WEEKLY NEWS

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Join us in wishing comfort to David and Jennie Rosenn and their children, Ben and Isaiah, at the death of David's mother, Marsha. 

We also mourn our long-time member Rabbi Shimon Hirschhorn z"l, and wish comfort to his wife, our beloved Hazzan Natasha, and their daughters, Miriam and Racheli.

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 is Learning Poker!

We had a great time learning about poker with member and competitive player Michelle Bornstein on Monday! The first of our two-part class focused on the rules of poker, and the many benefits of learning to play. Join us this Monday, November 17, as she teaches us more advanced poker strategy! Learn more below or here.

AC SHELTER REOPENS 12/1: JOIN OUR 11/23 VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION!

AC 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, we are 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.

This orientation is open to non-AC 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. Please email Amy if your family will need 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.

If you can’t make the orientation, but want to learn more, just email Amy: ashapirokessler@anschechesed.org. We are so excited about this effort, and we look forward to seeing many of you on November 23! 

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

How Poker Can Save Your Brain and Your Wallet

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

Young Professionals Fall Shabbat Potluck Dinner

Friday, November 21

5:30pm Kabbalat Shabbat, followed by Dinner (around 6:30pm)

Ansche Chesed's Young Professionals invite all 20s and 30s to a free Shabbat Fall Potluck. Join us as we celebrate Shabbat and Thanksgiving together. Bring your favorite kosher dairy or pareve dish to share, wear your best fall colors, and enjoy an evening filled with warmth, gratitude, and community. Space is limited. Please RSVP by Thursday, 11/20.

Winter Coat Drive

Collecting through Sunday, November 23

Distributing on Sunday, November 23 from 1 - 4pm in Hirsch Hall

We are collecting new and gently worn coats and jackets in labeled boxes in the AC lobby through Sunday, November 23 at 4pm. We accept coats for adults and children. We will distribute the coats in Hirsch Hall the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Sign up by Wednesday, November 19 if you would like to volunteer to sort coats, set up, or help distribute. All ages welcome!

Questions? Email Abigail Goldberg-Zelizer.

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

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

Next discussion on Monday, December 1 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

Welcoming and Aware: CSS Volunteer Security Training

Sunday, December 14 at 2pm

Have you been thinking about how you can make a difference in keeping our community welcoming and secure? Interested in increasing your knowledge of safe and secure practices? Register for online and in-person training. Additional questions? Contact security@anschechesed.com.

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.

Register for Ruach Nediva: December 8-14, 2025

Ruach Nediva, “The Volunteering Spirit,” is a service learning trip to Israel with AC's rabbis and members. The trip is now at capacity and registration is closed. Email us to join the waiting list.

Defending Dignity: Eyes on the West Bank, with American Friends of Combatants for Peace

Thursday, November 13 at 7pm at St. Paul & St. Andrew Church (236 W 86th St.)

While the world has been focused on the devastation in Gaza, Israeli settlers have been aggressively harassing Palestinian villagers to force them off their

land. Combatants for Peace, Unarmed Civilian Protection in Palestine and other groups have been working to protect these villagers. Come hear about the transformative work of building and nurturing deep relations among Jewish Israelis and Palestinians. Learn more and register

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

Screenings 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!

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. Learn more and register

DOROT Aging Alone Together

6 Tuesdays: January 6 - February 10, 10:30am - 12pm

Register by December 5

Join DOROT's flagship program for solo agers — individuals who, by choice or circumstance, expect to age independently. This virtual six-week series explores tools, strategies and support to help you prepare for the future through interactive presentations and group discussions. Each week covers key topics such as building community, preparing for future medical decisions, considering financial and legal matters, and exploring how to age at home or make a move. Whether you're aging without family, feeling alone, or seeking meaningful connections, we welcome you. Learn more and register

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