WEEKLY NEWS

Follow Ansche Chesed on Instagram and Facebook for photos, events and more. 

If this newsletter is cut off, click here to view in browser.

Join us this Shabbat at Kiddush to honor and say farewell to our longtime Maintenance Supervisor, Tony Vicioso. Tony has been part of the AC community for more than thirty years (!), doing crucial work -- often behind-the-scenes -- that has kept our many programs and services running smoothly. Let us take some time to thank him for his years of dedicated service and say a heartfelt goodbye before he retires later in the month.

Please consider making a donation to the Kiddush Fund in Tony's honor.

We also thank Ricki and Jeff Segall for contributing toward Kiddush in honor of their 62nd anniversary and Jeff's chanting the haftarah this Shabbat.

AC is Hiring -- Spread the Word!

As Tony Vicioso retires, AC Is looking for a full-time Head of Maintenance to oversee our maintenance and custodial teams and ensure facilities are clean, safe, and prepared for each event. Know someone who might be a good fit? Learn more and apply HERE. Feel free to share with your networks!

Learner's Minyan

Saturdays, 10 - 10:45am in the Multipurpose Room (basement), first session on January 10

The more comfortable you feel in synagogue, the more comforted you can feel in synagogue. Our rabbis and JTS interns -- Rabbi Hammerman, Rabbi Kalmanofsky, Toby Banks and Abigail Goldberg-Zelizer -- will rotate as leaders. You will become more familiar with the literary, spiritual, and musical highlights of the Saturday morning service. After the 45-minute sessions, we will rejoin the wider community in the Sanctuary. 9 Shabbat morning sessions, January 10 - March 7. RSVP here, walk-ins welcome!

Shabbatones at AC

Saturday, January 10 

We are delighted to welcome the Shabbatones to AC for Shabbat! The Shabbatones will perform in Hirsch Hall during Kiddush, and will also add their voices to Sanctuary services and children’s tefillah. For more than 20 years, the Shabbatones, the University of Pennsylvania’s premier Jewish a cappella group, have brought joyful, high-energy Jewish music to communities across the country. Founded in 2001, they blend contemporary American pop, Israeli hits, and beloved Jewish choral pieces into dynamic, engaging performances for audiences of all ages. Their music has been featured on the Best of Jewish A Cappella series, and the Shabbatones have brought their music to synagogues, schools, and notable venues such as Disneyland and the White House!

Join us next week to learn from our Scholar-in-Residence, Professor Daniel Schwartz.

Daniel B. Schwartz is Professor of Jewish History at George Washington University. His current project explores Jews, the Upper West Side, and American intellectual and cultural life in the 20th century.

Shabbat Dinner & Discussion:

Shared Streets, Shared Words: Jews, Blacks, and the Ghetto

Friday, January 16 at 6:30pm in Hirsch Hall



Join us for Kabbalat Shabbat at 5:30pm, followed by Shabbat dinner around 6:30pm and the discussion with Scholar-in-Residence Prof. Daniel Schwartz around 7:30pm. Register here to attend the dinner.

The word ghetto began with Jewish history, yet by the late 20th century it was more commonly associated with Black urban life in America. That shift echoed a familiar urban pattern: neighborhoods once densely Jewish became overwhelmingly Black, and the term ghetto moved with them. What happens when a word so marked by one group’s past is taken up by another? How do shared words shape solidarity—or strain it? And what anxieties surface when communities feel their histories are being eclipsed, appropriated, or misunderstood? This talk explores the shifting meanings of ghetto and the ethical challenges that arise when different groups frame their experiences through the same vocabulary.

Potluck Kiddush Conversation:

World of Their Children (and Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren): The Making of the Jewish Upper West Side

Saturday, January 17 after services in Hirsch Hall



After services, join us in Hirsch Hall for a Potluck Kiddush and talk from Scholar-in-Residence Professor Daniel Schwartz. RSVP here

When Irving Howe published World of Our Fathers in 1976, he offered both an elegy for the immigrant Yiddishkeit of the Lower East Side and a critique of what followed: the “world of their children,” whose Jewishness seemed thinner, flatter, and more conventional by comparison. Yet the Upper West Side unsettled that judgment and became something singular—a Jewish urban space in America with an unmatched density of types, institutions, and energies that shaped American Jewish life and American arts and letters alike. Jews, including Howe himself, helped build that world. This talk explores how it took shape.

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

Mondays, 7:30 - 9pm at AC, Next Session on January 12

January Topic:

V’shinamtam l’vanecha: What are you required to teach your children?

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. RSVP here

Reading Biblical and Prayerbook Hebrew: Bet

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

Join us for another semester with experienced and skilled teacher Nadav Wiesel, where we will review Hebrew letters and decoding rules for 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. Class is appropriate for people with basic Hebrew knowledge. Learn more and register

Reflections Through Painting and Collage: Workshop Series with Amy Tenenouser

Next Session on Sunday, January 18 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

AC Book Group

Next meeting on Wednesday, February 11 from 6 - 7pm at AC

Join our in-person book group for literary conversation rooted in Jewish themes and storytelling. We’ll rotate facilitators (voluntary), and our discussions will be warm, thoughtful, and welcoming. Our next book is Songs for the Brokenhearted by Ayelet Tsabari. Register

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! 

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

Yesodot: Jewish Foundations with Rabbis Jeremy Kalmanofsky and Yael Hammerman

Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22 from 7:45 - 8:45pm in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel

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. Learn more and RSVP, walk-ins welcome.

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.

Chef's Table

Our longtime friend and kitchen tenant, Bruce Soffer of Chef's Table, offers catering menus for Shabbat, holidays, or other occasions, preparing delicious kosher meals delivered to your door. Contact Bruce at (917) 868-7964 or visit his website for more information.

Volunteer for DOROT's Winter Package Delivery

Sunday, January 25 from 10am - 12:30pm at DOROT (171 W. 85th St.) or Moise Safra Center (130 E. 82nd St.)

Deliver warmth and connection to older adults through DOROT’s Winter Package Delivery! As a Package Delivery volunteer, you can make a meaningful connection with an older neighbor through a social visit or phone call and a thoughtful, seasonal package. While the winter season can increase feelings of loneliness or isolation, volunteering for Winter Package Delivery creates shared connections and community. Learn more and register

Start the New Year by Learning Israeli Folk Dancing in the Neighborhood

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

If you have little or no experience with Israeli folk dancing, here is your chance to learn the basics on Sunday Jan. 11 from 6:30 - 7:15 pm - followed by open dancing at all levels with requests until after 9:00 PM. Feel the joy of classic Israeli folk dance every Sunday night with great teachers and friendly people who help you learn the steps. Perfect for beginners or those who need to brush up.  $20 RSVP to rikudayam@gmail.com. Learn more

Medical Equipment and Supplies Available for Donation

Following the wishes of a deceased member of our community, we are looking for people in need of the following items of medical equipment/supplies.

Used: Wheelchairs (2 available, just a year old), walkers, a smart vest (cystic fibrosis and other lung conditions)

New (in package): Diapers, gloves, protective ointment (prevent bedsores), 2 boxes (24 units) of Ensure clear

If you could use any of these items, please contact Alexandra.

Friend Seeking Apartment to Share, from Aliya Cheskis-Cotel

My friend and ex-apt.mate Barbara Ruchames has been renting a room from AC member Bettyrose Nelson for the past 9 years. Unfortunately Bettyrose is moving to an assisted living residence at the end of January so Barbara will have to find a place to live in the City. She is basically looking for an apartment share - it could be with a peer or with an elderly person for whom Barbara could help with apartment chores. Bettyrose is happy to serve as a reference for Barbara. Please contact Barbara with ideas at 917-543-5577 or Barbara.ruchs@gmail.com.