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Dear RTFH Family,
Sometimes the Torah portion seems to echo world events. This week, we begin Exodus with parashat Shemot. Pharaoh is ignorant of the past and becomes fearful of the large Jewish population of immigrants. “Look, the Israelites are much too numerous for us. Let us deal shrewdly with them so that they may not increase.” (Exodus 1:8-9)
Bad things follow for the Hebrews. But the Torah story isn’t just about oppression. Pharaoh takes a “might makes right” policy. It works for a while. Ultimately, though, small acts of rebellion are his undoing. Shiphrah and Puah, the midwives, refuse to follow evil orders. Moses’s mother and sister, Yocheved and Miriam, make sure their new baby finds safety from persecution. Pharaoh’s daughter defies her father to welcome her son.
Pharaoh’s rule is built on fear. He fears losing power, so he creates fear among the weakest of his kingdom. But it won’t last. Quiet civil disobedience is the first crack in Pharaoh's absolute power. Pharaoh will discover that right is might, grounded in morality, community, and the courageous refusal to let fear dictate our future.
Let us stand strong and stand together,
Rabbi Mark
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Shabbat Reshon Service
Friday, January 9 at 6:15pm
Join our 5th Graders and Junior Choir for Shabbat Services, food, conversation, and fun times!
Service starts at 6:15pm. A delicious Italian dinner and dessert to follow in the ballroom.
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Services are live-streamed at rtfh.org/live and youtube.com/reformtempleofforesthills
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Forest Hills Chamber Music Series
This Sunday, January 11 at 2:00pm
Hear Ari Evan Describe Our Upcoming Concert
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Men’s Group Games Night – 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.
| | | January 8, 7:00pm | WoCo Monthly Meeting (Zoom) | | 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 16, 7:00pm | Martin Luther King Shabbat Services | | January 17, 6:00pm | RTFH 20s & 30s Havdalah and Potluck | | January 30, 7:00pm | Shabbat Shirah | | February 1, 5:00pm | Tu Bishvat Seder | | | |
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.
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Drop In Mah Jong Game Night
Join us for a night full of fun, games and laughs!
Upcoming game night: Tonight, January 7, 14, 21, 28 at 6:30pm
Light Refreshments will be served. Other games are welcome.
WoCo Members: $5, Guest: $8
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Save the Date:
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.
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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.
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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.
Donate new or gently used, laundered coats in the Temple's upper lobby until January 25.
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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.
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Sponsor an Oneg!
Experience the joy of sharing Shabbat after Friday night Shabbat Services! Honor a loved one, mark a special occasion, or simply give a heartfelt gesture. Sponsorship begins at $54.
Sponsor an Oneg
| | Thank you for supporting RTFH | | | | |
