WEEKLY NEWS

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Mazel Tov to Abby Spaet, her parents, Caryn and L.J. Spaet, and her sister, Miriam, on her Bat Mitzvah this Shabbat.

Kabbalat Shabbat Start Time Changes This Friday

Starting this Friday, October 31, our weekly Kabbalat Shabbat service will begin at 5:30pm instead of 6:30pm.

Highlighting Our Family Service Leaders: Meet Debra Fricano!

Debra Fricano has been a Jewish educator and songleader throughout NYC for two decades, and is so excited to meet the AC community! She is studying to be a singing Rabbi at the pluralistic Academy for Jewish Religion. Though she has the company of her black cat Bagheera when she is in zoom-based school, the opportunity to celebrate Shabbat, with the energy of being in person and singing together, is a true delight! Debra alternates her Shabbat mornings between AC and the Forest Hills Jewish Center, where her partner Daniel Graber is the Rabbi. 

Annual Kol Nidre Appeal

Please consider investing in our Ansche Chesed community and making a meaningful contribution to our annual Kol Nidre appeal. We continue to thrive with your generosity and genuinely appreciate all of your gifts to our community.

AC SHELTER REOPENING ON DECEMBER 1: JOIN OUR CELEBRATORY VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION!

Ansche Chesed is thrilled to partner with Broadway Community to re-open our overnight shelter, after over 5 years, to our unhoused neighbors. Each evening starting December 1, we will offer hospitality, compassion, and dignity to seven guests experiencing homelessness.


Volunteers are the heart of this effort! To prepare for December 1, we will be hosting a “Shelter Volunteer Orientation” on Sunday, November 23, 11am - 1pm. This celebratory “training” is a way to thank everyone in advance for their involvement, AND is an interactive forum for volunteers, and potential volunteers, to learn about the variety of roles open to support this meaningful community effort. 

We ask that every volunteer, and those even just thinking of volunteering, attend the orientation on November 23. This orientation is open to non-Ansche Chesed members too, so please spread the word! Families with children 12 years and older can volunteer together as well, so there will be free babysitting during the orientation.

Click here to RSVP for the orientation. Scroll down to the list of Time Slots and select the top item, called "Sun, Nov 23, 2025 - 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (EST) Volunteer Orientation". You can also already sign up for volunteer slots if you're so inclined, which are listed below the orientation, or of course, you can wait until after November 23!

If you can’t make the orientation, but want to learn more, just email Amy: ashapirokessler@anschechesed.org. Please also email Amy if your family will need babysitting during the orientation.

We are so excited about this effort, and we look forward to seeing many of you on November 23! 

Blood Drive

Sunday, November 2 from 10am - 4pm in 5 North

Come donate blood with the New York Blood Center. It's a mitzvah, and it's easy: it takes only about an hour, and each donation can save up to three lives. Remember to eat, drink and bring your donor ID card or ID with name and photo. Make your appointment

Sarah Laughed and Jacob Cried: The Blessings and Trials of Jewish Parenthood, with Rabbi Yael Hammerman

First discussion on Monday, November 3 from 7:30 - 9pm

Join Rabbi Yael for a monthly discussion about the blessings and trials of parenthood, through a Jewish lens. We will ask questions and look toward our tradition together for insight about being a Jewish parent - as we make new friends and build community connections. Open to parents of all stages, individuals, couples, Ansche Chesed members and non-members. Learn more and register

Meet Rabbi Natalie Lestreger of Kfar Vradim

Tuesday, November 4 at 7:30pm at Ansche Chesed

Join us to meet an extraordinary Masorti rabbi. Rabbi Lestreger leads a community in Kfar Vradim, a town in the Galil that was not evacuated, but which absorbed Hezbollah rocket fire. It is also the home of former hostage Romi Gonen and Sarit Zehavi, the founder of Alma. On the 30th anniversary of the assassination of Itzhak Rabin, this is a powerful opportunity to explore ongoing tensions in Israeli society. Learn more and RSVP

How Poker Can Save Your Brain and Your Wallet

Monday, November 10: Why You Should Learn Poker + Poker 101 for Beginners

Monday, November 17: Poker Strategy

7 - 8:30pm in 5 North

Did you know there's a game that can help you decrease your risk of dementia, decrease the gender wage gap, and increase your chances of getting a job? If you guessed Poker, you're right! Come learn from Ansche Chesed member Michelle Bornstein the many benefits of learning how to play. Whether you are new to the game or have some experience, Michelle will teach us how to play and reap the personal and professional benefits - and share strategies on how to crush your home or work games. Learn more and register

New Ansche Chesed Book Group

First gathering on Wednesday, November 12 from 6-7pm at AC

Join us for a new book group focused on Jewish authors, themes, and big ideas. Our first book will be Kantika by Elizabeth Graver. All adults welcome, including non-members. Learn more and RSVP

Shabbat Connections: Member-Led Potluck Dinner

Friday, November 14

5:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat, followed by Dinner

Shabbat dinner is sweeter with friends! Join us for Kabbalat Shabbat, and then stay to connect with other AC members, ages 40+, over a warm, casual Shabbat dinner to deepen community ties. Please bring a delectable dairy/parve main dish, salad, side dish, or dessert to share. You are welcome to bring your own wine or spirits. RSVP here by Wednesday, November 5

Reflections Through Painting and Collage: Workshop Series with Amy Tenenouser

Next Session on Sunday, November 16 from 10:30am - 12pm in 5 North

In this painting and collage workshop series, led by artist Amy Tenenouser, participants will be introduced to a range of artists and art historical periods while exploring painting and collage through memory, reflection, and Jewish spiritual ideas and culture. Drawing inspiration from still life set-ups and themes that spark imagination and personal life stories, participants will begin to build the foundation for their own unique form of creative expression. Learn more and register

After the Nightmare: American Jews and Israel Since October 7

Monday, November 24 from 7:30 - 8:30pm at AC

Since the Hamas invasion and everything that came with it -- the murders, the hostages, the devastation for Gazans, the surge in anti-Zionism around the world -- many in our community struggle to understand where we go from here. Join Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Rachel Jacoby Rosenfeld, Chief Executive Officer of the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America, as they engage with each other and with us on being American Jews today and our relationship to Am Israel and the nation state of the Jewish people. RSVP here, walk-ins welcome

Register for Ruach Nediva: December 8-14, 2025

Please consider joining רוח נדיבה/Ruach Nediva, “The Volunteering Spirit,” a service learning trip to Israel with Ansche Chesed's rabbis and members. Our volunteer activities will be meaningful but not overly strenuous for people of every age. Thanks to the generous support of the UJA-Federation of New York, the trip is less expensive than other week-long trips, which we hope will enable wider participation.

Click here to learn more about the trip, including a recording of our virtual info session. Register now to join us!

Pre-Shabbat Climate Action from Jewish Climate Action Network NYC

Subscribe for weekly emails with a quick action you can take to support climate legislation, and a short reflection for Shabbat. View this week's.

Rabbi Jules Harlow Parshat HaShavuah Class

Saturdays, 9am in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel or on Zoom

Source Sheet (updated Friday afternoons)

Dedicated to Rabbi Jules Harlow, a great teacher of Torah and Jewish liturgy. Come before class at 8:45am for hot coffee and schmoozing! 

Reading Biblical and Prayerbook Hebrew: Aleph

Mondays from 5:45 - 6:45pm in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel

In this class we will review Hebrew letters and decoding rules with experienced and skilled teacher Nadav Wiesel, for faster and smoother reading of prayerbook and biblical Hebrew. Using authentic biblical texts, we will learn fundamental Hebrew vocabulary and grammar to deepen your understanding of biblical Hebrew. Learn more and register

Interested in Modern Hebrew? We offer a course for those with some Hebrew experience who'd like to continue learning. Contact the office for more information.

Shirei Chesed Community Chorus

Weekly Rehearsals on Wednesday Evenings in 5 North

Shirei Chesed is looking forward to our November 20th performance of a new composition, "The Song of Jonah," along with a choir over 100 voices strong and a full orchestra at Temple Israel! Would you like to add your voice to this exciting collaboration? For more information or to schedule an audition, email Cantor Natasha Hirschhorn.

Wednesday Night Talmud with Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky

Wednesdays at 7pm in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel or on Zoom

This year, our long-running study group will study tractate Moed Katan, focusing on traditions regarding death and mourning. (Don't be dissuaded by the heavy topic. It's very rich!)

Caregivers' Circle, with DOROT Social Worker

Biweekly Wednesdays from 12 - 1:15pm at AC or on Zoom

This group is facilitated by DOROT social worker Jane Blumenstein, LCSW, to provide a supportive community where caregivers can connect and find strength. Whether caring for a spouse, parent, or another loved one, we're here to support you. Learn More and Register

Thursday Evening Classes

Thursdays

Learn to Read Torah: 7 - 7:40pm

Yesodot: Jewish Foundations: 7:45 - 8:45pm

Learn more and RSVP, walk-ins welcome.

Learn to Read the Torah with Hazzan Natasha Hirschhorn,

Would you like to learn how chant the Torah, helping the community hear the holy text? Please join Hazzan Hirschhorn to learn the cantillation system.

Yesodot: Jewish Foundations with Rabbis Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Yael Hammerman

Jewish life often seems to demand a lot of background knowledge. Where do you learn it all, especially as an adult? Please join Rabbi Hammerman and Rabbi Kalmanofsky to learn anew or go back and review some core Jewish practices and concepts.

Parsha Talk

Join Rabbi Kalmanofsky and his buddies Rabbis Barry Chesler and Eliot Malomet for their weekly Parsha Talk. Watch the latest episode

Misheberakh List

We invite you to add the names of your dear ones. Please re-submit them each English calendar month if you'd like us to keep davvening for them.

Reframing Women's Resistance and Courage in Genocide, with Remember the Women Institute

Sunday, November 2 at 2pm via Zoom

The co-editors of Heroines of the Holocaust: Reframing Resistance and Courage in Genocide, Prof. Lori Weintrob and Prof. Judy Baumel-Schwartz, will give a brief introduction about the book that brings together international scholars to examine and share new approaches in the history of women's rescue and resistance during the Holocaust and the Armenian and Rwandan genocides. As well, two contributing authors, who are second and third generation of Holocaust survivors, will discuss their chapters. Learn more and RSVP

AC in the Movies: 31 Candles Screening and Q & A

Screenings begin on Friday, November 7 at Quad Cinema

31 Candles, a Jewish romantic comedy filmed in part at Ansche Chesed, is coming to theaters! You can buy tickets to screenings followed by Q & A with the director and cast. See if you can spot the AC Sanctuary in the trailer!

NYJA Young Leaders Network

Happy hour info session on Wednesday, November 12

New York Jewish Agenda advocates, organizes, and convenes to promote the values of liberal Jewish New Yorkers to influence state and local policies, politics, and the communal discourse. NYJA’s Young Leaders Network is a community of Jewish New Yorkers aged 21 - 35 who are passionate about social justice and civic engagement. Participants come together to learn,

connect, and take action. Learn more and apply to join

DOROT Thanksgiving Meal Delivery

Sunday, November 23 at DOROT (171 West 85th St.) or Ramaz Middle School (114 East 85th St.)

Share Joy and Warmth with an Older Adults at DOROT’s Thanksgiving Package Delivery! The holidays can leave older adults feeling isolated and alone. Volunteers are needed to deliver a festive meal and share an in-person or phone visit with an older adult. For more information and to register, please call 917-441-3726 or visit www.dorotusa.org/thanksgiving.

Classic Israeli Folk Dancing in the Neighborhood

Sunday evenings from 6:30 - 9pm at Bridge for DANCE (2726 Broadway at 104th St)

Feel the joy of classic Israeli folk dance with great teachers and friendly people who help you learn the dances. Perfect for beginners or those who need to brush up. Usually teaching is followed by easy dances and requests. $20 RSVP to rikudayam@gmail.com. Learn more