A Message from Rabbi

Dear RTFH Family,

The news continues to unfold with tragedy, violence, and oppression. So we have to find hope and support around us.

This Friday night, we will look to our past, as we draw strength from the life and words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at our 7pm Shabbat service. On Monday morning, join our interfaith community in an interfaith community day of service.

But we can look to right now to find inspiration. This past weekend, 7 of our 10th graders went with me on the Confirmation Trip to Washington, DC for the L’Taken weekend.

Sponsored by the Religious Action Center (RAC), 400 Jewish teens spent the weekend learning about current issues, touring DC, having fun, and then lobbied at the offices of

Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and Rep. Meng.

Our students spoke powerfully and passionately about Gun Violence Protection and the Rise of Antisemitism. They demonstrate that there is a world ahead to be led with justice.

L’shalom,

Rabbi Mark

ARSON in JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI

This past week, Beth Israel Congregation, the synagogue in Jackson, Mississippi, was nearly destroyed by an antisemitic arsonist. This Reform Temple is the heart of Jewish life in the Southern Jewish community. I have visited the congregation twice, including officiating at a baby naming there, and we are devastated by the hatred and the loss.

We are grateful that no one was injured.

The congregation will rebuild, and we invite you to be a part of it.

Learn more and donate on the synagogue’s home page.

Shabbat Evening Service

Friday, January 16 at 7:00pm

Celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Shabbat. The service and music will be filled with inspiration and our imperative to fight for justice and change.

Services are live-streamed at rtfh.org/live and on our Youtube Channel

Celebrate the Conversion of Jennifer Lederman

Jen Lederman will celebrate her conversion to Judaism this Friday night. Join us at 7:00pm Shabbat services to welcome Gavriela bat Meyer on her Jewish journey, along with her fiancé Misha.

Don't Miss Events

January 14, 6:30pm	Drop In Mah Jong
January 16, 7:00pm	Martin Luther King Shabbat Services
January 17, 6:00pm	RTFH 20s & 30s Havdalah and Potluck
January 19, 10:00am	MLK Day of Service
January 23, 7:00pm	Shabbat Services
January 24, 10:30am	Tristan Riveros Bar Mitzvah
January 25, 8:45am	7th and 10th Grade Trip to Anne Frank Exhibition
January 30, 7:00pm	Shabbat Shirah
January 31, 10:30am	Elijah Corwin Bar Mitzvah
February 1, 5:00pm	Tu Bishvat Seder

Please bring peanut, jelly and bread. Any extras will be donated to the First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills food pantry.

The Caring Corner

Thanks to our Caring Congregation Team, we have a new Caring Corner in the lower lobby.

Here you’ll find helpful booklets on your personal and Jewish journeys to take, read, and share. Together, we can find strength for our painful moments and future possibilities.

Remembering Charlie Shereff

Shabbat Shirah

Friday, January 30 at 7:00pm

Please join us and our choirs in honoring the memory of Charlie Shereff.

We invite our community to share in the sweetness of his memory and celebrate his legacy on Shabbat Shirah: the Sabbath of Song.

Learn about the Charlie Shereff Memorial Music Fund

20s-30s Havdalah and Potluck

Saturday, January 17 at 6:00pm

Join the RTFH 20s and 30s group for a cozy Havdalah, followed by a potluck and social evening. This event is at a member's home in Forest Hills. The address will be sent out to those who have RSVP’d the day before the event.

Sign-up is required, and this event is capped at 25 people.

Warm Up New York

10 DAYS LEFT! Donate new or gently used, laundered coats in the Temple's upper lobby until Sunday, January 25.

Thanks to our generous community, we surpassed our $500 goal—but the need continues, and your support makes a real difference.

Use RTFH's link to contribute.

Just $25 keeps 10 New Yorkers warm.

Learn More and Donate

Bring food to Temple every time you come to help our neighbors facing food-insecurity.

Stock the shelves of Queens Community House (QCH)! Donate unexpired, non-perishable food in our upper lobby.

Most Needed Items

Proteins: peanut butter, canned chicken/tuna, dried beans

Canned soups, fruits, vegetables

Rice, pasta, oatmeal

Snacks: granola bars, crackers

Thank you for supporting RTFH

Visit RTFH.org