socialize with our congregation family and with past and present CRS clergy.

Celebrations begin at the Erev Shabbat service on Friday, December 2nd, followed by an oneg and a chance to re-connect with clergy alumni.

Return on Saturday, December 3, in the early evening for a fascinating theological conversation with Rabbi Levine and clergy alumni. A beautiful Havdalah service will conclude the festivities.
Community Events
Chamber Music Concert

This concert, "Celebrating the 175th," will be spectacular.
Our special guest is John Novacek.  For a sneak peak at his virtuoso work, please click here. There will be light refreshments beginning at 6:45PM.

Please RSVP to   chambermusic@crsnyc.org
Sisterhood Torah Study

Love, jealousy, anger and fear - these are just a few of the emotions that complicate our relationships with family, friends and colleagues. These are also at play on the world stage and in the national conversation about who is fit to be our next President. Join Sisterhood for a timely, engaging, and important conversation about the dignity and treatment of women in the Torah and today. 

It will led by Jackie Linden, Karen Orzechowski, and Stefanie Romanoff. It's sure to be a meaningful morning! 

RSVP to sisterhood@crsnyc.org; address provided upon RSVP.
New Dads' Baby Brunch with New Dad Rabbi Greg and his baby Eden Fay Weitzman

New Dads with kiddos 0-18 months are welcome to a social brunch of bagels, lox, and burp cloths!  There will be an entertainer to delight the young ones, and a chance for new dads to have fun and relax.  RSVP to kbarrett@crsnyc.org.
Renaissance, Rebirth, Renewal: A Post-Kristallnacht Discussion

Jonathan Ornstein, the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Center in Krakow, Poland, will give a first-hand account of the miraculous rebirth of Jewish life in Poland today, and discuss why it is such a vital story for the Jewish world at large. 
Adult Education 
Hebrew Classes: Beginning, Continuing, Prayer Book

Jewish Basics
Upcoming dates  for Semester 1: November  9, 16 

This course is an introduction to basic Jewish culture, ritual, and living. Open to all who want the opportunity to take a closer look at why and how Jewish rituals have developed and how these rituals create meaning in our lives.
Book Group
Upcoming dates: December 1, January 5, February 2, March 2, April 6, May 4 and June 1

This month, we are reading "The Merchant of Venice" by William Shakespeare.  New readers are welcome to all meetings.
Mah Jongg
Next date: Thursday, December 8

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: mahjongg@crsnyc.org.
Our Haven and Our Strength: Personal and Spiritual Pathways through the Psalms
with Rabbi Jackie Ellenson
Upcoming dates: Fridays on December 9, 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.
Lunch Together
Upcoming dates: December 20, January 24, February 14, March 28, April 25, May 16, June 13

Lunch Together will focus on the topic of protecting yourself in the digital age. Come and learn the basics of protecting yourself from identity theft, telephone scams and internet fraud. 

Please RSVP to lunchtogether@crsnyc.org or 646-454-3043.
From Orchard Street to Central Park West:
Jewish History with a New York Lens
Taught by Rabbi Daniel Bronstein
Upcoming dates: December 13 and 20

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.

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
Days for Girls - Sisterhood Volunteer Project

Days for Girls is a grassroots non-profit that gives feminine hygiene kits to 400,000 girls and women worldwide who live in poverty, so they don't have to miss five days of work or school each month. 

Sisterhood at CRS has joined with volunteers at The Church of St. Matthew and St. Timothy to make kits to distribute to girls and women in need in New York City.

Please join us! This does not require knowing how to sew; all you need is a desire to make a difference.

If you have questions, please write sisterhood@crsnyc.org.
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 go to VolunteerHub to learn about types of volunteer opportunities available.
St. Xavier's Soup Kitchen

Help prepare and serve meals to visitors at the St. Xavier's Soup Kitchen in Chelsea. Please visit Volunteer Hub, http://crsnyc.volunteerhub.com/to sign up. Volunteers must be 17 and over.
CRS Shelter is Open!
Do you know anyone who has volunteered?  Ask them about it!

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!  
Yom Kippur Appeal 5777/2016
Thanksgiving is nearly upon us. During this time of abundance and gratitude, we hope you will remember Congregation Rodeph Sholom and help provide for our community with your support of the Yom Kippur Appeal. 

The YKA is our largest source of revenue aside from membership dues, which only cover 55% of our operations. Philanthropic support, over and above dues, allows us to maintain well-loved programs, explore exciting new projects, and meet previously unanticipated needs within the congregation.

From providing dues assistance, to making unexpected repairs to our building, to supporting our remarkable clergy, your participation makes a tangible impact.

To make your gift to the appeal:

 * Return the pledge card attached to your High Holy Day     ticket.
* 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.

Your support is essential to our congregation's strength. We thank you in advance for your generosity!