Holy Rebellion rabbi chaim steinmetz
Manypeoplehav simplycannot.Ye thehorrorsofth thatstoryshook endlessly:Howc
Intimesoftrage onemustdeclare questionsaboutG
Manyembracea faith,pursuingG meetmomentso thatwillwipeawa
Butthereisalso God:Abrahamc notpursuejustic Lord,whydidYo Israel“devourus conduct;indeed,
Thequestionsco can die without bringsasinoffer imperfectworld. statementinthe ( ) p p of “visiting the guilt of the parents upon the children” with the rule that “Parents shall not be put to deathforchildren,norchildrenbeputtodeathforparents.”IntheMidrash’saccount,Godadmitsthat Moses’sstandardofjusticeisbetterfittedforthisworld.
Yes,thereisaJewishtraditionofquestioningGod,aholyrebellionthatbeginswithAbraham. ThistraditionofferedgreatcomforttomanyHolocaustsurvivors.Eventhosewhohaddeepfaithcarried withinanevendeeperpain;theyhadseentoomuchtostaysilent.Thepathofunquestioningbeliefwas nolongerpossibleforthem.
Manyquestionedloudly IheardagreatdealoffeedbackfromsurvivorsIknewwhenIgavesermonson faithinGod;andIgotthesamequestionsevenwhenIdidn’tgiveasermon
Otherswerequietrebels.IntheearlyyearsofLincolnSquareSynagogue,RabbiShlomoRiskinaskedone membertoserveasthecantorforNeilahonYomKippur.Thismanwastheperfectchoice:heregularly ledservicesonShabbat,wasblessedwithanexceptionalvoice,andwasaverykind,caring,andobservant Jew.Yetherefused,yearafteryear,offeringnoexplanation.Finally,oneyear,RabbiRiskinpressedthe mantoexplainwhyhewouldn’taccept.➤
ThemantoldRabbiRiskin:“YouknowIamaHolocaustsurvivor.Whenthewarended,Iwasfuriouswith God.Foryears,Iwastotallyunobservant.IviolatedtheShabbatandatenon-kosherfood.Iwasreallyangry with God. He took everything from me - my whole family was killed by the Nazis. But all that changed whenIgotmarriedandhadchildren.Slowlybutsurely,Ireturnedtoobservancethroughmychildren.ButI musttellyouthateveryTishab’Av,20minutesbeforetheendofthefast,Itakeadrinkofwater Thisis mywarwithGod”
Eating20minutesearlyonafastdayisthedefianceofsomeonewhobothlovesGodandisfuriousatHim.
Despite the multiple texts attesting to the idea of holy rebellion, it still feels wrong. We stand in awe of God,ourFatherandourKing.God’scommandsserveasthecompassaroundwhichweorientourlives.So howcanonerationalize,letaloneadmire,thesetextsofskepticismanddefiance?
AninsightfromRavYosefBechorShorandtheRambanoffersasolutiontothisquestion.Theysaythat theHebrewwordforwrestling,vayeavek,isbasedontheHebrewwordforhugging,chibuk.Thislinguistic explanation makes sense: Both hugging and wrestling are conducted in close proximity, with entwined handsandface-to-facefamiliarity.Butthislinguisticinsightisalsoapsychologicalinsight.Itisapathythat istheoppositeoflove.Wrestling,ontheotherhand,isintimate.Eveninanger,bothpartiesgrabholdof eachotherbecausetheycannotletgo.Itisarepressedhug,alongingforalostconnection.
AndtheholyrebelsareengagedinawrestlingmatchwithaGod.
Holyrebelsspeakthetruthintheirhearts.Andthatiscriticalbecauseanymeaningfulrelationshipmust allowbothsidestoexpresswhatismostimportanttothem.Theyaskquestionsbecausetheyrefusetohave asuperficialrelationshipwithGod.Thereislittlereligiousvalueindenyingyourfeelingsinordertopresent apicture-perfect,butphony,depictionofpiety.
One such holy rebel was Rav Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev, a Chasidic Rebbe who made it his mission to defendtheJewishpeoplebeforeGod,nomatterwhat.OneYomKippur,RavLeviYitzchakoverheardthe tailorinthecornerofhissynagoguedoingaspiritualaccountingbeforeGod.Thetailorconcededhehad donemanymisdeedsinthepreviousyear.Butthenagain,hesaid,sohadGod.Infact,God'sinjusticeswere worse.SothetailorlookeduptoGodandsaid:“God,youhavedonethingswrong,andIhavedonethings wrong;whydon’twejustforgiveeachotherandcalliteven?” .
Uponhearingthetailor’swords,RavLeviYitzchakcouldn’tcontainhimself.Heturnedtothetailorand said:“WhydidyouletGodoffsoeasily?”
IwishwehadRavLeviYitzchakofBerditchevwithustoday.HecouldtellGodthatweareheartbroken. Thatwehavesufferedsomuch.Thereistoomuchinjustice,andwehavemanyquestions.
Andthatthisyearwecan’tletHimoffsoeasily ✦
Priorities for 5786
rabbi haskel lookstein
In a remarkable book of Divrei Torah by Rav Yehuda Amital, the founding Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Har Etzion, who passed away in July of 2010, there are gems of thoughts, attitudes and advice for all of us. One of them struck me as most helpful in setting our spiritual and ethical priorities for the coming year. ➤
The Torah commands us (Deuteronomy, Chapter 23, verses 4 and 5) as follows: “No AmmoniteorMoabiteshallenterthecommunityofIsrael(i.e.marryaJewishwoman)because they did not offer you bread and water on your way out of Egypt” . Is there really a commandment,asksRavAmital,fromtheSevenCommandmentsincumbentuponnon-Jews accordingtotheTorah,toofferbreadandwaterforanationthatistravelinginawilderness? Suchacommandmentiswrittennowhere,butitisunderstoodthatpeoplehavetobehaveina humanem i h h li di b i l f hli hk i H command should.
RavAmita asin,acco Moabisin notallowe familyrela didnotoff Now, of c Moabites. Judaism’ s “Look,”R actwhich practicee actuallyvi In a world returnbas
MayGod
The Rabbi Roy Feldman
Whydow chapterof pleadedw the other wrathfulw 3:23–26). hislabor. Land.Sow TheMidra Moshe pr secondor themessage.”Yethecontinuedtopray.➤
The question about Moshe is really a general question about bakashot—petitionary prayer. Rabbi YosefAlboinhisSeferHaIkkarimrecordedthequestioninstarkterms:“EitherGodhasdetermined that a person will receive a certain benefit, or He has not so determined. If He has determined it, thereisnoneedofprayer;andifHehasnotdetermined,howcanprayeravailtochangeGod’swill…? ForGoddoesnotchangefromastateofwillingtoastateofnotwilling,orviceversa.”Thatis,the perfect God surely knows what He, in his infinite wisdom, wants for us. So why pray for anything? Moshe,morethananyone,understoodthisproblem.Andstill,heprayed—againandagain.Sowhydid Moshepray,andwhydowe?
RavJosephB.Soloveitchik,inWorshipoftheHeart,offeredaprofoundexplanationofwhatprayeris really about. He began by describing the loneliness of the human condition and our difficulties in trying to connect with God: a person “is a tiny speck floating in a vast sea of brute thinghood and mechanical existence. The other intelligent Being in Whom he may find sympathy and concern is distantandinvisible,hidingbehindthecloudofmysteryandtranscendence.”How,then,canweever bringGodintoourlives?HowcanHebringusstrengthduringourdifficulttime?
Prayer,theRavexplained,istheactbywhichahumanbeingattemptstopiercethathiddennessand draw close to God:“In prayer man tries to break through the unknown to the kerygmatic” , or the proclaimed, the revealed aspects of the divine, “and to attain contact with the Creator; to convert tenseness into intimacy, strangeness into acquaintance…When this takes place, man finds the unknowntobeanoldfriend…radiatingwarmthandlove”Inotherwords,wedonotprayinorderto “getthings”fromGod.WepraybecauseweneedGodinourlivesforthestrength,thehope,andthe couragetocontinue.PrayerishowwecanhaveHiminourlives.
Itislikeahomesickchildatsleepawaycamp.Sicktothestomachfrommissinghome,thechildfinally reaches a parent by phone (we discovered this summer that sleepaway camp these days means no communication; in my day, there was a pay phone!). The request—“Please take me home”—is denied.Butthevoiceontheotherendofferscomfort:weloveyou,wearethinkingofyou,youcan get through this. The child is invariably comforted. The circumstances have not changed, but the child’ s spirit has. Allan Sherman’ s “Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah” captured this perfectly. The comedicsong,asaletter,begins“Takemehome…don’tleaveme,”listingalloftheawfulthingsthe childhasexperiencedatcamp.Bytheendoftheverysameletter,however,thechildiscomfortedand askshisparentsto“kindlydisregardthisletter.”Theveryactofwritingtheletter,ofexpressinghis connectiontohisparents,allowedhimtogoonatcamp.
So it was for Moshe. Each of his five hundred and fifteen prayers was not only a request; it was a reaffirmation that God was with him. Even when God replied, “Do not speak to Me of this matter again,” Moshe knew that he had been heard, and that was enough to give him the strength to continueleadinguntiltheendofhislife.
AsweentertheDaysofAwe,we,too,oftenprayforthingswhoseoutcomesareuncertain.Yet,like Moshe, we continue because prayer transforms absence into presence. Speaking our hopes before Godchangesourinnerlandscape.Andinthisseason,whenwestandtogetherbeforetheKing,our prayers,whetheransweredinthewayweexpectornot,canstillgrantusthecouragetopushforward, theresiliencetoendure,andtheunshakableassurancethatweareneveralone.Mayourprayersthis yearbringusnotonlywhatweaskfor,butalsothesustainingpresenceoftheOnetowhomweask ✦
Who Goes First?
Forgiving When It
Feels Impossible
Rabbi Meyer Laniado
Iofficiatedasmall,gravesidefuneralforafa andinconflict.Thebrotherandsisterhadno hadneverevenmet.
Asisalltoocommoninmanyfamilies,thisf and all the issues that make life complex a weightofthesetribulationsdrovethisfamily
Thetensionswerenotjustbetweensiblings mother,whomwewereburyingthatday S reparationswiththeirmothergone,Ihoped tospeaktooneanother,despitethepain.T predicamentassiblings.
ThatiswhyIturnedtothefamilyastheystoodinasemicircle,facingmewiththegravetomyleft, andsaid:
“Iknowlifeiscomplicated,andemotionsareraw.Thismaynotbetherighttimeforyou,butIwantto offeryouthechancetoaskforforgivenessandtoofferforgiveness.
Notjustfortheother,butforyourself—toletgoofthepainthatyouhavebeenholdingonto.
Youmaynotbereadyyet,andthatisokay,butIwanttogiveyouthespaceincaseyouare.
Andso,Iamgoingtostepback,andifyouareready,takeastepforwardandofferforgiveness.”
Isteppedback Afullminutepassed—thick,tensesilencehungbetweenus Then,slowly,thesisterin-law stepped forward She looked at the grave and said:“Mom, I forgive you, ” and she stepped back
AsIwasabouttoclosetheservice,thebrothersteppedforward.Heforgavehismotheratthegrave, andthen,afterabriefpause,heturnedtohissister.Lookingherintheeyes,hesaid: "Evenwithallthatwehavebeenthrough,Iwantyoutoknow–Iamhereforyou.”
Andthen,hesteppedback.Atthetime,thesisterhadnoreactionatall–zero–andIhadnoidea whethersheforgavehim,howsheunderstoodhim,orwhethertherewouldbereconciliation.AllI knewatthetimewasthatitwasnottherightmomenttoask.
Monthslater,Icheckedinwiththebrothertoseehowhewasdoing,andinthatconversation,I asked,“So,howisyoursisterdoing?”
Hesaid:“Rabbi,youwouldn’tbelievethis;MysisterwasjustbyusforRoshHashanah,andourkidsare takingeachotheroutfordinner.”
Ikeepcomingbacktothisstory,reflectingonitagainandagain.➤
Forone,thebrother’sboldmove Imean,Ididtheeasytaskofputtingitonthetable,butthisindividual
capabilityofsteppingforward,andnotonlylettinggoofallthepainofthreedecades,butsaying,“Iamhere foryou,”despiteeverythingthathashappened—thattomeisremarkable.
Tome,thatis‘radicalunilateralforgiveness’—thecapacitytoshowupforoneanotherdespiteeverything.
Not because we forget, not because it didn’t hurt, not because we were wrong, but because, in the end, it isn’timportanttoberight.What’smoreimportantisthatwehavetherelationship.
TheabilitytoforgiveisattheheartofYomKippur.It’snotonlyaboutseekingGod’sforgiveness,itisalso aboutrealizingtheprofoundvalueofforgivenessinourhumanrelationships.
You can ’t truly ask for forgiveness unless you believe that forgiveness is something worthy, something transformative.
I share this story because it is not only about forgiveness in general It is about forgiving our family The people closest to us are often the ones we find it most difficult to forgive—and yet, they’ re the ones we needtoforgivethemost.
ThatisYeshayahu’smessageintheYomKippurHaftarah(Yeshayahu57:14-21,58:1-14).
AfterremindingusthatGoddemandsmorethanfastingalone—thatHewantsusmovedtoaction,tofeed the hungry, shelter the homeless, clothe the naked—Yeshayahu closes poignantly:'uMibesarekha lo tita’lam' , 'Andyourownflesh,donotignore(Isaiah58:7)
Does Yeshayahu actually have to remind us not to turn away from our own family?! To take care of them, too?Yes!Becausesometimes,it'seasiertoshowcompassiontostrangersthantothoseclosesttous.
Why?Becausetheironyisthatthecloserwearetoaperson,themoreweknowtheirstory—everymistake, everyflaw,everytimetheyhurtus Wecarrygrudgesandtheweightofyearsofdisappointmentandhurt Weholdontopainthathasbuiltupovertheyears—sometimesjustified,sometimesnot.Wetellourselves, ‘Theyshouldhavedonebetter,madedifferentchoices,takenresponsibility.’Andwemayberight,butbeing rightisnotthepoint.
And that is why Yeshayahu emphasizes:"Do not turn away from your own flesh!" We must care for those closest to us, even though it is so much harder! And it is not just about physical help. It’ s being there emotionally,too,asthebrotherwas
Unfortunately,ourtendencyisoftentoturnawayinangerorhurt,tojustifynothelpingbecauseweknow theother’sfaultssowell.ButYeshayahuremindsus:thisiswhereourresponsibilitylies—tostepforward,to forgive,andtoworkonhealingthosedeepfractureswithinourfamilies.
AsweentertheHighHolidays,wearenotaskedonlytoseekforgivenessfromGod.Weareaskedtolook hardatourbrokenrelationships—theonesthatfeeltoopainfulortoocomplicatedtoface
Ittakesrealcouragetotakethatfirststep,asthebrotherdid,toreachoutwithoutknowingwhatwillcome next. We may tell ourselves they hurt us, that they should come to us first. But holding back is not protecting us—it’ s keeping us stuck. It’ s stopping us from rebuilding the relationships that could still be saved.It’swaitinguntilaheadstonestaresusintheface,asilentreminderthattimewaitsfornoone.
MaybethisHighHolidayseasonisnotaboutresolvingeverything Maybeit’saboutfindingthecourageto openthatdoor—toextendyourhand,tostepforward,evenifyoudon’tknowwhatwillcomenext.
And maybe next year, you ’ll smile and tell me:‘Rabbi, you wouldn’t believe it—they came over for Rosh Hashanahdinner.”✦
BeforeweutterourfirstwordsoftheAmidah,wepauseand “ךתלהתדיגייפוחתפתיתפש OGod,openmylips,andmymouthwilldeclareY
Itisaremarkabletruth:beforewecanevenpray,wemustf theYamimNoraimthisbecomesevenmorevivid.In“שעממ indeeds…thereforeIaskYou…pleasegrantsuccesstomyp weplead,“Bewiththewordsofmylips,themessengersof וינפ” we admit, “I will hope in God, I will entreat His pre חתפת” .
Ioftenwrestlewithaquestionoursagesthemselvesseemt God? The prophet says, “םכילא הבושאו
Ret (Malachi3:7).
Butinourprayerswerespond,
— BringusbacktoYou,andwewillreturn”(Eichah5:21).
TheMidrash(EichahRabbah5:21)describesthisasakindofholydisagreement.Godsays,“Itisin yourhands,returntoMe,”whileIsraelsays,“ItisinYours,bringusback.”Ihaveheardasuggested homileticresolvetothisteiku(anunresolveddebate):KnessetYisraelsays,“Bringusback,”God says, “ReturntoMe,”andthehalachafollowsthemajority,so…westartwith,“Bringusback.”
TheChassidicmastersdeepenthiswithateachingfromShirHaShirimRabbahontheverse: “יתנוייתיעריתחאיליחתפקפודידודלוק— Thevoiceofmybelovedisknocking.
OpentoMe,Mysister,Mycompanion,Mydove”(ShirHaShirim5:2). Godsaystous,“OpenforMejusttheeyeofaneedle,andIwillopenforyougatesthroughwhich wagonsandcarriagescanenter”
Overtheyears,I’vecometoseeprayerasthispartnership.WeleantowardHim,Heleanstoward us.Weopenourlips,Heopensourhearts.Wetakeastep,andHemeetsusthere.Andsometimes, maybemoreoftenthanwerealize,ourverydesiretoprayisalreadyHisgifttous.
So in these days of awe, I am reminded that we are never truly praying alone. In this journey of return,ourprayersarenotonlyourofferingtoGod,theyarealsoHisgifttous,theverybreath, strength,andcouragetoopenourlips.
Thisyear,mayourprayersbebothourgifttoGodandGod’sgifttous.Maythegatesofheavenbe opentothesongofourhearts,andmaywebebroughtcloser,byourownstepsandbyHishand guidingusbacktoHim.
ShanahTovahU’Metukah.✦ praying for our prayers cantor chaim dovid berson
Can we teach awe?
ruthie hollander
AsIentermythirdyearrunningyouthprogrammingfor all formal and informal youth education, which is that te awe.
Both fun and awe make knowledge “sticky.” A child paradigmswillbemuchmorelikelytoremembertheless into fun — which is why you might find our Morahs in recreationofAvraham’stentonKJ’sroof,orrafflingof Pesach.
ButtheHighHolyDaysaredifferent.Theywill,ofcour season,I’vebeenaskingifourprogramscanbemorethan ofsomethingdeeper:theexperienceofawe.
Anadultcanfindaweinthesanctuary,theprayers,andt thateasyforachild.WhenIreflectonmyownchildhoo andYomKippur.Ididn’tlongforritualorawe,stiffnessor Andyet,today,theHighHolyDaysaremyfavoritetime singleyear.SoifIdidn’tdevelopthatconnectionsittingin
TheanswerIcometoisthatIlearneditasachildbyw prioritize every aspect of the holidays. I learned it wh preparations. Responsibility taught me awe. Expectat adulthood.Childrencan,andshould,learnawe.Andthey
MymostpositiveassociationswiththeHighHolyDaysar handsstainedwithcinnamonfrombakinground,raisi the perfect, cloying sweetness of tzimmes and helo homagetotwodifferenttraditionsthatfoundharmon makingphonecallafterphonecalltofriendsbeforet lightingcandlesonthatfirstnight,knowing,asthem beingbroughtintoexistence, settingthetablecarefully,ensuringeachplacesetting recitingad’varTorahwehadbeentaughtinschooltoanentiretableofguests,standingtallonmy chair, and—eveniftheservicesthemselvesweren’tallthatexcitingtomeasachild—knowingwecould not,underanycircumstances,belateforthem.
WhenIlookback,Iseethatawecanbetaught,andtaughtwell,throughaction,responsibility,andwork.
Soplease,joinmeincreatinganawesomeexperienceforyourchildrenthisyear,inmorethanoneway.
ShanaTovaU’Metukah!✦
A native of West Hempstead, Rabbi Jeremy Teichman studied at Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh and Yeshiva University, where he earned Semicha and a degree from the Sy Syms School of Business. He brings experience from the Ramaz Upper School and NCSY, where he led innovative teen programs. He’ s moving to the UES with his wife, Marci, and their children, Margalit and Shragi.
Rabbi Nathaniel Faber Director of junior congregation
Originally from Southfield, Michigan, Rabbi Nathaniel Faber spent seven years learning at Yeshivat Har Etzion, received Semicha from the World Mizrachi Musmachim Program, and studied at the Jacob Herzog Teachers College He also served in the IDF as a Social Welfare NCO in the Netzach Yehudah Battalion Now based in New York, he enjoys exploring language and linguistics and finds inspiration while running
Jonathan berkowitz
rabbinic intern
Spencer Glassman is pursuing semicha at Yeshiva University’ s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary A graduate of Harvard with a degree in history, Spencer deepened his love for Torah during his time at Shapell’ s College of Jewish Studies. He has served as a Beren Fellow at the Tikvah Fund and has written about his Ba'al Teshuva journey in the Harvard Crimson. Spencer is excited to connect with the KJ community.
Spencer Glassman
rabbinic intern
Spencer Glassman is pursuing semicha at Yeshiva University’ s Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary A graduate of Harvard with a degree in history, Spencer deepened his love for Torah during his time at Shapell’ s College of Jewish Studies He has served as a Beren Fellow at the Tikvah Fund and has written about his Ba'al Teshuva journey in the Harvard Crimson. Spencer is excited to connect with the KJ community.
Welcome Back to KJ Sisterhood! Back KJ Sisterhood!
We’reexcitedtokickoffanotherwonderfulyearfilledwithfun,friendship,andmeaningfulevents.
YournewBoardis:
President:StephanieBasman
VicePresidents:NicoleFischer&ElanaVinar
Secretary:PamelaStern
SavetheDate:Sunday,September14th–KJSisterhoodxDorotRoshHashanahPackageDelivery–Deliverjoytoan olderneighbor!
Wehaveanexcitingyearaheadandwouldloveforyoutogetinvolved.JoinusandbepartoftheKJSisterhood!
Join us at Kesher’s welcome Back Kiddush! at
We are so excited to see everyone after the summer and can ’t wait to kick off another amazing year of Kesher together!JoinusonShabbat,September6foraspecialWelcomeBackKiddushaswereconnect,celebrate,andlook forwardtoanincredibleyearahead.
Wecan’twaittoseeyouthere!
LaraGuzik,TalyaLevi,&LexieTuchman
KesherPresidents
Mens Club Kiddush Discussion Schedule
The entire KJ family is invited to join the KJ Men’ s Club Kiddush Discussion Series on Shabbat at 12 PM Organized by KJ Men’ s Club President Dr Mark Meirowitz, who we are honored to have as this year ’ s Chatan Bereishit
September 13 — Hank Sheinkopf, Noted Political Consultant
September 20 — Former Lt Governor Betsy McCaughey and Former Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, Leaders of the SAVE NYC Initiative
September 27 — Maud Maron, Republican Candidate for New York County District Attorney
Scholar in Residence at KJ
Yaakov Katz: Shabbat Ki Teitzei / September 6
Yaakov Katz, former editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post and a Nieman Fellow, is a journalist and author of Shadow Strike, The Weapon Wizards, and Israel vs. Iran. At KJ he will discuss and unveil his new book, While Israel Slept: How Hamas Surprised the Most Powerful Military in the Middle East (St. Martin’ s Press; publishing September 2, 2025), an inside account of the failures leading to October 7 and lessons ahead. He writes a weekly column for The Jerusalem Post. Order autographed copies at ckj.org/bookpurchase.
Rabbi Shais Taub: Shabbat Ki Tavo / September 13
Rabbi Shais Taub is a noted author, teacher, and speaker, acclaimed for his work on Jewish spirituality and personal growth. His book, God of Our Understanding, explores the spiritual dimension of the 12-step recovery process and has earned wide praise. A gifted communicator, he is known for making profound Chassidic teachings accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences. Rabbi Taub writes a popular weekly column for Ami Magazine and has been featured in numerous media outlets.
The19thAnnualFlorenceFishelCohenTeshuvahLecture
Monday/September29/7:30PM
Featuring Rabbi Saul J. Berman, a distinguished Modern Orthodox scholar, educator, and activist. Ordained at Yeshiva University, he holds a J.D. from NYU and an M.A. from UC Berkeley, with advancedJewish-lawstudiesinIsrael.Apioneerinaddressingissuesofwomen’sroles,ethics,andcivil rights,hewasactiveinthe1960sCivilRightsMovementandhasbeenaleadingvoiceonJewishlawand social justice. He has served as rabbi, professor, and community leader, shaping Modern Orthodox thoughtfordecades.
ThenamingofthelectureinmemoryofFlorenceCohenwasmadepossiblebyagenerouscommitmentfromtheNathanand LouiseGoldsmithFoundation TheDirectorsoftheFoundationknewFlorencepersonallybecauseallofitsmeetingswereheld in Rabbi Lookstein’ s office. They appreciated the devotion and love that Florence demonstrated toward the Rabbi, the congregation,RamazandtheNathanandLouiseGoldsmithFoundationBoardMembersduringherforty-yeartenure They feltitwouldbeappropriatetomemorializesuchacherishedmemberoftheKJadministrativestaffinthisspecialway.
ShabbatShuvaDrasha
ShabbatVayeilech/September27/Following9:00AMServices
“TheColorWhite:BetweenDeathandTeshuvah”PresentedbyRabbiChaimSteinmetz.
DedicatedbySuzyandLarryPresentinmemoryofSuzy’sparents,SarahandEmanuelGoldberger.
LeahModlinAnnualLectureonCaring&CommunityService
ShabbatLechLecha/November1/Following9:00AMServices
FeaturingJoseph(Joe)Gitler,thefounderandvoluntarychairmanofLeketIsrael,thenation’slargest food rescue organization. Since launching the initiative in 2003, he has grown it into a nationwide network that collects and redistributes surplus food to hundreds of nonprofits serving Israelis in need. Underhisleadership,Lekethasbecomealeaderinfoodsecurityandsustainability,rescuingmillionsof poundsoffreshproduceandpreparedmealseachyear.JoelivesinRa’ananawithhiswifeandchildren.
ThisAnnualLectureisendowedbyBarrieModlininhonorofhisbelovedwife,Leah.
Normanz”l&TovaBulowAnnualShabbaton
ShabbatVayeira/November8
Featuring Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, a leading Religious Zionist rabbi, founder and Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Har Bracha,andrabbioftheHarBrachacommunity HeisbestknownforhisacclaimedPenineiHalakhaseries—clear, profoundhalakhicworkstranslatedintomultiplelanguagesandwidelystudied RabbiMelamedalsowritesthepopular RevivimcolumnforBeshevaandtaughtatBetElandKedumimbeforeestablishinghisyeshiva Underhisleadership, HarBrachahasbecomeabeaconofhalakhiclearning,spiritualclarity,andcommunalgrowth
RememberingKristallnacht
Monday/November10/7:30PM
FeaturingRuthCohen,AuschwitzsurvivorandbelovedvolunteerattheU.S.HolocaustMemorialMuseum,forour Kristallnachtcommemoration.DeportedfromherhomeinCzechoslovakiaatage14,Ruthenduredthemurderof mostofherfamilyandsurvivedmultipleconcentrationcampsbeforeliberationin1945.Thisyear,at94,shereturned toAuschwitzforthefirsttime,standingasawitnesstohistoryanddeclaring,“Hitlerlost.”Ruth’sinspiringmessage ofresilience,love,andhoperemindsusoftheurgentneedtorememberandeducate.
UJAatKJ
ShabbatVayishlach/December6
Featuring Eric Goldstein, CEO of UJA‑Federation of New York, the world’ s largest local Jewish philanthropy organization Appointed in 2014 after a distinguished legal career as a partner at Paul,Weiss, he has guided UJA through crises—from pandemic to wars—launching initiatives like the Community Security Initiative and transformative community programs A committed communal leader, he has served in senior roles across Jewish institutions.EricresidesinManhattanwithhiswife,Tamar,andtheirfourchildren.
KJAnnualDinner
SaturdayNight/December13/8:00PM/RamazUpperSchool,60East78thStreet
KIDS PROGRAMS KIDS PROGRAMS
TheKJYouthDepartmentwelcomesfamilies tojoinusforourFallprograms&events:
YamimNoraimChesedClub/Grades5-8
Friday,September5,12,19,26/1:30-3PM
JoinKJYDfor4weeksofafter-schoolchesed programmingtogetintothespiritoftheHigh Holy Days. Registration required: ckj.org/form/fallchesedclub.
CuriousGeorgeShabbat/EarlyChildhood Shabbat,September13/GroupsBegin10AM
CuriousaboutKJYouthGroups?Here’syour chance to introduce your little ones to Shabbat morning groups. We’ll have special Parent-TotCircleTimesinourPre-K/Kand Nurserygroupsat10:15AMand10:30AM, respectively.
ErevRoshHashanahDayCamp/Grades1-4
Monday,September22/10AM-1PM
Join KJYD for a day of exciting activities includingapizzalunch,arts&crafts,chesed,a challah bake, and sports. Registration required:ckj.org/form/erevrhcamp.
ErevYomKippurDayCamp/Grades1-4
Wednesday,October1/10AM-1PM
Join KJYD for a day of exciting activities including a pizza lunch, movie, arts&crafts, and sports Registration required: ckj.org/form/erevykcamp.
SukkahDecoratingEvent/AllAges Wednesday,October1/1-2PM
JoinKJYDincreatingSukkahdecorationsfor theKJSukkah Allagesarewelcometojoinus forartsandcraftsprojects.
New to our community or KJYD Groups? Welcome! We’re here to help!
We’reMorahRuthie&MorahSophia,andwe runKJ’syouthdepartment.Wewanttomake sure every child feels excited, safe, and enthusiasticjoininguseachweek.Pleasereach outtouswithanyquestions(ruthie@ckjorg),or introduceyourselfonShabbatmorning KJYD’sShabbatmorninggroupsbeginat10AM!
5786 / 2025-26 events
WEEKLY CLASSES
9:15AM/SundayswithCharlesZami&BennyZalta —SephardicYouthProgram(TierI)
SeudahShlishit/ShabbatAfternoonswithCharles Zami—SephardicYouthProgram(TierII) WITHRABBILANIADO
7:30AM/Sundays—JewishPolity&Societal Structure 8:45AM/Wednesdays—BacktoBasics: UnderstandingPrayer
7:50AM/Monday-Friday—DailyShulkhanArukh SeudahShlishit/Shabbat—ShulkhanArukhinDepth
SUNDAY
9:15AM/RabbiWieder
Dr.WilliamMajorMemorial
AdvancedShiurinTalmud
MONDAY
9:00AM/RabbiSteinmetz ExploringJewishThought
12:00PM/RabbiLaniado IntrotoTalmud
TUESDAY
9:00AM/RabbiFeldman TheBookofSamuel
10:00AM/LindaBernell& RabbiFeldman Women'sParshaClass
5:30PM/Beginners
MonthlyWorkshop/Sundays9:30-11:15AM
November 16, 2025 / December 7, 2025
January 11, 2026 / February 8, 2026 / March 8, 2026
ToRSVP,pleaseemailRabbiMeyerLaniadoatrml@ckj.org. W E E K L Y C L A S S S C H E D U L E
WEDNESDAY
8:45AM/RabbiLaniado UnderstandingtheAmida
9:00AM/RabbiLookstein TheWeeklyParsha
12:00PM/GuestSpeakers Lunch&LearnforSeniors
7:00PM/KJClergy MeaningfulJewishLiving
9:00PM/RabbiSteinmetz SocialIssuesinJewish Law&Thought
THURSDAY
8:30AM/Dr.SheraTuchman AStudyofthePurpose oftheCreationofEve
7:30PM/Dr.SamBavli ExploringtheZohar
For more information and up-to-date schedules, visit ckj.org/weeklyclasses.
MOTHER&DAUGHTERSBATMITZVAHPROGRAM
WeeklyClasses/Sundays10:00AM
February1/February8/February22/March1
March8/March15/March22/March29/April19
SeudahShlishitinMay—dateTBD Toregister,pleasevisitckj.org/batmitzvah.
Weareenteringtheseasonof“prayer,penitenceandcharity,”butwealwaysstartwithcharity;andourcharitybeginswiththe SandyEisenstatBenevolentFundofKJ.
ThatFundhasveryextensiveneedsnow Wespentcloseto$1millionsinceOctober7,2023supportingourbrothersandsisters in Israel. We accomplished great things with that support, including providing IDF units with life-saving equipment through an effort spearheaded by Dan Polisar. Our founding contribution to the Polisar effort enabled Dan to raise millions more because we said YES at the very beginning of his campaign However, in contributing almost $1 million to Israel’ s needs we virtually emptiedourreserveswhichtodayarestillhalfempty.WedesperatelyneedtoreplenishourBenevolentFund.
Inaddition,weneedtohelpfamiliesinourcommunitywhodependonus Theseincludepeoplewhousedtobedonorsandwho arenowrecipients.
Finally,weneedtorespondtoinstitutionsandcauseswhichcalluponacommunitylikeoursforsupport
Please respond as generously as you can to this appeal for Tzedakah which we make twice a year: before Rosh Hashanah and before Pesach Please send your gift to the KJ Benevolent Fund by check or online by visiting ckj.org/form/benevolentfund5786, or in any way which enables you to perform a great mitzvah during this High Holy Day season.
Maythecomingyeargiveusthewisdomtoappreciateourmanyblessingsandtosharethoseblessingswithothers.
Verycordiallyyours,
ChaimSteinmetz HaskelLookstein RoyFeldman MeyerLaniado DanielKraus RachelKraus .... DearKJCommunity,
As we prepare to welcome the new year of 5786, we ’ re filled with deep gratitude and excitement to share the launch of the RabbiHaskelLooksteinJewishExploration&ContinuityProject
This initiative strengthens and expands the impact of the beloved KJ Beginners Program, which for over three decades has openedthedoorsofJewishlifetothousandsseekingmeaning,connection,andadeepersenseofbelonging Now,withrenewed visionandgeneroussupport,we’reproudtocontinueofferingdynamicprogrammingthatupliftsandinspiresacrosseverystage ofJewishengagement:
MeaningfulJewishLiving–aweeklycourseexploringthefundamentalsofJudaism
SpirituallyCaffeinated–engagingconversationsonprayer,Shabbat,andparentingforRamazparents
HolidayWorkshops–enrichingandjoyfulexplorationsoftheJewishcalendar
Shabbat&HolidayServices–welcoming,accessible,anddeeplymeaningfulexperiences
HebrewLanguageCourses–fromAleph-Bettofluency
FridayNightLive–inclusiveShabbatdinnersthatnourishbodyandsoul
HolyHourHappyHour–aspirited,weeklygatheringforyoungprofessionals
LooksteinTorahSociety–advancingJewishlearninginourcommunity
Thanks to the generosity of a visionary donor who endowed this initiative, the Rabbi Haskel Lookstein Jewish Exploration & Continuity Project ensures not only the sustainability but the vibrant growth of this sacred work, now and for generations to come.
AsourKJBoardPresident,JonathanWagner,expressedatour153rdAnnualMeeting:“Thisprojectnotonlyappropriatelyhonors ourrabbi,leader,andfriendformorethan60years—itensureshislegacycontinuestoshapeandinspiretheJewishworld.”
It is our privilege to celebrate Rabbi Haskel Lookstein—our teacher, guide, and champion—whose unwavering dedication has transformedcountlesslivesandcontinuestodosoeveryday.
Asweenter5786,weinviteyoutojoinusinembracinganewyearoflearning,growth,andJewishcontinuity
WishingyouandyourfamilyaShanaTova—ayearofrenewal,blessing,andmeaning.
Withheartfeltgratitude,
Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz
Rabbi Daniel & Rachel Kraus
Ruthie Hollander
Dates
ROSH HASHANAH SEDER
Prepared b R h l & R bbi D iel Kraus
Pomegranate
May this be a year in which bitterness is removed from our lives and sweetness endures.
As you eat the date, reflect on what negativity you hope to leave behind in the year ahead.
May we live lives filled with mitzvot, kindness, and purpose as abundant as the seeds in this fruit.
Think of one new mitzvah, or act of goodness, you hope to add to your life this year.
Carrots
May the harshness of judgment be sweetened, and may our path be filled with compassion and clarity
Focus on what you hope to grow in yourself this year; imagine cutting away whatever stands in the way.
Apple & Honey Beets
May sweetness overflow in our
May we have the courage to cut ties with what no longer serves our growth, to stand firm in our values
May we remove from our lives all that ances us from our higher
t internal “enemies” — ts — you wish to let go of
Pumpkin or Gourd
May this be a year when our true worth is revealed, and we are judged with grace and favor.
Think of one hidden quality or strength within yourself you hope will be recognized or nurtured.
Identify one toxic influence — external or internal — that you wish to distance yourself from this year
May we lead with vision, integrity, and purpose — in all areas of our lives
Envision where you hope to lead in your family, community, or work and what kind of leader you strive to be
Second Night Only
May we welcome this year with new beginnings, fresh blessings, and open hearts
As you bite into this fruit, invite in one new experience or hope you wish to manifest this year
Leek Fish Head
New Fruit
September23-24,10AM–1PM
ForNursery–Grade7 125East85thStreet
Tuesday & Wednesday, October 7 – 8
10 AM Start
For Nursery – Grade 7 125 East 85th Street
STUF IN TH SUKK
Wed, October 8
Tuesday, October 14
TotsCarnival/6PM
FamilyHakafot/6:45PM
FestiveMeal&KidsCarnival
AfterHakafotConclude
4 - 5:30 PM
For Families with Kids Ages 0-6
Wednesday October 15
TheMonthofElul
SoundingoftheShofareachmorningafterShacharit. RecitationoftheentireBookofPsalmsatKJ.
Selichot in the Main Synagogue with Cantor Chaim DovidBerson:SaturdayNight,Sep13,at9:30PM. Beginning Monday, September 15: Daily Selichot Services,ahalf-hourbeforemorningservices
RoshHashanah
TuesdayandWednesday,September23&24. Shofararound10AMonTuesday&Wednesday. Those ill at home or in the hospital should contact RabbiFeldman,rrf@ckj.org,toarrangeforShofar.
RitualstoRemember:
LightcandlesandreciteShehecheyanublessing RoshHashanahKiddush
Wash hands and say motzi over two round challahs anddippiecesinhoney(throughHoshanahRabbah)
FirstNight:RoshHashanahgreetinguponleavingshulis “L’shana haba’ah tikateivu v ’tichateimu — May you be inscribedforaGoodYear.”
First Day: Join KJ for Tashlich on Tuesday, September 23, at 5:00 PM. Assemble at Central Park’ s “Turtle Pond” by the castle south of the Great Lawn near 85th St,oratCarlSchurzParkat86thStandtheEastRiver.
SecondNight:ThepracticeofrecitingtheShehecheyanu blessing on the second night is questionable, so we eat a newfruitnotyeteatenthisseasonafterKiddushandthe hamotzi.Wekeepinmindthatnewfruitwhenrecitingor listeningtoShehecheyanuatKiddushand/ortheblessing over the lighting of the candles, thereby fulfilling the obligation
10DAYSOFPENITENCE
RoshHashanahthroughYomKippur
TsomGedaliah:Thursday,September25
Mikveh on Yom Kippur Eve: On the eve of Yom Kippur,thereisacustomformentoimmerseinthe mikvah in preparation Our practice at KJ is that we observe this custom as a group before the morning service. All MEN are invited to assemble at the mikvah, 419 East 77th Street at 6:15 AM on Wednesday, October 1 Everyone will have the opportunitytoimmerseandthenwewillreturntoKJ for7:10AMShacharitservices.
YomKippur
Avoid food, drink, washing, lotions/oils, and marital relations.
Wearapairofnon-leatherfootwear. Men are strongly encouraged to wear a white kitel which can be obtained at our neighborhood store, JudaicaClassicsbyDoina:(212)-722-4271.
Sukkot
Allmealswithbreadormezonotshouldbeeatenina Sukkah.
Lulav and Etrog will be used beginning Tuesday, October7,andarenotusedonShabbat.
SukkotMealPurchase:
Sukkot catered meals require advance reservations. Theywillbeservedintwobuildings Toregister,visit ckj.org/sukkot;forassistance,contactsy@ckj.org. Tables63anduparelocatedonthe9 FloorRoofof the Ramaz Lower School Ramaz Lower School: 125 East85thStreet. th
Tables 1-21 are located on the 8 Floor Roof of the RamazMiddleSchool Ramaz Middle School: 114 East 85thStreet. th
Lulav&EtrogPurchase:
You may purchase a Lulav and Israeli Etrog, $55, throughKJbyvisitingckjorg/LulavandEtrog
Sets are available for pickup in the Riklis Social Hall (125 East 85 Street) on Sunday, Oct 5, from 7:308:45PM,andMonday,Oct6,from8-10:30AM
ShabbatCholHamoed KoheletisreadbyourHighSchoolers. ThankyoutoallofourcommunityReaders.
HOSHANAHRABBAH
Mondaymorning,October13,6:30AM
Close of the penitential season High Holy Day melodies. Seven circuits around the shul with Lulav andEtrogandbeatingoftheAravot President’ s breakfast sponsored by Phyllis and JonathanWagner.
Sheminiatzeret
YizkorandthePrayerforRainarerecited Chatanimarepresentedtothecongregation
SimchatTorah
SimchatTorahEve: TuesdayEvening,October14
Our joyous evening of Hakafot in the Main Synagogue (Evening Services begin at 6:10 pm) concludes with singing and dancing in the street HakafotfollowedbyaSimchatTorahextravaganzain the Ramaz Middle School featuring a festive dairy kiddush supper, ice cream bar, and a carnival of activitiesandentertainmentforchildrenofallages
SimchatTorahDay: Wednesday,October15.
Hakafot with singing and dancing. Chatanim are calledtotheTorah Youthgroupsbeginat10AM Women’sTefilahGroupat9:15AM. Buffetkiddushlunchfollowingservices.
SUKK T SUKK T 5786 5786
SukkotEve
Monday,October6
MorningServices
CandleLighting
EveningServices
SukkotI
Tuesday,October7
MorningServices
EveningServices
CandleLighting
SukkotII
Wednesday,October8
MorningServices
EveningServices
Havdalah
CholHamoedSukkotI
Thursday,Oct9
MorningServices
EveningServices
CholHamoedSukkotII
Friday,October10
ShabbatCholHamoed
Saturday,October11
Shacharit
Mincha
EndofShabbat
CholHamoedSukkotIV
Sunday,October12
MorningServices
EveningServices
ConcludingFestivalDays
Monday,October13
HoshanahRabbah
MorningServices
CandleLighting
EveningServices
SheminiAtzeret
Tuesday,October14
MorningServices (Yizkorisrecited)
Mincha/Ma’ariv& SimchatTorahHakafot
CandleLighting
SimchatTorah
Wednesday,October15
MorningServices
Women’sTefilahGroup
EveningServices
Havdalah
SUKK T SUKK 5786 5786
ErebSukkot
Monday,October6
Shaharit
CandleLighting
Minha
SukkotI
Tuesday,October7
Shaharit
Minha
CandleLighting
SukkotII
Wednesday,October8
Shaharit
Minha
Habdalah
HolHamoedSukkotI
Thursday,Oct9
Shaharit
Minha
HolHamoedSukkotII
Friday,October10
Shaharit
CandleLighting
ShabbatHolHamoed
Saturday,October11
Shaharit
Minha
:12PM
:15PM 9:00AM 6:15PM
After7:05PM 9:00AM
:15PM
:02PM
Minha 7:15AM
:00AM
:20PM 7:00AM 6:05PM 6:15PM
Habdalah
CholHamoedSukkotIV
Sunday,October12
Shaharit
Minha
ConcludingFestivalDays
HoshanahRabbah
Monday,October13
Shaharit
CandleLighting
Minha
SheminiAseret
Tuesday,October14
Shaharit
Minha/Arbit& SimhatTorahHakafot
CandleLighting
SimchatTorah
Wednesday,October15
Shaharit
Minha
Habdalah
9:00AM
5:50PM
6:57PM
8:30AM
6:15PM
6:30AM
6:00PM
6:10PM
9:00AM
6:10PM
After6:54PM
9:00AM
6:10PM
6:51PM
Within Our Family
BIRTHS
RachelMinkin&RabbiRoyFeldmanonthebirthofason, JudahEmanuel
Dr. Erica Baruch & Elisha Friedman on the birth of a daughter,AnnaLily(ChanaTzirel).MazalTovaswelltoKJ grandparents Shira & Dr. Larry Baruch and great grandparentsAudrey&RabbiHaskelLookstein.
Rosie & Dr Mark Friedman on the birth of a grandson, Nachman,borntotheirchildreninIsrael,Malkie&Aryeh Friedman
Marylene & Alan Friedman on the birth of a grandson, ShaiHarry,borntotheirchildren,DavidAaronFriedman &CarlaKalvin.
Abigail&MichaelGul(Ramaz‘18)onthebirthoftwins, Ezra Yechezkel and Nava Eliana Mazal Tov as well to KJ grandparentsDina&MarshallHuebnerandRachel&Eric Gul.
KarenBlatt&AriHirtonthebirthofagrandson,Yosef Baruch,borntoDr.Elizabeth&RabbiMichaelHirt.
Michele & Ronald Jaspan on the birth of a grandson, AlexanderShmuel,borntotheirchildren,Sarah&Joshua Jaspan.
Hannah & Avi Jerushalmy on the birth of a daughter, AmaliaMae(AmaliaMira)
TalyaLevi&JoshKahanonthebirthofadaughter,Sadie Rose(SarahRivkah).
Lisa&NathanLowonthebirthofagrandson,Benjamin Izak (Binyamin Yitzchak), born to their children Eliane & DannyLow
AvivaRoumani&EthanMackinonthebirthofadaughter, NeriLeviah.
Dr Robert&JudyPodellonthebirthofagreat-grandson, AmitaiYosef,borntotheirgrandchildren,Aaron&Maddie Fishkind
Lauren & Michael Rosman on the birth of a daughter. MazalTovaswelltoKJgrandparents,Phyllis&Jonathan Wagner.
Lisa & Lee Snow on the birth of a granddaughter, Nava Dodi Weissmann Snow, born to their children Michael Snow(Ramaz’09)&ElenaWeissmann.
Samantha & Dr. Matthew Spiegel on the birth of a daughter, Frida Lianna Mazal Tov as well to KJ grandmotherGwenFrancis
Hillary&EricSteimetzonthebirthofason,JacobJordan (YaakovNachum).MazalTovtoKJauntanduncle,Lisa& RabbiChaimSteinmetz.
Erica&AndrewWaldonthebirthoftheirfirstchildand son,EliJordan(YardenYaakov)
Jane & Nicky Yakubovich and Irina on the birth of a grandson, born to their children, Julianna & Andrew Yakubovich.
MaythesechildrengrowupinthefinesttraditionofTorah, chupah,andma’asimtovim
Engagements
Wilma&KennethAschendorfontheengagementoftheirson, Sammy, to Sophia Pearl, daughter of Cheryl & Ari Pearl of Hollywood,FL
Elias Buchwald on the engagement of his granddaughter, Elisabeth,daughterofMarlene&LeeBuchwaldofScarsdale,to EvanKravitz,sonofSandyKreschofWashington,DC,andDr AlanKravitzofRockville,MD
Elias Buchwald on the engagement of his granddaughter, Rebecca,daughterofMarlene&LeeBuchwaldofScarsdale,to ZacharyEbner,sonofNicole&MarkEbnerofColumbus,OH
Rosie(Ramaz‘68)&Dr.MarkFriedmanontheengagementof their granddaughter, Michal Zehava Fine, to Gabe Eliezer Baratz Michal is the daughter of Ariela (Ramaz ‘97)& Rabbi Jeremy S Fine of Woodmere, NY, and Gabe is the son of Racheli&SammyBaratzofWoodmere
Michele&StephaneIfrahontheengagementoftheirdaughter, Chloe, to Josh Friedman, son of Susie & Ari Friedman of Lawrence,NY
Edith&SalomonLipinerontheengagementoftheirgrandson, Matthias Rom, son of Karen (Ramaz ‘84)& Robert Rob of Zurich,Switzerland,toLiatSilver,daughterofItzi&LeahSilver ofJerusalem
RobinMehl&theDr.Sydneyz "lMehlontheengagementof theirdaughter,JaclynEsther(Jackie),toMattyRindenow,son ofEli&ElisaRindenowofLawrence,NY.
Dr.Naama&RabbiElieWeinstockontheengagementoftheir daughter,Meira,ofIsrael,toMaxSerfaty,sonofKatty&Elio SerfatyfromCaracas,Venezuela.
Bracha & KJ Comptroller Sy Yanofsky on the engagement of their daughter, Fay, to Shlomo Linietsky, son of Yitzchak & BarbaraLinietskyofJackson,NJ.
Maytheirweddingstakeplaceinhappinessandblessing
MARRIAGES
Karine&EricAttiasonthemarriageoftheirdaughter,Noa,to NateFessel,sonofSherry&MarkFessel.
Saul & Jennifer Burian and Sylvia Zimbler Burian on the marriage of their son, Jason, to Julia Hornblass of Englewood, NJ.
Stephanie & Jonathan Freilich on the marriage of their daughter, Naomi, to William Schwalbe, son of Jill & James SchwalbeofEnglewood,NJ
Dr JenniferKaplan&MichaelKaplanonthemarriageoftheir son, Benjamin, to Kyra Fischer, daughter of Aryeh & Dorit FischerofDenver,CO
KaterinaandMosheKleinontheirmarriage.
Donna Silverman on the marriage of her grandson, David Silverman, to Meira Axelrod, daughter of Simcha & Chani AxelrodofCedarhurst,NY.
SharonandElanz "lSteinbergonthemarriageoftheirdaughter, Lena,toMendelOsdoba,sonofSandraandMattyz "lOsdoba ofMemphis,TN.
RabbiDr AbrahamUngeronhismarriagetoJillMirsky Maythenewlywedcouplesbeblessedtobuildhomesfaithfulto thetraditionsoftheJewishpeople
Noah Weinstein
Mazal Tov to Jodi and Adam Weinstein upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Noah, at The Hampton Synagogue in Westhampton Beach on Shabbat morning, July 5, at which time he read Parashat Chukat and delivered a D’ var Torah Noah is an eighth-grade student at SAR Academy
Anabelle Friedman
Mazal Tov to Danielle and Jason Friedman upon the Rosh Chodesh Elul Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Anabelle Noa, in Lawrence, NY Anabelle led a siyum of Masechet Rosh Hashanah and delivered a D’ var Torah. Anabelle is a sixth-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.
Maxime Perelman
Mazal Tov to Lisa Slavin and Steven G. Perelman, upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Maxime, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on Shabbat morning, September 13, at which time he will read Parashat Ki Tavo and deliver a D’ var Torah. Maxime has attended Ramaz since Nursery school and will matriculate to eighth grade at The Browning School in September
Noam Kraus
Mazal Tov to Rachel and Rabbi Daniel Kraus upon the Bar Mitzvah in Jerusalem of their son, Noam, on October 18, at which time he will read Parashat Bereishit. Noam attends the Rabbi Arthur Schneier Park East Day School and will be entering seventh grade in the fall
Amalia Schubin
Mazal Tov to Dr Ilana Brownstein Schubin and William Schubin upon their daughter, Amalia, becoming a Bat Mitzvah on Tu B'Av. This milestone will be celebrated during the KJ Women' s Tefilah and Hakafot on Simchat Torah and Amalia will lead a women ' s tefilah service for the sixth-grade girls at the Ramaz Middle School on Thursday, October 16. Amalia is a sixth-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.
Barry Schwartz
Mazal Tov to Erica and Robert Schwartz upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Barry, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, on Shabbat morning, October 18, at which time he will read Parashat Bereishit Barry is an eighthgrade student at the Ramaz Middle School. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents Sheira and Steven Schacter
Joshua Solomon Majzner
Mazal Tov to Jenny and Marc Majzner, upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Joshua, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on Shabbat morning, November 15, at which time he will read Parashat Chayeh Sarah and deliver a D’ var Torah. Josh is a seventh-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents Linda Bernell and Adam Frank.
Joey Werber
Mazal Tov to Heather and Benjamin Werber upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Joey, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on Shabbat morning, November 22, at which time he will read Parashat Toldot Joey is a seventh-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.
Talia Binstock
Mazal Tov to Yaira Singer and Matthew Binstock upon the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Talia, on November 23rd. She will deliver a D’ var Torah on animal care entitled “The Rainbow’ s Promise: Good Things are Coming.” Talia is a sixth-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents Dr. Adina and Michael Singer.
MazalTovtoMindyandDr.JayCinnamonupontheBatMitzvahoftheirgranddaughter,ElizaRoseGreen,daughterof RebeccaGreen&Dr.NoamGreenandgreatgranddaughterofAudrey&RabbiHaskelLookstein.
ElizabethBier,daughterofEsther&NathanielBier,uponthepublication of her new book, The Atoms Bunch, which teaches complicated principlesofBiologytochildren.
BarryFrohlingeruponbeingsworninasMayorofAtlanticBeach.
Sandra E. Rapoport upon delivering a Torah Talk at the Great Neck Synagogue' s Summer Torah Institute on "Why Ruth? How Does a Moabite Woman Become a Mother of Israelite Kings? Exploring ParadoxesinMegillatRuth."
RabbiChaimSteinmetzuponreceivingHonorableMentioninTheLouis RapoportAwardforExcellenceinCommentary.
AcademicAchievements
TerryandMichaelJaspanuponthegraduationoftheirgrandson,Aaron Jaspan,sonofArielle(Ramaz’01)andyeshivaPresidentJoseph(Ramaz 2001)JaspanfromYeshivaofSouthShore AaronwillattendtheYeshiva ofFarRockawayinthefall.
JudyandDavidLobeluponthegraduationoftheirson,Andrew,withan MBAfromStanfordUniversity’sGraduateSchoolofBusiness.
RuthandDr.DavidMusheruponthegraduationoftheirgranddaughter, TaliBrenner,daughterofSarah(Musher)andMattBrennerofBethesda, MD, from The Charles E Smith-Jewish Day School High School in Maryland. She will attend the Newhouse School of Public CommunicationsatSyracuseUniversity,
Raquel and E. Magnus Oppenheim z ”l upon the graduation of their granddaughter, Hadar Oppenheim, from Manhattan Day School as a recipient of "The President' s Award for Educational Excellence in recognitionofoutstandingacademicexcellence" HadarwillattendSAR highschoolinSeptember
newmembers
LEARN WITHKJ
PENINEI HALAKHA: LAWS OF PRAYER
taught by Rabbi Roy Feldman
Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun warmly welcomes the following new memberswhojoinedthecongregationbetweentheprintingofthelastBulletin onJune20andthisBulletin,whichwenttopressonAugust22:
Elianna & Alex Agus
Sheridan & Nadav Besner
Alexandra Levin & Alan Buchbinder
Allison Wanderer & William Cooper
Talia & Craig Epstein
Sabrina Ghalili & Julian Felder
Jennifer Litt & Jonathan Gold
Melissa Mahgerefteh & Judah Guber
Abigail & Michael Gul
Michael Harris
Samantha Harris
Hannah Zanger & Aaron Kahan
Deena Markovits
Myra & Alon Mogilner
Blossom & Justin Merkin
Alyssa & Matthew Reich
Debbie & Irv Schaulewicz
Orly Mintz & Jeremy Schechter
Tamar & Benjamin Schwartz
Sandra Grant & Stephen Silver
Erica & Erin Silverman
Julia Posluns & Max Silverman
Sophia & Ariel Tambor
Erica & Andrew Wald Levine
Rachel & Jonathan Weiss
Julianna & Andrew Yakubovich
Make Torah a part of every day. Starting October 20, we will study one short halakha section daily from Peninei Halakha: The Laws of Prayer. Peninei Halakha is a revolutionary series of books by Rabbi Eliezer Melamed, making Jewish law clear and reasonable, and easy to study. The blurbs will be provided on WhatsApp each day, plus a weekly video recap by Rabbi Feldman, and communal siyum when we conclude the laws of prayer For individuals and families, all levels welcome.
Register by scanning the QR code above.
Condolencesto
StaceyAbrahamsuponthepassingofhermother,JoanLevenberg. JonathanBrickmanuponthepassingofhisfather,StephenBrickman. LarryGrafsteinuponthepassingofhismother,CaroleSandraGrafstein
AlisonEssesuponthepassingofherfather,BarryGreenberg. YoninaGomberguponthepassingofherfather,FredHalpern. AlexHalpernuponthepassingofhisfather,FredHalpern
CherylHalpernuponthepassingofherhusband,FredHalpern. SusanHirschfelduponthepassingofherfather,SeymourAronson. AmandaKatzuponthepassingofherfather,MarvinSussman IraMeiselsuponthepassingofhiswife,BenayMeisels.
AudreyMenachemuponthepassingofhersister,CaraleeLevine. Dr ShellySendersuponthepassingofhisfather,MikeSenders MaeiraWerthenschlaguponthepassingofherfather,FredHalpern.
in memoriam
MiriamBreslauer
The mother of our very devoted, long-distance member Keith Breslauer, of London, was an extraordinary woman, an incredible mother, a devoted wife and a true friend to so many. She lived a life of meaning and encouraged those around her to believe in the impossible, to see problems as solvable and to meet everychallengewithcourage.
She was so proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who have been so committed to the JewishpeopleinEngland,inIsraelandaroundtheworld.
RebaEtra
Reba Etra was the widow of the late Max J. Etra and a distinguished member of a family that has a long and stellar history in our community. Her three sons, Lionel, Richard and the late William Etra are all distinguished alumni of Ramaz. Lionel, besides being a stalwart supporterofKJandallofitsinvolvements,hasavirtually unbrokenrecordofservingasaBa’alTefillahonShabbat morning for the past forty years He is a fixture on the familybenchintheMainSynagogue.
RebawasamodelofwhataJewishmotherandbalabusta should be. She was meticulously observant and very active intellectually and personally. The achievements and contributions of her family are very much a result of the standards and principles of this exceptional Jewish woman.
She passed away at a very advanced age, probably the most advanced of any member of our congregation. She lovedKJandRamazasKJandRamazlovedher.
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BonnieDietrich
She was a favorite in KJ. We loved having her for so many years at all of our activities, especially on Shabbat and Yom Tov mornings and at the various classes in which she was a regular. Occasionally, we had the privilege of hearing her play the piano at which she was a virtuoso. Mostly, we just enjoyed her delightful company, her eversmiling face and her genuine love for all of us at KJ, a love which was happily reciprocated.
She was a memorable member of the Jewish people and we were proud that she chose KJ in which to grow Jewishly and express her love and commitment to our people and to allhumanity.
S.DanielAbraham
For many years he was an active member of our congregation and contributed generously to every phase of KJ and the well-being of Ramaz of which his four daughtersarealldistinguishedalumnae
He was one of the first contributors to the Ramaz Endowment Fund when it was originally established He participated generously in every building program in whichRamazandKJwereinvolved
He had a very long and celebrated life of service to the Jewish people, the State of Israel,andallhumanity.
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