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Dear RTFH Family,
Today is September 11. This is a date that stands out for our generation without need of an explanation as December 7, July 4, and January 1 often do. As Americans and especially as New Yorkers, our hearts are still torn from the pain and losses of that day.
October 7 has been added to our lexicon of dates that speak for themselves. The Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel killed thousands. Since then, we have seen a year of bloodshed with innocent people being used as hostages and human shields rather than working for any sort of peace.
To remember those who were killed, to affirm our support for the Israeli people, and to strive for peace for Israel and Gaza, we’ll share prayers and programs throughout the coming weeks.
Join the Queens Jewish community on October 7 as we gather together in unity. Registration is required. At RTFH, we’ll continue to connect to Israel at Shabbat and High Holidays, as well as a special program during Simchat Torah services on the Hebrew one-year yahrzeit of the attacks.
As a Jewish family, we need to stand strong with each other for strength and consolation, as we demand the hostages be brought home and that peace becomes a reality.
L’shalom,
Rabbi Mark
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Wednesday 9/11/24 First Night of ToFHY at 6:10pm
Friday 9/13/24 Shabbat Evening Services at 7:00pm
Saturday 9/14/24 Temple Tots at 10:00am
Sunday 9/15/24 Women's Connection Rosh Hashanah Seder at 9:30am
Friday 9/20/24 Shabbat Evening Services (30th Anniversary Service) at 7:00pm
Sunday 9/22/24 Parents Association Challah Making at 12:00pm
Friday 9/27/24 Shabbat Evening Services at 7:00pm
Saturday 9/28/24 Selichot Study & Selichot Service at 7:00pm
Sunday 9/29/24 PA K/1 Chat and Chew at 9:30am
Wednesday 10/2/24-Friday 10/4/24 Rosh Hashanah
Friday 10/4/24 Shabbat Evening Services (Shabbat Shuva) at 7:00pm
Sunday 10/6/24 PA 6th/7th Grade B'nai Mitzvah Vendor Swap at 9:00am
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Celebrate 30 Years of RTFH
Friday, September 20 at 7:00pm
30 years ago this fall, four Reform synagogues merged to form The Reform Temple of Forest Hills.
During 2024-2025, we will celebrate our three decades of community, commitment, and connection. We will also look forward to building the next thirty years of welcome, learning, social action, and spirituality in our vibrant congregation.
Join us on Friday, September 20th at 7:00pm for a 30th Anniversary Service. Through song, prayer, surprise guests, and a special oneg at this Shabbat service, we’ll honor our whole Temple family.
Temple members who have been here since the merger will be called up for a special blessing. All kids and teens in attendance will also have a special honor as we celebrate the past and build our future.
There will be 30th anniversary events all year long. Mark your calendar for some of the highlights by visiting rtfh.org/30th for updates throughout the year.
Happy 30th, RTFH!
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Join Us for the High Holy Days at The Reform Temple of Forest Hills
Click Here for all information on the High Holy Days at RTFH (tickets, schedule, Book of Remembrance, Children's Services, etc).
Please note: HHD Tickets will be mailed to RTFH Members during the week of September 16
More info to come!
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Join Us for Temple Tots this Year!
Temple Tots is a monthly interactive Shabbat for children 5 years & younger and their families. Join Cantor Emily, Rabbi Mark, and the Temple Tots team in creating meaningful Shabbatot and lifelong friendships.
First Temple Tots is September 14th!
You can find out more here:
www.rtfh.org/engage/temple-tots
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Women's Connection September Meeting
Sunday, September 15 at 9:30am
Women's Connection special meeting date and time this month is Sunday, September 15th at 9:30 AM. Our program is: Sephardic Rosh Hashanah Seder!
This special seder, led by RTFH & WoCo member Trudy Turk, features unique songs and stories. "It's one of my most favorite things we do every year and the kids love it!" Together, we'll venture beyond apples and honey to explore the foods and traditions shared by Jews around the world as they celebrate the New Jewish Year!
Trudy and her husband, Aaron Yavelberg, enjoy this annual meal with Aaron's aunt, Rahel Musleah, a Jewish educator, award-winning journalist, and author of several books including "Apples and Pomegranates". Rahel was born in Calcutta, India, and is the seventh generation of a Calcutta Jewish family that traces its roots to 17th-century Baghdad.
A light vegetarian brunch will be served during our business meeting, followed by the seder. This event is open to RTFH members only, who also identify as women. Cost is free
RSVP by 9/12 Here: https://forms.gle/A41feJSY98v4XexD8
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A Time for Reflection to Prepare for the High Holy Days
Selichot, Saturday September 28, 2024
Movie and Discussion at 7:00pm
Selichot Services at 10:00pm
Prepare our souls and hearts for the High Holy Days on Selichot.
At 7:00pm, join us to watch and discuss the short film The Last Repair Shop, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Film in 2024. We will also view a couple comedic shorts including God starring Melissa McCarthy. Popcorn will be served!
At 10:00pm is our memorable Selichot service where we change the Torah mantles and have the first sounding of the Shofar.
This service will also be available on our livestream at rtfh.org/live.
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Call for High Holy Days Ushers & Greeters
The Reform Temple of Forest Hills is busy planning for the High Holy Days.
Many of the Temple's congregants volunteer their time each year to usher at the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services.
This special contribution to the Temple is always very much appreciated.
We hope you will be available to serve as an Usher or a Greeter at one or more of the services.
Please sign up at this link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904084CA5AD2CA13-51158516-2024
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Shana Tova!
To celebrate the joy of connecting with each other, Women’s Connection invites you to participate in our Temple’s long-standing tradition of sending New Year’s cards to our Temple family. Every congregant, clergy and staff member, as well as the Religious School and custodial staff will receive a customized card with a warm Rosh Hashanah greeting.
For a donation of $18, we will list your name in the lovely, thoughtful card, to let our Temple family know that you are thinking of them during this upcoming holiday season.
Today (Wednesday, September 11) is the last day to register to be sure that your name appears in the card.
https://www.rtfh.org/new-year-s-card/
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Drop your donations in the Upper Lobby at Temple now until September 13th. | |
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K-1st Grade Parents' Association Chat & Chew
Sunday, September 29 at 9:30am
Enjoy some breakfast and meet parents and guardians from our K-1 class. PA members and Religious School faculty will be available for introductions and questions
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Parents Association 6th and 7th Grade B'nai Mitzvah Vendor Swap
Sunday, October 6 at 9:00am
Families who have hosted a b'nai mitzvah in the last few years are invited to come and share their recommended vendors and lessons learned with families preparing for upcoming b'nai mitzvah. DJs, venues, florists, photographers - you will be doing a community service by sharing lessons learned and recommended vendors with fellow RTFH families.
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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. | |
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Meditation Sit with Cantor Pincus
Please Note: Special Time for This Friday (September 13) at 10:00am
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
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Torah Study on the Book of Judges -
Saturdays at 9am
Enrich your Jewish self with our Jewish story and text as we continue our fascinating, fun, and unpredictable study together online. Join any time. We are currently exploring the book of Judges. 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.
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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 in plastic hanging bins in the lobby of the temple near the coat room or use the link below.
Send Birthday Wishes
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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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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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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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