A Message from Rabbi

Dear RTFH Family,

As the secular New Year arrives, it brings another opportunity for hope. 2026 is still a blank slate where we can put our deepest wishes and our commitment to making a better, safer, and more caring world.

The best resolution we can make in the new year is to truly live. “Vayechi” (And he lived) is the name of this week’s Torah portion, serving as a reminder “To Live.” Jacob, in the twilight of his life, offers final words and actions to express appreciation for the blessings in his life and regret for his failings.

Rather than wait for a deathbed reflection, take this moment. Express gratitude to someone who has made your time in this world better. Reach out to someone you’ve lost touch with. Live your life in 2026 with conscious actions of positivity and possibility.

Happy New Year!

Rabbi Mark

Shabbat Evening Service

Friday, January 2 at 7:00pm

Find strength, spirituality, and community at Shabbat Services.

Services are live-streamed at rtfh.org/live and youtube.com/reformtempleofforesthills

Service Time Changes in January 2026

Because of winter break, please note the following service time changes:

January 2, 2026 - Services will be at 7:00pm and will be a regular service

January 9, 2026 - Services will be at 6:15pm and will be a Shabbat Reshon Services led by our 5th grade, including a Reshon dinner afterward

Don't Miss Events

Forest Hills Chamber Music Series

Sunday, January 11 at 2:00pm

Music for Voice and Harp & Clarinet Quintets

Learn More and Register

Men’s Group Program – Matching Minds with Sondheim

Tuesday, January 13 at 7:00pm

Be part of the new Men’s Group at RTFH for all adult men. To kick things off, we’re throwing a Games Night led by Temple member Barry Joseph, drawing from his new book, Matching Minds With Sondheim.

Stephen Sondheim is best known for his musicals, but he also hosted legendary games nights filled with laughter, strategy, and surprise. In this participatory workshop, explore how to design and host Sondheimian “games nights,” drawing inspiration from the

Broadway legend’s favorite parlor games and the principles that made them unforgettable.

Join the fun! There is no cost, but please RSVP

Optional pizza dinner ($5 cash) will be served.

RSVP Here

January 2, 7:00pm	Shabbat Services
January 8, 7:00pm	WoCo Monthly Meeting
January 8, 7:30pm	Men's Study Group
January 9, 6:15pm	Shabbat Reshon and Dinner with the 5th Grade
January 10, 4:00pm	Temple Tots Havdalah
January 11, 2:00pm	Chamber Music Series
January 13, 7:00pm	Men’s Group Games Night
January 17, 6:00pm	RTFH 20s & 30s Havdalah and Potluck

Save the Date:

Friday, January 30 at 7:00pm

Please join the 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.

Men’s Study Chat with Rabbi Kaiserman

Thursday, January 8 at 7:30pm

Take time to expand your social, cerebral, and soulful nature at Men’s Study. Over pizza, we’ll explore current events and the challenging world.

Men’s Study meets on the first Thursday of each month (except this month when it is on the 2nd Thursday) and is open to the congregational community.

Come Join Us for Temple Tots Tu BiShvat:

Saturday, January 10 at 4:00pm

Come in your PJ's for Havdalah!

Cantor Emily, Rabbi Mark and the Temple Tots Team invite you and your family to a fun Shabbat celebration for children 5 years & younger and their families.

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.

Torah Study - Explore the soap opera of King David in 2 Samuel with Rabbi Mark Kaiserman every Saturday from 9am-10am on Zoom

Give the Gift of Warmth

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

Just $25 keeps 10 New Yorkers warm.

Use RTFH's link to contribute by December 31.

Donate new or gently used, laundered coats in the Temple's upper lobby until January 25.

Learn More and Donate

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

The Social Action Team is partnering with Queens Community House (QCH)--please watch this 1 minute video about their urgent need.

Stock QCH's shelves! 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

Monetary donations to QCH's Food Pantry are also greatly appreciated.

Donate to QCH's Food Pantry

RTFH Birthday Connection

Acknowledge someone’s special day by sponsoring a birthday greeting! Each greeting is $1 and Women’s Connection will send each person a personalized Happy Birthday greeting in the mail, which lists everyone who donated in their honor. Exciting for adults and kids!

(Birthday Connection can be found under your MEMBERS tab on the front page of the RTFH website.)

Birthday Connection-January

Birthday Connection-February

Birthday Connection-March

Thank you for supporting RTFH

Visit RTFH.org