Message From Rabbi

Dear RTFH Family,

With America’s 250th Independence Day coming in a few weeks, it is a time to reflect on the meaning and power of this “experiment” in democracy, as George Washington called it. There is much to celebrate in the freedoms, values, and possibilities that the United States has brought to the world.

But we must also learn from the challenges and struggles of our nation's history. In this week’s Torah portion, Korach, the text records a challenge to Moses’s leadership by his cousin Korach, reminding us that the development of the Jewish people did not always go smoothly.

So too, we must be honest about American history from colonial times to the present day. Where have we faltered? What can we learn?

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced,” wrote James Baldwin. This Friday at Shabbat services, we will reflect on Juneteenth and our long progression from the horrors of slavery toward the melting pot

of possibilities that America represents at her best. As July 4th approaches, may we continue to learn from our struggles and strive to build the America we can and should be.

L’shalom,

Rabbi Mark

Shabbat Evening Service 

Friday, June 19 at 7:00pm

Find strength, spirituality, and community at Shabbat Services.

We will be celebrating the Installation of our Temple Board during services. We’ll also reflect on Juneteenth.



Services are live-streamed at rtfh.org/live and on our Youtube Channel

Anya Lee is celebrating her Bat Mitzvah!

Saturday, June 20th at 10:30am

Mazel Tov to Anya, and her parents Rachel and Will, and brother Ozzie.

The RTFH congregation is invited to join Saturday morning services via livestream at rtfh.org/live

Anya's Mitzvah Project

For my bat mitzvah project, I made Jared Boxes, which are care boxes for kids in hospitals with things like activity books, stationery, toys, and stuffed animals. I chose this project because I wanted to do something involving stuffed animals, which my family calls gungjais in Cantonese. I’m disappointed to say I don’t actually know how to write it in Cantonese or spell it properly in English. My family, especially my dad, my aunt, my brother and I love gungjais. 

To make the boxes, I made a list of the items I needed, such as pop-its, coloring books, colorful pens, and the gungjais. Then, family members and friends bought them and had them delivered to my place. Then I wrote notes to the patients and packed several items into 12 boxes. My family and I decorated the boxes using stickers. Throughout April, I delivered the boxes to 3 different hospitals throughout Queens. The hospitals I chose were Cohen's children medical center, New York presbyterian Queens, and Elmhurst Hospital.

Don't Miss Events

Temple Tots Shabbat:

Saturday, June 20th at 9:00am

We will celebrate Shabbat with songs, movement, story, craft, and of course: challah and juice!

We hope to see you there!

Cantor Emily, Rabbi Mark and the Temple Tots Team

Help Make Sukkot 2026 More Special!

This fall, we are seeking to create a series of small, home-based Sukkot gatherings hosted by RTFH members in apartments, homes, or public spaces. Some gatherings may center on meals, music, storytelling, and discussion on Sukkot. Some may be family-oriented, others quieter and more reflective.

We are currently seeking:

• Volunteers to help organize the project
• Members who may be willing to host an event in their house or apartment
• People with creative ideas for themes or activities

If you are interested in participating, please contact Bruce Grossberg at brucegrossberg@yahoo.com.

RTFH Birthday Connection

Acknowledge someone’s special day by sponsoring a birthday greeting! Each greeting is $1 and Women’s Connection will send each person a personalized Happy Birthday greeting in the mail, which lists everyone who donated in their honor. Exciting for adults and kids! 

(Birthday Connection can be found under your MEMBERS tab on the front page of the RTFH website.)

Birthday Connection-July

Birthday Connection-August

Birthday Connection-September

Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah in 2026!

Did you never have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah when you were a kid?

Did you have one but didn’t read Torah or lead the service and want a redo? Do you want to be part of engaging community learning with Rabbi, Cantor, Rabbinic Intern Jules, and more?

Sign up for Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah for 2026-2027. Classes will be held on Sunday morning during Religious School with the service on October 2027. Email Rabbi Mark Kaiserman at rabbikaiserman@rtfh.org if you want to be part of the learning and joy!

Thank you for supporting RTFH