Hebrew Institute of Riverdale Bayit BULLETIN November 27 - December 4, 2015 15 - 22 Kislev 5776 3700 Henry Hudson Parkway, Bronx, NY 10463 718-796-4730 www.thebayit.org Steven Exler, Senior Rabbi: Mazal Tov To: [email protected]/ x108 Shoshana & David Fain on the birth of a boy. A shalom Zachar will be held this Friday night Sara Hurwitz, Rabba: at 8:00pm at Shoshana & David’s home, 3601 Johnson Ave. # 1D. [email protected]/ x107 Ari Hart, Associate Rabbi: Dayna Wiener & Michael Fleisch on their marriage. To parents Ayelet & Jonathan Wiener [email protected]/ x124 and the entire Wiener and Fleisch families. Anat Sharbat, Assistant Rabba: [email protected]/ x106 Jackie & Marvin Binstock on the birth of a granddaughter, Moriah Shoshana (Madison Avi Weiss, Rabbi in Residence: Sophia). Mazal tov to parents Rebecca & Mike Binstock, and big sisters Estee and Zoe. Mazal [email protected]/ x102 tov to grandparents Brona & Mendy Katz and Judy & Jeff Cahn, to great-grandparents Anne Richard Langer, Executive Director: & Dave Klar, and to the entire family. [email protected]/ x104 Menachem Menchel, Director of Condolences To: Education & Youth Programming: Leah Davidson on the loss of her husband. [email protected]/ x119 Bryan Cordova, Facilities Manager: The family of Regina Ganger on her passing. Shiva will take place at the Riegel residence, [email protected]/ x121 654 Church Avenue, Woodmere, NY, 11598 until Sunday morning, November 29th. David Fain, Assistant Youth Director: [email protected] Welcome New Members: Ariel Meiri, Synagogue Administrator: Lauren & David Lieberman. [email protected]/ x101

This @ The Bayit Phyllis Newsome, Bookkeeper: [email protected]/ x103 Drasha: The drasha this Shabbat will be given by Rav Avi.

Yael Oshinsky, Program Associate: Between Mincha/Maariv: Shiur with Rav Avi [email protected]/ x116 Shuli Boxer Rieser, Assistant to R’ Weiss: Next Shabbat @ The Bayit [email protected]/ x102 Ruth Ebenstein Shabbaton Kiddush An Israeli and a Palestinian Brought Together by Breast Cancer: No Kiddush this Shabbat. Come hear the story of two friends, Ruth Ebenstein and Ibtisam Eriqat, whose fight against breast To sponsor a future Kiddush, please contact cancer brought them together in more ways than one! Seth Aronson - [email protected]. Shabbat, December 5 This Shabbat: 8:30am - 11:00am: Shabbat morning services

Parshat Vayishlach 11:00am - 11:40am: Talk with Ruth Ebenstein titled  Candle Lighting: 4:12pm "Ibtisam and I: How Breast Cancer Fostered an Unexpected  Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat: 4:15pm Friendship Across the Israeli-Palestinian Divide"

 Shalom Bayit: 7:00am 3:55pm - 4:15pm: Mincha

 Shacharit Main Tefillah: 8:30am 4:15pm-5:15pm: Armchair Conversation and Q&A with Ruth & Ibtisam  Learning Service: 9:30am (LHSH)

 Sof Zman Kriat Shema: 9:20am December 15 @ The Bayit

 Parsha Shiur: 3:25pm K’vod HaBriyot Series: Human Dignity & Halakhah in Our Lives  Mincha (Main/Sephardic): 3:55pm 3rd Session (Part 2): Conversion: Main Sanctuary: 7:30pm  Listening Room: 4:20pm Please join us for a panel discussion on the topic of Orthodox Judaism and Conversion.

 Maariv/Shabbat Ends: 5:14pm Panelists include: Weekday Times Rabbi Adam Starr Bethany Mandel  Shacharit: Moderated by Rav Steven Sun: 8:30am Mon/Thur: 6:40, 8:00am To learn more about the K’vod HaBriot Series, Tue/Wed/Fri: 6:45, 8:00am visit www.thebayit.org/kh or see page 4.  Mincha/Maariv: Sun - Thur: 4:15pm Upcoming Events:

Next Shabbat: Mevarchim December 10th - Century Chanukah Chagiga Parshat Vayeshev 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!  Candle Lighting: 4:10pm December 13th - Choir Dinner  Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat: 4:15pm Please join us for a festive Chanukah dinner (Social Hall) and choir performance (LL BM).  Shacharit Main Tefillah: 8:30am All are welcome. Reserve today at www.thebayit.org/choir.  Mincha (Main/Sephardic): 3:55pm Details - page 3  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. and Shabbat after Mincha in Room 3-7. Loan Gemach has been established to serve residents of the Riverdale Open and 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 - Hashavua with Sam Englender [email protected]. 3:25pm - Parsha Shiur with Jenna Englender 4:20pm - Listening Room with Myra Estelle (LL BM) SOCIAL WORKER @ THE BAYIT: After Mincha - Mila Ba’Parasha at Beth Aharon: Basic (and love of) Questions about an aging loved one, financial pressures, Hebrew is sufficient. concerns about children? Contact HIR social worker Anna Weekday Classes Kirshblum for guidance, information, referrals and a sympathetic ear. Monday There is no fee and all conversations are strictly confidential. 12:30pm - Rav Kook’s Vision of Vegetarianism and Peace w/ Rabba Anat in Hebrew (Lobby) Anna can be reached on Mon. 8:00am - 7:30pm, Tues. 8:00am - 7:30pm 7:30pm - The Story of David & Jonathan w/ Rav Avi (at his home) and Thurs. 8:00am - 4:00pm at 718-601-9714 or e-mail her at [email protected]. (In partnership with UJA & JBFCS). 7:30pm - Advanced Hebrew Ulpan w/ Sara Kinberg* (at the Atria) Jewish Caregivers Support Group: Share experiences, Tuesday benefit from mutual support and gain practical advice. Group 10:00am - The Story of Joseph w/ Rav Avi (Lobby) meetings are held once a month on Tuesday at the Beatman Center. 10:30am - Lishma: YCT Community Learning (LHSH) 7:30pm - Foundations of Judaism w/ Rav Ari: Kashrut I (Room 3-7) Encore Entrepreneurs: A program for people 50+ who are looking to launch a business as a path to long-term financial stability. Develop Wednesday your business concept, learn about marketing and financial and gain 9:00am - Walk Humbly With Thy God w/ Rabba Anat in English knowledge from expert guest speakers. Sponsored by the Hebrew (Moss Café) Free Loan Society and UJA. 12 week course meeting on consecutive 7:30pm - Intermediate Hebrew Ulpan w/ Sara Kinberg* (Lobby) Wednesdays from 10:00am - 2:00pm starting December 2, located at Thursday UJA-Federation, 130 East 59th Street. Cost is highly subsidized at 9:00am - Masechet Ta’anit for beginners (in Hebrew) w/ Rabba Anat $200. For more information call 212-687-0188 ext. 212 or go (LHSH) to www.hfls.org/encoreentrepreneurs.

9:30am - Lishma: YCT Community Learning (2nd Floor Beit Midrash) Lights in the Darkness: A Chanukah 10:00am - Book of Shmuel 2 w/ Rav Steven (LHSH) Program for Bereaved : Please join 11:00am - Torat Eretz Yisrael - Exploring the State of Israel Through Rav Steven and Anna Kirshblum for Chanukah Torah Perspectives w/ Rav Ari (LHSH) candle lighting and an opportunity to reflect on 7:30pm - Biblical Hebrew and Siddur Study w/ Sara Kinberg* (Lobby) the memory of our loved ones. Monday, *Sara Kinberg is an experienced Hebrew teacher. For info and guidance on place- November 30 at 7:00pm at HIR. Please RSVP to ment, please call Sara at 718-548-2461. Payment made directly to the teacher. Rav Steven at [email protected] or

718-796-4730 x.108, or to Anna at Happenings @ the Bayit [email protected] or 718-601-9714.

Dedicated in Memory of Henry and Goldie Guttman z"l Abraham & 's Tent, Sponsored by Joe Guttman: Mikvah Construction Update

Join us this Shabbat for our open communal Dinner. To see which The renovation of the Riverdale Mikvah is underway. Please keep in Shabbatot are available for sponsorship and to choose your week, go mind that construction sites are potentially hazardous and that the to www.thebayit.org/tent, or email James Lapin at [email protected]. safety fences around the property are there for our safety and the

Learning Service: This week in Social Hall safety of our children. The Bayit’s driveway access will be impacted Shabbat, weekly in the Lower Level Beit Midrash, 9:30-11:00am for 2 months. Please use care when visiting the Bayit by car. Most importantly, please ensure that children do not attempt to climb the An intimate service with explanations and discussions focusing on fences or otherwise attempt to access the construction area. prayer and the weekly Torah portion led by Rav Ari, Rabbinic Intern Bracha Jaffe, and other members of the rabbinic team. Questions? Riverdale Mikvah Hours Nov 20 - 30, 2015: Contact Rav Ari at 718-796-4730 x124 or email [email protected]. Saturday - Thursday: 7:00 - 9:30pm. Friday night: 40 minutes after candle lighting. No appointment is Do you know someone who needs any of the following? necessary but please be on time. Mikvah attendant will be there for 15 min. Would you like to volunteer for any of these committees? Keilim Mikvah: Open during daylight hours.

Meals For Ill Members: Jackie Binstock - 718-543-9135, [email protected]. HIR is now part of the Amazon Smile Program Shiva: Beth Braunstein, [email protected] Help us earn money at no extra cost to you!

Bikur Cholim: Ruth Licht: 718-796-3491, [email protected] Go to www.smile.amazon.com, pick We have many ways to become meaningfully involved. your own charitable organization and Please pick up a flyer, consider becoming a Bikur Cholim Volunteer. put in “Hebrew Institute of Riverdale.”

Meals for New Parents: Becca Linden: 434-962-7899, [email protected] Elevator Update Hospitality and Welcome: [email protected]

Bayit Band: Rav Ari Hart, [email protected] The elevator remains out of service.

Green Committee: Alisa Eilenberg and Ann Rauch, [email protected] We apologize for the inconvenience. 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! Young HIR (YHIR) Shabbat Lunch December 19th December 8th - Dunkin Donuts Chanukah Party Join young friends and families for this year's Young HIR Shabbat luncheon. HIR is sponsoring a community-wide Menorah lighting and Chanukah Celebra- Enjoy a relaxed social setting with tasty food and great company.

Childcare and programming for youth of all ages. tion at Dunkin’ Donuts, 259th St. and Riverdale Ave. Join us for Chanukah Songs Early Bird Rate: $20/adult; $15/child; $65/family and candle lighting. Free Chanukah donuts Reg Rate: $25/adult; $15/child; $75/family for the first 300 people! December 10th - Century Chanukah Chagiga Sponsorship needed and appreciated. All are invited to join Bayit staff and iHouse families at the Online registration will be available soon. Century Building, 2600 Netherland Ave. for a Chanukah celebration, including dreidels, chocolate gelt and more! Chai Lifeline Chanukah Toy Drive December 13th - Choir Dinner Now until Wednesday, December 16

Please join us for a festive Chanukah dinner (Social Hall) Bring a smile to a child's face and brighten up their and choir performance (LL BM). All are welcome. Chanukah! Drop-off brand new unwrapped toys in the 5:00pm - Welcome Bayit coat room. Gifts for children ages 13+ are 5:15pm - Candle Lighting especially appreciated 5:30pm - SAR Choir Performance These toys will be given to children who are undergoing medical 6:00pm - Chanukah Dinner procedures and whose immune systems are compromised. 7:00pm - HIR Choir Performance Used/unsealed toys will not be accepted. 7:45pm - Dessert Reservations are required. Learn more and register online Learn more at www.thebayit.org/toydrive at www.thebayit.org/choir or contact Talia Michaeli at [email protected]

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

Donuts and Drash: Room 3-7: 9:00am - 9:30am - Ages 6+: Room 3-1: Grades 3-6 Room 3-4: Nursery Enjoy a donut and learn this week’s parsha with David Fain Room 3-2: Grades 3-6 Room 3-5: Pre-K Room 3-2: Girls Grades 3-5 Shabbat Morning Groups: 3rd Floor Youth Wing: 9:40-11:40am Room 3-6: Kindergarden Room 3-3: Grades 1-2 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: 11/22, 12/20, 1/17, 2/14, 3/20, 4/3, 5/8, 6/5 THE BAYIT BULLETIN Community Security Service at the Bayit K’VOD HABRIYOT SERIES @ THE BAYIT: Human Dignity and Halakhah in Our Lives Today The grassroots, not-for-profit Community Security Service (CSS) responds to the increasing threat to the American Jewish Come engage in the most challenging issues in our Modern community through a series of programs to secure the Orthodox community today - how to balance our community’s facilities and institutions. All of these activities are commitment to Jewish tradition and law with a sensitivity to the conducted on an apolitical, non-denominational basis and are vulnerable and challenged among us. Grapple with the issues coordinated with the police and the organized Jewish through panel presentations displaying experts from across our Modern Orthodox community. community. Each session will be broken into 2 parts: The CSS is patterned after similar organizations that operate in 1) Shabbat afternoon learning with Bayit rabbinic staff Jewish communities around the world. For example, the 2) A panel discussion with experts on the topic: Moderated Community Security Trust (CST) in the UK manages a team of by Rav Steven.

3,000 volunteers to secure over 170 synagogues, 80 Jewish Session 1: Homosexuality schools, 64 Jewish communal organizations and approximately To listen to an audio recording of the event, visit 1,000 communal events every year. www.thebayit.org/drashot.

CSS looks to the best practices of these organizations, while Session 2: also specifically tailoring its activities to the American We were thrilled to welcome over 100 people at our second environment and context. In the past two years, the CSS has panel discussion on Agunah. A recording of the event will be worked with dozens of Jewish organizations, synagogues and available soon. schools to protect their functions and better secure the Session 3: Conversion community. 1) Shabbat, December 12th, 4:10pm (MS)

2) Tuesday, December 15th, 7:30pm (MS) The CSS needs women and men from the Bayit to volunteer Panelists include: Rabbi Adam Starr and and participate in the next round of training starting soon to Bethany Mandel. enhance the security and safety of our Bayit and community. Sponsorship opportunities available. For more information reach out to: Register and/or sponsor online at www.thebayit.org/kh. Tzvi Bar-Shai or Bob Santoriello at [email protected]

BUSINESS ADVERTISING IN THE BAYIT BULLETIN* BAYIT SEFARIM FUND: Promote your business to Bayit Bulletin readers in the first bulletin of Donations to the Sefarim fund will be used to purchase every month. Contact the office at 718-796-4730 the books we need as determined by the rabbinic team or [email protected] for more information. and gabbaim. Donors will be recognized with a thank *HIR's posting of any advertisement shall not be considered an you in the 2nd bulletin of every month and a endorsement of the advertiser, or of the product or service involved. dedication label in the book when it is purchased To donate visit our website at www.thebayit.org/sefarim.

CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY The Bayit is pleased to partner with UJA-Federation to offer our HIR requires a written contract for the members the opportunity to invest in a charitable gift rental of its facilities. If you would like to annuity. When you do so, you receive guaranteed income for life, a rent space in the shul, or if you believe potential immediate tax deduction, and possible future tax savings. that you have reserved the Bayit for Ultimately, the Bayit will receive 90% of the remainder value, while your simcha but have not been 10% will go to UJA-Federation to support its efforts for the entire contacted regarding the new contract, Jewish community and to help cover the administrative costs of the please contact Richard at program. For more information, including sample annuity rates, [email protected]. Only reservations that accompany a please contact the Bayit office. signed contract and the required deposit will be maintained.

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 - November 27 - December 4, 2015 NIGHT OF SOLIDARITY WITH ISRAEL: A “Share Warmth With Israel” grassroots fundraising campaign kicks off at 8:00pm on Monday, 11/30/2015, at the Riverdale Y, 5625 Arlington Ave. Women and children 1st grade and up are invited to participate in packing 500 sets of thermal gear that will be personally delivered to Israeli police and soldiers performing extra duty this winter to protect Israeli citizens from attacks. The local drive is in partnership with AishIsrael, with every $30 collected sponsoring a full package. Tax-deductible checks, payable to Jerusalem Fellowships—with “Share Warmth” on the memo line—can be mailed to Share Warmth, 4919 Goodridge Ave., Bronx, NY 10471. For more information, email [email protected].

REFA’ENU's peer-led mood disorder support groups will meet Tuesday, 12/1/2015, in Paramus. Groups meet regularly on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month. Groups meet at 7:30pm in the Ben Porat Yosef Building at E. 243 Frisch Ct. in Paramus, NJ. Doors open at 7:10pm. Groups are divided between a group for those with a disorder (depression, bipolar) as well as a group for their loved ones. Please check website to confirm meetings: http://www.refaenu.org. No reservations are required. For more information contact: [email protected].

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 music 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.

RIVERDALE MIKVAH BAKE SALE: Thursday, 12/3/2015 at 8:15pm at the home of Sarah & Ephraim Mernick, 5020 Grosvenor Avenue. The Mikvah Bake Sale is a wonderful opportunity for the whole Riverdale community to come together, share in one another’s culinary creations, and support our Mikvah! We are looking for volunteers to bake and share it with the community. We will be featuring a “clean eating” section” to suit all dietary preferences, this includes: vegan, gluten-free, and paleo confections. Please email [email protected] or [email protected].

WOMEN'S INITIATIVE FOR JEWISH STUDIES (WIJS) is a program with the mission of introducing outstanding women Jewish studies scholars to the Westchester community through a series of lectures held throughout the year at Young Israel of New Rochelle, 1149 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10804. All lectures are free of charge and open to both women and men. WIJS is expanding its programming with a series of three Thursday morning lectures, presented by YINR's own Nomi Smilchensky, Director of Classroom Pedagogy, Ben Porat Yosef, on the topic "Sheva haNeviot - The Seven Female Prophets." Sessions will be held on 12/3/2015 from 9:30am - 10:30am. For additional information or to be added to our mailing list, please email [email protected].

YU 10-ISH YEAR REUNION: Are you a member of the Yeshiva 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 Syms School of Business. Saturday, 12/5/2015 at 8pm. Home Studios, 873 Broadway (at 18th Street), New York City. 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.

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 by Thursday, 12/3/2015.

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.

Beyond the bayit - November 27 - December 4, 2015 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 Peh 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 CHANNUKAH 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 individual 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.

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].

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 Kline 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 , 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 , the , 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.