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Hello RTFH Congregants,
Being Jewish means that we are a part of a community network that expands across the globe. In my own travels I have found the warmth of this community. I recall visiting London several years ago during Yom Kippur. After a quick internet search I found a Reform congregation hosting services, sent them a quick introductory email, purchased my tickets, and by the time the holiday came my husband Alex and I were welcomed warmly. Although we were only a part of the community for a day, we were not made to feel like outsiders. The congregation in London knew, what we know here at RTFH, that being Jewish means that we welcome and create a space for connection to other Jewish people looking to share in community and ritual.
One of the wonderful pieces of being a part of a synagogue community is being able to find your own place within the larger community. Last month was the first RTFH 20s & 30s group meeting in many years. It was evident from speaking to those in attendance that there is a need for this community in Forest Hills. So many young adult events are happening in Manhattan and Brooklyn, but far fewer are taking place in Queens, especially in religiously progressive communities. This revived 20s & 30s group allows local young adults to meet, connect, and embrace their Judaism in an accessible way. Our next 20s & 30s event takes place on Tuesday, August 19th. If you or anyone you know is interested (the event is open to both RTFH and community members) I invite you to sign up using the link later in this email. Everyone deserves to find a community that fits their needs and matches where they are in life. It is my hope that RTFH can continue to fill this for so many people.
L’Shalom,
Rabbinic Intern Jules Ilian
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Dear Congregants:
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we continue to further improve accessibility to our Temple. We are in the process of installing our second stairlift. To accomplish this task, we first need to replace some of our marble steps, to enable individuals to use the stairlift and left stairwell (facing the upper lobby) in a safe and secure manner. This is something that we did not foresee happening. We anticipate that the repair of our stairwell will be completed by early next week, at which time the additional stairlift can be installed. Until that time, both the left stairwell (leading to the Sanctuary) and the prior stairlift will not be accessible. We look forward to having a fully functioning stairlift, which will provide greater accessibility to both the upper and lower levels of our Temple in the coming weeks.
Kind regards,
Allan Hoberman
Director of Operations & Finance
| | Learn more about RTFH High Holy Day Services and ticket purchasing at www.rtfh.org | | | Time to register for Temple Tots!
Join us in an interactive Shabbat for
children 5 years & younger and their families.
Fall/Winter 2025 Session
Saturday, October 4th at 10:00am (Sukkot)
Saturday, November 1st at 9:00am
Saturday, December 13th at 9:00am (Chanukah)
Saturday, January 10th at 4:00pm* (Tu Bishvat)
*Temple Tots Havdalah
Cantor Emily, Rabbi Mark and the Temple Tots Team invite you and your family to a fun and interactive Shabbat full of songs and joy.
We'll share in story time, music, and crafts!
Don't miss out on updates and programming!
Register here
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Friday 8/15 - Shabbat Services - 7pm
Tuesday 8/19 - 20s & 30s Wine and Cheese Night - 7:00pm
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RTFH is inviting local young adults in their 20s and 30s to a wine and cheese night. This event, which is open to both members and community members, is on August 19th at 7pm in the Garden Room.
Please RSVP by 08/17/2025 https://forms.gle/EKGXkDSrPnKndxoQ7
If you have any questions about this event, or know someone who you think would be interested in joining this RTFH group, please email Rabbinic Intern Jules Ilian at jilian@rtfh.org.
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The College Connection Package
Calling all parents of college students, The College Connection Committee are pleased to let you know that we will be sending packages again during Rosh Hashanah, Chanukah, and Passover.
We are now updating our list of college students and their current addresses.
In order to include your student(s) in this program, please complete this form by Friday, September 5th, 2025. For more information and more detail on registration, click here
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Share A New Year's Greeting
Join us in a cherished Temple tradition—spreading warm Rosh Hashanah greetings to our entire community. Each year, Women’s Connection sends out beautifully designed, original New Year’s cards to all congregants, clergy, and the dedicated staff of our Temple and Religious School.
We invite you to be part of this meaningful gesture. With a donation of $18, your name will be included in the card, letting our Temple family know you are sending sweet and thoughtful wishes for the New Year.
To be included in this year’s card, please register https://www.rtfh.org/new-year-s-card/ and submit your donation by August 17, 2025.
Thank you for helping us share the spirit of the High Holidays!
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King David Comes!
Torah Study has arrived at the fascinating stories for King David. This is the perfect time to join in! Join Torah Study on Zoom each Saturday from 9-10 am as we begin the Book of I Samuel.
Friendship. Romance. Lust for power. Infidelity. Betrayal. God.
The Book of Samuel beats any contemporary soap opera in its intrigue and emotion. Explore the richness of these tales that shaped the Jewish people in one of the most memorable parts of the Tanakh.
No previous reading or knowledge needed. Join any time.
Study with us on Zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/703706086?pwd=empYdzZNVWU3cGtuQTRkVTU3d1huZz09
Phone Dial-in: 1-646-558-8656
Member ID: 703-706-086
Password: Numbers36
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Birthday Connection
Acknowledge someone's special day by sponsoring a birthday greeting!
Each month, a list of Temple members celebrating birthdays is posted to the RTFH Birthday Connection. Simply click on the link, create or login to your Member's Account, and fill out the online form.
Women's Connection will send that person a personalized Happy Birthday greeting to everyone who donated in their honor. At only $1 per greeting, Birthday Connection is an easy way to manage a monthly mitzvah for everyone on your list!
Lists of upcoming Birthdays with instructions are available in plastic hanging bins in the lobby of the temple near the coat room or use the links below.
Send Birthday Wishes
Birthday Connection-August
Birthday Connection-September
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Spearheaded by the Israel Support and Action Committee (ISAAC), our congregation supports Israel by giving to The Shiloni Project, a grassroots organization formed to meet the needs of displaced families and soldiers.
Please give generously by clicking here. See the Israel page of our website for more details.
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Music Together at RTFH!
We are so thrilled to be in our RTFH home with our beloved
Music Together®️program! for Babies through 8 yr olds
Enroll Today!
MusicTogetherwithMusicandMe.com
718-229-0033
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We're thrilled to have RTFH as our newest school base offering full time childcare education for children aged 2-5 years old
For more information
please call 718-569-5902,
E-mail melvillemontessori@gmail.com,
or click here www.melvillemontessori.com
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Thank you for your support of The Reform Temple of Forest Hills
We welcome you to learn more about our Temple at our new website www.rtfh.org
To donate, click “Donate" at the top of the page or go directly to rtfh.org/donate
- Choose to make a donation in honor or in memory of a friend or family member, and the recipient will immediately receive a warm email notifying them of your donation.
- Yahrzeit Fund: send a donation in memory of loved ones, and a private note is instantly sent to the recipient!
- The Temple Office will provide tax benefit letters after the end of the year fully detailing your donations.
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