Hebrew Institute of Riverdale Bayit BULLETIN January 1st - 8th, 2021 Tevet 17 - 24, 5781 3700 Henry Hudson Parkway, Bronx, NY 10463 718-796-4730 www.thebayit.org MAZAL TOV TO: Eva & Yoni Reichel on the birth of their daughter Naomi Leslie. Mazal Parashat Vayechi Tov to grandparents & Lizbeth Schonfeld and Atara & Michael Reichel. Mazal Tov to  Candlelighting: 4:20pm great grandparents Judy Rodan, Harvey Wolinetz and Carol & Hyam Reichel.  Mincha: 4:10pm* Debbie & Jeffrey Gelfand on the birth of a granddaughter to their children &  Shacharit: 8:00am, 8:30am, Kornbluth in . Mazal Tov to uncles Yoni and Eli and to Aunt Shira and the entire 10:00am Gelfand family.  Sof Zman Kriat Shema: 9:40am  Zman Tefillah: 10:27am Michelle & Avi Snyder on the birth of a boy. Mazal Tov to grandparents Naomi and Dr. Sinnreich, Jessie Liu-Snyder, and Stuart and Dawyn Snyder.  Mincha: 4:10pm  Havdalah: 5:24pm CONDOLENCES TO:

*Livestreamed via Zoom until Ezra (& Sherry) House on the passing of his brother, Steven House. Shiva will be observed begins. through Wednesday morning, January 6th in Florida. Wishes of condolence for Ezra are zoom.us/j/6136133700 welcome via email at [email protected] and phone at 917-417-0600 from 4:00pm - 8:00pm Sunday through Tuesday.

WEEKDAY TIMES: WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Elaine & Mark Weitzman, Holly Engelman To join us in person for tefillah visit www.thebayit.org/form/tefillah13 to THIS SHABBAT @ THE BAYIT

complete the health screening and SCHEDULE CHANGE SHABBAT MORNING: There will be 3 tefillot on Shabbat sign up. To join via Zoom visit: morning: 8:00am (Terrace), 8:30am (Sanctuary), 10:00am (Social Hall) zoom.us/j/6136133700 Shabbat Tefillah Registration: Visit www.thebayit.org/form/shabbat12 by noon Friday to Shacharit: sign up for this Shabbat and for next Shabbat go to www.thebayit.org/form/shabbat19  Sun: 8:30am starting at 10:00am on Sunday.  Mon, Thu: 6:40am, 7:50am* Zoom Kabbalat Shabbat w/Reb Elli& Adinah: 3:30pm: zoom.us/j/6136133703.  Tue, Wed, Fri: 6:30am, 7:50am* reading in the Stone Chumash begins on page 268. Haftorah begins on page 1145. Mincha/Maariv:  To listen before Shabbat visit www.thebayit.org/vaychi  Sun - Thu: 4:30pm   A page guide for tefillah and for most commonly used siddurim and Daf Yomi Sun and Legal Holidays: chumashim is available by clicking here. 7:30am, Mon - Fri 8:15am, Motzaei Teen Tefillah: See page 4 for details! Sign up now at www.thebayit.org/event/teentefillah Shabbat: 45 minutes after Havdalah. Contact [email protected] for Tot Shabbat: To maintain social distancing we are limiting sign up to 17 families per Zoom info. session. Register at www.thebayit.org/event/totshabbat.

*7:50am Weekday Tefillah is on Motzaei Shabbat Havdalah & Melave Malkah: 5:45pm. zoom.us/j/6136133703 Zoom only. THIS MOTZAEI SHABBAT, JANUARY 2ND | 8:00PM NEXT SHABBAT: Gratitude Mandala - Counting Our Parashat Led by Morah Adiella Shemtov, Art Educator at SAR Academy Shabbat Mevarchim As we enter this new solar year, let us take the time to count and record the blessings in our lives by creating Maagals/mandalas.The art form of maagals, also known as mandalas,  Candlelighting: 4:27pm helo etc and are found in all traditions and throughout history. Using symbols and  Mincha: 4:17pm symmetric design, the artist creates an artwork of intention, meditation and blessings.  Shacharit: 8:00am, 8:30am, Materials Needed: Paper, Scissors, Colored Pencils/Markers 10:00am ZOOM.US/J/6136133703 | All ages welcome!  Mincha: 4:20pm  Havdalah: 5:31pm End of Year Video Message From Bayit President Gillian Steinberg Please consider adding a special Click here to watch a message about our Bayit and how we are prayer to the silent Amidah for thriving and serving - and inviting your involvement in this most Coronavirus. challenging of years. Click here for complete text. WELCOME VIRTUAL MEMBERS! New Wednesday morning class To learn more, see our flyer on page 5or visit www.thebayit.org/form/virtual with Rabbanit Bracha starting This Wednesday, January 6th! NEW: Class Spotlight - Page 3 Staff Directory - Page 3

See page 6 for details. Youth Dep’t - Page 4 POTS Update - Page 4

WEEKLY CLASSES @THE BAYIT

MONDAY TUESDAY

Intermediate : Living Lessons on the Torah Avodah Zara 10:00am Rav Avi 10:30am Rav Ezra zoom.us/j/470341910 zoom.us/j/470341910 The Book of Daniel Halacha Chabura: 11:15am Rav Ezra Hilchot Aveylut (Mourning) zoom.us/j/470341910 11:30am Burt Nusbacher zoom.us/j/470341910 Foundations of Judaism 7:45pm Rabbanit Bracha To register email [email protected]

Rav Medan on Sefer Shemot 8:30pm Rav Steven zoom.us/j/6136133703

WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

Sefer Yehoshua: Entering the Land *in Hebrew* 10:00am Rav Steven - zoom.us/j/470341910 9:15am Rabbanit Bracha zoom.us/j/470341910 Learning Service 6:30pm Livya Tinestit-Weiss First week: The Great Partnership - Sci- zoom.us/j/6136133702 ence, Religion and the Search for Mean- ing (details on page 7) *In English* Niggun Circle 11:30am Rabbanit Bracha 8:00pm Rabbanit Bracha zoom.us/j/470341910 zoom.us/j/6136133700

BREATH BODY MIND OPEN SPACE / DAF YOMI WORKSHOP PROCESSING

Monday-Friday: 8:15AM | Sundays/Legal Monday-Thursday · Monday · 8:30PM Holidays: 7:30am | Saturday Night 45 1:00PM Community-Led minutes after havdalah Shira Gordon zoom.us/j/6136133702 Eli Oberstein, Rabbi David Schwartz, Dov Weinstock zoom.us/j/6136133700 zoom.us/j/6136133702 THE BAYIT BULLETIN Breath, Body Mind Workshop w/Shira Gordon: Mon. - ONLINE WEEKLY PARASHA RECORDINGS Thu. 1:00 - 1:45pm zoom.us/j/6136133702 Visit our website for audio recordings of the entire Torah, Breath-Body-Mind (BBM) classes consist of gentle movement arranged by Parasha and featuring our exceptional Ba’al and breathing practices to relieve anxiety and depression and Keriah, Bernie Horowitz. The site also includes a guide to each calm the nervous system. Classes meet via Zoom Monday - trop (cantillation note) and to the Hebrew pronunciation. Thursday 1:00-1:45pm with Shira Gordon, RN, MS MPH. www.thebayit.org/parasha

NIGGUN CIRCLE Donations to the Sefarim fund will be used to Niggun Circle meets every Thursday evening at 8:00pm. Join us purchase the books we need as determined by for spiritual songs and uplifting melodies as we prepare for the rabbinic team and gabbaim. Donors will be Shabbat. w/Rabbanit Bracha zoom.us/j/6136133700 recognized with a thank you in the second bulletin of every month and a dedication ABRAHAM & 'S TENT: DEDICATED IN label in the book when it is purchased. To MEMORY OF HENRY & GOLDIE GUTTMAN z"l & donate visit our website at SPONSORED BY JOE GUTTMAN z”l www.thebayit.org/sefarim.

The tent continues to operate by delivering meals instead of gathering together in the Bayit. Thank you to all of the SAVE THE DATE: MOTZAEI SHABBAT NAME TAG volunteers who are making weekly deliveries. MIXER • JANUARY 9TH • 8PM

The cost of individually packaged meals is substantially higher Throughout this pandemic we've seen each other on the than our usual weekly expense. Please consider co-sponsoring a street, not always recognizing who it is behind the mask. week at www.thebayit.org/tent to support this program. We've also gotten a chance to see other members of our community over Zoom, but not to sit and have a conversation Co-Sponsored this week by Teddi Levine in honor of her son and like we do in shul! daughter-in-law Steven & Donna and her granddaughter, Leora and Join us over Zoom on Motzaei Shabbat Parshat Shemot for a their new Bayit. May it be a Jewish home filled with blessings, shalom virtual version of Name Tag Shabbat including breakout bayit and joy. rooms for fun activities. More details TBA.

CLASS SPOTLIGHT ON: ZOOM PASSWORD: All Zoom meetings require a Sefer Yehoshua - Entering the Land password that was distributed by email. New users - please email [email protected] to request the password. We have done a deep dive into Chapters 1-5 through lively and Note: No password required for dial-in access. thoughtful conversation. Coming up: Conquering Yericho (Jericho), challenges for the fledgling nation of Israel, more battles to be fought! COVID-19 WHATSAPP SUPPORT GROUP

Taught by: Rabbanit Bracha We are considering offering a WhatsApp group for those who Meets: Wednesdays 9:15am are or have been ill with COVID. If you or anyone in your fam- Language: Hebrew ily would like to join such a WhatsApp group, please contact Level: Conversational Rabbanit Bracha at [email protected]

Most of our staff is now working remotely. Please use the numbers listed below to contact them. If you call the main line, and leave a message it will automatically be sent to the intended recipient. IMPORTANT: We can only respond to your call if you leave a message with your name, phone number and the reason for your call! Your patience is greatly appreciated. Contact Us: Phone: 718-796-4730 Email: [email protected]

Steven Exler, Senior Rabbi: [email protected]/ 917-494-3380 Richard Langer, Executive Director: Phyllis Newsome, Bookkeeper: Ezra Seligsohn, Associate Rabbi: [email protected]/ 732-626-5902 [email protected]/ 201-503-4923 [email protected]/ 610-405-5725 Bryan Cordova, Facilities Manager: Yael Oshinsky, Program Associate: Bracha Jaffe, Associate Rabba: [email protected]/ 914-809-0203 [email protected]/ 201-503-5562 [email protected]/ 443-983-5083 Yali Weiss, Youth Director Shuli Boxer Rieser, Assistant to R’ Weiss: Sara Hurwitz, Rabba: [email protected]/ 845-418-2781 [email protected]/ 929-269-2892 [email protected]/ 646-337-4047 Avi Weiss, Rabbi in Residence: [email protected]/ 929-269-2892 SOCIAL WORKER @ THE BAYIT - TAYLOR BRITVAN, LMSW Taylor is available to the HIR community through the Partners in Caring (PIC) program facilitated by The Jewish Board and funded by UJA-Federation of New York. She can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 516-524-2951. Taylor works in Riverdale at the Beatman Center on most Mondays and Tuesdays. She is passionate about destigmatizing and normalizing mental health issues, and she is eager to expand the Bayit's programming to service our members' needs. Please contact her directly to share ideas, for more information, or to schedule an appointment. YOUTH DEPARTMENT PROGRAMMING & RESOURCES

TOT SHABBAT 11:30am - Signups limited to first 17 families. www.thebayit.org/event/totshabbat.

PLAYGROUND TIME Despite the cold weather, families are welcome to use the Bayit playground during daylight hours. Email [email protected] for the code to unlock the gate and your planned time of use. If multiple families request the same time, we will ask you to shift your plans to maintain physical distancing.

TEEN TEFILLAH – now meeting at the Bayit! Our first few weeks of Teen Tefillah have been well received There is plenty of space for more teens to join us for a spirited, but safe, davening. Tefillah begins at 10:30am. Signup at www.thebayit.org/event/teentefillah.

Volunteer for the Youth Department and win big! The Youth Department is looking for a variety of parent volunteers for event prep, events, Teen Tefillah, and many other ways to help. Volunteer for 25 hours between now and Purim, and win a generous gift card to one of our local partners. Email [email protected] to start volunteering today!

TEEN DRASH CORNER Will return after Winter Break.

If you are a teen and would like to be featured in our new Teen Drash Corner, please email Bayit Youth Director, Yali Szulanski at [email protected]

BAYIT SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE - POTS UPDATE Winter in the Bronx: Cold weather is making it harder to be poor in the Bronx. Food shortages and housing challenges are not going away, but with the snow and cold it is harder to access food pantries, and underheated apartments are worse to live in. But the Bayit is trying to help: To date we have raised over $23,000 to help our neighbors right here in the Bronx! Thank you to everyone who is participating. What does your donation provide?  $25 provides 9 hot meals to homeless neighbors in need of lunch.  $50 get two clients access job training or employment through a consultation with the workforce coordinator.  $100 helps one family access stability-enhancing benefits such as SNAP or Public Assistance.  $150 affords a client a meeting with mentor who can set and develop the pathway to reach personal goals.

Click here to give to POTS, and remember to write in HIR so we can track your gift.

UPDATED GUIDE TO COMBATING LONELINESS ON SHABBAT AND YOM TOV: The winter months bring new challenges to those in our community who are struggling with feelings of loneliness and isolation due to social distancing.

Please click here to read our updated guide with ideas and tips for managing a little better. Whether you are struggling yourself or looking for ways to help family members, friends or neighbors, we hope you find this useful.

REMINDER FROM THE RIVERDALE MIKVAH In order for us to properly maintain the safety and health of the Mikvah, as well as follow our screening protocols, we require Mikvah appointments 24 hours in advance. Appointments can be made via the website https://www.riverdalemikvah.com/. When appointments are full on the online system, please email [email protected], and we will work to accommodate all requests made 24 hours in advance. Please know you can always email us, in addition to calling, to discuss any specific needs/ requests/or questions. Please do your best to make appointments, when possible, a few days in advance. This has been happening less regularly of late, and we want to remind you to keep trying to schedule your appointment in advance to enable all mikvah use to run smoothly for everyone. Thank you!

Elevating The Moment When Receiving the Vaccine

We have been waiting months for this moment when we receive the vaccine - is there a special we can say to mark and blessing based on this responsum by Rabbi Linzer, Rosh Yeshivah )שהחיינו) elevate the moment?We suggest saying the Shehechiyanu and president of YCT: https://library.yctorah.org/lindenbaum/should-i-make-a-brakha-when-receiving-the-covid-19-vaccine/ Here is a link to a kavanah - an intention which guides our thoughts towards thanking God in this awe-inspiring moment as we move from darkness to light. The kavanah was written by Rabbanit Bracha and Rabbi Eli Yoggev. https://images.shulcloud.com/111/uploads/Rabbanit-Bracha/PrayerforReceivingtheCOVID-19Vaccine.pdf

PURIM PUSKHA COLLECTION! We raised over $2,000 in loose change and small bills last month! Still have a pushka at home? Reach out to [email protected] to arrange pickup. Throughout January and during February until Purim (February 26) we will come to your home, lobby, or driveway for a masked, socially distant pickup.

Thank you to Rabbi Moshe Edelman and Nancy Stern Scholem for continuing this program!

DONATE BOOKS FOR RIKERS ISLAND INMATES

Rikers Island is home to one of the largest urban jail complexes in the United States. Bayit member Rav Kretzmer-Seed is a chaplain there, counseling and offering solace and wisdom to detainees of all faiths. Education and self-improvement options at Rikers are limited. We can increase their options by providing prisoners with books, preferably with Jewish themes [siddurim, chumashim, and other basic texts], and of Jewish general interest, in English, would be most appreciated. We have set up boxes in the driveway for any books you might want to donate.

Bring your books to the Bayit today! You will find boxes at the bottom of the driveway.

Thank you from Rabbi Gabe to all those who have donated over 20 cartons of books so far!

Indoor Tefillah @ the Bayit As we head into the colder months, our practice of having indoor tefillah during inclement weather likely means that we will be having tefillah indoors more often than not. Our Bayit remains committed to conducting all tefillot in the safest manner possible. In addition to our requirements for physical distancing and mask wearing, we have made adjustments to our HVAC with new, higher grade filters and adjusted the system to bring in fresh, outside air with each cycle. To take full advantage of these adjustments we ask that only Bayit staff and gabbaim open or close windows and doors so that one set of adjustments to direct air flow is not undone by another set of adjustments with unanticipated consequences. Thank you for your cooperation.

BUSINESS ADVERTISING IN THE BAYIT BULLETIN - Promote your business to Bayit bulletin readers in the first STARTING JANUARY 6TH! bulletin of every month. Contact the office at 718-796-4730 or Wednesday mornings at 11:30am [email protected] for more information. HIR's posting of any with Rabbanit Bracha advertisement is not an endorsement of the advertiser, or of "The Great Partnership - Science, the product or service offered. Religion, and the Search for Meaning"

Discussions of articles in this book by Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l.

In English

CONSIDER BECOMING A BAYIT SHOPPING BUDDY OR CALLER

 Shopping Buddies: We want to continue to discourage "extra" errand running and continue to provide shopping buddies, especially to our immediate neighbors. You can be paired up with someone in your building or geographic proximity.  Callers: We want to continue to check-in on those in our community who have been isolated at home for such a long time and continue to offer an opportunity for callers to connect with other members in the community and reduce loneliness. We need more volunteers! If you can help, or want to learn more, please email [email protected]

THE BAYIT The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale – The Bayit – is an open Orthodox synagogue serving the entire Jewish community by warmly embracing all Jews, regardless of affiliation, commitment, orientation or background. It is affectionately known as the "Bayit," which is a home – a place of love and welcome. We are known nationally for bringing spirituality into the synagogue; activism on behalf of the oppressed; youth and teen engagement; learning programs; and work on behalf of the elderly, the homebound, and those with developmental and physical challenges. If these words resonate with you, if our Bayit has touched your life, then please join our growing membership. Beyond the bayit - community announcements SAR ACADEMY INFORMATION SESSIONS: Open your world to a school where your child's unique spirit and talents are respected, valued, and nurtured. Our open architecture promotes open thinking, boundless energy, and a warm inclusivity. We cultivate in our children the understanding that Torah informs who we are in all of our interactions, and how we carry ourselves in the world. Join us at an information session for prospective parents to learn about our Early Learning Center, Lower School, and Middle School: January 7. Register at saradmissions.org/infosession. For questions: call (718) 548-1717 x1251 or email [email protected].

LEFFELL SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR LANGUAGE-BASED LEARNING DISABILITIES (PALS): If you are looking for an integrated and specialized opportunity for students with language-based learning disabilities within a vibrant Jewish day school, look no further than The Leffell School in Westchester. Contact Lisa Mendler at [email protected] for more information.

From the Riverdale-Y:

Camp 2021 We're so excited to return to traditional summer camp in 2021! Save up to $600 on summer camp when you register before January 31. Camp Kulanu (ages 2 to 5), Summer Stage (ages 6 to 16), Camp Twelve Trails (ages 5 to 16). For more information, please visit www.RiverdaleY.org/camp.

Enrichment Activities Join us for fun enrichment programs to get moving and active. Sign up for activities like swim, basketball, theater, dance, or music at www.RiverdaleY.org/enrichment.

Senior Meals Our community’s seniors need your support! The Riverdale Y is preparing and delivering free, hot, kosher meals to seniors in our community! Please visit www.RiverdaleY.org/seniormeals and donate generously. If you'd like to donate your time, you can help volunteer by reaching out to [email protected].

KCI Food Pantry

The KCI Food Pantry provides fresh Kosher food delivery to anyone in need in the community. The economic downturn has affected many people, and the Met Council and UJA Federation of New York are helping the community get these food resources to help. Please call (646) 647-1380 or email [email protected]. All requests are confidential, and all food is delivered to your door.

The Mikvah of New Rochelle. Please be aware that the Mikvah of New Rochelle is open by Appointment Only – and appointments must be made in advance. We cannot accommodate walk-ins or same day scheduling. To schedule an appointment please text Sandra Spingarn @ 914-946-4578. Scheduled times must be adhered to. For additional information, click here for the Mikvah website http://www.mikvahofnewrochelle.org/

HEBREW FREE LOAN SOCIETY IS HERE TO HELP DURING THE PANDEMIC. No interest loans for personal NEW YORK STATE COVID RENT RELIEF PROGRAM or small business use are available for New Yorkers affected by If your income has been reduced due to the shutdown you may the pandemic. WWW,HFLS.ORG 212-692-9023 qualify for rent assistance. https://hcr.ny.gov/RRP

TORAH ACADEMY OF BERGEN COUNTY invites the community to “Honor Our Heroes” on Sunday, January 10th at 8 p.m. The virtual 38th annual dinner program will feature an exclusive interview with Ambassador Nikki Haley, words of inspiration from Israeli tech blogger and startup advisor Hillel Fuld, and pay tribute to TABC alumni who have served in the IDF. Register at tabc.org/virtual dinner.