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Shabbat Toldot
November 14, 2026 / 4 Kislev 5787
| | Shirei Shabbat Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service: Friday, 5:30pm in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel | | Minyan M'at Morning Services: 10am in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel | | West Side Minyan Services: 10am in the Multipurpose Room (downstairs) or on Zoom | | Mishpacha Family Service: 11am in 2 North | | Combined Yigdal-Bnai Chesed Family Service: 11am in 2 South | | Project Aliyah Parsha Study: 11am in 5 North | | Saturday, after services: Being a Zionist Jew Today, with Rabbi Nathalie Lastreger in Hirsch Hall (learn more) | | Sunday, 10:30 - 11:30am: Intergenerational Mitzvah Knitting Group in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel (RSVP) | | Sunday, 10:30am - 12:30pm: Reflections Through Painting and Collage: Workshop Series with Amy Tenenouser on the 2nd Floor (Register) | | Monday, 7 - 8:15pm: Maimonides & the Merchants at AC (Register) | | Wednesday, 7 - 8pm: Weekly Talmud Class with Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel or on Zoom (RSVP) | | Morning Minyan: Monday - Friday at 7:30am, Sunday at 8:30am in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel or on Zoom | | Have a birth, marriage, or other family simcha you'd like to share? Send us your good news! | | |
Kiddush this Shabbat is sponsored by Shira Epstein and David Tolchin to mark the first yahrzeit of Shira's mother, Shirley Epstein.
There will also be a light kiddush/breakfast after morning minyan tomorrow (Friday, November 13) sponsored by Helen Rubinstein in memory of her father, Jack Rubinstein.
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No Elevator This Shabbat
Due to a problem with our elevator, we are moving minyan Shabbat services and other programs from higher floors to accessible spaces elsewhere in the building. Please note the updated service locations listed above. Our LULA elevator remains operational for use between the Sanctuary, lobby, and Hirsch Hall. Thank you for your patience as we work to resolve the issue.
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Kol Nidre Appeal: Hinenu -- We are Here!
Please say hinenu - we are here - by investing in our Ansche Chesed community and making a meaningful contribution to our annual Kol Nidre appeal. If you have not participated in the past, we hope this year will be your first. If you have, thank you for your support, and please give thought to increasing your donation this year to mark Jeremy’s quarter century milestone with our community.
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Support Our Weekly Kiddush Lunches
AC is one of the few shuls that provide a light lunch after Shabbat services, but we need your help to provide enough food - in quantity and variety - for everyone, every week. You can donate to the Kiddush Fund online, and even occasional small contributions greatly help. If you have questions, please contact a member of the Kiddush Committee (Sara Krulwich, Gail Goodman or Rachel Fremmer) or the office.
In addition, we are bringing back the Celebratory Kiddush! The first of our (roughly) monthly celebrations will be on Saturday, November 28. Please join us on Thanksgiving weekend to family you're seeing during the holiday, mark a birthday, anniversary, yahrzeit, or other occasion, or honor this season of community and gratitude. Sign up to be a sponsor
| | THIS SHABBAT: SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE | | |
Rabbi Nathalie Lastreger
This Shabbat, November 13 and 14
Friday Night: Liberal Judaism in Israel After the Elections
5:30pm: Shirei Shabbat
6:30pm: Dinner (for those who registered)
7:30pm: Program (contact the office to join)
Saturday Lunch (after services): Being a Zionist Jew Today
No registration needed
Join us to learn with Rabbi Nathalie Lastreger, President of the Rabbinical Assembly in Israel, a brilliant and brave teacher whose journey has taken her from ultra-Orthodoxy to the Masorti rabbinate. Rabbi Lastreger has served several congregations in Israel, most recently as rabbi of the Masorti community in Kfar Vradim in the Galilee for ten years, accompanying her community through three very difficult years on Israel's northern front line. For many years she has been active on issues of religion and state, and on the status of women in Jewish law and in the rabbinic courts. A human rights activist, educator and lecturer, she is a passionate advocate for religious pluralism and Masorti Judaism.
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Shirei Shabbat Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service
Friday, November 13 at 5:30pm
Please join us to welcome Shabbat with an evening of song and prayer, led by Hazzan Hirschhorn and Choral Intern Leo Dworsky, as we support and elevate the voice of our community with rich harmonies. Come hear our special musical surprise!
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Reflections Through Painting & Collage: Workshop with Amy Tenenouser
Starts this Sunday, November 15 from 10:30am-12:30pm on the 2nd Floor
In this painting and collage workshop series led by member and 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. Register here
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Intergenerational Mitzvah Knitting Group
This Sunday, November 15 from 10-11:30am in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel
Knitters needed! Experienced and new knitters of all ages welcome: bubbies, bring your grandkids; kids – bring your parents. Please RSVP by emailing Emily.
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AC Book Group
Wednesdays, 6 - 7pm at AC
Next Meeting: December 2
An Odyssey: A Father, a Son, and an Epic by Daniel Mendelsohn
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. All are welcome—members and non-members alike. Learn more and RSVP
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Avre Tu Puerta Cerrada: A Poetical Exploration of Love and Longing, with Ronnie Perelis
Saturday, December 5 at 7pm in Hirsch Hall
From the enclosed gardens of the Song of Songs to the alluring gateways of Andalusian courtyards, the gate and the door have served as powerful images for poems of divine and human love. Join Ronnie Perelis as we follow this image from its Biblical roots into its audacious reimagining by the poets of medieval Spain and its creative echoes in the sweet singers of Ladino ballads and contemporary Hebrew music. RSVP here
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Chanukah Sing-Along: Communal Candle Lighting and Potluck Dinner
Wednesday, December 9 at 7pm in 5 North
Celebrate the 6th night of Chanukah with us! Join Hazzan Natasha Hirschhorn, Shirei Chesed Community Chorus and guests for a special musical surprise, a rousing Chanukah sing-along from around the world, and a potluck dinner featuring delicious latkes from Chef's Table! RSVP here
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Welcoming and Aware: CSS Volunteer Security Training
Sunday, December 13 at 2pm at AC
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, learn more here. Questions? Contact security@anschechesed.com.
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Hineni: The Transcendent Song of the Shofar
Sunday, December 13 at 7pm in the Sanctuary
For thousands of years, the shofar has sounded in synagogues as a Jewish call to prayer, reflection and repentance. On December 13 at Ansche Chesed, it will be heard in a very different way: as a melodic instrument, capable of producing intricate musical passages rather than the familiar ritual blasts. Bar Zemach, a shofar-soloist whose playing has been described as defying “the laws of physics,” will appear with renowned pianist Jascha Nemtsov. Together with the Cassatt String Quartet and Cantor-Composers Gerald Cohen and Natasha Hirschhorn, they will present an exciting program highlighting the New York premiere of Cohen’s Hineni (Here Am I), composed specifically for Zemach’s reimagined vision of the shofar. Learn more and register
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Book Drive for PS 145
Sunday, December 6 from 11am - 1pm
B'nai Jeshurun Community House (270 W. 89th St.)
Does your family have children’s books you’re ready to pass along? This Chanukah, AC is partnering with B’nai Jeshurun to collect new and gently used children’s books for the PS 145 Community Bookshelf, where students “shop” (at no cost) for books to take home, keep, and enjoy. We welcome books for preschoolers through fifth grade, including picture books, board books, early readers, nonfiction and graphic novels. Please refer to the detailed book donation guidelines; donors will be asked to take any books back home that do not meet these criteria.
Note: All books must be brought to the B’nai Jeshurun Community House, 270 West 89th St. between Broadway and West End Ave., on December 6, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM.. Please DO NOT drop off books at Ansche Chesed or at the B’nai Jeshurun Sanctuary building.
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Weekly Talmud Class with Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky
Wednesdays from 7-8pm in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel or on Zoom
Our Talmud class will celebrate our 25th anniversary this year, our Silver Jubilee! Please join us -- in person or via Zoom -- to study the 4th chapter of Berakhot, about prayer. This year, we will also bring material from the "other" Talmud, from the Land of Israel, and hope to enjoy seeing where the two works are converge or diverge. Learn more and RSVP
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Shirei Chesed Community Chorus
Wednesdays, 7:30 - 9pm in 5 North
Shirei Chesed Community Chorus continues to build community through learning a rich and diverse repertoire of Jewish music, bringing harmony to a world that needs it more than ever. Our 4-part chorus brings together lovers of choral singing from both AC and the wider Jewish community. For more information or to schedule an audition, email Cantor Natasha Hirschhorn.
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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!
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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
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Parsha Talk
Join Rabbi Kalmanofsky and his buddies Rabbis Barry Chesler and Eliot Malomet for their weekly Parsha Talk. Watch the latest episode
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Weekday Morning Minyan
Mondays - Fridays at 7:30am
Sundays and Civil Holidays at 8:30am
in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel or on Zoom
Join our WhatsApp group, which we'll post to when we need people.
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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.
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Volunteers Needed
Please consider signing up for a volunteer shift at the reopened shelter. Volunteer shifts are easy, with step-by-step procedures and an on-call volunteer to answer questions that come up. Learn more and sign up
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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.
| | Want to stay updated on Ansche Chesed's family programs and services? Subscribe to our "Family Programs" email list or see our Family Calendar. | | |
Join Red Tent Fund in NYC
November 30 - December 4
Red Tent Fund is a national abortion fund providing monthly grants directly to independent abortion clinics across the country, helping ensure they have the resources to support patients and provide essential care. Join them for a week of gatherings bringing together friends, supporters, and community members to connect, build relationships, and learn about their work. Learn more
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Film Screening of In the Path of Peace, with the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan and Director Brad Rothschild
Tuesday, December 1, from 6 - 8pm at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan (334 Amsterdam Ave)
Born in 1930s Europe in response to rising fascism, Krav Maga landed in Palestine and ultimately became a uniquely Israeli form of self-defense. As antisemitism surges around the world in the aftermath of October 7, Jews are increasingly turning to Krav. In the Path of Peace follows students as they learn to defend themselves. Instructors, historians, and experts in Israel and beyond place their stories in a longer history of Jewish survival, and ask what it means to be strong and what it costs. Screening followed by Q&A with director Brad Rothschild. Register here
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DOROT's Aging Alone Together® in collaboration with Synagogue Partners
6 sessions on Zoom, 10:30am - 12pm
January 5, 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9
Join us for Aging Alone Together®, 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. This program is offered at no cost and in partnership with DOROT’s Synagogue Partners. Learn more and register
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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.
| | Members may email us Shuk postings, sending a brief blurb including a member's contact info. Must be received by Tuesday at 3pm. Posts run for two weeks. | | Despite our best efforts and extensive proofreading, we apologize for any errors or omissions. | | | | |
