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Dear RTFH Family,
As we approach Yom HaAtzmaut (Israeli Independence Day), we are reminded that celebrating Israel does not mean ignoring the difficult realities of our world. Rather, it means recommitting ourselves to the ideals upon which the state was founded: justice, peace, and a secure home for the Jewish people.
Over the coming weeks, we will celebrate the Israel of our dreams and our history through several RTFH events:
- Sunday, April 19: Our Religious School students will embark on an “Experiential Trip to Israel,” exploring the vibrant cities, diverse people, and rich culture that define the land. Volunteers are still needed – see details below.
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Tuesday, April 21: The Jewish community of Forest Hills will gather to observe the sacred transition from Yom HaZikaron (Israeli Memorial Day) to Yom HaAtzmaut. Join the Cantor, the Choir, and me as we partner with our neighbors at the Forest Hills Jewish Center. Registration is required.
- Friday, April 24: During Shabbat Services, we will celebrate Israel’s spirit and our collective pursuit of peace. We’ll hear a personal reflection from the Bogard family on their first visit to Israel and the lasting impact it left on their Jewish souls.
Whether through the eyes of our children in Religious School or the shared prayers of our neighborhood community, we seek to strengthen our bond with the land and its people. Let us come together to celebrate our heritage and pray for a future of
wholeness and peace.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Mark
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Shabbat Service
Friday, April 17 at 7:00pm
Find strength, spirituality, and community at Shabbat Services.
Services are live-streamed at rtfh.org/live and on our Youtube Channel
| | Sofia Troupp is celebrating her Bat Mitzvah! | |
Saturday, April 18th at 10:30am
Mazel Tov to Sofia, and her parents Agueda and David
The RTFH congregation is invited to join Saturday morning services via livestream at rtfh.org/live
Sofia's Mitzvah Project
For my mitzvah project, I worked with the Astoria Park Alliance to rake leaves and clean up Astoria Park. Astoria Park is a special place with hundreds (and often thousands) of daily users. I did this because taking care of the Earth even in a small way impacts it. The environment is something we all need to survive, and it is our duty to make sure it is clean and healthy. I learned that by working together people can accomplish great things, such as protecting nature and improving the park for the community to enjoy.
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Someone has a birthday coming...
You/your child's birthday is approaching and RTFH would like to celebrate it with you!
This Friday, April 17th, we'll celebrate April birthdays at our Shabbat service at 7:00pm.
Come to either one so we can help you celebrate!
No RSVP is necessary. Join your Temple family to celebrate your special birthday month!
יום הולדת שמח! Yom Huledet Sameach! Happy Birthday!
Rabbi Mark Kaiserman
Cantor Emily Wigod Pincus
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Get ready for takeoff! ✈️
This Sunday, April 19, our Religious School will embark on an exciting mock trip to Israel—and we need YOU to help bring the journey to life.
This is a wonderful opportunity to volunteer, engage with our youngest members, and be part of a fun, meaningful, and immersive experience as students “travel” through different stations across Israel. Your energy and participation will make all the difference!
Click here to select your preferred time and station from an open slot. We’d love to have you on board for this special day!
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Laser Tag with ToFHY
Sunday, April 19
We hope that your 7th-12th grade teen joins ToFHY for an exciting afternoon of Laser Tag and more. This trip will be to Laser Bounce, the cost of this trip is $30. Which covers one game of laser tag, one hour of arcade play, and one attraction of their choice.
We will depart from RTFH at 1:30 pm via carpool and return at approximately 4:30 pm via carpool.
| | | April 17, 7:00pm | Shabbat Evening Services | | April 18, 10:30am | Sofia Troupp Bat Mitzvah | | April 18, 9:00am | Temple Tots Yom Ha-Atzma-ut | | April 19, 1:00pm | ToFHY Day Trip | | April 21, 6:00pm | Community Yom HaAtzmaut | | April 24, 7:00pm | Shabbat with Yom HaAtzmaut Observance | | April 25, 10:30am | Gavin Kremer Bar Mitzvah | | May 1, 6:15pm | Shabbat Reshon with Pre-K, K, and 1st Grades | | May 2, 10:30am | Eli Wolman Bar Mitzvah | | May 2, 7:30pm | Elana Arian in Concert at RTFH | | |
Elana Arian in Concert
Saturday, May 2 at 7:30pm
RTFH Sanctuary
Join us at The Reform Temple of Forest Hills for a high-energy, soul-lifting concert with acclaimed Jewish musician Elana Arian — one of the most influential and celebrated voices in contemporary Jewish music, performing at communities nationwide, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the (Obama) White House.
All Ages. One Jewish Vibe.
In a time when it matters most, celebrate, sing, and connect!
Advance Registration Required
Sponsorships Available
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Come Join Us for Temple Tots Yom Ha-Atzma-ut!
This Saturday, April 18th at 9:00am
Upcoming Temple Tots dates:
May 16 at 10:00am
June 13 at 10:00am
Cantor Emily and the Temple Tots Team invite you and your family to a celebration of Israeli Independence Day for children 5 years & younger and their families. If you haven’t done so already, you can register here
PLEASE NOTE: Everyone in the family is invited to the upcoming Friday, May 1st Shabbat Reshon at 6:15, where all Temple Tots and one caretaker are invited to pasta dinner afterwards — on us! We hope the rest of the family joins, and those dinners are on you :-).
More info coming soon about how to register.
This Saturday, we will practice our special song to sing at the May 1st Shabbat.
| | Thank you for supporting RTFH | | | | |
