View of Colonial Callowhill Street to Get the Group Organized

WINTER 2017-2018 2 West 70th Street New York, NY 10023

December 15th will mark 71 years since the passing of Maud Nathan. A social activist and a leader in the women’s suffrage movement, Nathan founded and served as first President of the Sisterhood of Shearith Israel, established in 1896. 1. From the Rabbi’s Desk FROM THE RABBI’S DESK 3. A Message from Our Parnas THE KOSHER PARADE OF 1788: 4. Announcements RabbiA THANKSGIVING Dr. Meir Y. Soloveichik REFLECTION 7. Holidays

9. Special Events Rabbi Dr. Meir Y. Soloveichik 11. Judaic Education In 1788 in Philadelphia, soused [pickled] salmon, bread and crackers, 13. Youth at Shearith Israel a parade was held in almonds, raisins, etc.” This may have been CONTENTS 15. Women at Shearith celebration of Pennsylvania’s the first time in Jewish history that kosher Israel ratification of the United catering was provided on behalf of Jews at a States Constitution. largely non-Jewish event. Philadelphia Jewry, 16. Remembering Benjamin Rush, an in other words, participated in the parade as Dennis Freilich, z”l American founder and signer Americans—and then dined as Jews. of the Declaration, wrote that he witnessed 17. Hesed Both of these events—Jewish clergy something remarkable at the procession: “the participating in a public parade, and a separate clergy of the different Christian denominations, 18. Culinary Corner kosher table at a civic celebration—would with the rabbi of the Jews, walking arm in arm.” have been impossible anywhere in Europe in 19. Services Rush reflected that this was “a most delightful 1788. Taken in tandem, Rush’s and Phillips’ sight. There could not have been a more happy 25. Stay Informed remembrances embody the freedom afforded emblem contrived, of that section of the new Jews in America, and capture the unique nature 26. Help Make It All Happen Constitution, which opens its powers and offices of Jewish identity. Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik alike, not only to every sect of Christians, but once wrote that to be a Jew in the world is to 28. Staff and Board worthy men of every religion.” embody Abraham’s statement about himself Meanwhile, Naphtali Phillips, a member of to those among whom he lived: “ger ve- Philadelphia Mikveh Israel community, was also toshav anokhi imachem, I am a stranger and a a witness to the celebration. While he makes neighbor among you.” Jews, he continued, are no mention of the Jewish and Christian clergy called to contribute as members of any society that were there, he does note the following in which they find themselves. At the same extraordinary occurrence: “The procession time, rather than leaving one’s religious identity then proceeded from about Third Street near at home, a Jew is obligated to bring it with him Spruce, northward towards Callowhill Street, or her when entering the public square; we are then wheeled towards Bush Hill, where there equally obligated by the Torah’s laws wherever was a number of long tables loaded with all we find ourselves. In a democracy, he argued, kinds of provisions, with a separate table for the Jews demand the right to be both neighbor Jews, who could not partake of the meals from and stranger. We seek, he argued, to stand the other tables; but they had a fill supply of “shoulder to shoulder with mankind…for the

1 A MESSAGE FROM OUR PARNAS THE CONGREGATION’S YEAR OF YEARS CAMPAIGN: A PROGRESS REPORT welfare of all,” while at the same time we demand at all times the right to practice Louis M. Solomon the faith that sometimes sets us apart. In 1788, both of these aspects of our identity were expressed: Jews and Christians— including their clergy—marched “shoulder Dear Congregants: lend your energy and experience and to shoulder,” expressing their commitment to join this planning and action group. I wanted to update the to working together to build a new nation, If you have the interest and time, Benjamin Rush Congregation on the Year of Years and then the Jews utilized their freedom to please contact Michael at MKatz@ Campaign that we announced in publicly observe the faith of their fathers in fksklaw.com or Ari at ari.sherizen@ our Fall 2017 Bulletin. We are consuming a strictly kosher meal. gmail.com (or email me directly at pleased that we are making progress [email protected]). While Thanksgiving is often associated with on a number of fronts: the Pilgrim story, the first Thanksgiving Third, in our initial announcement, we had First, as we described in the earlier report, our in the United States was actually a described wanting to recruit 23 “Sustaining Year of Years Campaign will span three years celebration of the Constitution and its Families”, major donors who will undertake and will include three major annual addresses freedoms. Washington’s 1789 Thanksgiving anchor gifts of $500,000 or more to sustain our by Rabbi Soloveichik. The first of these talks is proclamation stressed the obligation Congregation and the incredibly important tasks expected to be held in January 2018. Save the of expressing gratitude to God “for the ahead of us. I am delighted to report that as of Dates should go out shortly. peaceable and rational manner, in which we this writing we have already received pledges have been enabled to establish constitutions Second, since announcing the Campaign, from four of our trustees/congregants to make of government for our safety and happiness, we have successfully recruited around 25 that enormously generous commitment. We are and particularly the national one now wonderful congregants, representing a diverse looking for 19 more families, and we will get them, I confidently believe. If you and your family have Naphtali Phillips lately instituted for the civil and religious cross-section of our community, who will form liberty with which we are blessed.” As Jews, the core planning group for the Campaign’s been blessed with the wealth to afford becoming a America’s freedoms give us ample reason for efforts to secure 100% participation from Sustaining Family, please contact the Rabbi or me. gratitude, but they obligate us as well: to the Congregation. It is vitally important that We look forward to a successful campaign. utilize our liberty to be both ger ve-toshav, every single member of our Congregation, Each and everyone one of us should do all we proud, public observers of the Torah and irrespective of one’s financial means, invests, to can to participate, reassured in the knowledge loyal servants of society. Then we, like the best of his or her ability, in our synagogue’s that we have each done our part to secure our Philadelphia’s Jews on that day, can truly be a financial stability, sharing in our communal Congregation’s important place in the next 365 source of pride to our posterity. responsibility to preserve our storied history years of Jewish life in America. and traditions and preserve our important legacy for future generations. All the best to everyone,

Special thanks to Trustee-Segan Michael Katz and to Ari Sherizen for taking the lead in trying View of Colonial Callowhill Street to get the group organized. It is not too late to 2 3 Benjamin Neuwirth, on becoming a Bar Mitzvah. CONDOLENCES IN APPRECIATION Congratulations to his parents, Nataly and Stephen Neuwirth. We extend sincere condolences to: Class Sponsors: Anna and Dov Zigler, on the birth of a son, Carole Baker, on the passing of her father, The Bengio and Misrahi families, for sponsoring a Solomon Benjamin. Eugene Baker. Friday Night Lights lecture. Julia Cohen, on the passing of her mother, Laury Frieber, for sponsoring a shabbat afternoon Naima Moalem. class, in memory of her father, Arthur A. Frieber. SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENTS Estelle Freilich on the passing of her The Julis family, for sponsoring the Fall semester of Hazakim U’berukhim: husband, Dr. Dennis Freilich, and to Friday Night Lights. Benjamin, David, Elliot, and Jonathan Zoya Raynes and Robert Friedman for being Freilich, on the passing of their father. Carol and Alan Schechter, for sponsoring the Fall named the honorees of the JCRC-NY’s Winter semester of Rabbi Soloveichik’s Tuesday Evening Benefit Reception, to take place on December 4 Sidney Ingber, on the passing of his Talmud Class. at the Jewish Museum. brother, Joseph Sholom Ingber. Scott Shay, for sponsoring the Fall semester of Rabbi Scott Shay, on the publication of his article Ruth Kobrin, on the passing of her Soloveichik’s Shabbat Afternoon Class, in memory of Reading The Book Of Jonah — Through The Eyes brother, Stephen L. Freedman. Chana Razel bat Aaron v’Sarah. Of Schrödinger in The Forward. Neal Kozodoy, on the passing of his Barbara Herlands Smith, for sponsoring a Tuesday mother, Marion S. Kozodoy. Morning Women’s Class, in memory of her beloved NEW MEMBERS husband, Myron Smith. Laurent Nahon, on the passing of his ANNOUNCEMENTS We welcome the following individuals father, Louis Nahon. Minyan Breakfast Sponsors: to the Shearith Israel Family: L. Gilles Sion, on the passing of his Ainetchi family CONGRATULATIONS Hadassah Levinson and her son, Richard Strauss mother, E. Jeanette Sion. Arthur and Joel Tenenholtz, in memory of their Mazal Tob to: Ruth and Edward Lukashok Oliver Stanton, on the passing of his mother, Hannah Tenenholtz. Claude Sasson mother, Ruth Schloss Stanton. Bess Castagnello and Simcha Fern, upon Kiddush Fund Sponsors: their marriage. Lu Steinberg and Michael Schulder Ezra Zilkha, on the passing of his wife, Esther and William Schulder Cecile Zilkha. Karen and Jack Daar, in honor of Rabbi Jeffrey Arnie Goldfarb, on the birth of a great- Berger and Michie Yana’s visit. granddaughter. Janine Soleymani and Bruce Greenberg, in honor of Honor Greenberg, on becoming a Bat IN MEMORIAM Honor’s Bat Mitzvah. Mitzvah. Congratulations to her parents, Janine Soleymani and Bruce Greenberg. We mourn the loss of our members: Leslie Cohen and Jeffrey Lang, in honor of the anniversary of Noah’s Bar Mitzvah. Honorary Parnas, Dr. Dennis B. Freilich Jackie Carter and Andrew Klaber, upon Bequests their marriage. Charles De La Fuente The Sisterhood for decorating the Succah and for Please consider including Shearith sponsoring Kiddush and breakfast throughout the E. Jeanette Sion Ariela Lopez on becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Israel in your estate planning. To Succot holiday. Congratulations to her parents, Ronit Cecile Zilkha learn how, or for more information, Jeffrey Smith, Raquel Smith, and Stephen Smith in Cohen and Andres Lopez, and to her please speak with our executive grandparents, Bentsi and Naomi Cohen. memory of their father, Myron Smith. director, Barbara Reiss. 4 5 Kiddush Fund Contributors: Shabbat Teshubah Derasha: HANUKKAH LECTURE Tuesday, December 12 | 7:00 pm — continued — — continued Ainetchi family, in memory of Isaac’s Lecture Sponsorship: mother, Marcelle, on the occasion of her Rabbi Meir Soloveichik sheloshim. Debbie and David Sable in memory of David’s mother, Elissa Sable, on the occasion Rabbi Soloveichik will deliver a major address Aufzien family, in honor of Jacob reading of her nahala. illuminating the themes of Hanukkah. the Haftarah. Kiddush Sponsors:

Francine Alfandary and Laurent Nahon, Nicole and Raanan Agus HOLIDAYS NEW MEMBERS HANUKKAH in memory of his father, Louis, on the GATHERING occasion of his sheloshim. Carol and Arthur Goldberg, on the occasion of their anniversary. Hosted by Rabbi and Layaliza Soloveichik Mrs. Lisa Rohde, in honor of Hazzan Wednesday, December 13 Rabbi Ira Rohde’s birthday. Carol and Alan Schechter, in memory of By Invitation Alan’s mother, Yitta bat Yitzhak Shmuel. Rev. Philip Sherman, in memory of his father, Paul H. Sherman. Kiddush Co-Sponsors: Our community, especially our synagogue leadership, is very eager to get to know each and Anonymous Scotch and Arak Sponsors: every new member and to make them feel at Ruth and Edward Lukashok home at Shearith Israel. Several times throughout Simon Gerson the year, sometimes on Shabbat, sometimes Kiddush Contributors: mid-week, we host gatherings, sometimes at the Meralee and Sidney Schlusselberg synagogue, sometimes in private homes, where ANNOUNCEMENTS new members can mingle with each other and our leadership. Our Hanukkah gathering at the Simhat Torah Dinner: Soloveichik home has become a wonderful and Anonymous much anticipated tradition. Guests enjoy an array Gillian and Simon Salama-Caro Brass Hanukkiah (before 1730) of traditional and modern takes on latkes and other treats, hear words of Torah by our rabbi and Jennifer Ash and Seth Haberman his impressive wife, and socialize in a warm and The Solomon Family relaxed atmosphere.

Simhat Torah Ice Cream Extravaganza: HANUKKAH FEST The Haberman Family Sunday, December 17 The Lustig Family Shearith Israel Youth and PTTS celebrate on the fifth day of Hanukkah with a festive celebration. Do you have a life-cycle For more information, see page 13. event, milestone, or major achievement to share with the community? Send it to Sarah Meira Rosenberg at Our bulletin goes to print one [email protected] month in advance of delivery. so we can share the news in Please accept our apologies for our handouts and bulletins. any errors or omissions. 6 7 PRE-TU B’SHEBAT PURIM DINNER AND SHABBAT LUNCHEON: YOUNG FAMILIES/ CELEBRATION THE JEWISH FRIENDS AND CLIENTS — continued — — continued YOUNG COUPLES Wednesday, February 28 OF ALEXANDER HAMILTON LUNCHEON Megillah reading at 6:15 pm A Conversation between Rabbi Soloveichik Shabbat, January 27 and Historian Andrew Porwancher Following Morning Services Children’s Programming at 6:00 pm Saturday, December 9 Young couples and families are Dinner for registered guests following Following Morning Services HOLIDAYS invited to join the Soloveichik Megillah reading family for a fun and uplifting Tu For Registered Guests B’Shebat-themed shabbat luncheon. The reading of Megillat Esther begins promptly This extraordinary event will reveal incredible, Stay tuned for registration and at 6:15 pm in the Large Synagogue. Children little known details about Alexander Hamilton’s sponsorship information. are invited to the Elias Room for a special relationships with Jews in New York, mostly members Purim “infotainment” program just for of Shearith Israel. We will discuss fascinating court them. Liz Rios will be on hand to supervise cases in which Alexander Hamilton represented TU B’SHEBAT SHIUR but children under the age of 5 must be Jews, and the story of Jews at Columbia College,

Tuesday, January 30 | 7:00 pm accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Hamilton’s alma mater. Questions to be addressed EVENTS SPECIAL Rabbi Meir Soloveichik include: How friendly was Alexander Hamilton with Parents are encouraged to arrive at 6:00 pm, in New York’s Jews? How did his Jewish friends help order to help their children settle in and then Rabbi Soloveichik’s Tuesday night form his own views about the future of the United make their way to the Large Synagogue in time shiur will be dedicated to the States? Most tantalizingly, what do these relationships for Megillah. themes of Tu B’Shebat. Sushi will tell us about Jewish links in Hamilton’s own past? not be served this week, but tasty Immediately following the Megillah reading, Tu B’Shebat treats will. Andrew Porwancher is the author of the forthcoming registered guests are invited to a festive family-style book, The Jewish Founding Father: The Secret Life meal in Levy Auditorium. In addition to a tasty of Alexander Hamilton, to be published by Harvard dinner, guests will enjoy our annual children’s SISTERHOOD MISHLOAH University Press. He is a visiting scholar at the Yeshiva costume parade. Registration required. Check MANOT PROJECT University Straus Center’s Program on Early America shearithisrael.org/purimdinner5778 for details. Do you want to send Mishloah and the Jews. Andrew Porwancher Manot notifications to your friends and fellow congregants for Purim? PURIM BREAKFAST Take advantage of a wonderful SHEARITH ISRAEL AND JEWISH opportunity to send special Purim Thursday, March 1 CENTER SKI AND SNOWBOARD TRIP Following Megillah Reading greetings and to reach out to our Monday, December 25 Shearith Israel community and Immediately following the 8:00 am readings Shearith Israel and the Jewish Center are joining beyond. This project supports of the Megillah, all congregants are welcome forces again this year for a fun day of skiing and the Sisterhood’s many important to enjoy a festive breakfast. Childcare will snowboarding. This intergenerational activity is activities in our synagogue. Please be provided throughout the morning. The geared towards teens, singles, couples, and families stay tuned for more information breakfast is free of charge but sponsors and (children age 7 and up), first-timers, black diamond about how to participate. supporters are highly appreciated. Support this skiers, and snowboarders. This trip is all-inclusive event at shearithisrael.org/purimbreakfast. (lift tickets, optional rentals, transportation) but it is BYOL (bring your own lunch). Keep an eye on your emails for registration details.

8 9 PULPIT SWAP SHABBAT HERRINGFEST 2.0: TUESDAY MORNING MINYAN WITH RABBI LEVINE OF BREAKFAST AND SHIUR — continued — — continued Now With More Herring! THE JEWISH CENTER Tuesdays | Following Morning Services Shabbat, March 10 Date TBA | Rabbi Meir Soloveichik The loyal members of our morning minyan know As it turns out, both Shearith Israel Herring—one of the most celebrated delicacies the pleasure of camaraderie and learning that is and The Jewish Center, our peer among the Dutch, and one of the most beloved especially enjoyed every Tuesday morning. All synagogue on the Upper West Side, fish among the Jews—is central to Shearith Israel’s worshippers are welcome to enjoy breakfast and are looking forward to milestone story. After all, historians have noted that there a short shiur by Rabbi Soloveichik or another anniversaries. The Jewish Center is is one product that allowed The Netherlands to member of our ministerial team. Sponsored by about to celebrate its Centennial become a shipping power: herring. No herring, Chaim Katzap. anniversary and Shearith Israel is then no Dutch West India Company; and if there SAADIAH GAON’S BOOK preparing to celebrate our 365th, was no Dutch West India Company, there would OFS BELIEF AND OPINIONS our Year of Years. have been no Shearith Israel. Sundays | 8:45 am FEASTSD AN FASTS: THE FESTIVALS Sjimon den Hollander IN JEWISH THOUGHT In the spirit of friendship and Building on the success of our previous Herringfest!, mutual respect, we have decided Shearith Israel will be holding a HerringFest The Book of Beliefs and Opinions A Class for Women 2.0!—with a new selection of herring and new (completed 933 CE) was the first SPECIAL EVENTS SPECIAL to share our riches with each Tuesdays | 9:00 am | Rabbi Meir Soloveichik other. And what is each of our herring-related Torah tidbits by our rabbi, and systematic presentation and philosophic greatest resource? Our rabbis, herring fanatic, Rabbi Soloveichik. HerringFest foundation of the dogmas of Judaism. Throughout the year, we meet on Tuesday mornings of course, both of whom share 2.0! will take place during Adar, the joyous month to examine anew the rituals of the Jewish holiday or a love and deep knowledge of associated by our sages with the constellation Sjimon den Hollander grew up in the Netherlands, where he earned a fast that is approaching, challenge our assumptions, American Jewish history. of “dagim,” or Pisces, and is sure to be an and emerge with a deeper understanding of the unforgettable culinary experience of Shearith Master’s degree in Arabic and Islamic EDUCATION JUDAIC Studies at Leiden University. He has rituals that we have been performing our entire Rabbis Levine and Soloveichik Israel’s Dutch and Jewish heritage. To register or lives. Breakfast is served. Sponsorship will “swap” synagogues on this to sponsor this tasty event, go to shearithisrael.org/ taught courses on Judaism, Christianity, Islam, language and philosophy. opportunities are available. To find out more, shabbat, enjoying the warmth herringfest2. go to shearithisrael.org/sponsoraclass. of their peer kehillot and each Currently Mr. den Hollander is enrolled treating us to a special lecture in Yeshiva University’s rabbinical after morning services. MONTHLY SYNAGOGUE TOURS program. He is also involved in an Arabic website, www.aslalYahud.org, TALMUD CLASS: TRACTATE Tours of Shearith Israel provide a unique that provides information on Judaism. SANHEDRIN AND JEWISH opportunity for visitors and tourists to learn POLITICAL THOUGHT more about America’s first Jewish Congregation— Tuesdays | 7:00 pm | Rabbi Meir Soloveichik Shearith Israel—and view ritual objects dating HABRUTA back to the Colonial period. We are pleased to (PAIRED LEARNING) These shiurim will examine the Talmudic lead guests through our beautiful space with discussions of subjects that pertain to Jewish enlightening facts about our proud history and Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays political thought including: the Jewish judiciary unique traditions. 5:15 - 7:15 pm known as the Sanhedrin, the virtues and perils of the monarchy, and the nature of rabbinic authority. Individuals and groups are welcome to attend a Men and women, adults and youth, are invited to join Rabbi Yosef Chaim Yanetz We will ponder what these texts can teach us about free guided tour once a month led by a member of Jewish political thought today as well as how our clergy or a trained docent. There is a suggested and rabbinical students from Yeshiva University in the Elias Room for habruta its values may be applied to the modern Jewish donation of $5 per person, although any amount polity known as the state of Israel. Sponsorship is appreciated. Tours generally last 45 minutes. Go (paired learning) and minyan. Take Rabbi Yosie Levine advantage of this unique opportunity. opportunities are available. Learn more at to shearithisrael.org/tours for more information. shearithisrael.org/sponsoraclass.

10 11 AN OLD-FASHIONED FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS: THE HANUKKAH FEST SAVE THE DATES HEBREW COURSE: AN MAKING AND MEANING OF Sunday, December 17 — continued — — continued OVERVIEW OF HEBREW SHABBAT PTTS BRUNCH AND GRAMMAR Fridays | Following Evening Services Does any other synagogue in New York serve waffles LEARN WITH RABBI Rabbi Meir Soloveichik on Hanukkah? Shearith Israel Youth and PTTS SOLOVEICHIK Based Upon The Historic “Hebrew celebrate on the fifth day of Hanukkah with a festive Grammar For The Use Of As Shabbat begins earlier and the nights celebration filled with home-made waffles, music, For 5th - 8th Graders and Beginners” By James (Joshua) Seixas grow longer, stay around for a bit after and Hanukkah fun! Their Parents Thursdays, through January 4 Friday evening services for an inspiring Sundays, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 7:15 pm | Rabbi Ira Rohde shiur delivered by Rabbi Soloveichik. February 4, April 22 There is no better way to transition from SHEARITH ISRAEL AND JEWISH They don’t teach things the way they the workweek to the aura of Shabbat than CENTER SKI AND SNOWBOARD TRIP PTTS middle school students used to anymore! For an antiquarian experiencing our magnificent Kabbalat Monday, December 25 and all PTTS parents enjoy take on studying Hebrew, in the Shabbat service followed by Friday special time with the rabbi. classic way it was taught in America, Night Lights. The 2017-2018 season is Shearith Israel and the Jewish Center are joining forces On several Sundays over the largely to non-Jewish Bible students, sponsored by the Julis family. To sponsor again for a fun day of skiing and snowboarding. This course of the year, 5th-8th grade but also to American Jews in our very an individual session, go to shearithisrael. intergenerational activity is geared towards teens, students and all PTTS parents congregation as well, nearly 200 years org/sponsoraclass. singles, couples, and families (children age 7 and up), start the day together with ago, Hazzan Ira Rohde will conduct a first-timers, black diamond skiers, and snowboarders. morning services after which special 12-week Overview of Hebrew For more information, see page 9. they will proceed to a topical Grammar, using as a textbook the THE MISUNDERSTOOD “Brunch and Learn” with Rabbi historic Manual: Hebrew Grammar for MASTERPIECE: A NEW Soloveichik. These sessions JUDAIC EDUCATION JUDAIC the Use of Beginners (Andover, MA, APPROACH TO PIRKEI ABOT PURIM CELEBRATION are held on Sunday mornings 1833) by James (a.k.a. Joshua) Seixas. Shabbat Afternoon Wednesday, February 28 | Arrive early at 6:00 pm during regularly scheduled James Seixas (1802-1874) was one One Hour Before Minhah PTTS time. Mark your The reading of Megillat Esther begins promptly of the many children of our notable Rabbi Meir Soloveichik calendars now and get ready for minister, Hazan Gershom Mendes at 6:15 pm in the Large Synagogue. Children a fun learning experience with Seixas. It will be an old-fashioned type Pirkei Abot is often understood as a are invited to the Elias Room for a special Purim your kids. of course, taught via an old-fashioned mere series of unrelated ethical adages. “infotainment” program just for them. Past years have methodology, in a historic institution, by In fact, each brief and frequently cited included puppet shows and singalongs. Liz Rios and Schedule is subject to change. an old-fashioned artisan practitioner. As maxim in Pirkei Abot actually hints at Yona Glass will be on hand to supervise but children Watch for email reminders or Hazzan Rohde exhorts, in the Hebrew the extraordinary, and unique, life story under the age of 5 must be accompanied by a parent schedule changes in advance of .or caregiver. For more information, see page 8. each date — הבה נלמדה-נא עברית :cohortative

and worldview of its rabbinic source. ISRAEL SHEARITH AT YOUTH “Come let us, prithee, learn Hebrew!” What’s more, the chapters of Abot are joined in a structure that tells the story of the transmission of the Oral Law. We will see how studying the history of the rabbinic figures cited lends an entirely new understanding to these statements, and how Abot represents the diverse response of the rabbis to an age of crisis and transition that was, in many ways, not For everyone’s safety, children should unlike our own. Accompanied by seudah be either in a youth program or in the shelishit. Sponsorship opportunities Sanctuary accompanied by a parent. are available. To find out more, go to Children should not be anywhere shearithisrael.org/sponsoraclass. in the synagogue unattended. We appreciate your understanding. 12 13 WEEKDAY TODDLER PROGRAM YOUTH ON SHABBAT WOMEN’S MEGILLAH YOETZET HALAKHA READING — continued — — continued Register now for the Spring Semester— Shearith Israel is a co- starts Wednesday, January 3 TOT SHABBAT Thursday, March 1 | 8:00 am sponsor of the Manhattan 10:00 am - 12:30 pm | ages 0 - 4 Yoetzet Halakha Initiative. Mondays and Wednesdays | 9:30 am - 11:30 am Congregants and guests are welcome to If you have any questions For children ages 16 - 34 months. Parent or Our little ones enjoy Tot Shabbat join the main service for megillah reading. regarding Taharat caregiver attendance required. all year round, led by our beloved Women are encouraged to join our unique Hamishpaha (Family teachers, Liz and Shanade. women’s reading, now in its 29th year. Purity), laws of Niddah, please contact Shearith Israel’s popular Toddler Program is held Independent play, snacks, and Novices, no need to feel intimidated; our Yoetzet Halakha, Shiffy Friedman, in twice a week for children aged 16 - 34 months with circle-time with songs will entertain we are happy to train you to read a part. confidence at [email protected]. an adult caregiver. The program focuses on learning the toddlers while parents are in To sign up, all readers, both new and colors and shapes, creating arts and crafts, singing services. Parents: please note that experienced, please contact Mrs. Lisa Shiffy Friedman graduated from Nishmat’s songs, exploring Jewish holidays, music and more. children under the age of 2 must Rohde at [email protected]. Miriam Glaubach Center’s U.S. Yoatzot For more information or to enroll your child, visit be accompanied by an adult. Halakha Fellows Program in 2015. She has shearithisrael.org/toddlerprogram. Furthermore, children will only be been counseling women in the area of women’s released to their parent or other pre- WOMEN’S SHABBAT health and halakha, both through her role as authorized adult. Please cooperate with SERVICES Yoetzet Halakha in Westchester County and HEBREW SCHOOL: POLONIES these important policies for the safety On select Shabbatot through teaching brides and couples before TALMUD TORAH SCHOOL (PTTS) of your children and everyone else. marriage. Shiffy has taught at SAR Academy All ages meet on Sundays from By and for women, these services are an and currently teaches at Ma’ayanot Yeshiva 10:00 am - 12:00 pm opportunity for women to lead prayer, High School. She received her B.A. in Judaic Studies from Stern College and a dual M.A. Elementary school-aged children also meet YOUTH GROUPS AND JR. read from the Torah and perform the in Education and Jewish Studies from New on Thursdays from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm CONGREGATION rituals associated with the day’s services. September - June We welcome the opportunity to celebrate York University. Prior to that, she spent a year For students 3 - 16 years of age 10:00 am until the end of services momentous occasions—such as a girl studying in Israel at the Stella K. Abraham becoming a Bat Mitzvah or a bride before Beit Midrash for Women in Migdal Oz. She Our Hebrew School provides students with Children ages 5 - 12 gather with her wedding—in the context of our service. and her husband, Rabbi Noam Friedman, live a substantive Jewish education in a positive our capable and nurturing leader, To participate and for more information, with their two children, Avital and Adir, in and engaging environment. Students develop Rachel Schaulewicz, for fun activities contact Mrs. Lisa Rohde at lirohde-csi@ Morningside Heights, where they serve as the Hebrew language skills (reading, writing, and connected to the parashah of the yahoo.com. For dates of meetings, sign up OU-JLIC couple at Columbia/Barnard Hillel. comprehension), learn the major portions of the week and other Jewish themes as well for our email list on our website. They look forward to getting to know members Tanakh, Jewish holiday rituals, Jewish history, and as raffle and prizes. Then at 10:30 am, of the broader Manhattan community. how Jewish ideas inform our values in modern the children come together for Junior times. To learn more and enroll your child, visit

YOUTH AT SHEARITH ISRAEL SHEARITH AT YOUTH Congregation, a lively, participatory shearithisrael.org/hebrewschool. service in the Little Synagogue. For ONE-ON-ONE TOUR OF THE a list of parts your child may lead in ISRAEL SHEARITH AT WOMEN UWS MIKVAH Jr. Congregation, contact Mrs. Lisa If you are interested in learning more about Rohde at [email protected]. Taharat Hamishpaha, the Laws of Family Purity, please contact Layaliza Soloveichik at [email protected] for a private tour of Mikvah Don’t forget to sign up the facilities at the local UWS . To maximize confidentiality, these one-on-one for our weekly youth tours will take place at times when the Mikvah email updates! Scan is closed to the public. Tours of other local this code for details. mikvaot are also possible. Women only.

14 15 REMEMBERING DENNIS FREILICH, Z”L CARING CONNECTION UPPER WEST SIDE Caring Connection, our Congregation’s hesed BLOOD DRIVE Elliot Freilich network, was founded in order to provide The Esther Goldfarb Memorial organized assistance to members of our Blood Drive presented by Caring community. The group of volunteers responds Connection and The League

to a variety of situations, for example, in HESED times of difficulty, illness or mourning, or January 7, 2018 | 10:00 am - 4:00 pm for the exciting and often overwhelming The Jewish Center, 131 W 86 St challenges accompanying the arrival of a new In 1944, at the age of ten, Dr. oldest Jewish Cemetery in the United baby. Caring Connection facilitates and trains Kick off the new year by giving the gift of life—be a blood donor. This year, to maximize Dennis Freilich’s parents brought States. As is the tradition at Shearith community members as sensitive volunteers to proactively help others through times of our impact, we are partnering with numerous him to a wedding held at Shearith Israel, members who served in the congregations on the Upper West Side, so far Israel. Inspired by its elaborate US armed forces wear their uniforms need, one of Judaism’s greatest mitzvot. Not only does this vital assistance greatly aid the including: Lincoln Square Synagogue, The history, dignified worship, and to pay homage to the Congregation’s individual, it also strengthens and unifies Jewish Center, Young Israel of the Upper West warm community, Dennis, and Revolutionary War Veterans at the our community and enhances our sense of Side, and Congregation Shaare Zedek. his beloved wife Estelle, became memorial event. Dennis wore his responsibility for one another. If you know active members of Shearith “Navy Dress Whites” every year at this someone who might need assistance, in any form, please email caringconnection@ MEALS FOR MOURNERS AND Israel when they moved to Manhattan in 1966. event with extreme pride, honoring both the Unites NEW PARENTS The Shearith Israel community welcomed the States as well as Shearith Israel. shearithisrael.org and we will sensitively and discreetly coordinate with our volunteer team. Shearith Israel’s Caring Connection provides meals Freilich family, and Dennis devoted himself to the In addition to Shearith Israel, Dr. Freilich adored If Caring Connection lacks the expertise or for members and their families after the birth of a Congregation. Dennis joined the Board of Trustees resources to provide appropriate assistance, child or in times of mourning. Similarly, the Hebra life. He loved being a physician, and was one of in 1974. He served in various leadership positions we are pleased to coordinate with other Hased Va’Amet provides mourners and their family over the years including the roles of Segan, Parnas, the pioneers in the field of retina surgery. He loved congregational and communal organizations with their first meal upon returning home from the and Honorary Parnas. Dennis also served as Ba’al to learn and read about the world. He loved to and to offer a directory of social services, so burial as they commence shiba. travel. He loved spending time with his family and as to ensure that members of our community Tokeah (Shofar Blower) at Shearith Israel for many If you would like to sponsor a meal, we offer several friends. He loved art and music. Above all else, are able to access the support systems that best years. Dennis instilled within each of his four care for their needs. options and easy ways for you to do so. Simply go children an everlasting love for Shearith Israel and Dennis loved treating all people with whom he to shearithisrael.org/caring-connection-meals and its community. met throughout the world with the utmost respect. Caring Connection is made up of dedicated select the meal type you would like to sponsor. The volunteers who provide Shearith Israel family will be notified of your generous gesture. As the oldest Jewish congregation in North Dr. Dennis B. Freilich inspired, nurtured, and community members with valuable support. Please be assured that our Caring Connection and America, founded in 1654, Shearith Israel gave presided over Shearith Israel for over 50 years. Hebra volunteers are in touch with the affected We are looking to expand our circle of families and will ensure that their specific needs Dennis the opportunity to not only be a proud He left an enduring mark on the institution, and his dedication to Shearith Israel is a model for individuals with a passion for helping others. (quantities, dietary restrictions, etc.) will be Jew, but specifically to be a proud American Jew. We seek volunteers to organize, spearhead, and future generations. He will be sorely missed by our considered. Any surplus sponsorships will be used He saw himself as a direct descendant, at least in participate in each of the following activities: to ensure that all of our members are provided community. May his memory serve as a source of spirit, of those first American Jews, and he made it - Visits and telephone calls to elderly and meals in their times of need. his duty to help preserve their enduring traditions. strength for Shearith Israel and for all of Klal Yisrael. homebound members of our community. If you would prefer to cook and deliver your own - Visits to members of our community who As a young man, Dennis joined the United States home-cooked meals, or place food orders on your Elliot Freilich and his brothers Benjamin, are ill or recuperating. own rather than participate in this fund, please Navy. He became an officer, and eventually a David, and Jonathan, grew up in Shearith Israel. - Meal delivery during times of need, such contact Layaliza Soloveichik at layaliza@gmail. Navy physician. He was proud of his service to his Continuing in his father’s tradition, Elliot has served as illness, mourning or after the birth of a com beforehand. Layaliza is our congregation’s country and he found special meaning in attending as Ba’al Tokeah for many years, as Clerk on our child. mourners/new parents meal volunteer coordinator Shearith Israel’s annual Memorial Day service at board from 2011 to 2013, and was elected to serve and she makes every effort to ensure that the - Transport and wheelchair assistance for the Synagogue’s Chatham Square Cemetery—the on the Board of Trustees in 2016. family’s preferences and requests are accommodated members who wish to attend synagogue and that duplication of efforts are avoided. 16 services or events. 17 Julia Moalem Cohen was born in INGREDIENTS: SHABBAT SERVICES Baghdad, Iraq, as the second of 1 stick of butter (you can substitute 3 December 1st-2nd four children. When she was three tablespoons of olive oil) Candles (18 min. before sunset) �� 4:11 pm months old, her family immigrated 3 cloves garlic Friday Evening Services �� 4:15 pm Saturday Morning Services �� 8:15-11:45 am to Israel. In her twenties, she 2 tablespoons tomato paste Zemirot ��Matthew Kaplan moved to the United States and Parashat Vayishlah ��Genesis 32:4-36:43 2 1/2 cups basmati rice (rinsed well) married Yair Cohen. Haftarah Book of Obadiah �� Elliot Freilich 1 cup red lentils (rinsed well) SERVICES Seuda Shelishit & Class �� 3:30 pm Saturday Minhah & Arbit �� 4:05 pm Julia and Yair now have four 1 1/2 teaspoons of cumin Saturday Sunset �� 4:29 pm children, Ariel, Natalie, Ben, and Salt and pepper to taste Habdalah �� 4:56 pm David, and two grandchildren, 4 cups of water December 8th-9th Oliver and Peri. They have been Shabbat before Hanukkah members of Shearith Israel for PROCEDURE: Candles (18 min. before sunset) �� 4:10 pm 10 years. Friday Evening Services �� 4:15 pm Sauté the garlic, butter, Saturday Morning Services �� 8:15-11:45 am and cumin. Zemirot ��Adam F. Jackson Add the tomato paste, sauté for a few Parashat Vayesheb ��Genesis 37:1-40:23 minutes, then add the rice, lentils, salt, and Haftarah Amos 2:6-3:8 �� Jacob Z. Neumark water. Seuda Shelishit & Class �� 3:30 pm CULINARY CORNER CULINARY Saturday Minhah & Arbit �� 4:05 pm Bring it to boil, and let it cook until all the Saturday Sunset �� 4:28 pm water gets absorbed. Habdalah �� 4:55 pm Reduce the heat to very low, mix the rice and Kichery cover the pot until the rice is soft (about 15 December 15th-16th by Julia Moalem Cohen to 20 minutes). Shabbat during Hanukkah Light 4 Hanukkah Candles & Eve of Shabbat Typically, we prepare a side dish of mixed yogurt with sour cream and chopped pieces Candles (18 min. before sunset) �� 4:11 pm of cucumber. You can also serve the kichery Friday Evening Services �� 4:00 pm with fried eggs. Sunset �� 4:29 pm My kids love Iraqi food, so I practice a lot Saturday Morning Services �� 8:15-11:45 am with it. I am going to share with you one Enjoy! DAILY SERVICES Zemirot ��Sjimon Den Hollander easy recipe called kichery—also spelled Parashat Mikkets-Hanukkah “kitchari,” “khichri,” or “khichdi”—which Mornings: Gen 41:1-44:17 & Num. 7:30-35 normally was cooked on Thursday before If you would like to submit a recipe for a Sundays Shahrit �� 8:00 am Haftarah Zachariah 2:14-4:7 ��Jacob P. Seligson Shabbat. Kichery, a hearty rice stew, is easy future bulletin, send it to Tikva Ostrega Monday-Friday Shahrit �� 7:15 am Seuda Shelishit & Class �� 3:30 pm and quick, and it is also the only Iraqi dish at [email protected]. In addition to Evenings, Sunday-Thursday: Saturday Minhah & Arbit �� 4:05 pm that I know of that has garlic in it. If you the recipe, please include a short back-story Nov. 5th-Mar. 1st, Arbit Only ��6:30 pm Saturday Sunset �� 4:30 pm March 4th-8th, ask any typical Iraqi person if they like describing the origins of the dish and why it Minhah & Arbit ��5:45 pm Habdalah & 5 Hanukkah Candles �� 4:56 pm garlic, the answer will always be, “Nooo!!!” is special to you. 18 19 December 22nd-23rd January 12th-13th February 2nd-3rd February 16th-17th Candles (18 min. before sunset) ��4:14 pm Candles (18 min. before sunset) ��4:32 pm Shabbat Yithro Candles (18 min. before sunset) ��5:14 pm Friday Evening Services ��4:30 pm Friday Evening Services ��4:30 pm Candles (18 min. before sunset) ��4:57 pm Friday Evening Services ��5:15 pm Saturday Morning Services ��8:15-11:45 am Saturday Morning Services ��8:15-11:45 am Friday Evening Services ��5:00 pm Saturday Morning Services ��8:15-11:45 am Zemirot ��Jacob Daar Zemirot ��Adam F. Jackson Saturday Morning Services ��8:15-11:45 am Zemirot ��Jacob Daar Parashat Vayiggash �� Genesis 44:18-47:27 Parashat Vaera ��Exodus 6:2-9:35 Zemirot ��Jacob Daar Parashat Terumah ��Exodus 25:1-27:19 Haftarah Ezekiel 37:15-28 ��Samuel E Neumark Haftarah Ezekiel 28:25-29:21 Parashat Yithro ��Exodus 18:1-20:23 Haftarah I Kings 5:26-6:13 ��Adam F. Jackson Seuda Shelishit & Class ��3:30 pm Seuda Shelishit & Class ��3:30 pm (Reading of the Ten Commandments) Seuda Shelishit & Class ��4:10 pm Saturday Minhah & Arbit ��4:10 pm Minhah & Arbit ��4:25 pm Haftarah Isaiah 6:1-13 �� Minhah & Arbit ��5:10 pm SERVICES Saturday Sunset ��4:33 pm Saturday Sunset ��4:51 pm Seuda Shelishit & Class ��3:55 pm Saturday Sunset ��5:33 pm Habdalah ��4:59 pm Habdalah ��5:18 pm Saturday Minhah & Arbit ��4:55 pm Habdalah ��6:04 pm Saturday Sunset ��5:16 pm December 29th-30th January 19th-20th Habdalah ��5:45 pm February 23rd-24th Candles (18 min. before sunset) ��4:19 pm Candles (18 min. before sunset) ��4:40 pm Shabbat Yithro’s Torah reading begins with the story Shabbat Zakhor Friday Evening Services ��4:30 pm Friday Evening Services ��4:45 pm of Moses being joined by his father-in-law Jethro Candles (18 min. before sunset) ��5:22 pm Saturday Morning Services ��8:15-11:45 am Saturday Morning Services ��8:15-11:45 am (Heb. “Yithro”) after the defeat of the Egyptians at Friday Evening Services ��5:30 pm Zemirot ��Avery E. Neumark Zemirot ��Sjimon Den Hollander the Red Sea, and is noteworthy for the encampment Saturday Morning Services ��8:15-11:45 am Parashat Vayhi ��Genesis 47:28-end Parashat Bo ��Exodus 10:1-13:6 at the foot of Sinai and the Ten Commandments, Zemirot ��Sjimon Den Hollander Haftarah I Kings 2:1-12 ��Avery E. Neumark Haftarah Jeremiah 46:13-28 ��Alexander Freilich which follow. Parashat Tetsavveh-Zakhor Seuda Shelishit & Class ��3:30 pm Seuda Shelishit & Class ��3:35 pm Exodus 27:20-30:10 & Deuteronomy 25:17-19 Saturday Minhah & Arbit ��4:15 pm Saturday Minhah & Arbit ��4:35 pm February 9th-10th Haftarah I Samuel 15:1-34 ��Mark Aaron Saturday Sunset ��4:38 pm Saturday Sunset ��4:59 pm Shabbat Shekalim Seuda Shelishit & Class ��4:15 pm Habdalah ��5:04 pm Habdalah ��5:26 pm Candles (18 min. before sunset) ��5:05 pm Minhah & Arbit ��5:15 pm Friday Evening Services ��5:15 pm Saturday Sunset ��5:41 pm January 5th-6th January 26th-27th Saturday Morning Services ��8:15-11:45 am Habdalah ��6:13 pm Candles (18 min. before sunset) ��4:25 pm Shabbat Shirah Zemirot �� Matthew Kaplan Shabbat Zakhor/Mi Khamokha, is the Sabbath Friday Evening Services ��4:30 pm Candles (18 min. before sunset) ��4:48 pm Parashat Mishpatim-Shekalim preceding Purim. Judah HaLevy’s poem, “Mi Saturday Morning Services ��8:15-11:45 am Friday Evening Services ��5:00 pm Exodus 21:1-24:18 & 30:11-16 Khamokha” is read Saturday at 9:00 am. Deut. Zemirot �� Matthew Kaplan Saturday Morning Services ��8:15-11:45 am Haftarah �� David L. Cohen 25:17-19, beginning “Zakhor ‘Remember [Amalek],’” Parashat Shemoth ��Exodus 1:1-6:1 Zemirot ��Salomon L. Vaz Dias II Kings 11:17-12:17 is added to the regular Parashah reading,” because Haftarah Jeremiah 1:1-2:3 ��Raphael Sasson Parashat Beshallah-Shirah ��Exodus 13:17-17:16 Seuda Shelishit & Class ��4:00 pm Haman was presumed a descendant of the tribe of Seuda Shelishit & Class ��3:30 pm (Reading of the Shirah - Song of the Red Sea) Minhah & Arbit ��5:00 pm Amalek, the first “annihilators” of Israel! Minhah & Arbit ��4:20 pm Haftarah Judges 5:1-31 �� Louis Alexandre Berg Saturday Sunset ��5:25 pm Saturday Sunset ��4:44 pm Seuda Shelishit & Class ��3:40 pm Habdalah ��5:54 pm Zakhor Reading | Shabbat, February 24 Habdalah ��5:10 pm Minhah & Arbit ��4:40 pm Shabbat Shekalim: During Temple times the During Junior Congregation | Small Synagogue Saturday Sunset ��5:07 pm payment of a poll tax of half a shekel by every Jew We want everyone to be able to fufill their obligation Habdalah ��5:36 pm was called for on the first day of the twelfth month of hearing Zakhor and for no one to miss it on account Shabbat Shirah takes its name from the “Song (Heb. (Adar). Exodus 30:11-16 was added as a reminder of childcare or other issues. Slightly after the regular ‘Shirah’) of the Sea,” chanted in the middle of the on the Sabbath preceding. This is the first of four Torah reading, during Junior Congregation, we will narrative of the crossing of the Red Sea, the text of the Sabbaths with additional Torah readings and hold a second reading of Zakhor, recited by a post-Bar Parashat Beshallah Torah Reading. special haftarot which are scheduled in preparation Mitzvah boy in the Small Synagogue for children, for Passover. parents, and all others welcome.

20 21 MINOR HOLIDAYS Habdalah & 5 Hanukkah Candles on Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish re-consecration Motza’e Shabbat, 5th Evening of the Second Temple by the Hasmonean Maccabees Hanukkah Holiday Saturday Evening, December 16th after its desecration, along with the forced imposition Tuesday Evening, December 12th & Saturday Minhah & Arbit ��4:05 pm of Hellenistic practices and suppression of native Wednesday, December 13th through Saturday Sunset ��4:30 pm Jewish ones, under the Seleucid Greek King Antiochus Wednesday, December 20th: Habdalah & 5 Hanukkah Candles ��after 4:56 pm Epiphanes. On the eve of each of the days, an ascending 1st Evening: 1 Hanukkah Candle See Shabbat during Hanukkah in Shabbat number of candles are lit, in commemoration of the (Eve of Hanukkah) Section for Full Schedule of Services miracle of the single ritually-pure cruse of oil which 5th Morning of Hanukkah sufficed to light the Temple’s candelabrum for eight days.

SERVICES Tuesday Evening, December 12th Sunday Morning, December 17th Candles Lit After Sunset ��4:29 pm Rosh Hodesh Tebet (Two-Day): Evening Service (Arbit only) ��6:30 pm Shahrit, Hallel, Torah Reading �� 8:00 am The 6th & 7th Days of Hanukkah 1st Morning of Hanukkah 6th Evening: 6 Hanukkah Candles & Eve of Rosh Hodesh Tebet (Two-Day) Sunday Evening, December 17th through Monday Wednesday Morning, December 13th & Tuesday, December 18th & 19th Shahrit, Hallel, Torah Reading �� 7:15 am Sunday Evening, December 17th 2nd Evening: 2 Hanukkah Candles Candles Lit After Sunset ��4:30 pm (See Hanukkah Schedule) Evening Service (Arbit only) ��6:30 pm Wednesday Evening, December 13th 6th Morning of Hanukkah & First Day December 25th Legal Holiday Candles Lit After Sunset ��4:29 pm Rosh Hodesh Tebet (Two-Day) Monday, December 25th Evening Service (Arbit only) ��6:30 pm 2nd Morning of Hanukkah Monday Morning, December 18th Morning Service (Shahrit) �� 8:00 am Shahrit, Hallel, Torah Readings, Musaf �� 7:15 am Thursday Morning, December 14th 7th Evening: 7 Hanukkah Candles; Eve of Fast of (Tenth of) Tebeth Shahrit, Hallel, Torah Reading �� 7:15 am Second Day Rosh Hodesh Tebet 3rd Evening: 3 Hanukkah Candles (`Asarah beTebeth) Monday Evening, December 18th Thursday, December 28th Thursday Evening, December 14th Candles Lit After Sunset ��4:30 pm Dawn (Fast Begins) �� 5:51 am Candles Lit After Sunset ��4:29 pm Evening Service (Arbit only) ��6:30 pm Sunrise �� 7:19 am Evening Service (Arbit only) ��6:30 pm 7th Morning of Hanukkah & Morning of 3rd Morning of Hanukkah Morning Service �� 7:15 am Second Day Rosh Hodesh Tebet Evening Minhah (with tefillin) & Arbit ��4:00 pm Friday Morning, December 15th Tuesday Morning, December 19th Sunset ��4:36 pm Shahrit, Hallel, Torah Reading �� 7:15 am Shahrit, Hallel, Torah Readings, Musaf �� 7:15 am End of Fast ��4:56 pm 4th Evening: 4 Hanukkah Candles & 8th (Final) Evening: 8 Hanukkah Candles The Tenth of Tebet Fast commemorates the besieging Eve of Shabbat during Hanukkah Tuesday Evening, December 19th of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, which led to the city’s Friday Evening, December 15th Candles Lit After Sunset ��4:31 pm capture, the destruction of the First Temple, and the Evening Services (Minhah & Arbit) ��4:00 pm Evening Service (Arbit only) ��6:30 pm Babylonian Exile. Light 4 Hanukkah Candles & Eve of Shabbat 8th (Final) Morning of Hanukkah Candles (18 min. before sunset) ��by 4:11 pm Wednesday Morning, December 20th Secular New Year Legal Holiday Sunset ��4:29 pm 4th Morning of Hanukkah & Shabbat Shahrit, Hallel, Torah Reading �� 7:15 am Monday January 1st During Hanukkah Daytime Morning Service (Shahrit) �� 8:00 am Saturday Morning, December 16th Parashat Mikkets ��8:15-11:45 am See Shabbat during Hanukkah in Shabbat Section for Full Schedule of Services

22 23 Martin Luther King Legal Holiday PURIM HOLIDAY NEW PUBLICATIONS CONNECT WITH US Monday, January 15th Fast of Esther We are thrilled with the number of new members and Don’t Miss an Update Morning Service �� 8:00 am Wednesday, February 28th guests who have been joining us for services, classes, special lectures, and events over the past few years. In order to Sign up for any or all of our Dawn (Fast Begins) �� 5:10 am make our beautiful but distinctive customs that we are email lists! Visit shearithisrael. Rosh Hodesh Shebat (One-Day) Sunrise �� 6:31 am so proud of, as accessible and welcoming to all, we have org/join-our-mailing-lists— or Tuesday Evening, January 16th, through Morning Service (Shahrit) �� 7:15 am recently released two attractive, user-friendly publications. scan the QR code Wednesday, January 17th Pick up a hard copy at the synagogue and access them on with your phone to Services follow Daily Schedule Eve of Purim our website anytime at shearithisrael.org/content/bulletins- be directed to our SERVICES Wednesday, February 28th and-program-guide. signup options. Hamisha Asar (Tu) BiShebat Minhah (men wear tefillin) ��5:15 pm Tuesday Evening, January 30th through Sunset ��5:46 pm A Guide For The Perplexed: A Share on Facebook Wednesday, January 31st Arbit (Evening) Service ��6:00 pm Newcomer’s Primer To Congregation Have you attended a Services follow Daily Schedule End of Fast ��6:07 pm Shearith Israel (2nd Edition) Shearith Israel tour, Reading of Megillah ��6:15 pm lecture, or event that Late Evening Reading of Megillah ��8:00 pm Whether you are a first time visitor, Rosh Hodesh Adar (Two-Day) a new member, or even a regular you loved? Leave a Wednesday Evening, February 14th through attendee of our extraordinary services, post on our Facebook page Thursday & Friday, February 15th & 16th Purim Daytime most congregants enjoy a deeper so that others can share your Wednesday & Thursday, Arbit only ��6:30 pm Thursday, March 1st appreciation of our service unique INFORMED STAY enthusiasm! Friday Evening Minhah & Arbit ��5:15 pm Morning Shahrit �� 7:15 am minhag, culture, customs, and To learn about upcoming Thursday & Friday Mornings �� 7:15 am Morning Megillah Reading & breakfast �� 8:00 am liturgy. This booklet, conceived in a user-friendly Q&A events and fascinating Women’s Megillah Reading �� 8:00 am format, was created in the hopes that you will become historical Shearith Israel Presidents’ Day Legal Holiday Late Morning Megillah Reading �� 11:00 am an active and confident participant in our service in tidbits, follow us on Facebook Sunset ��5:47 pm Monday, February 19th whatever way most suits you. at www.facebook.com/ End of Purim Day ��6:08 pm Morning Service �� 8:00 am shearithisrael.nyc. Post-Purim Service (Arbit only) ��6:30 pm Evening Service (Arbit only) ��6:30 pm Friday Night Services: A Guide To Congregation Shearith Israel’s Text Message Reminders Purim Shushan Unique Customs (1st Edition) Get RSVP reminders at Friday, March 2nd Surely one of the highlights of shearithisrael.org/text-message- Morning (Shahrit) Service �� 7:15 am our service is our Friday night notifications. The Fast of Esther commemorates the day when Kabbalat Shabbat, capped by the Jews of Persia donned sackcloth and ashes, went Rabbi Soloveichik’s Friday Night without food, and prayed that they be spared the Lights talks. Many have told us how massacre planned for them by Haman. Men don beautiful and inspiring these services tefillin at the 5:15 service. are, but wish they had a deeper understanding of our service, liturgy, music, and customs. Purim commemorates the day when, through the intervention of Mordecai and Queen Esther, the Jews This guide is intended to help make our Friday Night of Persia escaped being victims of Haman’s evil plot to Service more accessible and less intimidating. Our hope is exterminate them. that when the discomfort of not knowing what to expect Purim Shushan, the day following Purim, is the is removed, you will be free to enjoy, participate, and be day Purim was celebrated in Shushan, the capital of uplifted by what surrounds you. If you have any further ancient Persia, and in Jerusalem. questions, please let us know. Your input may even help us when we issue the second edition of this guide! 24 25 The generosity of our members and friends RABBI’S DISCRETIONARY FUND BEQUESTS enables us to continue to honor our past, The Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund is a charitable Please consider including Shearith Israel in your strengthen our community and pass on our arm of our congregation. These funds are estate planning. For more information, please speak with our Executive Director, Barbara Reiss. traditions for the next chapter of Jewish designated by our rabbis for members in need and communities in crisis. This past year, our and American history. We have many funds have assisted a number of members VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME AND opportunities to contribute in fulfilling our who have hit hard times as well as important TALENT mission as a synagogue. causes such as the Houston Jewish Community Shearith Israel belongs to its devoted members recovering from flooding, the Food Bank for and our vitality depends on our participation NYC and worthy institutions in Israel. and involvement. Our most successful programs GENERAL DONATIONS and activities are those that are organized General donations honor our past with dignity CLASS AND EVENT with the help of capable volunteers who bring through the preservation of our historic spaces SPONSORSHIPS creativity, good cheer and friends. We have including our main sanctuary and small synagogue, Help us strengthen educational initiatives a variety of committees and societies, such as three historic cemeteries in Lower Manhattan at Shearith Israel by supporting a warm and our Sisterhood and Young Leadership for you and our active cemetery in Cyprus Hills, Queens. inviting atmosphere to learn, debate, and grow to contribute ideas and energy. We also benefit These donations ensure a strong future through together as a community. Sponsor for a class, from the talents and expertise of lay leaders who engaging educational programs with rigorous ritual Monday Night Learning, minyan breakfast, can help us in important projects such as historic and liturgical training for youth including PTTS, Tuesday morning women's class, Tuesday cemetery restoration, archival upgrades, real our Toddler Programs, Junior Congregation, and evening Talmud shiur or Shabbat afternoon estate projects and facilities needs, and so much special opportunities for girls. And perhaps most class. Or, contribute to sponsor an event, such as more. And of course, at our core, we are a caring importantly, general donations uphold and celebrate academic symposiums, lectures, and discussions community and that means that providing our minhag and liturgical traditions through with Jewish scholars from around the world emotional and logistical support to members dedicated clergy members, our sublime choir, and maintain our synagogue as a leader in in times of need cannot depend on our clergy Shabbat, and holiday services. contemporary Jewish dialogue. alone but requires the care and involvement of many whether through our Caring Connection CARING CONNECTION hesed committee or our Hebra. Getting involved KIDDUSH FUND is how you make it happen and how you forge The congregational Kiddush is an opportunity for Financial contributions support efforts in meaningful connections at your synagogue. congregants and visitors to socialize and mingle after proactively providing organized assistance to HELP MAKE IT ALL HAPPEN HELP MAKE services, humbly serving an important congregational members of our community through times of function. Sponsoring a kiddush is a beautiful way to pay need, one of Judaism’s greatest Mitzvot. Caring To give and learn more, visit tribute to a loved one, celebrate a birthday, anniversary, Connection raises the funds needed to defray shearithisrael.org/giving. the costs of all it does, including delivering graduation, a personal accomplishment, or a ritual honor. Thank you for enabling It is also a great way to foster community—facilitating meals to mourners and new parents. Not fellow congregants to catch up with friends, meet new only does this vital assistance greatly aid the the continuation and members and guests, and greet synagogue leaders. individual or family, it also strengthens and strengthening of our unifies our community and enhances our sense congregation’s mission of responsibility for one another. SPONSOR SCOTCH AND ARAK and legacy. In addition to our weekly Kiddush sponsors and contributors we are now also accepting sponsors for the scotch and arak that we make available each week.

26 27 Rabbi Dr. Meir Y. Soloveichik Rabbi BOARD OF TRUSTEES GENERAL INQUIRIES [email protected], 212-873-0300 x206 Louis M. Solomon, Parnas T: 212-873-0300 | F: 815-301-3820 Rabbi Dr. Marc D. Angel Rabbi Emeritus Michael Katz, Segan [email protected] BOARD [email protected] Michael P. Lustig, Segan www.shearithisrael.org

Dr. Victoria R. Bengualid Barbara Reiss Executive Director Norman S. Benzaquen Lifecycle and Pastoral Matters [email protected], 212-873-0300 x215 Esmé E. Berg Rabbi Meir Soloveichik 212-873-0300 x206 Rabbi Ira Rohde Hazzan Karen Daar [email protected] [email protected], 212-873-0300 x217 David E.R. Dangoor Funeral Arrangements

AND Elliot Freilich Zachary S. Edinger 212-873-0300 x216

Reverend Philip L. Sherman Associate Hazzan Seth Haberman 917-584-3787 [email protected] David J. Nathan, Honorary Parnas Zachary S. Edinger Sexton/Ritual Director Peter Neustadter, Honorary Parnas Taharat Hamishpakha (Jewish Family Law) [email protected], 212-873-0300 x216 L. Gilles Sion Shiffy Friedman,Yoetzet Halakha Oliver Stanton [email protected], 646-598-1080 Leon Hyman Choirmaster L. Stanton Towne Adam Hyman Associate Choirmaster Mark Tsesarsky

STAFF Clerk: Michael Goldberg MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES Yona Glass Interim Principal, PTTS Hebrew School Treasurer: Ellen Kapito [email protected], 212-873-0300 x208 Interested in becoming a member or curious to learn more about our membership options? Sarah Gross Office and Projects Manager Executive Director, Barbara Reiss, would be [email protected], 212-873-0300 x 230 HONORARY TRUSTEES delighted to speak with you. Information John Quinones Facilities Manager Harriet Ainetchi and applications are also available online at [email protected], 212-873-0300 x223 Dr. Edgar Altchek shearithisrael.org/membership. Paul J. Beispel Sarah Meira Rosenberg Communications Associate and Henri Bengualid Programs Coordinator Alvin Deutsch, Honorary Parnas [email protected], 212-873-0300 x221 Dr. Dennis B. Freilich, Honorary Parnas, z”l Ruth Yasky Financial Associate Arthur A. Goldberg [email protected], 212-873-0300 x228 Eva G. Haberman z”l Jonathan de Sola Mendes Edward Misrahi Avery Neumark Jack Rudin z”l Ralph J. Sutton Roy J. Zuckerberg

28 29