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Dear RTFH Family,
Celebrating Israel can be a challenge. As we strive for peace in the region and the return of the hostages, we are faced with real-world actions by governments and politicians. But the concept of a Jewish State – a homeland where Jews facing
antisemitism and persecution can freely go and Judaism can flourish – remains at the heart of Jewish life.
Celebrate Israel at our Shabbat Reshon this Friday. Amit Yaacov, our Israeli Shaliach, will reflect on his home country. We’ll also be led by our Kindergarteners and 1st graders, our Temple Tots, and our Junior Choir. Join Judaism for the next generation and rejoice in the best that Judaism represents.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Mark
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Shabbat Reshon with Kindergarten, 1st Grade, Temple Tots, and Yom HaAtzmaut
Friday, May 2 at 6:15 pm
Shabbat services in-person or via livestream at www.rtfh.org/live
Join us for Friday evening as we celebrate Shabbat and Yom HaAtzmaut led by our Kindergarten and 1st Grades along with our Junior Choir. Special appearance by our Temple Tots.
Services are also livestreamed at rtfh.org/live and on YouTube.
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Temple Tots Parents for Shabbat
All Temple Tots and one parent are invited as our guests this Shabbat Reshon. Please use this link to reserve your seat.
Temple Tots Families Register Here
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Gavin Burchman is celebrating his Bar Mitzvah!
Saturday, May 3rd at 10:30 am
Mazel Tov to Gavin, his mom Erika, and his family.
The RTFH congregation is invited to join Saturday morning services via livestream
at rtfh.org/live
For Gavin's Mitzvah Project, Gavin partnered with Game Changers New York to collect baseball and softball equipment from the local Forest Hills community and others who wished to donate. Game Changers is a nonprofit organization that facilitates sports equipment donations and has upcycled over 100,000 pieces of sports equipment to over 138 organizations.
Gavin is intending to give what he collects to PS 246 in the Bronx and other NYC schools and community organizations to help their baseball and softball programs. Baseball continues to be a special part of Gavin's life, fostering teamwork and friendships and as a healthy physical outlet. He believes all kids who want to play baseball and softball should be able to, whether or not they can afford it. Baseball equipment can be extremely expensive, and he hopes his Mitzvah Project will allow more kids to play and benefit from the game like he has.
Gavin is still collecting through baseball season. Please help by bringing any baseball or softball equipment, in new or good condition, to Shabbat Reshon on May 2. There will be a bin in the lobby. Thank you!
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March in the Israel Day Parade!
Sunday, May 18th
This year, RTFH will march with ARZA: the Association of Reform Zionists of America, under the AZM – American Zionist Movement umbrella.
The time that we march is not known until much closer to the date, but will happen sometime between 9 and 4.
Please contact Cantor Pincus ASAP if you are interested!
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Were you born in May? Come celebrate your May birthday at Shabbat services!
We’ll invite anyone with a May birthday to join us up on the bimah. No RSVP is necessary. Join your Temple family to celebrate your special birthday month!
Yom Huledet Sameach! יום הולדת שמח!
Happy Birthday!
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Thursday 5/1 - Men’s Study at 7:30 pm
Friday 5/2 - Shabbat Reshon (K/1st Grade, Temple Tots) at 6:15 pm
Tuesday 5/6 - Women’s Connection (WoCO) at 7:30 pm
Friday 5/9 - Shabbat Evening Services
Friday 5/16 - Shabbat Evening Services with WoCo Installation
Sunday 5/23 - Final Day of Religious School Picnic in Cunningham Park at 10am
Sunday 5/23 - Israel Day on 5th Parade
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Last Chance to Write a Letter in the Torah!
Sunday, May 4
Our final scribe date is Sunday, May 4. Make your gift today! Help RTFH write our very own Torah and ensure a strong, vibrant future for our Temple community.
If you have already donated to write a letter, make sure you have signed up for your
letter-writing time per Rabbi’s email. Contact Rabbi Kaiserman with any questions.
Add Your Name Now
Thank you, Temple Family, for your generous support.
We’re celebrating your contributions with a digital display in the Upper Lobby.
See your name and photo featured on the video loop, on our website, or in person!
(Donations as of 4/30/25)
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Register for our upcoming Glass Paint and Sip night!
Tuesday, May 6th
7pm - WoCo Business Meeting
7:30-9:00pm - Glass Paint and Sip!
Supplies needed: 8x10 picture frame with a GLASS insert
Paint and brushes provided (If you're unable to bring a picture frame, we can provide one for $10, indicate so on the RSVP form linked below.)
RSVP HERE so we can buy enough paint & if needed, frames!
Join us in the ballroom as we paint, sip, and discuss "The Torah of our Mothers" from Lilith Magazine! We'll provide a simple, Judaic-themed design for you to trace and paint on glass or you're welcome to bring in another design that inspires you.
*If painting will be difficult for you or it's not your preferred creative outlet, bring your own craft to work on during our time together!
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Donations for Recycle
LAST 2 DAYS
Donate your old, gently worn, or new sneakers to help the earth...and RTFH!
Bring your pre-loved sneakers of ALL SIZES to the Temple's upper lobby through Friday, May 2.
*Soccer, baseball, and golf cleats with rubber or plastic bottoms (not metal)
are accepted too!
Any questions, please see these FAQ's or contact Social Action Team member Scott Sheidlower at ssheidlower@york.cuny.edu
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It’s the Perfect Time to Join Torah Study
Take time to expand your social, cerebral, and soulful nature at Men’s Study. Join us at
7:30pm on April 3. Over Pizza, we continue to explore the book, Ghosts of a Holy War:
The 1929 Massacre in Palestine That Ignited the Arab-Israeli Conflict by Yardena
Schwartz. Come even if you haven’t read the book!
Study with us on Zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/703706086?pwd=empYdzZNVWU3cGtuQTRkVTU3d1huZz09
Phone Dial-in: 1-646-558-8656
Member ID: 703-706-086
Password: Numbers36
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Birthday Connection
Acknowledge someone's special day by sponsoring a birthday greeting!
Each month, a list of Temple members celebrating birthdays is posted to the RTFH Birthday Connection. Simply click on the link, create or login to your Member's Account, and fill out the online form. Women's Connection will send that person a personalized
Happy Birthday greeting to everyone who donated in their honor. At only $1 per greeting, Birthday Connection is an easy way to manage a monthly mitzvah for everyone on your list!
Hard copies of Birthday Connection lists with instructions are available below and in plastic hanging bins in the lobby of the temple near the coat room or use the link below.
Send Birthday Wishes
Birthday Connection-May
Birthday Connection-June
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Spearheaded by the Israel Support and Action Committee (ISAAC), our congregation supports Israel by giving to The Shiloni Project, a grassroots organization formed to meet the needs of displaced families and soldiers.
Please give generously by clicking here. See the Israel page of our new website for more details.
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VOTE REFORM in the WZC
It’s time to stand up for our Reform values and vote in the World Zionist Congress (WZC) election today. Visit www.zionistelection.org to vote or www.vote4reform.org to learn more.
By voting for the Vote Reform slate, you are standing up for a democratic and secure Israel and against our opponents who want to strip Reform Jews of their rights and funding. Billions of dollars are at stake!
Voting is open only until May 4. Any American Jewish adult (18 or older) can vote.
Vote Reform today!
After voting, please let us know you voted at rtfh.org/israel
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Welcome to Our
Spring Temple Tots Season!
Saturdays: May 17, and June 21, 10:00 am.
Join your friends! As usual, we’ll celebrate Shabbat together with song and story, movement, a craft, and snack.
If not already registered, you can register HERE.
We hope to see you there!
Cantor Emily, Rabbi Mark, and the Temple Tots Team
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Music Together at RTFH!
We are so thrilled to be in our RTFH home with our beloved
Music Together®️program! for Babies through 8 yr olds
Enroll Today!
MusicTogetherwithMusicandMe.com
718-229-0033
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We're thrilled to have RTFH as our newest school base offering full time childcare education for children aged 2-5 years old
For more information
please call 718-569-5902,
E-mail melvillemontessori@gmail.com,
or click here www.melvillemontessori.com
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Thank you for your support of The Reform Temple of Forest Hills
We welcome you to learn more about our Temple at our new website www.rtfh.org
To donate, click “Donate" at the top of the page or go directly to rtfh.org/donate
- Choose to make a donation in honor or in memory of a friend or family member, and the recipient will immediately receive a warm email notifying them of your donation.
- Yahrzeit Fund: send a donation in memory of loved ones, and a private note is instantly sent to the recipient!
- The Temple Office will provide tax benefit letters after the end of the year fully detailing your donations.
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