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Dear RTFH Family,
Last night, The Reform Temple of Hills was joined by The Forest Hills Jewish Center for a program on the rise and scourge of antisemitism in America,
especially since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. We watched the powerful documentary, "October 8," followed by an excellent panel of Temple member Rosanne Bogard, Holocaust survivor Arnie Newfield, and Israeli shaliach (and teacher in our Religious School) Amit Yaacov. Thanks to our incredible Israel team for creating this memorable evening.
There was much to absorb and a challenging road ahead. But one immediate reflection is how vital it is for the Jewish community to stand strong with each
other. Since October 7, there have been more programs with other synagogues
in Queens than ever before. Seeing the members, leadership, and clergy of both
RTFH and FHJC come together in a filled sanctuary gives us hope and resolve.
As Amit said, “The Jewish people’s most important asset is unity.”
Let us always act in favor of unity to ensure our synagogue and Jewish
community is always united.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Mark
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Shabbat Services with Pride
Friday, June 13 at 7:00pm
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Our 9th annual Pride Shabbat is a gathering of the LGBTQ+ community, family, friends, allies, and everyone! Our special guest speaker is JessAnn Smith.
JessAnn Smith is an NYC-based educator, producer, and storyteller. She is part of Keshet, Thank You For Coming Out, the Foundation for Jewish Camp, and The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. She is very active in developing work that serves her Jewish and LGBTQ+ communities. As a Jew, as part of your family, friends, or everywhere in the world – stand up for LGBTQ+ rights and show your pride!
Services are all live-streamed at rtfh.org/live and youtube.com/reformtempleofforesthills
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Eitan Yavelberg is celebrating his Bar Mitzvah!
Saturday, June 14th at 10:30 am
Mazel Tov to Eitan, his parents Trudy & Aaron, and the entire Yavelberg family.
The RTFH congregation is invited to join Saturday morning services via livestream
at rtfh.org/live
For my Mitzvah Project, I knew I wanted to do something that honored the memory of my Papa, who passed away last year after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. My Grandpa loved music, just as much as I do. Even towards the end of his life, when he could not recognize the people closest to him, he was still able to sing, especially oldies songs and holiday blessings. Music was a way for me to still feel connected to him.
I chose a Mitzvah Project that combined my love of music with helping other people like my Grandpa. I had the opportunity to play a concert at both the Alzheimer’s center where my grandfather used to attend and the JCC where my Savta still continues to go daily. With each song I played, I could see the joy and excitement in all of the adults' faces.
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Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg on Torah through the Lens of Kabbalah
Tuesday, June 17 at 7:30pm
Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical tradition, has a unique approach to understanding and interpreting Torah. We will read some mystical text that discusses this approach, and then we will read some Torah together, using a kabbalistic lens.
For everyone who has asked for a class on Kabbalah, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn with an outstanding teacher.
Best to experience in person but also online at rtfh.org/live
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Friday 6/13 - Pride Shabbat 7pm
Tuesday 6/17 - Adult Ed with Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg - Torah Through the Lens of Kabbalah - 7:30PM
Friday 6/20 - Shabbat Services with Juneteenth and Board of Trustees Installation - 7PM
Saturday 6/21 - Temple Tots - 10AM
Friday 6/27 - Shabbat Services - 7PM
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SAVE THE DATE!
Mini Mitzvah Day 2025
Sunday, July 20
10am - 2:30pm
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Spread Sunshine Through Mitzvot
This summer let's embrace the warmth of tradition and the closeness of our community, as we celebrate the joy of doing mitzvot together.
Stay tuned for more details about this special day.
Co-hosted by the Social Action Team and Women's Connection
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Welcome to Our
Spring Temple Tots Season!
Saturday, 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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King David Comes!
Torah Study has arrived at the fascinating stories for King David. This is the perfect time to join in! 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.
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-June
Birthday Connection-July
Birthday Connection-August
Birthday Connection-September
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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 website for more details.
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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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