Message From Rabbinic Intern Jules Ilian

This week's Parsha, Devarim, begins the book of Deuteronomy. Through Moses’ recollection, we, the keepers of Torah, are reminded that it was not through perfect steps that we became a people. Instead, it was through many challenges and mistakes that our nation was formed. It is a reminder of our collective resilience. Our people lived through the hard journey thousands of years ago, and here we are today.

Had the journey through the desert been 40 days instead of 40 years, the Israelites would not have had the time necessary to establish identity. It was because of these hardships that so many of our traditions and laws exist. What our ancestors shaped in the wilderness, we find solace in today. As we encounter challenges in our own lives, may we draw upon the tradition and strength of our ancestors to guide us. 

L’shalom,

Rabbinic Intern Jules

Shabbat Evening Service 

Friday, July 17th at 7:00pm

Find strength, spirituality, and community at Shabbat Services.

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

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.

Twilight Shabbat Outdoors Services in August!

Join us in the backyard of Temple for an outdoor Shabbat service on Friday, August 14 at 6:15pm.

Please be advise of the new date for the Twilight service. Services will not be livestreamed, so join us in person! If weather is not permitting, we will move the services into the Sanctuary.

Please note that the service on Friday, August 7 will be held at 7:00pm.

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, unexpired 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 served by Masbia of Queens.

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

Purchase items from our Amazon Wish List (to deliver by Aug. 7) 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!

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!

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.

Thank you for supporting RTFH