Message From Rabbinic Intern Jules Ilian

This past Monday, I found myself caught in a rainstorm during a quick walk to the grocery store. It was a welcome change from the intense heat of last week. Having left my umbrella at home, I had no choice but to embrace walking in what felt like a rainstorm reminiscent of those described in the story of Noah’s ark. Walking through that rainstorm, I felt connected to the Divine. 

Our Jewish liturgy mentions rain at different times throughout the calendar year. During the Amidah prayer, we thank God for dew drops during the summer months, and in the fall and winter, we praise God for bringing on the wind and rain. On the holiday of Shemini Atzeret, we have a longer prayer for rain that recalls our biblical ancestors' own connections to water. Our ancient ancestors knew, just as well as we know now, the importance of rain for sustaining life. Walking in the rain is experiencing the answer to thousands of years of prayer. It is a reminder of our connection to the Divine.

L’shalom,

Rabbinic Intern Jules Ilian

Shabbat Evening Service 

Friday, July 10th at 7:00pm

Find strength, spirituality, and community at Shabbat Services.

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

Help Make Sukkot 2026 More Special!

Zoom Planning Meeting – Tuesday, July 14 – 7:00pm

On Tuesday, July 14 at 7:00pm., everyone is welcome to attend a Zoom meeting focused on creating a series of small, home-based Sukkot gatherings.

The activities will be grounded in the mitzvah of welcoming guests on Sukkot. The mitzvah might or might not take place in a sukkah.

Some gatherings may center on meals, music, storytelling, and discussion. Some may be family-oriented; others quieter and more reflective.

We are seeking:

• Volunteers to help organize the project

• Members who may be willing to host a gathering in their home

• People with creative ideas for themes or activities

We hope you can join us.

Can't make the meeting, but are interested in participating? Please contact Bruce Grossberg at brucegrossberg@yahoo.com.

Join the RTFH Choir!

We are a group of sweet, hardworking, and non-judgmental musicmakers.

Rehearsals for High Holy Days begin Tuesday, July 21 at 7:30pm.

Questions?

Email Cantor Emily for more details.

Summer Mitzvah Day 2026

Sunday, August 9

10:00am - 2:30pm

Brighten Lives Through Mitzvot

Let's bring Jewish values to life through meaningful mitzvot that spread sunshine and inspire connection.

Visit our website for more details about this heartwarming day.

Co-hosted by the Social Action Team and Women's Connection

Support These Summer Mitzvah Day Projects Starting Now

Kitchen Supplies Needed

Help families living in temporary housing at the Corona Family Residence cook, share meals, and thrive as we bring the Jewish value of kavod habriyot--honoring the dignity of every person--to life.

We're collecting gently used and new kitchenware:

• Everyday dishes
• Pots and pans
• Flatware
• Glassware (wrapped for transport)
• Cooking utensils
• Basic kitchen items - knives (safely wrapped), peelers, can openers
• NO electrical appliances



You can also purchase new items on our Amazon Wish List.

Before dropping off your kitchenware, please take a moment to ensure that all items are clean, in good working condition, and free of cracks or chips. Donations accepted now through Summer Mitzvah Day.

Thank you for helping us provide families with kitchen essentials they can use with dignity.

Fight Food Insecurity in Queens

Donate non-perishable, non-expired food to support the 2026 Interfaith Forest Hills Food Drive.

Feed the hungry and perform the mitzvah of ha'achalat re'evim.

Every can, box, or bag helps!

Drop off your items on the table in Temple's Upper Lobby. 

Celebration in a Bag

We're creating Celebration Kits to bring joy to food insecure families.

Each bag includes all the essentials for a party--because every family deserves to celebrate a simcha!

Purchase items from our Amazon Wish List and perform an act of loving kindness, gemilut chasadim!

Donate your old, gently worn, or new sneakers* to help the earth...

and fulfill the mitzvah of bal tashchit, do not destroy or waste.

Bring your pre-loved sneakers of ALL SIZES to Temple's Upper Lobby now through Summer Mitzvah Day.

*Soccer, baseball, and golf cleats with rubber or plastic bottoms (not metal) are accepted too!

Torah Study All Summer Long

Join our dynamic Bible Study with Rabbi Mark Kaiserman all summer from 9am-10am on Zoom. We are exploring the book of Kings and the civil war and royal intrigue of the Jewish people.

No previous reading or knowledge needed. Join any time.

Study with us on Zoom.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Participate in the Reform Movement's Get Out The Vote Campaign to engage under-represented voters in advance of the 2026 midterm elections.

Last chance to order your postcard writing kit!

Reclaim our Vote Postcard Kit Request Form

Order kits by July 9 for North Carolina

to be mailed October 2026

Each postcard kit includes instructions, a sample script, voter addresses, and 30 postcards. You'll provide the stamps.

Any questions, please contact Social Action Team member Rabbi Irwin Goldenberg at irwingoldenberg2@gmail.com.

Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah in 2026!

Did you never have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah when you were a kid?

Did you have one but didn’t read Torah or lead the service and want a redo? Do you want to be part of engaging community learning with Rabbi, Cantor, Rabbinic Intern Jules, and more?

Sign up for Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah for 2026-2027. Classes will be held on Sunday morning during Religious School with the service on October 2027. Email Rabbi Mark Kaiserman at rabbikaiserman@rtfh.org if you want to be part of the learning and joy!

Thank you for supporting RTFH