Hebrew Institute of Riverdale Bayit BULLETIN December 4 - 11, 2015 22 - 29 Kislev 5776 3700 Henry Hudson Parkway, Bronx, NY 10463 718-796-4730 www.thebayit.org Steven Exler, Senior Rabbi: Mazal Tov To: Joli Winkler on the birth of a great-granddaughter, Mia. [email protected]/ x108

This Shabbat @ The Bayit Sara Hurwitz, Rabba: [email protected]/ x107 Joseph Kabbalat Shabbat (LLBM) After Mincha in the Main Sanctuary. Kabbalat Ari Hart, Associate Rabbi: Shabbat to the tunes of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Followed by Maariv. [email protected]/ x124 Anat Sharbat, Assistant Rabba: Ruth Ebenstein Shabbaton [email protected]/ x106 An Israeli and a Palestinian Brought Together by Breast Cancer: Avi Weiss, Rabbi in Residence: Come hear the story of two friends, Ruth Ebenstein and Ibtisam Eriqat, whose fight against breast [email protected]/ x102 cancer brought them together in more ways than one! Richard Langer, Executive Director: [email protected]/ x104 8:30am - 11:00am: Shabbat morning services Menachem Menchel, Director of & Youth Programming: 11:00am - 11:40am: Talk with Ruth Ebenstein titled [email protected]/ x119 "Ibtisam and I: How Breast Cancer Fostered an Unexpected Bryan Cordova, Facilities Manager: Friendship Across the Israeli-Palestinian Divide" [email protected]/ x121 3:55pm - 4:15pm: Mincha David Fain, Assistant Youth Director: [email protected] 4:15pm-5:15pm: Armchair Conversation and Q&A with Ruth & Ibtisam Ariel Meiri, Synagogue Administrator: MOTZEI SHABBAT DECEMBER 5TH: BEGIN SAYING “TAL U’MATAR” AT MAARIV. [email protected]/ x101 Phyllis Newsome, Bookkeeper: This Tuesday - December 8th at 6:00pm [email protected]/ x103 Yael Oshinsky, Program Associate: Rav Avi and AMCHA are planning a non-political Chanukah candle-lighting prayer vigil in front of the nd nd [email protected]/ x116 Israeli Consulate (42 Street & 2 Avenue) for next Tuesday night, Dec. 8, at 6:00pm. This is a vigil Shuli Boxer Rieser, Assistant to R’ Weiss: for all of Am Yisrael, across the denominations, with Tehillim being read and songs being led by [email protected]/ x102 leaders across the spectrum. The vigil is being held in memory of Ezra Schwartz, Rabbi Yaakov Litman, Netanel Litman, and others. Kiddush No Kiddush this Shabbat. Next Shabbat @ The Bayit To sponsor a future Kiddush, please contact Women’s Tefillah: 9:00am - In honor of Lilly Oberstein’s Bat Mitzvah (LLBM). Seth Aronson - [email protected]. Annual Hatzalah Appeal: Riverdale Hatzalah volunteers respond to over 850 emergency calls This Shabbat: Mevarchim each year. Community support is needed to ensure that the supplies and equipment Parshat Vayeshev needed are always available and that vehicles are properly maintained. Thank you!  Candle Lighting: 4:10pm K’vod HaBriyot Session 3 Part 1: Conversion. Between Mincha and Maariv. Prepare  Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat: 4:15pm for the panel discussion on Dec 15th by studying the sources with our Rabbinic Staff.  Shalom Bayit: 7:00am

 Shacharit Main Tefillah: 8:30am December 15 @ The Bayit

 Learning Service: 9:30am (LHSH) K’vod HaBriyot Series: Human Dignity & Halakhah in Our Lives  Sof Zman Kriat Shema: 9:25am 3rd Session (Part 2): Conversion: Main Sanctuary: 7:30pm  Parsha Shiur: 3:25pm Please join us for a panel discussion on the topic of Orthodox Judaism and Conversion.

 Mincha (Main/Sephardic): 3:55pm Panelists include: Rabbi Adam Starr, MS. Bethany Mandel, and Rabbi Jeff Fox.  Listening Room: 4:20pm Moderated by Rav Steven

 Maariv/Shabbat Ends: 5:13pm To learn more about the K’vod HaBriot Series, visit www.thebayit.org/kh or see page 4. Weekday Times  Shacharit: Chanukah @ the Bayit: Sun: 8:30, 9:00am (Kavvanah) Mon/Thur: 6:30, 8:00am December 10th - Century Chanukah Chagiga Tue/Wed/Fri: 6:30, 8:00am All are invited to join Bayit staff and iHouse families at the Century Building, 2600 Netherland Ave. for a Chanukah celebration, including dreidels, chocolate gelt and more!  Mincha/Maariv: Sun - Thur: 4:15pm Learn more at www.thebayit.org/century or email [email protected].

Next Shabbat: Chanukah December 13th - Choir Dinner Parshat Miketz / Rosh Chodesh Please join us for a festive Chanukah dairy dinner (Social Hall) and choir  Candle Lighting: 4:10pm performance (LL BM).  Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat: 4:05pm All are welcome. Reserve today at www.thebayit.org/choir.

 Shacharit Main Tefillah: 8:30am For details about the Toy Drive, Dunkin Donuts Celebration, Saturday Night Kumsitz  Mincha (Main/Sephardic): 3:55pm and Golden Age Program see inside or visit www.thebayit.org/chanukah  Maariv/Shabbat Ends: 5:13pm THE BAYIT BULLETIN This Week’s Classes @ the Bayit CHESED OPPORTUNITIES Joe Hoch z"l Memorial Daf Yomi Shiur with Rabbi Dov Linzer meets RIVERDALE FREE LOAN GEMACH: Please be advised that a Free 7:30am - 8:30am Sun. - Fri iand Shabbat after Mincha in Room 3-7. Open and Loan Gemach has been established to serve residents of the Riverdale accessible to all. You are invited to join at any time! community. The Gemach of Riverdale is a non-profit organization providing

Shabbat interest-free loans to those with cash flow challenges, with dignity and respect. For further info contact Rabbi Moshe Drelich at 917-408-3035 or 8:05am - Midrash Hashavua with Rav Steven [email protected]. 3:25pm - Parsha Shiur with YCT Student Sam Englender 4:20pm - Listening Room with Myra Estelle (LL BM) ZACH BLANK TZAHAL WINTER GEAR FUNDRAISER: After Mincha - Mila Ba’Parasha at Beth Aharon: Basic (and love of) Dear Bayit Community, Our grandson, Zach Blank, was born in Riverdale and raised in West Orange. Hebrew is sufficient. Zach frequently discussed his desire to enlist in the Israeli army with his Weekday Classes grandfathers, Stanley Langer and Paul Blank. Both were proud of Zach’s Monday plans. Zach currently serves in Givati Infantry Unit. As winter is on its way, we 12:30pm - Rav Kook’s Vision of Vegetarianism and Peace w/ Rabba want to help keep our boys warm. If we can raise $13,000, we can supply each Anat in Hebrew (Lobby) of the 130 soldiers in Zach’s plugah with a full winter gear package. To donate Rav Avi’s class will resume next week (non-tax deductible) please go towww.rootfunding.com/campaign/winter-gear- 4-givati-rotem. For tax deduction, please send a check to “Central Fund For 7:30pm - Advanced Hebrew Ulpan w/ Sara Kinberg* (at the Atria) Israel” at Standing Together 17 E Stemmer Ln Suffern, NY 10901, with Tuesday Givati Rotem Campaign in the memo. 10:00am - The Story of Joseph w/ Rav Avi (Lobby) Thank you, Ruby Langer and Judith Blank . 10:30am - Lishma: YCT Community Learning (LHSH) 7:30pm - Foundations of Judaism w/ Rav Ari: Kashrut I (Room 3-7) Thank you to all those who donated to the Best Wednesday Collections Project. We collected 300 pounds of 9:00am - Walk Humbly With Thy God w/ Rabba Anat in English groceries and toiletries. Supplies have been delivered (Moss Café) to our local Bronx Jewish Community Council Food 7:30pm - Intermediate Hebrew Ulpan w/ Sara Kinberg* (Lobby) Pantry, and they greatly appreciate your generosity. Thursday 9:00am - Masechet Ta’anit for beginners (in Hebrew) w/ Rabba Anat SOCIAL WORKER @ THE BAYIT: (LHSH) Questions about an aging loved one, financial pressures, 9:30am - Lishma: YCT Community Learning (2nd Floor Beit Midrash) concerns about children? Contact HIR social worker Anna 10:00am - Book of Shmuel 2 w/ Rav Steven (Lobby) Kirshblum for guidance, information, referrals and a sympathetic ear. 11:00am - Torat Eretz Yisrael - Exploring the State of Israel Through There is no fee and all conversations are strictly confidential. Torah Perspectives w/ Rav Ari (Lobby) 7:30pm - Biblical Hebrew and Siddur Study w/ Sara Kinberg* (Lobby) Anna can be reached on Mon. 8:00am - 7:30pm, Tues. 8:00am - 7:30pm and Thurs. 8:00am - 4:00pm at 718-601-9714 or e-mail her at *Sara Kinberg is an experienced Hebrew teacher. For info and guidance on place- [email protected]. (In partnership with UJA & JBFCS). ment, please call Sara at 718-548-2461. Payment made directly to the teacher. Jewish Caregivers Support Group: Share experiences, Happenings @ the Bayit benefit from mutual support and gain practical advice. Group

Dedicated in Memory of Henry and Goldie Guttman z"l meetings are held once a month on Tuesday at the Beatman Center.

Abraham & Sarah's Tent, Sponsored by Joe Guttman: Encore Entrepreneurs: A program for people 50+ who are looking Join us this Shabbat for our open communal Dinner co-sponsored in to launch a business as a path to long-term financial stability. Develop memory of Otto Pretsfelder. To see which Shabbatot are your business concept, learn about marketing and financial and gain available for sponsorship and to choose your week, go to knowledge from expert guest speakers. Sponsored by the Hebrew www.thebayit.org/tent, or email James Lapin at [email protected]. Free Loan Society and UJA. 12 week course meeting on consecutive Learning Service: Shabbat, weekly in the Lower Level Beit Midrash, Wednesdays from 10:00am - 2:00pm starting December 2, located at 9:30-11:00am. An intimate service with explanations and discussions UJA-Federation, 130 East . Cost is highly subsidized at focusing on prayer and the weekly Torah portion led by Rav Ari, $200. For more information call 212-687-0188 ext. 212 or go Rabbinic Intern Bracha Jaffe, and other members of the rabbinic team. to www.hfls.org/encoreentrepreneurs. Questions? Contact Rav Ari at 718-796-4730 x124 or email [email protected]. Thank you to Ann & Rick Feldman for Mikvah Construction Update sponsoring this week’s kiddush. The renovation of the Riverdale Mikvah is underway. Please keep in mind that construction sites are potentially hazardous and that the Do you know someone who needs any of the following? safety fences around the property are there for our safety and the Would you like to volunteer for any of these committees? safety of our children. The Bayit’s driveway access will be impacted

Meals For Ill Members: for 2 months. Please use care when visiting the Bayit by car. Most Jackie Binstock - 718-543-9135, [email protected]. importantly, please ensure that children do not attempt to climb the

Shiva: Beth Braunstein, [email protected] fences or otherwise attempt to access the construction area.

Bikur Cholim: Riverdale Mikvah Hours Dec 4th - 13th, 2015: Ruth Licht: 718-796-3491, [email protected] Saturday - Thursday: 7:00 - 9:30pm. We have many ways to become meaningfully involved. Friday night: 40 minutes after candle lighting. No appointment is Please pick up a flyer, consider becoming a Bikur Cholim Volunteer. necessary but please be on time. Mikvah attendant will be there for 15 min.

Meals for New Parents: Keilim Mikvah: Open during daylight hours. Becca Linden: 434-962-7899, [email protected] HIR is now part of the Amazon Smile Program

Hospitality and Welcome: [email protected] Help us earn money at no extra cost to you!

Bayit Band: Rav Ari Hart, [email protected] Go to www.smile.amazon.com, pick your own charitable organization

Green Committee: Alisa Eilenberg and Ann Rauch, [email protected] and put in “Hebrew Institute of Riverdale.” THE BAYIT BULLETIN

Calling all Riverdale kids! The Bayit is the place to be! Be a part of it! Please register your child and become a youth member today!

Chanukah at The Bayit: Save the Dates! SUNDAY TOTS WITH DONNA

December 8th - Dunkin Donuts Chanukah Party This Sunday, December 6 - 10:30am-12:00pm

HIR is sponsoring a community-wide Parents and children, join Donna Rudolph for arts & crafts, edible Menorah lighting and Chanukah projects, and more! $10/online; $12/at the door; $40/5 sessions. Celebration at Dunkin Donuts, 259th St. Register @ www.thebayit.org/totswithdonna and Riverdale Ave. Join us for Chanukah Songs and candle lighting. Free Chanukah donuts for the first 300 people! Chai Lifeline Chanukah Toy Drive Now until Wednesday, December 16 December 10th - Century Chanukah Chagiga All are invited to join Bayit staff and iHouse families at the Bring a smile to a child's face and brighten up their Chanukah! Drop-off brand Century Building, 2600 Netherland Ave. for a Chanukah new unwrapped toys in the Bayit coat room. Gifts for children ages 13+ are celebration, including dreidels, chocolate gelt and more! especially appreciated.

December 13th - Choir Dinner These toys will be given to children who are undergoing medical Please join us for a festive Chanukah dinner (Social Hall) procedures and whose immune systems are compromised. and choir performance (LL BM). All are welcome. Used/unsealed toys will not be accepted.

5:00pm - Welcome Learn more at www.thebayit.org/toydrive 5:15pm - Candle Lighting or contact Talia Michaeli at [email protected] 5:30pm - SAR Academy Choir Performance directed by Chazzan Shim Craimer and Lamelle Ryman Young HIR (YHIR) Shabbat Lunch: December 19th 6:00pm - Chanukah Dairy Dinner Join young friends and families for our next Young HIR Shabbat luncheon. (with latkes, sufganiyot, pasta, Enjoy a relaxed social setting with tasty food and great company. salad, and more!) Childcare and programming for youth of all ages. 7:00pm - HIR Choir Performance directed by Jonathan Dzik Early Bird Rate (Ends Monday, 12/14): $20/adult; $15/child; $65/family

Reg Rate: $25/adult; $15/child; $75/family 7:45pm - Dessert Reservations are required. Register online at Sponsorship needed and appreciated. www.thebayit.org/choir Register online at www.thebayit.org/yhir.

SHABBAT MORNING GROUPS SNACKS 2015-2016 Snacks Sponsorship

This year, we are aiming for sponsorship every single Shabbat. Please see $100 – sponsor all snacks $36 - Tot Shabbat

sponsorship options on the right. Please help us reach our goal of 100% $150 – sponsor all snacks $36 - Nursery-K participation. To sponsor go to www.thebayit.org/youthsponsor! + birthday party $36 - Grades 1-6

Room 3-1: Grades 3-6 Donuts and Drash: Room 3-7: 9:00am - 9:30am - Ages 6+: Room 3-4: Nursery

Room 3-2: Grades 3-6 Enjoy a donut and learn this week’s parsha with David Fain Room 3-5: Pre-K Room 3-2: Girls Grades 3-5 Room 3-6: Kindergarden Room 3-3: Grades 1-2 Shabbat Morning Groups: 3rd Floor Youth Wing: 9:40-11:40am RHSH: Tot Shabbat

PARSHA & DRAMA with Adena Blickstein To sponsor snacks for future 10:40am-11:40am, Ages 6 and up! Shabbatot please contact Menachem

Come experience the Parsha through inclusive or Gillian Steinberg or go to drama, dance & song with new creative arts specialist. www.thebayit.org/youthsponsor.

POTS Teens Chesed Opportunity For assistance, please contact: Attention Riverdale Teens! Volunteers needed at a Director of Programming & Youth Education local community dining room one Sunday a month. Menachem Menchel, Office - 718-796-4730 ext. 119, Cell- 516-233-8285 [email protected] We leave from HIR at 12:00pm and return at approximately 4:00pm. 4 spots left. David Fain, Assistant Youth Director Contact Samantha Verrone: [email protected]. [email protected] Dates: 12/20, 1/17, 2/14, 3/20, 4/3, 5/8, 6/5 THE BAYIT BULLETIN Thank you to all our K’VOD HABRIYOT SERIES @ THE BAYIT: Thanksgiving Dinner Volunteers Human Dignity and Halakhah in Our Lives Today

Come engage in the most challenging issues in our Modern This year our volunteers led by Ellie & Hal Weinstein Orthodox community today - how to balance our commitment served almost 180 people! to Jewish tradition and law with a sensitivity to the vulnerable

Yona Bello, Susan Birnbaum, Ari Cass, Michelle Cass, Shai Cass, Jane and challenged among us. Grapple with the issues through panel Chan and family, Dancy Curran, Marilyn Wolf Diamond, Miriam & presentations displaying experts from across our Mark Filer and Family, Aaron Frank, Kathy Goldstein, Sima & Allan Modern Orthodox community.

Greenberg, Judy Gurland, Rachel Kirschbaum, Robert Lande, Rafi Each session will be broken into 2 parts: Langer, Levi Langer, Ben Lipkin, David Lipkin, Richard Lipkin, Rachel 1) Shabbat afternoon learning with Bayit rabbinic staff Lopatin and family, Arnold Malerman, Chaya Marks, Stuart Olsen, 2) A panel discussion with experts on the topic: Moderated Fay & Adam Poliak, Nina Bruder & Gary Pretsfelder, Yonah by Rav Steven. Pretsfelder, Avi Pretsfelder, Ahron Rosenfeld, Fuma Rosenfeld, Brigida Saladin, Aliza Schneider, Greg Schneider, Shira Schneider, Ellie Session 1: Homosexuality Schweber, Brian Spira, Benjamin Stock, Rhonda Stock, Sherry To listen to an audio recording of the event, visit Watson, Luca Watson, Weintraub Family, Hillary & Cory Wolfe. www.thebayit.org/drashot.

Thank you Ellie, Hal and the entire team! Session 2: Agunah Thank you to Gem Stone Caterers for donating We were thrilled to welcome over 100 people at our second smoked turkeys for our Thanksgiving meal! panel discussion on Agunah. A recording of the event will be available soon.

BUSINESS ADVERTISING IN THE BAYIT BULLETIN* Session 3: Conversion Promote your business to Bayit Bulletin readers in the first bulletin of 1) Shabbat, December 12th, 4:10pm (MS) every month. Contact the office at 718-796-4730 2) Tuesday, December 15th, 7:30pm (MS) or [email protected] for more information. Panelists: Rabbi Adam Starr, Ms. Bethany Mandel, *HIR's posting of any advertisement shall not be considered an and Rabbi Jeff Fox. endorsement of the advertiser, or of the product or service involved. Submit your questions for the panelists online at www.thebayit.org/kh3. Sponsorship opportunities available. Register and/or sponsor online at www.thebayit.org/kh.

BAYIT SEFARIM FUND: Donations to the Sefarim fund will be used to purchase the books we need as determined by the rabbinic team and gabbaim. Donors will be recognized with a thank you in the 2nd bulletin of every month and a dedication label in the book when it is purchased To donate visit our website at www.thebayit.org/sefarim.

Golden Age Chanukah Celebration Thursday, December 10th. 1:00pm - 2:00pm Learn and Light Lunch. 2:00pm - 3:00pm - Golden Age Adult Bat Mitzvah class. For questions or to RSVP, contact Yael Oshinsky, Program Associate at [email protected] or 718-796-4730 x116.

Beth Aharon’s Chanukah Party Saturday night, December 12th at 6:15pm in the Social Hall All are welcome as Beth Aharon celebrates Chanukah with Songs, S'vivonim, Holiday Crafts, Raffles, Dreidel Competitions for kids, Sufganiyot, and Latkes! To learn more email [email protected].

HIR GIFT CARDS - Support our Bayit by purchasing Gift Cards - Buy it for the Bayit! For more information on volunteering or to place an order, email [email protected] or call Shira Gordon at 718-549-5280. NOTE: Purchases do not cost you anything extra. New: Moss Cafe is now participating in the HIR Scrip program and is offering the Bayit a 10% rebate on the gift cards. THE BAYIT The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale – The Bayit – is an open Orthodox synagogue serving the entire Jewish community by warmly embracing all Jews, regardless of affiliation, commitment, orientation or background. It is affectionately known as the "Bayit," which is a home – a place of love and welcome. We are known nationally for bringing spirituality into the synagogue; activism on behalf of the oppressed; youth and teen engagement; learning programs; and work on behalf of the elderly, the homebound, and those with developmental and physical challenges. If these words resonate with you, if our Bayit has touched your life, then please join our growing membership. Beyond the bayit - December 4 - 11, 2015 THE NATIONAL YIDDISH THEATRE FOLKSBIENE PRESENTS THE GOLDEN BRIDE (DI GOLDENE KALE): 12/2/2015 – 1/3/2016. Join NYTF this fall for The Golden Bride, one of the most-popular operettas of the Roaring Twenties that was lost to time following WWII and rediscovered over a half-century later! The first production in over 70 years, don’t miss this fully-restored charming Golden Age romantic comedy (in Yiddish with English and Russian supertitles), complete with a marvelous score by virtuoso Joseph Rumshinsky and performed by a cast of 20 accompanied by a 14-piece orchestra. For more information please visit http://nytf.org/?event=di-goldene-kale-the-golden-bride. The Museum of Jewish Heritage is located at 36 Battery Place, NYC. For directions and ticket information call 646-437-4202 or visit www.mjhnyc.org.

YU 10-ISH YEAR REUNION: Are you a member of the University Classes of 2003, 2004, or 2005? Join us for the YU 10-ish Year Reunion Celebrating the Classes of 2003 | 2004| 2005 of Stern College for Women | Yeshiva College|Sy . Saturday, 12/5/2015 at 8pm. Home Studios, 873 (at 18th Street), . Join us for a night of celebration and reminiscing, enjoy a delicious (meat) cocktail reception, and wines provided by the Kosher Wine Society. Couvert: $95. Questions? Contact [email protected] or 646-592-4486.

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE FOR CHANUKAH: A Community Blood Drive will be held by the New York Blood Center: Sunday 12/6/2015, between 8:30AM and 2:30PM in the RJC gym. If you are between the ages of 17-70 and in good health, please bring a photo ID and give blood, the gift of life.

IHOUSE AND RIVERDALE Y EARLY CHILDHOOD CHANUKAH GYM-BO: Sunday, 12/6/2015 from 10:30am- 12:30pm. The Sunday Gym-Bo is Riverdale Y IHouse’s popular program that brings together over 50 families on cold mornings for some indoor fun with physical activity, creativity, and play-time. At the Gym-Bo both children and their parents are entertained. While the kids will start the morning with bouncy time in the gym, our Chanukah holiday Gym-Bo will feature a special Chanukah celebration and Israeli arts and crafts: each child will create and decorate their own menorah. The program will also include Hebrew story time, and lunch. LOCATION: The Riverdale YM-YWHA & IHOUSE - 5625 Arlington Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471.

JASA VAN CORTLANDT SENIOR CENTER will host a pre-Hanukkah lunch and entertainment on Sunday, 12/6/2015. Kosher festive meal of Oregano Chicken, Potato kugel and cauliflower w/green beans will be served at 1:15 PM. David and Louri Duo featuring David Glukh, trumpeter and Louri Grichetchkine, pianist/composer will provide original international and classical music at 2:15 PM. Recommended senior voluntary contribution for lunch is $3.50 and $2.00 for the event. Non-seniors are welcome to attend for a meal fee of $5.00 and event fee of $3.00. Please call the senior center office: 718-549-4700 for meal reservations.

CHANUKAH LUNCHEON FOR SENIORS: Wednesday, 12/9/2015. Join the Riverdale Y’s Senior Center for a festive lunch and an international concert sponsored by Concerts in Motion. Suggested contribution $6.00 in advance; $8.00 day of event. LOCATION: The Riverdale YM-YWHA & IHOUSE - 5625 Arlington Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471.

JASA VAN CORTLANDT SENIOR CENTER will host a Hanukkah dinner and celebration on Wednesday, 12/9/2015. A kosher holiday meal of honey lemon roast chicken or sole fillet plus potato pancakes will be served at 4:30 PM. The Pey Dalid Band will provide Jewish and American music for dancing and listening at 5:30 PM. Recommended senior voluntary contribution for lunch is $3.50 and $2.00 for the event. Non-seniors are welcome to attend for a meal fee of $5.00 and event fee of $3.00. Please call the senior center office: 718-549-4700 for meal reservations by Friday, 12/4/2015.

RIVERDALE Y CHANUKAH COMMUNITY PARTY: 12/12/2015 from 6:30-8:00pm. The Riverdale Y is inviting families to celebrate Chanukah with fun activities for kids: arts and craft, dancing, food craft, and more all in an Israeli style. We’ll provide light kosher dinner and treats after candle lighting. Bring your own menorah! The fees remain modest and accessible at $10 for an indi- vidual and $35 per family. The event is open to the community and we look forward to seeing you there! LOCATION: The Riverdale YM-YWHA & IHOUSE - 5625 Arlington Avenue, Bronx, NY 10471.

3 SISTERS ART SHOW: The 3 sisters Carolyn, Ruth, and Dorothy are thrilled to invite you to a group show of their art work at Gallery 18, Riverdale Y, 5625 Arlington Avenue, Bronx, NY 10472. Please join us for a reception on Sunday, 12/13/2015, from 12:30pm - 2:30pm.

CELEBRATE CHANUKAH WITH SHLOCK ROCK: Sunday, 12/13/2015 at 11am, at Ben Porat Yosef (E. 243 Frisch Court, Paramus). Buy tickets at www.eventbrite.com; $15/student, $20/adult. Priority seating available. For more info contact: [email protected].

MA’AYANOT BOOK CLUB: Tuesday, 12/15/2015 at 8:00pm. Facilitated by Ms. Samantha Kur, Ma’ayonot English Chair. Book Selection: The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. At the home of Atara Gorsetman & Brian Spira, 3240 Henry Hudson Parkway, Apt. 4B, Bronx, NY 10463. Open to the public. Men and women welcome. For more information contact Pam Ennis at [email protected]. Beyond the bayit - December 4 - 11, 2015 CARMEL ACADEMY INFORMATION RECEPTION: Learn more about Carmel Academy while you enjoy some delicious snacks and a glass of wine or cup of coffee. Meet and chat with Carmel Academy’s Head of School Nora Anderson, Rabbi Isaiah Rothstein, Dr. Tali Aldouby-Schuck and Carmel Academy parents in a relaxed and informal setting. Hosted by Carmel Academy parents in their home. Wednesday, 12/16/2015, 7:00-8:30pm at the home of Marc Kramer and Jeffrey Richard. For more information, to RSVP, and to obtain the address, please email [email protected] or call (203) 983-3503.

MA'AYANOT YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL’S DAY OF BIG IDEAS: Friday, 12/25/2015, 9:30am – 12:30pm, at Ma’ayanot (1650 Palisade Avenue, Teaneck). The program will begin with a keynote address by Dr. Jeremy Dauber (Atran Professor of Yiddish Language, Literature, and Culture & Director, Institute of Israel and , Columbia University) on the topic Frightening Jews: What Makes a Jewish Horror Story? The keynote address will be followed by additional lectures by Ma’ayanot faculty on advanced topics in the liberal arts and sciences. Men and women welcome. For more information please contact Pam Ennis at 201-833-4307, ext. 265.

HAZON FOOD CONFERENCE: Don't miss the event of the year! At this year's Hazon Food Conference, we'll connect the dots between our dinner plates and the changing climate. Learn, eat, cook, and create with leaders in food and sustainability, including HIR's own Dr. Maya Shetreat Klein and Jessica Haller. Raise a glass, dance in the new year, and break (organic, kosher, artisanal) bread with 200 of your friends, both new and old! The conference always sells out early, so be sure to register today. 12/29/2015 -1/1/2016 at Isabella Freedman Retreat Center. www.hazon.org/foodconference.

CHAI LIFELINE: SPONSOR TEAM SEAN: Two years ago, Sean Michaeli was diagnosed with cancer. With the help of doctors, community, and Chai Lifeline, he is now cancer-free. To thank Chai Lifeline for all their help, Sean will be running/walking the half marathon in Miami, Florida on Sunday, 1/24/2016. Please consider sponsoring Sean by visiting www.teamlifeline.org and clicking on the sponsor link. Enter Sean Michaeli to find his page. To learn more contact Talia Michaeli at [email protected].

GAN MIRIAM EARLY LEARNING CENTER incorporates "old-school" and modern educational concepts in our programs. Jewish values and subjects are taught hand-in-hand with secular studies. We have 3 age groups ranging from 1.5 to 5 years old. Our loving, experienced, certified staff provide a wonderful place for children to grow and learn. For more information or to come visit, please contact us at 718-543-2553 or email [email protected].

ISRAEL BONDS: This Chanukah, give the gift of Israel to your children, grandchildren and relatives! For one night of Chanukah, celebrate Israel and buy an Israel Bond. With bonds starting now at $36, and easily purchased online, this is a perfect gift for the holidays. The more ties we can forge between our children and the State of Israel, the greater likelihood they will understand and appreciate their Jewish heritage, and the stronger Israel will be in the future. For more information or to make an investment, contact Cynthia Blustein, Development Corporation for Israel/Israel Bonds, at 914-713-9003 or make a purchase online at www.israelbonds.com.

SUPPORT YACHAD ISRAEL, THANK OUR BRAVE SOLDIERS: Sadly, with the unsettling news out of Israel each day, our protecting soldiers are taxed more than ever. Now is a most appropriate time to support and thank them in any way we can. Yachad Israel will be making and delivering pizzas to our IDF soldiers. $36 = one pie. Donate a pie today at yachad.org/pizza4soldiers. Before delivery, you will be notified that the pizza is on its way and to where it is going.

SEND GIFT BASKETS TO THE IDF SOLDIERS DEFENDING JERUSALEM: We will hand deliver baskets containing coffee, tea and snacks to show our appreciation for their hard work as well as to help keep them awake while they are on the job. Baskets are $54. www.toratreva.org.

CHATAN AND KALLAH COURSE: The Lindenbaum Center for Halakhic Studies at Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School, Yeshivat Maharat, and JOFA are pleased to offer a chatan and kallah course for couples, Ani L’Dodi V’Dodi Li. The course, taught by Rabbi Daniel Braune Friedman (YCT ’09) and Hannah Braune Friedman, will cover topics such as the halakhot of niddah, the mikveh, and marital sex, all approached with a modern sensibility. The course will take place at West Side Jewish Centre (347 W. 34th), starting at the end of November. For more information or to register, please visit the www.YCTorah.org.

ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE: LonGenity Study: We are looking for volunteers to participate in a study designed to discover genes that may slow the aging process and protect people from age-related diseases such as heart disease and dementia. Volunteers should be of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, be over 65 years of age, and have at least one parent who lived until 95 years of age. Parking and food are provided. Transportation is reimbursed. To learn more about participating in this study, call 718-430-3880 or email Janet Schein at [email protected].