WEEKLY NEWS

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Join us in wishing comfort to Shira Eve Epstein, David Tolchin and their children, Yadin and Maya, at the passing of Shirley Epstein, their mother and grandmother. 

Meet Our New Engagement Associate, Reena Bromberg Gaber

Reena Bromberg Gaber graduated from Columbia and the Jewish Theological Seminary this past May and is absolutely thrilled to join the Ansche Chesed team. She grew up in the Greater Philadelphia Jewish community, at Ramah Poconos, deeply involved in USY, and at a Conservative shul. In her free time, Reena loves to bake, watch movies and Broadway shows, craft (currently: bead embroidery) and watch sports, especially the Phillies and the Eagles (Go Birds!). Having led the Yigdal and Mishpacha services, as well as taught in the Hebrew school at AC, she knows how special, warm, and welcoming the community is. In her role as Engagement Associate, Reena is excited to assist with day-to-day operations and work with the community to facilitate engaging programming and events together. Reena cannot wait to get to know you and work with you.

Our Coat Drive Was a Huge Success!

We had more than 250 guests come to Ansche Chesed last weekend to pick up the coats that we collected during our Coat Drive with Team TLC. Thanks to your donations and our dedicated volunteers, we were able to distribute 200 coats (and other winter gear), with around half of that going to children. Thank you to everyone who donated, helped organize, and volunteered to help set up, sort, and give out coats!

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.

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

Shabbat Gym

First Session on Saturday, December 6

Group 1: 1 - 2pm (all ages)

Group 2: 2:30 - 3:30pm (kids ages 7 and under only)

Meet, schmooze, and enjoy the company of other AC families on Shabbat afternoons while your children play in the Discovery gym in AC's basement! The gym, with its child-friendly mats and tumbling area, is open for families with kids ages toddler to tween. Open to AC members and non-members. Learn more and register

Reflections Through Painting and Collage: Workshop Series with Amy Tenenouser

Next Session on Sunday, December 7 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

The Bridge Blueprint: Basics, Strategy and Fun -- How to Play the World's Most Popular Team Card Game

Monday, December 8: Structure and Rules

Monday, December 15: Strategy and Tactics

7 - 8:30pm in 5 North

Bridge is a partnership game that can bolster your memory, inferential and deductive reasoning and social cognition. Played by hundreds of thousands at the tournament level and tens of millions at the social level, Bridge can provide a lifetime of enjoyment, challenge and healthy gray matter. AC member Dan Small will teach you the rules, objectives and basic strategies to allow you to start playing and highlight on-line, print and in-person materials and venues that can help you refine your skill and master the game. No partner is required for this class. 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 smoother reading. Using authentic biblical texts, we will learn fundamental Hebrew vocabulary and grammar to deepen your understanding of biblical Hebrew. Learn more and register

Shirei Chesed Community Chorus

Weekly Rehearsals on Wednesday Evenings in 5 North

Shirei Chesed builds community through a rich repertoire of Jewish music, bringing harmony to a world that needs it more than ever. 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.

20s & 30s Hanukkah Happy Hour

Thursday, December 18 from 7 - 10pm at Virgo (324 Grand St.)

Join Reshet Ramah Ba'Ir (20s and 30s alumni and friends), USY Alumni, YALA, and JTS Alumni for a night of latkes, drinks, sufganiyot (jelly donuts), music, and fun as we get excited for Hanukkah! Learn more and register

NHC New England Winter Retreat: Family-Friendly Jewish Shabbat in the Country at Camp Ramah Palmer

December 19 - December 21

Come spend Shabbat Hanukah with Jews from other pews with activities, davening, post-Shabbat musical entertainment, and a spiritual forest/lake environment in winterized accommodations at Camp Ramah in Palmer Mass, hosted by the National Havurah Committee. Participate in spirited prayer, or contemplative meditation, take walks in the woods or at the lake, study accessible texts, learn and sing new songs, stretch your body and your mind with engaging study and discussion all weekend long. The weekend will include a variety of classes and workshops, including two courses with AC member Solomon Mowshowitz (Almost Jews on the borders of Jewish authenticity, and The Angel of Death on the power, limitations, and elusive personality of everybody’s last companion.There will also be a supervised program for children and special reduced fees for 20’s and students. 

Camp Ramah has an indoor recreation facility, a lake, wooded walking paths, informal lounges, seminar rooms, a state-of-the-art Beit Midrash complex, a Judaic library, and a prayer space. Accommodations are simple, comfortable, and fully winterized. Single rooms and "motel-style" rooms are available. Meals are kosher, with vegetarian options. Towels, linens, and blankets are provided.

For all the courses and full details, see the host organization's site and click on the "regional retreats" button, or see the Winter 2025 Brochure.

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 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

Housekeeper/Caretaker Seeking Employment, from Corinne Boren

I am recommending my friend Anila who is seeking employment as a housekeeper, caretaker or companion. Anila is very experienced and caring. She helped me take care of my mother for over four years and truly enhanced her quality of life until my mother passed in 2020. Should you wish further information please feel free to contact me at my email address co18bo@aol.com or by phone 212 864 8163.