Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun 2015–2016 : 5776 Guide Dear Friend,

WE’RE BACK! program, created to focus specifically on their social and intellectual needs. Thank God, we are moving back home to The Sisterhood, Men’s Club, and Chesed our long-awaited . With a fully Committee all offer numerous volunteer restored sanctuary and expanded facility, opportunities to help make the world a we look forward to an incredible year of better place. serving our members and the broader Jewish community. We are proud to offer you this Synagogue Brochure, which contains virtually In addition to the excitement of our return, everything you need to know about KJ: the synagogue membership recently its Adult Education Program, special elected a new Senior , Rabbi Chaim Shabbatot, holiday and congregational Steinmetz, who will be assuming his new events, general synagogue information, role in January. the Beginners Program, and the Youth Department. We would be thrilled to see We look forward to all of these you at our programs throughout the year, developments enabling KJ to, please and we look forward to the opportunity God, thrive for many years to come. to serve your needs. The events and programs presented by the synagogue, Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun (KJ) most of them without charge, have only remains a home for the Jewish community one requirement - they need attendance to of the : a home where ensure our continued growth and diversity! parents, children, newcomers, singles, We invite you to peruse these pages and young and old find opportunities for discover which door leads to your Jewish social connection, spiritual and intellectual communal experience. growth, chesed opportunities, and recreational activities. KJ welcomes people from all walks of Jewish life. Rabbi Rabbi Elie Weinstock In addition to a full range of services for adults, teens and children, KJ offers special services and programs for those new to Jewish observance. We also provide stimulating classes in Bible, , Halakhah, Jewish Philosophy, Ethics, Jewish History, and Hebrew Language, as well as programs in arts and culture such as film screenings and book reviews. Frequent guest presenters grace our pulpit and provide Shabbat enrichment. Our youth department boasts a wide array of activities for children of all ages, including sports, movie and gym nights, arts and crafts classes, and study, to name just a few. Seniors participate in a weekly “Lunch and Learn” program, while young adults connect through our “Kesher”

2 Welcome 2015–2016 : 5776 3 Contents Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun

Welcome Adult Education Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun is an Our efforts to cultivate values are reflected From the ...... 3 Jewish Learning Institute...... 22 Orthodox synagogue, founded in 1872, in our education and outreach programs, Chai Mitzvah...... 22 and situated on ’s Upper East our social and political action projects, our Crash Courses...... 23 KJ Beginners Side. As its essential foundation, it seeks youth activities, and in our sponsorship Celebrating 25 Years...... 6 Hebrew...... 23 to foster among its membership a love of the . Founded in 1937 Friday Night Live...... 7 Navigating Nach...... 24 of God and an abiding commitment to by Rabbi , of blessed Sabbath Salon...... 7 Talmud...... 24 halakhah and mitzvot. The synagogue also memory, Ramaz now has a student History at Home...... 25 stands firmly for the proposition that it is a population of over 1,100 students, into Resources The What, When, Why and How part of a larger community: a community each of whom we strive to instill these Synagogue Directory...... 8 of Judaism...... 26 not only of the Jewish People and the same values. These principles represent Judaica Shop...... 8 iLearn@CKJ...... 26 State of , but also of our fellow New not merely the theoretical elements of a Manhattan Eruv ...... 8 Exploring the Guide...... 26 Yorkers, Americans, and humankind. philosophical creed, but also reflect an Yoetzet Halakhah...... 9 For Women Only...... 27 impetus for social action, embodied in a Mikvahs...... 9 Parshah Study...... 27 Our members see themselves as integral wide range of activities serving KJ Social Worker...... 9 Jewish Values and the parts of a modern secular society, with members, the State of Israel, unaffiliated Israeli–Palestinian Conflict...... 28 social and civic responsibilities. At the Jews, and greater society. Prayer AIPAC ...... 28 same time, we remain deeply committed Service Times...... 10 Lunch and Learn...... 29 to our religious traditions, the study of KJ’s extremely ambitious and dynamic Torah, the observance of mitzvot, the love programs require commitment from KJ Shabbat Community of and support for our fellow Jews, and an members as well as from the Synagogue’s Services...... 12 Men’s Club...... 31 unbreakable bond with the State of Israel professional staff. It is precisely this type of and its citizens. communal dedication and involvement that Hashkama Minyan...... 12 Sisterhood...... 32 defines the congregation’s understanding Kesher Young People’s Minyan...... 12 Kesher...... 33 of its role in the lives of its members and Sephardic Minyan...... 12 UJA at KJ...... 34 the community at large. Women’s Tefilah Group...... 12 Chesed...... 35 Special Shabbat Events...... 13 Classes...... 13 Youth Shabbat Scholars ...... 14 Shabbat...... 38 Shabbat Family Fun...... 39 Holidays Sports...... 39 Calendar...... 17 Yom Tov Celebrations...... 40 Lectures...... 18 Matan Bat Mitzvah Program...... 40 Holiday Workshops ...... 18 PJ Library at KJ...... 41 Yom Tov Celebrations...... 19 Jewish Youth Connection...... 41 Sukkah Dinner Under the Stars...... 19 100 Homes of Light...... 19 Who’s Who at KJ...... 42 Chanukah in the Park...... 19 Purim Soiree...... 20 Passover Communal Seder...... 20 Shavuot Community Dinner...... 20 Community Events...... 20

THANK YOU to Yossi Hoffman, Rabbi Daniel Kraus, Myriam Bostwick, Howard Katz, Ramaz School, and many other KJ Members for the beautiful photographs which appear throughout this year’s brochure.

4 Contents 2015–2016 : 5776 5 KJ Beginners

The KJ Beginners Program, Friday Night Live! celebrating its 25th year, offers Jewish adults and families an open October 23; November 20; “The effect the December 11; January 22; door to a broad range of Jewish KJ Beginners March 4 (Shabbat Across America); knowledge and experiences. Special April 8; May 13; June 17 Program has had on care has been taken to create an Welcome Shabbat together with friends. our congregation environment sensitive to the needs is beyond measure. Join Rabbi Elie Weinstock, Rabbi Daniel and of those unacquainted with the “hows” Rachel Kraus and KJ Beginners Chazzan Shilo We have become and “whys” of our heritage, while Kramer for an inspiring Carlebach-style Friday providing the tools for religious and night service. The experience continues with younger, more a festive Shabbat dinner, singing and dancing, vibrant and even spiritual growth. We are a community words of Torah, and the joy of new and old friends. more communally and a family, and, to some extent, we’re all beginners at different stages oriented as of the same journey. we reach our 144th year.” Don’t be a stranger! Beginners Shabbat Lunches Information is always available on Join us for a sit-down buffet Kiddush —Rabbi Haskel Lookstein our website www.kjbeginners.org or Lunch featuring good food, good company, and Shabbat spirit. Lunch is FREE but RSVPs on our social media pages. Give us are helpful to [email protected]. a call at 212-774-5678 or e-mail us at [email protected] to set up an November 21 December 19 appointment to meet or shmooze. January 16 All programs are free of charge, except February 20 April 2 where noted, and no one will be May 21 turned away due to lack of funds. June 25

Check us out: Sabbath Salon The Destination for Young Jews on the Upper East facebook.com/kjbeginners The Sabbath Salon is a KJ initiative to provide young Jews with an opportunity to sip a cocktail, twitter.com/kjbeginners celebrate Shabbat, and come together as part of the community. To get involved, or for upcoming event dates, email [email protected].

6 KJ Beginners 2015–2016 : 5776 7 Resources Yoetzet Halakhah KJ Social Worker Julia Baruch Shira Felberbaum, LMSW 125 East 85th Street (929) 274-0628 Social Worker (from (between Lexington & Park Avenues) [email protected] The Jewish Board via New York, NY 10028 UJA’s PIC Program) Julia Baruch serves as the The Jewish Board: [email protected] | www.ckj.org | 212-774-5600 Yoetzet Halakhah at KJ (212) 632-4735 or facebook.com/CongregationKehilathJeshurun and West Side Institutional [email protected] Synagogue. She studied at the Stella K. KJ: (212) 774-5626 or [email protected] twitter.com/CongregationKJ Abraham Beit Midrash for Women – Migdal Onsite at KJ: Wednesdays 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm Oz for one year after attending the Ramaz or by appointment Synagogue Directory Upper School. Julia graduated from Ms. Felberbaum, a social worker of The Jewish For direct dial, please use 774 plus the following extensions: cum laude with a B.A. in Psychology. She then graduated from Board, is available to the KJ community as 5650 • Rabbi Haskel Lookstein [email protected] Nishmat’s Miriam Glaubach’s Center’s U.S. a result of the Partners in Caring (PIC) grant 5636 • Rabbi Elie Weinstock [email protected] Yoatzot Halakhah Fellows Program. Julia funded by UJA-Federation of New York. 5696 • Rabbi Daniel Kraus, Director of Community Education [email protected] worked as a research assistant at Columbia Shira offers individuals and families short- 5676 • Rachel Kraus, Director of Community Education [email protected] University Medical Center’s Taub Institute term supportive counseling, information, 5655 • Rabbi Roy Feldman, Assistant Rabbi [email protected] for Research on Alzheimer’s and the Aging Brain and she plans to pursue a doctoral and referrals. She provides confidential 5600 • Rabbi Hayyim Angel, Rabbinic Scholar [email protected] degree in Clinical Psychology. She grew up consultations on a variety of matters 5680 • Leonard Silverman, Executive Director [email protected] in Englewood, NJ and currently lives on the pertaining to personal and professional 5670 • Riva Alper, Administrator [email protected] Upper West Side with her husband, David, transitions (i.e. unemployment, illness, 5653 • Hattie Murphy, Comptroller [email protected] and son, Jacob. bereavement, caregiving, divorce, and retirement) as well as life challenges (i.e. elder 5620 • Sy Yanofsky, Assistant Comptroller [email protected] Three Community Mikvahs abuse, domestic violence, lack of financial 5674 •  Myriam Bostwick, Director of Communications and New Media [email protected] resources for food and shelter). 5648 • Dina Farhi, Assistant to Rabbi Lookstein [email protected] The Jacques and Hanna Additionally, Shira works with groups, facilitating 5626 • Shira Felberbaum (LMSW), Social Worker [email protected] Schwalbe Mikvah 419 East 77th Street bereavement support workshops in connection 5654 • Esther Zarnel, Program Associate [email protected] (between 1st and York Avenues) with the High Holidays, Chanukah, and Pesach. 5635 • Aryana Ritholtz, Youth Director [email protected] Call 212-359-2029 Similarly, Shira co-facilitates a seminar series 5656 • Rudy Arjune, Superintendent [email protected] that deals with Significant Health Challenges (i.e. The Rennert Mikvah 5605 • Lobby Security Desk depression, anxiety, dementia, cancer, diabetes, at Fifth Avenue Synagogue 5 East 62nd Street special needs). Finally, Shira is also a frequent (just off Fifth Avenue) guest speaker for the KJ Lunch and Learn series Call 212-753-6058 that takes place on Wednesday afternoons. Judaica Shop Manhattan Eruv Shira is passionate about helping The West Side Mikvah Judaica Classics by Doina is located at The Manhattan Eruv 234 West 74th Street become warm, inclusive, and caring 1248 Lexington Avenue, between 84th includes an expanding (between Broadway and communities. and 85th Streets. The store has a great number of neighborhoods West End Avenue) Medicare Open Enrollment Period is Now! selection of Judaica for all gift and in the city. Please Call 212-579-2011 holiday needs. see www.ckj.org/ Understanding Medicare: Its Cost and Options manhattan_eruv Wednesday, October 28 from 1:00–2:30 pm Business hours are: for the boundaries At Park Avenue Synagogue • Sunday 10 am–5 pm and call the hotline at Lights in the Darkness: • Monday–Thursday 10 am–6 pm 212-874-6100 ext. 3 to A Hanukkah Program for Bereaved Jews • Friday 10 am–2 pm check on the weekly Wednesday, December 2 from 6:30–8:00 pm • By appointment. status of the Eruv. At Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun 125 East 85 Street Call Doina Bryskin at 212-722-4271.

8 Resources 2015–2016 : 5776 9 Shabbat Prayer Services

Shabbat Shacharit (Morning Service) 9:00 am Minyan Service 8:30 am Sunday 9:00 am Legal Holidays Sephardic Minyan 7:15 am 9:30 am Monday Learners Service Thursday

9:30 am 7:30 am Intermediate Service Tuesday Wednesday 9:30 am Friday Teen Minyan 7:00 am 10:00 am Rosh Chodesh Junior Congregation weekdays and Youth Minyan

Mincha & Ma’ariv (Evening Service)

Standard Time: 5–10 minutes before sunset

Daylight Savings Time: 6:45 pm

10 Prayer 2015–2016 : 5776 11 Services Special Shabbat Events

Learners Service Kesher Young People’s Minyan Israel Bond Shabbat Experience the Difference! Connecting Young Professionals December 12 and Families 9:30 am: Kick off your Saturday morning An opportunity for our community to demonstrate with caffeine for the body and adrenaline September 26; October 10 & 31; its support for Israel. Last year, KJ had the third for the soul and encounter the mechanics November 21; December 12; highest sales in the country, with over $3.5 million of Jewish prayer; share key insights of January 9 & 30; February 20; March 12; in bonds purchased. the weekly portion and its relevance to April 9; May 7; June 4 contemporary living; and top it off with 9:15 am: A project of Kesher, this service an exploration of “What does it mean Dr. Stephen Stowe Z”L Men’s Club Shabbat is designed for young couples, young to be Jewish today?” You’ll never look at singles, and families with young children. February 19–20 Shabbat morning the same way again! The special kiddush that follows is a A Shabbat featuring Men’s Club volunteers leading Co-sponsored by NJOP great place to meet and greet other services and Torah reading, with a special presentation young people of the community. Email at Seudah Shlishit. Intermediate Service [email protected] for more information. Explore Prayer & Parsha! Shabbat Yachad 9:30 am: This intimate service allows you Sephardic Minyan the opportunity to explore prayer and February 26–27 9:00 am: The KJ Sephardic Minyan was parsha like never before. Open questions, Join the Ramaz Upper School and KJ and give of yourself by reaching out to the special established five years ago to serve the members of Yachad. Come and discover how this event brings happiness and joy to so many. honest answers with a healthy dose of growing need for Sephardic services spirit and soul. The Intermediate Service in the neighborhood. We currently is where the classical synagogue service offer services on Shabbat, holidays, meets your spiritual needs. and weekday mornings. Contact Classes [email protected] for more information. Hashkama Minyan Talmud September 12 & 26; October 10 & 24; KJ Rabbinic Scholar Rabbi Hayyim Angel Shabbat • 1 hour before Mincha Rabbi Roy Feldman November 7 & 21; December 5 & 19; leads services and also teaches in the Weekly study of Talmudic subjects January 2, 16 & 30; February 13 & 27; community throughout the year. March 12 & 26; April 2 & 16; May 7 & 21; Explore a broad range of topics June 4 & 18; July 2, 16, & 30; August 13 & 27 in the Jewish tradition, with a Women’s Tefilah Group 7:15 am: This early morning service helps focus on their application to September 19, September 26; to facilitate synagogue attendance by today. Each week, delve into October 6 (Simchat Torah); the whole family, with one spouse going Jewish law, history, philosophy, October 24; June 18 home to relieve the other. It is followed by Bible, and other topics of a short Torah class. This women’s participatory service is contemporary interest. designed as a celebration of women’s prayer and learning. Additional services can be scheduled for smachot that occur Men’s Club Seudah Shlishit during the year. Email [email protected] for Join us following Shabbat Mincha more information. for a light meal, good company, and community spirit. Each week features a discussion led by one of our rabbis or a guest presenter. Please contact 212-774-5670 to sponsor in memory of a loved one, to mark a milestone, or to celebrate a lifecycle event.

12 Shabbat 2015–2016 : 5776 13 Shabbat With Renewal KJ Members Speak Shabbat Scholars Shabbaton Scholars

Rabbi Ari Sytner Dr. Nicole Agus Irit Kohn Rabbi Professor Adam Ferziger Director of Community Director of Program for Jewish President of The International S.R. Hirsch Chair for Research of the Initiatives at ’s Genetic Health of Yeshiva University’s Association of Jewish Torah with Derekh Erez Movement, Center for the Jewish Future Albert Einstein College of Medicine Lawyers and Jurists Bar-Ilan University Genetic Testing Kiddush Discussion Samuel S. Silverstein October 24 Shabbat Scholar & Dinner November 7 December 18–19

Mr. Mendy Reiner Founder and Chairman of Renewal Professor Frederick M. Lawrence

Sandra Rapoport Senior Research Scholar, Renewal: Attorney, Author and Lecturer Yale University Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Wieder A Comprehensive Seudah Shlishit Presentation Seymour Propp Memorial Lecture KJ Scholar-in-Residence, Resource for Kidney Donors “Making a Hero out of a Trickster: Yeshiva University Rosh Yeshiva Understanding Jacob” November 21 Suzanne and Dr. Norman Javitt and Recipients Annual Synagogue Shabbaton November 14 October 17 April 15–16

Visiting Scholar Rabbi Jacob J. Schacter

Tova and Norman Bulow Shabbat Scholar and Dinner

October 30–31 Reverend Robert Stearns Founder and Executive Director of Eagles’ Wings January 22–23 March 26 Walter Weitzner Memorial Shabbat

March 11–12 14 Shabbat 2015–2016 : 5776 15

Holiday Calendar

All holidays begin the previous evening except for the fast days of Tzom Gedaliah, Asarah B’Tevet, Ta’anit Esther, and Shivah-Asar B’Tammuz, which begin shortly before sunrise.

Rosh Hashanah...... Monday, Sept. 14–Tuesday, Sept. 15 Tzom Gedaliah (Fast) ...... Wednesday, September 16 Yom Kippur (Fast–Yizkor)...... Wednesday, September 23 Sukkot – Hoshanah Rabbah...... Monday, Sept. 28–Sunday, October 4 Shemini Atzeret (Yizkor)...... Monday, October 5 Simchat Torah...... Tuesday, October 6 Chanukah ...... Monday, Dec. 7–Monday, Dec. 14 Asarah B’Tevet (Fast)...... Tuesday, December 22 Tu B’Shevat...... Monday, January 25 Ta’anit Esther (Fast)...... Wednesday, March 23 Purim...... Thursday, March 24 Pesach (Yizkor)...... Saturday, April 23– Saturday, April 30 Yom HaShoah...... Thursday, May 5 Yom Ha’Zikaron...... Wednesday, May 11 Yom Ha’Atzmaut...... Thursday, May 12 Lag B’Omer...... Thursday, May 26

Holidays Yom Yerushalayim...... Sunday, June 5 Shavuot (Yizkor)...... Sunday, June 12–Monday, June 13 Shivah-Asar B’Tammuz (Fast)...... Sunday, July 24 Rosh Chodesh Av...... Friday, August 5 Tisha B’Av (Fast)...... Sunday, August 14 Tu B’Av...... Friday, August 19

Breakfasts (following morning services)

Chol Hamoed Sukkot...... Wednesday, Sept. 30–Friday, Oct. 2 Hoshanah Rabbah...... Sunday, October 4 Purim...... Thursday, March 24 Siyum Bechorim...... Friday, April 22 Yom HaAtzmaut...... Thursday, May 12 Yom Yerushalayim...... Sunday, June 5

16 Holidays 2015–2016 : 5776 17 Holiday Lectures Yom Tov Celebrations

Florence Cohen Memorial KJ Beginners Rosh Hashanah Dinner Teshuvah Lecture Sunday, September 13 The Closure of a Shemittah Year: Please reserve your place by the preceding Spiritualizing our Material World Tuesday at 212-774-5678. Rabbi Saul Berman September 17 at 7:30 pm KJ Beginners Sukkah Dinner Under the Stars Shabbat Shuva Drasha Thursday, October 1 • 7:00 pm Featuring special guest Rabbi Ephraim Teshuvah: An Opportunity to Buchwald. Join us for a meal in the Sukkah! Repair, a Challenge to Re-Turn There will be delicious food and joyous singing Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Wieder as we celebrate the holiday of Sukkot together. September 19 Following 6:10 pm Mincha Services Co-sponsored by NJOP Sponsored by Suzy and Larry Present in honor of the Yahrzeit of Simchat Torah Sarah and Emanuel Goldberger Monday night, October 5 • 6:25 pm Tuesday, October 6 • 9:00 am Shabbat Hagadol Drasha Join the KJ Simchat Torah celebration, featuring Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Wieder Hakafot Unlimited, divrei Torah, Chatanim, and April 16 a buffet Kiddush luncheon. Following 6:25 pm Mincha Services Sponsored by Suzy and Larry Present Kristallnacht Program Monday, November 9 • 7:30

Holiday Workshops KJ Beginners: 100 Homes of Light Chanukah Celebration December 7–December 14 Timely Torah Share the light and warmth of Chanukah with friends and neighbors in buildings across our community. For information, contact Taught by Rabbi Daniel and Rachel Kraus [email protected].

Rosh Hashanah Model Seder Wednesday, September 9 at 7:30 pm Tuesday, April 19 at 7:00 pm Chanukah in the Park Sunday, December 6 • 5:30pm Yom Kippur Yom Hashoah Light up the Chanukah holiday with the Upper Wednesday, September 16 at 7:30 pm Tuesday, May 3 at 7:00 pm East Side’s fourth annual outdoor Menorah lighting Sukkot Israel Holidays in Carl Schurz Park. Join KJ Beginners and Chabad Thursday, September 24 at 7:30 pm Tuesday, May 10 at 7:00 pm of the Upper East Side as we spread the light and warmth of the festival with treats, holiday spirit, Chanukah Shavuot and fun for the whole family. The Tuesday, December 1 at 7:00 pm Tuesday, June 7 at 7:00 pm event will take place at the East 86th Street entrance Purim Three Weeks to the park. Tuesday, March 15 at 7:00 pm Tuesday, July 19 at 7:00 pm

Passover Continued on pg. 20 Part I: Tuesday, April 5 at 7:00 pm Part II, Tuesday, April 12 at 7:00 pm

18 Holidays 2015–2016 : 5776 19 Education Yom Tov Celebrations (continued)

Purim Night Yom HaZikaron & Wednesday Night, March 4 at 6:15 pm Yom HaAtzmaut- Megillah (Scroll of Esther) readings to Tekes Ma’avar suit all tastes, followed by a musical Wednesday Night, May 11 at 7:15 pm chagiga for children, with ice cream, Special Memorial Program honoring pizza, and dancing. Israel’s fallen soldiers.

KJ Beginners Soiree Yom HaAtzmaut Wednesday, March 23 at 7:30 pm Thursday, May 12 at 7:00 am Join us for a special reading of the Special morning service with Hallel, Megillah, followed by a spirited Purim followed by a festive breakfast. celebration. Thursday, May 12 at 5:00 pm Family celebration with live music, Purim Day crafts for children and supper. Thursday, March 24 at 8:00 am and 9:30 am Megillah readings followed by a festive Yom Yerushalayim Sunday, June 5 breakfast and Youth Carnival, with games, Special morning service with Hallel, prizes, a costume contest, and more! followed by a festive breakfast.

Passover Siyum Bechorim (Fast of the First Born) Shavuot Dinner and Tikun Leil Saturday, June 11 Friday, April 22 following 7:30 am 9:00 pm dinner at 11:30 pm services classes begin Community dinner followed Communal Seder (first night) by all-night learning and Friday, April 22 at 8:00 pm sunrise minyan.

Yom HaShoah Holocaust Remembrance Service Wednesday, May 4 at 7:00 pm

SAVE THESE DATES

Community Events

Sisterhood Boutique & Blood Drive Ramaz Dinner Dance Sunday, November 15 Sunday, January 10

KJ Annual Dinner Annual Synagogue Meeting Saturday night, December 5 Thursday, April 7 at 7:30 pm

20 SectionHolidays Title 2015–2016 : 5776 21 Jewish Learning Institute Crash Course

Rabbi Elie Weinstock Co-sponsored by NJOP. JLI is a creative presentation of traditional Judaism in a highly professional, innovative, academically rigorous …in Basic Judaism yet accessible format. Rabbi Elie Weinstock All classes meet on Mondays at 7:00 pm Wednesdays at 7:00 pm Cost: $79 per course ($135 per couple) September 2 & 9 No one will be turned away due to lack of funds Rabbi Daniel Kraus Tuesdays at 7:00 pm January 5 and 12

Rabbi Daniel Kraus Tuesdays at 7:00 pm March 29 and April 5

Exploring Judaism can be an exciting, stimulating, and inspiring adventure. Come explore Judaism’s views on belief in God, prayer, Shabbat, Jewish observance, and sexuality. We’ll only begin to scratch the surface, but you will start to see Judaism Journey The Jewish Heroes in a whole new light after taking this course. Perfect for beginners or those wishing to brush up on basic Jewish concepts. Offered three times this year, we invite you to of the Soul Course of Why & Villains choose the best time to learn about Judaism.

Six Mondays Six Mondays Six Mondays starting October 26 starting February 8 starting May 16 An exploration of life, You have questions; Enigmatic Biblical death, and what we have answers tales of kings, warriors, …in Jewish History lies beyond and prophets Rabbi Daniel Kraus Tuesdays at 7:00 pm Starting February 9

An overview of the main events and personalities that have shaped the Prayerbook Hebrew Was the last time Jewish people from creation to the founding of modern Israel in 1948. you celebrated Sara Rosen Wednesdays at 8:00 pm being Jewish when Chai Mitzvah is a way to bring your family together; a I: Starting October 14 you were 12 or 13? way to connect with our community more deeply; a II: Starting January 6 way to enhance your religious and ethical engagement. …in Hebrew Reading III: Starting April 6 When you think about a night Chai Mitzvah is perfect for people of all backgrounds Sara Rosen out, maybe it’s time to opt for and levels, Jewish knowledge, and engagement with the Wednesdays at 6:30 pm Designed for those with something other than a movie community. KJ members of diverse backgrounds and I: Starting October 14 some ability to read Hebrew, or a visit to the museum… all walks of life have found the experience meaningful II: Starting January 6 students practice reading skills and worthwhile. Chai Mitzvah is an excellent opportunity III: Startin April 6 using the siddur and other Jewish for self-discovery, to add strength to a marriage or texts. Special emphasis is placed on to connect with a child becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. This popular series of classes becoming fluent in the daily prayers Participate in monthly sessions of KJ’s Chai Mitzvah enables those with no previous and traditional tunes of Jewish liturgy. cohort led by Rabbi Roy Feldman. background in Hebrew to learn Co-sponsored by NJOP Contact [email protected] for more information. to read Hebrew in just a short time.

22 Education 2015–2016 : 5776 23 Navigating Nach History at Home

Rabbi Hayyim Angel Although Tanakh lies at the heart of the vision of Judaism and has influenced billions of Saturday Night Fights: people worldwide, many often lack access to these eternal works. Join KJ Rabbinic Scholar Great Jewish Debates Rabbi Hayyim Angel on a two-year journey through the nineteen books of the Bible from Joshua through Chronicles. The best of traditional and contemporary scholarship will Saturday nights at 8:30 pm be employed as we study the central themes of each book. This year we will survey the books of the prophets (Nevi’im). The course will be taught at a high scholarly level but is November 21 accessible to people of all levels of Jewish learning. Dogma, Heresy, and Classical Debates: How We Co-sponsored by KJ and the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals May Create Jewish Unity in an Age of Confusion Rabbi Hayyim Angel Wednesdays at 7:00 pm

Fall session January 23 Joshua, Judges, Samuel: Oct 14, 21, 28; Nov 4, 11, 18; Dec 2, 9 Controversies Over the Historicity of Winter session Biblical Passages in Traditional Commentary Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah: Jan 27; Feb 3, 10, 17, 24; March 2, 9, 16 Rabbi Hayyim Angel Spring session Ezekiel, Twelve Prophets: May 4, 11, 18, 25; June 1, 8 March 5 Rambam vs. Spinoza: These programs are presented in

Approaches to Religion and Reason conjunction with the Institute for Rabbi Marc Angel Jewish Ideas and Ideals. We look Dr. William Major Memorial Advanced Shiur in Talmud forward to the shared vision and The Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals, founded energy of KJ and the Institute, Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Wieder and directed by Rabbi Marc Angel, offers a bringing an added layer of depth Sunday mornings following 8:30 am services and breakfast starting October 11 vision of Orthodox Judaism that is intellectually and learning to our programs in The shiur will be studying Masekhet Avodah Zarah and will focus primarily sound, spiritually compelling, and emotionally the community. on the text of the Gemara on its own terms. When relevant, practical satisfying. Based on an unwavering commit- halakhic applications that emerge from the sources will be discussed. We ment to the Torah tradition and to the Jewish will occasionally touch upon parallels in the Talmud Yerushalmi as well as people, it fosters an appreciation of legitimate attempt to present the mainstream approaches found in the Rishonim to the diversity within Orthodoxy. It publishes a journal, various passages. (Childcare available) Conversations, three times per year, and its popular website — www.jewishideas.org — provides a diverse range of opinions on issues of contemporary relevance. In-depth Talmud Book Tractate Pesachim Rabbi Roy Feldman Reception Mondays at 9:00 am starting October 19

Hone your textual skills, sharpen your analytical abilities, examine Naomi Ragen the text’s cultural and historical context, appreciate the Talmud’s Sunday, November 8 multiple layers, survey the development of Halakhah, explore 10:30 am Rishonim (medieval commentators) and unlock the text for The Devil in Jerusalem relevance and meaning.

24 Education 2015–2016 : 5776 25 The What, When, Why & How of Judaism For Women Only

Rabbi Yossi Weiser Women’s Parshat Hashavua Thursdays at 7:00 pm Rabbi Haskel Lookstein This course will provide an overview as well as a deeper understanding of many Wednesdays at 8:30 am starting October 14 of the foundations of Judaism. Combining the study of Bible, Jewish Law, philosophy, Weekly investigation into the portion of the week drawn and history, explore the rhyme, rhythm, and reason of the religion so that you can especially from insights of the Netziv. develop the knowledge and skills to live Judaism. Perfect for those new to Judaism or those wishing to deepen their existing understanding. (This course is also ideal for those considering conversion.) Soul Cycle – A Monthly Spiritual Workout I. Crash Course in Basic Judaism starting October 15 Led by Rachel Kraus Wednesdays at 7:30 pm II. The Jew in the Modern World starting December 3 October 14; November 11; December 16; January 13; February 10; March 9; April 13; May 25; June 12 (First Day Shavuot) at 5:30 pm III. Jewish Lifecycle starting February 4 Women of the community are invited to participate in a monthly learning series to provide an opportunity to learn, share, engage and inspire each month. A variety of IV. Chumash with Rashi starting March 17 topics will be addressed in different homes each month.

V. Who Knows 13? The Foundations of Faith starting May 5

VI. Between Man & Man: The Interpersonal Mitzvot starting June 2 Prophetic Women–“The Book of Samuel: Woman’s Complex Relationships with Men, Children and God” Shera Aranoff Tuchman Thursdays at 8:30 am starting October 22 This course, Prophetic Women—women in the books of the Prophets, continues now as an ongoing study of King David’s wives. We will focus on Bat-Sheva, and David’s s relationship with her. This is one of the most elusive and difficult stories in the Bible—a love triangle Rabbi Daniel and Rachel Kraus encompassing, (perhaps) adultery and murder. It is a story of betrayal—and betrayal come Tuesdays at 7:00 pm starting October 20 in many forms—how we betray others, how others betray us, and how we betray ourselves. Not another app, but a weekly The commentaries—ancient and modern, grapple with the political/religious/moral appointment with your heritage. Join implications and justifications/ consequences/punishment/absolution and repentance. It is iLearn@CKJ Rabbi Daniel & Rachel Kraus for an a complicated drama—of legal, political and moral intrigue, but above all, a human story. interactive class discussing Jewish fundamentals as well as the important issues facing contemporary Judaism. Parshah Study

Exploring the Guide Parsha Foundations Rabbi Elie Weinstock Martin Kaufman Tuesdays at 8:15 am starting October 13 Studies in the Weekly Portion Tuesdays at 8:00 pm Explore contemporary Jewish topics that Maimonides’ Guide of the Perplexed is arguably the most influential and controversial work emerge from the weekly portion. Ideal for Rabbi Yossi Weiser produced in the entire field of Jewish thought since the close of the Talmud 15 centuries anyone looking to refresh Chumash skills, Thursdays at 8:00 pm ago. In this text-based course, we will specifically examine the Maimonidean approach catch up on what you may have missed Join us in exploring the profound insights to studying and understanding the literary methodology of the Prophets beginning with growing up, or in need of a dvar Torah for and relevance of our tradition derived from Torah and employed throughout the entire canon of the prophetic literature. the Shabbat table. Please come with the weekly Torah reading as it is filtered tough questions and an open mind. through the prism of classical Jewish commentaries of the last 2,500 years.

26 Education 2015–2016 : 5776 27 Dus Haimische Shtiebel “The Yiddish Schmoozers”

Willy Rosenberg Wednesdays at 11:30 am starting October 7

Join KJ member Willy Rosenberg for an informal weekly Yiddish language discussion whose topical flow will be as meandering as the Danube. Litvaks and Galicianers are welcome, as are all lovers of our expressive and rich “Mama Loshon.” No language proficiency expected, but be forewarned: If you don’t know what we’re saying, we’re probably kibitzing about you! Jewish Values and the Israeli-Palestinian Con­flict with Yossi Klein Halevi Lunch & Learn

Tuesday November 10 at 7:00 pm Wednesdays at 12:00 pm starting October 7 A Multidenominational Communal Conversation presented as part For members 55 years and older, hosted by of the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America’s iEngage series Donna Silverman. Participants are invited to eat and listen to an impressive array of guest speakers offering For more information or to register, visit www.shalomhartman.prg/NYcollaborative presentations on a variety of topics of Jewish Interest. (Use CKJ15 to register for free)

AIPAC Policy Conference 2016 March 20–22, 2016

Join the KJ/Ramaz Delegation at AIPAC’s Policy Conference led by Rabbi Haskel Lookstein and Rabbi Elie Weinstock

• Hear from top leaders whose decisions shape the future of our world. • Come together with thousands of pro-Israel activists and congregants from all 50 states. • Lobby members of Congress on critical legislation affecting the U.S.-Israel relationship. • Make our synagogue-school community the most well represented in the nation.

28 Education 2015–2016 : 5776 29 Men’s Club

President: Dr. Mark Meirowitz [email protected] The KJ Men’s club offers something for everyone in KJ and the broader Jewish community. Some of our programs include Kiddush Discussions led by fascinating speakers; Chug Ivri for lovers of the Hebrew language; film screenings featuring directors, producers, and actors; the annual Men’s Club Shabbaton in memory of former president Dr. Stephen Stowe; and the Sunday Supper Lecture series. The Men’s Club also presents guest speakers at the weekly Seudah Shlishit and invites the community to a Shavuot Eve Dinner, where Divrei Torah from Ramaz Middle School students are showcased, followed by a stimulating Shavuot Lecture.

Am Hasefer Book Club

OCT. 17 NOV 8 Dan McMillan Rabbi Adam Fisher, Alan Gordon, S. J. Rozan, S. A. Soloman

Nov 1 Lower East Side Walking Tour with Alvin Broome

Kiddush Discussions Sunday Supper Lectures

Rabbi Daniel and Rachel Kraus Symposium On Ottoman The Power of the Ecosystem: Lessons from Apple Jewish History Moderated by David Goldman Dr. Mark Meirowitz China: Israel’s Friend Or Foe? Nutrition Panel Dr. Nick Gura Moderated by Dr. Lisa Young When Did the Tradition of Referring to G-d as “The Name” Begin? Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions: The Boycott Of Israel—What Is It Dr. Mark Meirowitz And How Do We Fight It? Community Turkey, Israel and the Jewish Community: Moderated by Scott Shay Status Update Stand With Us—Ensuring Future AND FEATURING: Support For Israel Israel Max • Zev Brenner Moderated by Avi Posnick Dr. Adena Berkowitz • Jack Zaremski Rimon

• The Dunera Boys Film • Above And Beyond Series • In The Footsteps Of Sholem Aleichem • Every Word Has Power: The Poetry Of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel • The Third Jihad

30 SectionCommunity Title 2015–2016 : 5776 31 Sisterhood Kesher

around the world? Money raised through Presidents: Stephanie Katz, Julie Kopel, Presidents: Shani Epstein, Gealia Friend, Margot Marans, and Elizabeth Savetsky Sisterhood programming supports social Abby Doft, Katia Raab, Eugenia Davis [email protected] [email protected] action projects that benefit families and individuals in our community and around Kesher offers an array of programs and events for individuals and young couples in The KJ Sisterhood: the world. All this is possible if you attend a their twenties, thirties, and forties, and families who have young children. Kesher’s main Sisterhood event. And, as a member of KJ, goal is to create a “connection” among this group of KJ members in order to provide a There’s Something for Everyone you are already a part of the Sisterhood. warm and welcoming entry into the larger KJ community and contribute to the social, educational and family needs of this important demographic. Would you like to get an inside look at a We would love to have your participation. new art exhibition? Maybe you want to You can co-chair an event or offer your One of the most popular Kesher programs is the Young People’s Minyan (YPM) where learn how to cook fresh, healthy meals? home as a venue, so come to an event members daven on Shabbat mornings as a group, enjoy a delicious hot Kiddush and, Perhaps you find sharing ideas about a to be with friends or meet new people. most importantly, get to know each other in an intimate, kid-friendly Shul environment. new book to be stimulating? And wouldn’t Contact us if you would like more it be great if you could do all this and information on how to get involved. raise money for needy people here and Events

October 5, 2015 Shemini Atzeret Luncheon

November 15, 2015 Chanukah Concert

November 18, 2015 Kesher Men’s Sunday New Mothers Breakfast Afternoon Basketball Program

For more information, please contact February 7, 2016 Aaron Krawitz at [email protected] or Sisterhood Calendar Super Bowl Party Marco Sardar at [email protected] for more information. 2015–16 (5776) March 19, 2016 Purim Masquerade Living Room Learning OCTOBER NOVEMBER JANUARY APRIL with Rabbi Roy Feldman • October 8: • November 8: Art Event with Annual Luncheon It’s casual, fun, informative, thought- Open Meeting Cooking Event Make Meaning provoking, and—best of all—it’s in the for all women in • November 15: MAY comfort of your own home! Instead of in a the community Pre-Chanukah FEBRUARY Sisterhood Shops formal classroom, study relevant topics in • October 13: Boutique Soul Cycle Event Spring Boutique Jewish law, philosophy, Talmud, and Tanakh Chelsea Gallery • Sotheby’s in the relaxed environment of a Kesher Tour featuring Judaica Tour MARCH JUNE member’s living room. Israeli Artists Cooking Event Book Event

32 Community 2015–2016 : 5776 33 UJA at KJ Chesed

UJA AT KJ is a partnership between KJ members and UJA-Federation of New York. Members receive unique opportunities to utilize the resources of UJA-Federation. With an assortment of causes and agencies in need of our support, UJA at KJ enables KJ THANKS to the commitment of so many dedicated KJ members, there are a tremendous members to become involved in and exposed to the important work of UJA-Federation in number of chesed initiatives available here through KJ, and they cover a wide range of New York, Israel and around the world. interests and time commitments. These projects can actually make doing chesed quite easy—you only need to find the program that works for you. October 12, 2015 March 21, 2016 Mitzvah Monday at Project Ore Mitzvah Monday at Head Start Bikur Cholim W Connection Thursday, October 15, 2015 May 4, 2016 For over 35 years, a dedicated group of Under the leadership of our own KJ Member Cocktails and Kehilah Lunch and Learn with KJ/Ramaz KJ members have been visiting patients at Judy Tanz, the “W Connection” now meets Seniors from Selfhelp*, a UJA-Federation Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital. Volunteer on the Upper East Side. The “W Connection” November 15, 2015 beneficiary agency that provides the positions exist on Thursday, Friday and is a grassroots organization created to meet UJA@KJ Mitzvah Day greatest number of services to victims Saturday mornings. Some KJ Bikur Cholim the needs of widows by providing widow- of Nazi persecution, will join the KJ volunteers also perform this mitzvah at to-widow support at the community level so Sunday, November 22, 2015 Lunch and Learn program for a delicious other area hospitals, under the auspices of that widows can successfully rebuild their Thanksgiving for Project Ore lunch, choral performance, and to share those hospitals’ Volunteer and Chaplaincy lives and regain and sustain social-emotional Serve and share a Thanksgiving meal some memorable intergenerational departments. For more information on stability and health. To learn more about at Educational Alliance’s* Project ORE. interaction with children from Ramaz. volunteering at Sloan-Kettering, contact the KJ/Ramaz chapter of “W Connection,” *All of the agencies listed above are Volunteer Coordinator Karen Lerman please contact Judy Tanz at 212-535-7571 or December 13, 2015 UJA-Federation of New York beneficiary ([email protected]) or program [email protected]. UJA@KJ Chanukah agencies. leader Hon. Jerome Hornblass at 917-806-7595. Pack it Up for Purim Chevra Kadisha Prepare Purim packages in partnership Join a dedicated group of men and women with Pack it up for Purim to benefit the Clothing Drives performing this sacred mitzvah for which no KJ Food Pantry and Metropolitan Council Organized by Victoria Ginsberg’s Ramaz thanks is received. Doing this act of chesed on Jewish Poverty*. Middle School Chesed Club, this energetic in the most quiet fashion, and showing the group of kids collects clothing, sorts it, bags utmost respect and care for each and every it and gets it ready for various organizations deceased member of our community, this to distribute. For information: Victoria group puts into wonderful perspective what Ginsberg at [email protected] life is all about. Contact Riva Alper for the Sponsor a Shabbat ORE women’s Chevra Kadisha at [email protected] and contact Isaac Pollak for the men’s Chevra Blood Drive Kadisha at [email protected] Ongoing At this year’s blood drive, 70 pints of blood Educational Alliance’s* Shabbat ORE offers a kosher Shabbat Lunch to isolated, poor, were donated by people who received free homeless, mentally ill, and elderly Jews who otherwise would have no other means of cholesterol tests and participated in one of the celebrating Shabbat. This program was eliminated in 2009 due to budget reductions most important mitzvot. This year’s blood drive across the agency, but reinstated in 2010 thanks to the generosity of the “UJA at KJ” will take place on Sunday, November 15, 2015. community. Once again, the warmth of a Shabbat lunch is being provided to those who The Talmud states that saving one life is akin to Save need it most thanks to your generosity. saving an entire world, so please donate blood, or volunteer at the drive. Contact Blood Drive For more information about any of these programs or “UJA at KJ” please contact: co-chairs Jeffrey Fisher or Michael Lustig at the Date Talya Kaye at [email protected], Lani Kollander at [email protected] [email protected] to reserve an or Rebecca Zimilover at [email protected] or (212)-836-1356. appointment time, to volunteer if you cannot Volunteer Recognition donate blood, or to get more information. Seudah Shlishit & Lecture: March 19

34 Community 2015–2016 : 57772015–2016 : CKJ :Guide 5776 35 Youth Chesed (continued)

Dorot Mitzvah Toy Campaign Through personal contact with seniors, This heartfult program encourages children volunteers help deliver vital services to the from Nursery School through Grade 8 to frail elderly and forge loving bonds between donate one or more of their birthday presents the generations. There are ongoing volunteer to children who are less fortunate. Every opportunities including: friendly visiting; month another volunteer mother takes reading and shopping assistance; escorting charge of the program, collecting the toys to medical appointments; or teaching and donating them to a Jewish charity of over the phone. There are also one-time her choice. For information contact Joanna opportunities like delivering holiday packages; Kleinhaus at [email protected]. accompanying groups to visit the cemetery; and celebrating birthdays. To volunteer for most DOROT programs, all you need to do is Career Network register on their website www.dorotusa.org The highest form of tzedakah outlined by For KJ’s Dorot Shabbat Meal Delivery Program Maimonides is helping someone to become contact [email protected] self-sufficient. In addition, the KJ/Ramaz Career Network endeavors to help members find jobs, or fill a vacancy with a qualified College Connection shul member. It is intended as a career This group maintains a warm, personal development, business and professional connection with the college and graduate reference and general business resource. school-aged children of synagogue Contact Larry Kassman at [email protected] members studying in the , by sending special mailings and holiday gifts. Contact [email protected] to put your son or KJ Food Pantry daughter on the list. One of the few kosher food pantries in Manhattan, it provides weekly (every Monday) staples as well as fresh fruit and Hatzolah vegetables to hungry New Yorkers. Volunteer This year marks the 24th year since the opportunities include: purchasing and/or inception of the Upper East Side Division packaging food; staffing a pick-up table; and of Hatzolah. Their all-volunteer EMTs and delivering packages to the homebound. For paramedics provide immediate response and more information contact Stacy Scheinberg the highest quality emergency medical and at [email protected] life saving services to our community, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are male, between the ages of 18 & 45, live or work in Shabbat Hospitality the Upper East Side and would like to fulfill No shul would be complete without a group the mitzvah of Hatzalat Nefashot (saving of volunteers committed to making sure that lives), please call 212-410-9796. You do not every visitor to the community has a place need any prior medical experience; Hatzolah to spend a warm, friendly Shabbat meal. To will provide all necessary training. occasionally open up your home to visitors brought into our midst as a result of the hospitalization of a loved one, please contact Rabbi Elie Weinstock at [email protected]

36 Community 2015–2016 : 5776 37 Shabbat Shabbat Family Fun

Shabbat Groups Shabbat Family Friday Night Dinners 10:00 am starting September 12 November 6; December 4; January 15; February 19 Celebrate Friday night Shabbat dinner with Rabbi Elie Weinstock and Youth Director Aryana Ritholtz. The evening features a special parent and child-friendly service, with Early Childhood beautiful Friday night songs, and a delicious Shabbat dinner. The evening begins with (Toddler, Nursery, Pre-K & Kindergarten) youth programming for all ages! Tot Shabbat for ages 5 and under and Tefillah Together All children in this division are invited to participate in our interactive and educational for older children and parents. RSVPs required to [email protected]. Shabbat morning groups. These groups are run by professionally trained Morot and incorporate fun activities, davening, singing, parsha, and story time followed by a light snack. Friday Night Tefilah Together November 6; December 4; January 15; February 19 Junior Congregation Parents and children of all ages are invited to welcome the Shabbat with an inspiring Boys and Girls in grades 1–4 are invited to lead and assume various roles in our Shabbat and kid friendly Friday night service including Kabbalat Shabbat Tefilah and songs. morning Junior Congregation. With a focus on extended Tefilah and Parshat Hashavuah, our goal is to enrich the minds of our “congregants” by inspiring their hearts. The Shabbat Tefilah Together morning also includes parsha games and age appropriate activities followed by a November 7; December 5; January 16; February 13; March 26; May 28; June 18 scrumptious Kiddush. Parents are invited to join their children in a kid friendly and inspiring Shabbat morning service with Prayers, Torah Reading, Divrei Torah, and a delicious Kiddush to follow. Youth Minyan Boys and Girls in grades 5–7 are invited to attend. The Shabbat morning program consists of Tefilah and Divrei Torah that are led by the children. A variety of age-appropriate activities and games are provided for the group followed by a hot Kiddush and snacks.

Tot Shabbat Daytime Sports September 19; October 17; November 14; December 19; January 23; February 27; March 19; April 16; May 21; June 11 KJBL Basketball (grades 1–7) Super Bowl Party Children ages 3 and under, and their parents, are invited to join Rabbi Elie Weinstock and Youth Director Aryana Ritholtz for Shabbat songs, stories, and our world-famous Torah October 11, 18, 25; November 1, 8; Sunday, February 7 parade followed by a delicious Kiddush. RSVPs welcome to [email protected]. December 6, 20; January 10, 17, 24, 31; Watch football’s biggest game of the year February 7, 21, 28; March 6, 13, 20, 27; on a big screen TV with your friends and April 3, 10, 17 enjoy traditional game fare as well. The Youth Shabbatonim KJBL gives its players the opportunity pre-game festivities begin at 4:00 pm, November 14 (grades 1-3); December 12 (grades 4-7); to develop their basketball skills in an so come out for a great night of food, March 26 (grades 1-3); April 16 (grades 4-7) environment that promotes sportsmanship football, and fun. Following regular morning Shabbat groups, a fun-filled day awaits! The and fair play. Shabbaton commences with a wonderful lunch followed by a myriad Chanukah Dodgeball in the Dark of shows, games, and performances. This event is not to be missed! KJSL Softball (Grades 2–7) December 12 May 1–June 26 Boys and girls in grades 3–8 are invited to Musical Havdalah and Ice Cream Parties This is a great opportunity for kids to a fun-filled (supervised) Saturday night game of glow-in-the-dark dodgeball November 14; December 12; January 9; February 6; develop their softball skills while followed by a delicious pizza supper. March 5; April 2 soaking up the sun in Central Join the KJ Youth Department and Rabbi Roy Feldman Park. Parents are also on Saturday nights for an inspiring and musical Havdalah. welcome to join the fun. Following Havdalah, older kids will enjoy learning with the Rabbi while little ones enjoy arts and crafts projects followed by a delicious ice cream party.

38 Youth 2015–2016 : 5776 39 Yom Tov Celebrations

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Youth Groups Rosh Hashanah, September 14 & 15 Yom Kippur, September 22 & 23 In addition to regular programming, these Purim night special Yamim Noraim (High Holy Days) Youth Groups will be held for children of Wednesday, March 23 Rabbi Daniel Kraus all ages where they are welcome to learn Children of all ages are invited to dress in 212-774-5678 / [email protected] about the different customs and laws costumes for our Purim evening program. related to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Candy bags and groggers are just some of Help build a strong Jewish identity for your children. There will be limited programming for the perks for all in attendance. Services are older children on Kol Nidrei night as well. followed by a pizza and ice cream party PJ Library will send your children, ages 6 months with music and dancing. through 8 years, a free, high-quality children’s book Sukkot Chol Hamoed Trip or CD each month that will enrich your family’s Purim Carnival—The Party of the Year! Jewish life. KJ has brought PJ Library and “PJ at September 30 KJ” to young Jewish families on the Upper East Celebrate Sukkot with a delicious pizza Thursday, March 24 following Side, offering regular programming centered around lunch in the sukkah and then we are off 9:30 am services Shabbat and holidays. Subscribe today and spread the to Randell’s Island Golf and Batting Games, prizes, shows, costume contest, word! Sign-up at www.pjlibrary.org/ny/KJ Cages Arcade! inflatable obstacle courses and more.

Simchat Torah Bash Shavuot: A Night of Learning Monday Night, October 5 Sunday night, June 12 Join the KJ youth department for a Celebrate the giving of the Torah with fun-filled, ruach-loving Simchat Torah learning, ice cream and fun. program for kids of all ages, followed Jewish Youth Connection by Divrei Torah presented by middle [email protected] or 212-794-1592 schoolers. Netanel Goldstein, Director / [email protected] Morah Ariana Solovey, Principal / [email protected]

If you think you know what Hebrew school is...think again! The Jewish Youth Connection at KJ (JYC) is a total reinvention of the Hebrew school experience. Each MaTaN Bat Mitzvah Program Sunday morning, excited students participate in small classes focused on Bible studies, Jewish history, customs, and holidays. Students from the second through sixth Taught by Rachel Kraus This program follows a curriculum developed by MaTaN, grades are then paired with a big brother/sister to help 9:30–11:00 am the world-renowned Jerusalem academy for women’s make Hebrew reading easy and fun. There is a special Torah scholarship, which focuses on Jewish female track for students preparing for Bar or Bat Mitzvah that January 10, 17, 24, 31; role models from the Matriarchs to Nehama Leibowitz. adds knowledge and meaning to this important Jewish February 7, 21, 28; Using Jewish sources, it explores the meaning of milestone, and a “JYC Junior High” for older students. No March 6, 13, 20 responsibility, and the importance of daily mitzvot, synagogue affiliation or Jewish background is required. ritual practice and Torah study in a way that is hands Our focus is to help foster a quality connection to Judaism on, exciting and meaningful. for you and your family. Join us and spread the word. Visit www.jyc.info for more information.

40 Youth 2015–2016 : 5776 41 Rabbi Hayyim Angel is the National Rabbi Roy Feldman earned his in Cancer Rehabilitation at Memorial Sloan Kettering Who’s Who at KJ Scholar of the Institute for Jewish BA in Linguistics and History from Cancer Center. Shilo received his M.S. degree from Ideas and Ideals (jewishideas.org). Columbia University and his MA the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education at Rabbi Haskel Lookstein has He also teaches advanced Bible in Jewish Philosophy from the Yeshiva University and is a popular Jewish studies and been the principal of the Ramaz courses to undergraduate, graduate, Bernard Revel Graduate School. Bar Mitzvah tutor for the community’s children. School since 1966. He is the and rabbinical students at Yeshiva He studied at Yeshivat Petach Joseph H. Lookstein Professor of University, and lectures widely. He has published over Tikva in Israel and was ordained by the Rabbi Isaac Shera Aranoff Tuchman has been Homiletics at Yeshiva University, 100 scholarly articles, primarily in Bible, and is author or Elchanan Theological Seminary and by Rabbi Zalman teaching a weekly class in Biblical vice president of the Beth Din of editor of thirteen books. He received his B.A. in Jewish Nechemia Goldberg of Jerusalem. Rabbi Feldman commentary at KJ for the past America, and a member of the Board of Directors of Studies Summa cum Laude from Yeshiva College, his is also on the Judaic Studies faculty of the Ramaz 20 years. Notes from this class the UJA Federation of New York. Rabbi Lookstein M.A. in Bible from the Bernard Revel Graduate School, Upper School. Before coming to KJ, he served as culminated in the publications of is also a commissioner of the New York City his M.S. in Jewish Education from the Azrieli Graduate Rabbinic Intern at Congregation Ahavath Torah and two books co-authored with Sandra Human Rights Commission. He received his B.A. School of Jewish Education, and his Rabbinical the UJA-Federation of New York, and was a fellow at Rapoport, Passions of the Matriarchs and Moses’ from Columbia College and earned his ordination, Ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological the Center for Modern Torah Leadership. ​ Women, commentaries on the women in Genesis Master’s degree, and Ph.D. from Yeshiva University. Seminary of Yeshiva University. He lives in New York and Exodus, respectively. Shera recently translated with his wife and three children. Leonard Silverman is a graduate over 35 volumes, written by her grandmother, Safta’s Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz was of Ramaz School, holds a B.A. from Diaries – Intimate Diaries of a Religious Zionist Rabbi of Montreal’s Congregation Cantor Mayer Davis graduated Brandeis University, and a J.D. from Woman. These diaries depict American Jewish life Tifereth Beth David Jerusalem for Queens College with a B.A. in Jewish New York University School of post World War II and include private and personal nearly twenty years. Prior to that, Studies and studied at Yeshiva Law. Prior to joining KJ, Leonard family happenings, as well as political and historical he served congregations in Mount University’s Cantor’s Institute. In was an attorney specializing in writings. The book, just published by KTAV, has been Vernon, New York, and Jersey addition, he trained under the complex commercial litigation. As the Congregation’s reviewed as a “modern day Gluckel of Hamlen.” Dr. City, New Jersey. He received his ordination from tutelage of his father, Cantor Avram executive director, Leonard oversees many non- Aranoff also practices Dermatology in Manhattan. Yeshiva University, where he was a member of the Davis, a”h, and with the late Cantor David Koussevitsky. rabbinic facets of KJ’s operations. Gruss Kollel Elyon and received an M.A. in Jewish A versatile vocal performer and songwriter, he has Sara Rosen has been with the KJ Philosophy from the Bernard Revel Graduate School, appeared at venues across the country and has Riva Alper, a graduate of Stern Adult Eductaion program for over in addition to an M.A. in Education from Adelphi been a featured guest soloist with Zamir Chorale, College, began her professional a decade. Born in Jerusalem, she University. Rabbi Steinmetz, a past president of the most recently at Avery Fisher Hall. He has been career as a proofreader and editor studied education at Beit Berl Montreal Board of Rabbis and Rabbinic Council commissioned to compose numerous musical pieces for ArtScroll Publications. Then, Teacher’s College and at Columbia of Canada, is a frequent contributor to Jewish for Jewish liturgy and several of his choral compositions armed with an MA in English and University. Among her many skills newspapers and has a popular, frequently updated have been performed by various Jewish high school Education from Seton Hall University, and teaching methodologies, Sara has developed blog entitled “The Happiness Warrior.” choruses, including the Ramaz Chamber Chorus. Riva taught junior high school English in the U.S. and Phonetic Hebrew Decoding (PHD), an innovative then in Israel. Upon her return from Israel, she worked approach to learning Hebrew reading, that simplifies Rabbi Elie Weinstock is a veteran Rabbi Daniel Kraus, a native of for a New York marketing agency and then became the process and makes it more accessible. In addition of both formal and informal Melbourne, Australia, is a graduate director of development at American Friends of Reuth to teaching Hebrew at KJ, Sara oversees the Hebrew educational programs and a of Yeshiva University, completed Medical Center. She comes to KJ with the perspective program at Rodeph Sholom Religious School and Yeshiva University graduate. He the Ner LeElef Fellowship at RIETS and dedication which developed over the years as a teaches Hebrew in their adult education program. received his Rabbinic ordination and received his ordination from member of the Congregation and as a lay leader. from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Rabbi Zalman Nechemia Goldberg Rabbi Yossi Weiser received Theological Seminary and a Masters in Jewish of Jerusalem. A veteran of informal education in both Aryana Ritholtz, our Youth Director, his ordination from the Mirrer Philosophy from the Bernard Revel Graduate school. Australia and the US, Daniel was the founding Director attended the Hebrew Academy Yeshiva in Brooklyn. He also has Rabbi Weinstock oversees the highly developed KJ of the Manhattan Jewish Experience (MJE) Downtown of Five Towns and Rockaway and Masters degrees in Jewish History Beginners Program and is a member of the Talmud location and built, together with Rachel, a vibrant studied in Israel for a year before and Guidance Counseling. He is faculty at the Ramaz Middle School. community of young Jewish professionals in the graduating from Touro College currently a member of the Judaic midtown Manhattan area, with over 7,000 people from while also earning a degree from Studies faculty of the Ramaz Upper School, and is a Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Wieder is diverse backgrounds participating in their programs. Alegra Franco Teacher’s Seminary in Brooklyn. A noted adult educator in Jewish history, philosophy, Yeshiva University’s Joseph and He also served as the organization’s Chief Operating veteran of Jewish informal educational programs, political science and Bible. Gwendolyn Straus Professor Officer. Among his many responsibilities, Daniel, a Aryana now share her enthusiasm, passion, and of Talmud in the Mazer Yeshiva kosher food aficionado and founder of Koshertopia. vibrant personality with the KJ Youth Department. Martin Kaufman was formerly Program, a rosh yeshiva at the com, helps oversee the KJ Beginners Program as well Chairman and CEO of Philipp Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological as educational and family programming. Steven Ritholtz, KJ’s Teen Program Brothers and now consults in the Seminary and an adjunct professor of Bible at Coordinator, graduated from Hebrew natural resource sector throughout Yeshiva College. A summa cum laude graduate of Rachel Kraus completed her B.S. Academy of Nassau County and the world. A long time member, Yeshiva College, he was ordained at RIETS, received from Stern College with a major Yeshiva University and is currently in together with his family, of the his MS in American Jewish history from the Bernard in Marketing and a minor in Music his final year at New York University KJ/Ramaz community, he was educated at Yeshiva Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, and holds including extensive study at The College of Dentistry. He plans to use University and New York University’s Graduate a PhD in Judaic studies from New York University. Juilliard School. She is currently the his past teen experience in various summer programs School of Business Administration. For many years, Rabbi Wieder is a prolific scholar on issues of National Director of Partnership and the NCSY Summer Kollel in Israel to engage our Martin has collaborated with YU’s Rabbi Herschel Torah’s relationship with modernity, with more than Marketing for the Westfield Corporation and recently teens with educational and social programming as well Reichman in the publication and dissemination of the 900 lectures on Judaism captured on audio and completed her MBA at NYU. Rachel has been involved as our highly acclaimed Shabbat Teen Minyan. Talmudic shiurim of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik. video and available online. in teaching and informal education for the past 12 He has lectured extensively throughout the area years across the globe including programs in the US, Shilo Kramer is the chazan for the including Temple Emanu-El’s Skirball Center, Australia, Belarus & Israel. Rachel teaches for mothers KJ Beginners program. He is a Congregation Orach Chaim, and The 92nd Street and daughters the Matan Bat Mitzvah Program at KJ. physician specializing in Physical Y, as well as the online educational initiatives Rachel & Rabbi Daniel are the proud parents of three Medicine and Rehabilitation and is WebYeshiva and Breslov Campus. young children. currently completing a fellowship 42 Who’s Who at KJ 2015–2016 : 5776 43 We’re Home!

125 East 85th Street, New York, NY 10028 [email protected] | www.ckj.org | 212-774-5600 facebook.com/CongregationKehilathJeshurun twitter.com/CongregationKJ