Dear RTFH Family,

As Chanukah truly bumps into Christmas this year, we strive to create our own independent Jewish identity amidst the green and red.

There is an overwhelming amount of Christmas media surrounding us. Perhaps this year, enjoy the best of the Chanukah movies and television. The Forward published an excellent list of Jewish options from the past and present. From the classics like TV episodes to the contemporary “Hallmark-style” movies, there is something for everyone.

From all of us at The Reform Temple of Forest Hills, we wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday full of light.

Happy Chanukah,

Rabbi Mark and Cantor Emily

Celebrate with family and friends at our annual RTFH Chanukah Dinner, immediately following our 6:15 pm Shabbat Service.

*More details on our registration page.

This year’s menu includes:

Latke Bar with dairy and gluten free options (kosher-friendly)

Brisket with Gravy

Chicken

Chicken Fingers

Veggie Burgers

Grilled and Steamed Vegetables

Rice Pilaf

Sufganiyot and Donuts

Hot Chocolate

Register for the Chanukah Dinner

Mark your calendars for an unbelievable family experience to write in RTFH's very own Torah on:

Sunday February 9^th and Monday February 10^th

Sunday March 23^rd and Monday March 24^th

Your meaningful contribution can make a significant impact on the Temple’s financial health and its ability to serve our community. 

Please give generously—every gift counts.

Friday 12/27/24-Shabbat Evening Services (Chanukah 3rd Night) at 6:15 pm

Friday 12/27/24-WoCo Chanukah Dinner at 7:15 pm

Thursday 1/2/24-Women's Connection Meeting at 7:30 pm

Thursday 1/2/24-Men's Study at 7:30 pm

Friday 1/3/25-Shabbat Reshon (6th Grade) at 6:15 pm

Friday 1/10/25-Sunday 1/12/25-Rabbi Leah Berkowitz at RTFH

Sunday 1/12/25-4th Grade Family Education at Religious School at 9:30 am

Monday 1/13/25-WoCo General Meeting via Zoom-Book Discussion of Mitch Albom's "The Little Liar" at 7:30 pm

Friday 1/17/25-Shabbat Evening Service (MLK Jr. Shabbat) at 7:00 pm

Sunday 1/19/25-Forest Hills Chamber Music Series at 2:00 pm

Friday 1/24/25-Shabbat Evening Services at 7:00 pm

Saturday 1/25/25-Temple Tots at 4:30 pm

Shabbat Evening Services

Friday, December 27th at 6:15pm

The RTFH congregation is invited to join Friday evening services in-person or via livestream at www.rtfh.org/live

Services will also be streaming live at:

youtube.com/reformtempleofforesthills

Save the Date – Rabbi Leah Berkowitz

January 10-12, 2025

In honor of our 30th anniversary, special guest teacher Rabbi Leah Berkowitz will be joining us at RTFH in January.



Friday, January 10 at 7pm Services – The Sacred Story

Saturday, January 11 at 9am – One Midrash, Two Midrash, Old Midrash, New Midrash

Sunday, January 12 – Special programming with our Religious School, 7th Grade Families, and Confirmation

Forest Hills Chamber Music Series

Sunday January 19th at 2PM: The Art of Duo

Performers:

Ari Evan (cello)

Mari Lee (violin)

The Forest Hills Chamber Music Series will open its third consecutive season with chamber music in its most intimate form: the string duo. A not-so-often medium of composition, the string duo did not rise in prominence until the 20th century. This concert will highlight Erwin Schulhoff, a Jewish Czech composer whose life and career was prematurely ended by the Nazi regime, pairing his duo with that of renowned French composer Maurice Ravel.

Program:

Erwin Schulhoff: Duo for Violin and Cello

Maurice Ravel: Duo for Violin and Cello

With selections from Bach, Jorg Widmann, Benjamin Goddard, and Xenakis

Members: $18

Non-members: $25

Door: $36

Students with ID or 18 and under: free

BUY TICKETS

Concert will be live-streamed at RTFH.org/live

Help warm up New York by donating to the 

36th Annual New York Cares Coat Drive!

1 WEEK LEFT! Please help us reach our goal of $500 to spread warmth to our city. Use RTFH's link to contribute by December 31st.

Thank you to our generous, warm-hearted Temple family for donating coats, money, or both!

For more details, please see the Social Action Team's Current Initiatives page on our website or contact Marcia Parness at mhpisme@aol.com.

It’s the Perfect Time to Join Torah Study

This is the perfect time to add that “10% more Judaism” to your life. Join Torah Study on Zoom each Saturday from 9-10 am as we begin the Book of I Samuel.

Friendship.  Romance.  Lust for power.  Infidelity.  Betrayal.  God.

The Book of Samuel beats any contemporary soap opera in its intrigue and emotion.  Explore the richness of these tales that shaped the Jewish people in one of the most memorable parts of the Tanakh.

No previous reading or knowledge needed. Join any time.

For the Zoom link, please see your most recent eblast or contact our Office Administrator Sheryl Hausman at sheryl@rtfh.org. 

Meditation Sit with Cantor Pincus

Special Time-Thursday at 12:00 pm

Get ready for Shabbat with some quiet relaxation time! This 30-minute Meditation Sit with Cantor Emily will incorporate Jewish text, music, and, of course, silence.

For the Zoom link, please see your most recent eblast or contact our Office Administrator Sheryl Hausman at sheryl@rtfh.org. 

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

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

See the Social Action Team's Worldwide Efforts page of our new website for ways you can help support Ukraine. 

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

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.