The KJ Difference 2018-2019

The KJ Difference 2018–2019: 5779

The KJ D A spiritually uplifting environment for all who come through our doors.

A caring congregation

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that is open to everyone.

A unique congreg

that is a leader in t Jewish world.

ifference A dynamic Jewish Community Center serving the Upper East Side and beyond.

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gation

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An Orthodox synagogue

committed to making Torah Judaism relevant in the modern world.Â

KJ Beginners Program Our acclaimed outreach and engagement efforts offer meaningful experiences for Jews of all backgrounds.

We offer Shabbat services, Torah classes, Friday Night Live Shabbat Dinners, Holiday programming, and much more.

We proudly host the largest High Holiday Beginners Service with over 600 participants and our Shabbat Across America program attracted nearly 1,000 people, making it the largest in North America.

Don’t miss next year’s event on March 1, 2019.

CONNECT:

Beginners@ckj.org Ckj.org/kjb

@RavElie

@RabbiDKraus

KJ

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We believe that we are all Beginners at different stages of the same journey, and we welcome all to experience what KJB has to offer.Â

4,000 people enjoyed KJB taking Shabbat to the street

Kesher Kesher is a spiritual and social home for young Jewish singles, couples, and families to connect with each other.

The Kesher Minyan is a weekly service designed to foster a greater sense of community. A hot Kiddush follows services.

Throughout the year, Kesher offers social, educational, and Chesed programming highlighted by the Shemini Atzeret Luncheon, Chanukah Concert, New Mom’s Breakfast, Challah Bake and more!

CONNECT:

Kesher@ckj.org Facebook.com/groups/kjkesher Ckj.org/kesher

233

people attended the Kesher Shemini Atzeret Luncheon

Sephardic Minyan We take pride in being one of the only synagogues that has successfully brought together Jews with different prayer traditions in one united community.

Dr. Benjamin Zalta beautifully conducts services, and, this year, we welcome Rabbi Meyer Laniado to guide the Minyan and teach Torah to the community.

Rabbi Meyer Laniado

Sephardic Minyan Daily Services Chazan Dr. Benjamin Zalta

7:00 am

Monday through Friday

8:15 am

Sunday & Legal Holidays

CONNECT:

Sephardicminyan@ckj.org Ckj.org/sephardicminyan

6:50 am

Rosh Chodesh

9:00 am

Shabbat Morning

365

days a year on which our Sephardic Community is active

KJ Daily Services Shacharit

(Morning Service)

8:30 am

Sunday Legal Holidays

7:15 am

Monday Thursday

7:30 am

Tuesday Wednesday Friday

7:00 am

Rosh Chodesh weekdays

Mincha & Ma’ariv (Evening Service)

• Standard Time: 5-10 minutes before sunset • Daylight Savings Time: 6:45 pm

CONNECT: Ckj.org/cal

KJ Supports Israel We bring the largest synagogue delegation to the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington and host multiple Israelfocused events throughout the year. We joyously celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim, and Israel and her soldiers and citizens are always close to our hearts.

AIPAC Policy Conference March 24-26

Yom HaZikaron & Yom Ha’Atzmaut: Tekes Ma’avar Wednesday, May 8

Yom HaAtzmaut Ramaz Zimriah Community BBQ Thursday, May 9

Yom Yerushalayim Sunday, June 2

Celebrate Israel Parade Sunday, June 2

CONNECT: Ckj.org/israel

200

people at the 2018 Policy Conference, the largest Synagogue delegation in America

Shabbat and Holidays Uplifting services, inspiring sermons, prominent guest speakers, informative classes, youth groups, a delicious Kiddush, communal meals, and the warmth and spirit of Jewish togetherness are the hallmarks of every Shabbat and holiday at KJ. 7:15 am Hashkama Minyan 9:00 am Main Service

9:00 am Sephardic Minyan 9:30 am Kesher Minyan

9:30 am Beginners Service & KJB Minyan 10:00 am Teen Minyan

10:00 am Junior Congregation & Youth Minyan

CONNECT:

Ckj.org/shabbatandholidays

23

gallons of cholent used for each weekly Kiddush to enhance our Shabbat experience

The holidays at KJ are a sight to behold!

From 3,000 worshippers on the High Holidays to thousands of meals served in our Sukkot to Simchat Torah outside on 85th Street to Chanukah lighting in Carl Schurz Park to the joy of Purim to our Communal Seder, commemoration of Yom HaShoah and celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut, our community comes together for rejoicing and celebration.

Shabbat Learning • 8:30 am Halakha Class • Post-Hashkama Shiur • Pre-Mincha Shiur • Seudah Shlishit with Dvar Torah

Special Shabbat Events Seymour Propp Memorial Lecture October 20 Yoetzetz Halakha Rachelle Sprecher Fraenkel Norman and Tova Bulow Shabbat Scholar and Dinner November 2–3 Rabbi David Stav Leah Modlin Annual Lecture on Caring and Community Service November 10 Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz Birthright Israel Shabbat November 16–17 Shabbat with Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Wieder November 23–24 Samuel S. Silverstein Shabbat and Community Together Dinner January 11–12 Y-Studs A-Cappella Shabbat Yachad February 22–23 Shabbat Across America March 1 Suzannne and Dr. Norman Javitt Annual Synagogue Shabbaton April 12–13 Mark Trencher Mizrachi Shabbat Celebrating Israel’s 71st Birthday May 3–4 Sivan Rahav Meir

Youth Programming Tot Shabbat

10:00 am

Shabbat Youth Groups 10:00 am • Nursery • Pre-K • Kindergarten • Junior Congregation • Youth Minyan

KJ Youth Department We provide educational and fun activities to inspire the Jewish future. From movie and gym nights to Shabbat morning programming and Chesed activities, youth programming at KJ is always exciting!

• Musical Havdalah and Ice Cream Parties • Family Friday Night Dinners • Youth Shabbatonim • Barnes & Noble Story Times • Shabbat Tefillah Together • Tot Shabbat Across America • Family Seudah Shlishit • Holiday Programming • Saturday Night Spectacular • Sunday Morning Teen Minyan and Learning • Sports & More!

Aryana Ritholtz Youth Director

CONNECT:

Aryana@ckj.org Instagram.com/ckj_youth Ckj.org/youth

KJYD

MaTaN Mother Daughter Bat Mitzvah Program

Where Torah and Fun are One!

with Rachel Kraus Sundays, starting January 27

31

youth events a year engaging hundreds of children in our community

Enrich the Soul Spiritually connect through prayer and a wide variety of engaging and interesting classes on Bible, Talmud, Halakhah, Jewish Philosophy, Ethics, Jewish History and Hebrew Language. We are a seven-day-a-week synagogue with the right class for everyone.

Throughout 5779, all of the refreshments served at Adult Education classes are made possible by a generous gift from the family of Jane & Ishaia Gol in memory of Jane’s late mother, Mildred (Mollie) Moverman, Malka Rachel bat Naftali v’ Shayna, whose love of people and love of learning animates our programming.

17

different Torah classes to choose from throughout the programming year

CONNECT:

For Class Overviews: Ckj.org/enrichthesoul For Daily Schedule: Ckj.org/calendar

Dr. William Major Memorial Advanced Shiur in Talmud Sunday mornings following 8:30 am services and breakfast Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Wieder

Parsha Foundations Tuesdays at 8:15 am Rabbi Elie Weinstock

God, The World, and Me: An Exploration of Maimonides’ Book of Knowledge Tuesdays at 7:00 pm Rabbi Meyer Laniado

Ramban al ha-Torah: The Commentary of Nachmanides Tuesdays at 8:00 pm Martin Kaufman

Crash Course in Hebrew Reading Wednesdays at 6:30 pm Sara Rosen Fall: Starting October 17 Winter: Starting January 2

Prayerbook Hebrew

Wednesdays at 7:30 pm Sara Rosen Fall: Starting October 17 Winter: Starting January 2

Holiday Series

Rabbi Daniel and Rachel Kraus

Wednesday Night Beit Midrash: The Weekly Mitzvah Wednesdays at 8:30 pm Rabbinic Intern Leead Staller

Contemporary Halakhic Issues

Wednesdays at 8:30 pm Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz

Face-to-Face with the Parsha Thursdays at 9:30 pm on the KJ Facebook page

Examine the laws, customs, and traditions of the holidays.

Gain new insights to enhance your experience.

Meaningful Jewish Living

Thursdays at 7:00 pm A comprehensive year-long course covering major themes in Jewish law, practice, and thought. Explore how a 5,000 year old religion is more relevant today than ever before. This course is open to all who wish to deepen their knowledge and review the fundamentals of Jewish thought and practice. This course is also ideal for those considering conversion.

Refreshments will be served and readings provided.

Enrich the Soul (CONTINUED)

Women’s Learning Exploring Jewish Thought Mondays at 8:30 am Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz

Women’s Parshat Hashavua Wednesdays at 8:30 am Rabbi Haskel Lookstein

Prophetic Women

KJ Conversations

The Book of Samuel: Woman’s Complex Relationships with Men, Children and God

Mondays at 7:00 pm December 3, 10, 17 January 14, 21 April 1, 8

Soul Cycle A Monthly Spiritual Workout

Join Rabbi Weinstock and special guests to examine timely, relevant issues facing the Jewish community.

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE:

• Jews & Jews • Jews & Non-Jews • Is There a Mitzvah of Tikkun Olam?

• Can We Talk About Anything Civilly Anymore?

Let Our People Know: The Critical Need for Torah Study Throughout the Jewish Community

Saturday, December 15 at 8:00 pm A conversation with Rabbi Ethan Tucker, President & Rosh Yeshiva of Hadar (Hadar.org)

The Future of American Judaism: Where Are We Going?

Saturday, January 26 at 8:00 pm A converstion with Rachel Kraus and Dr. Elana Stein-Hain Scholarin-Residence and Director of Faculty at the Shalom Hartman Institute of North America

Thursdays at 8:30 am Shera Aranoff Tuchman

Wednesdays at 7:45 pm Rachel Kraus

Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) Mondays at 7:00 pm Rabbi Elie Weinstock

JLI is a creative presentation of traditional Judaism in a highly professional, innovative, and academically rigorous yet accessible format.

Wrestling with Faith

6 Mondays starting October 22

Crime and Consequence

6 Mondays starting February 4

With All My Heart

6 Mondays starting May 13

Jewish Youth Connection JYC provides meaningful Jewish learning and religious experiences for students in Kindergarten through 7th grade who don’t attend Day School and to those who need more individualized attention.

We are welcoming to ALL children from every educational background, and with unique learning or physical needs. We also offer a specialized program of preparation for Bar/Bat Mitzvah students. Our students look forward to coming each week to create lasting friendships at JYC.

JYC

JYC is the Hebrew School with a H.E.A.R.T. Hands-on, Energetic, Attentive, Relevant, Tech-savvy

100S

of families celebrated Shabbat and holidays this year due to their JYC experiences.

No synagogue membership is required to attend JYC or participate in any of the school programming, and JYC families are invited to take advantage of congregational offerings.

CONNECT: Jyc@ckj.org Jyc.info Facebook.com/jewishyouthconnection

Community Sisterhood

The Sisterhood is a home within a home for the women of KJ. In addition to engaging social events, learning opportunities, the Chanukah Boutique, and the Annual Spring Luncheon, the Sisterhood raises funds to support KJ, Ramaz, and numerous worthy Jewish causes. It truly is a community for giving and receiving.

Carla Tanz, President Sisterhood@ckj.org KJ Sisterhood generously underwrites the Congregational Shabbat Kiddush and our Sukkah Meals.

We strive to create a warm and welcoming community for all. The Sisterhood, Men’s Club, UJA @ KJ, and weekly Senior Lunch and Learn are among the ways for members to deepen their connection to the synagogue, the broader community, and each other.

CONNECT:

Ckj.org/community

Men’s Club

Cultural and intellectually stimulating events for the entire community including Kiddush Discussions, film screenings, book discussions, weekly Seudah Shlishit guest speakers, and the Sunday Supper Lecture series.

Dr. Mark Meirowitz, President Mensclub@ckj.org

166

attendees at the Challah & L’Chaim event in support of Breast Cancer Awareness

UJA @ KJ

A partnership between KJ members and UJA-Federation of New York that connects members of the community with a variety of causes and agencies in need of support, volunteer opportunities before Thanksgiving, Chanukah, and Purim, and the important work of UJA in New York, Israel and around the world.

Contact: Rebecca Zimilover ZimiloverR@ujafedny.org

Chesed Our members are active volunteers in Bikur Cholim, Hatzolah, the Chevra Kadisha, and more.

Other ways to help within the community include Shabbat Hospitality, the Food Pantry, Mitzvah Toy Campaign and Dorot.

CONNECT:

Ckj.org/chesed

KJ Social Worker 212-774-5626 Socialworker@ckj.org Ckj.org/socialworker

Danielle Kaufman Herbst, MS, LMSW Social Worker from The Jewish Board via UJA’s Partner in Caring (PIC) program • Monthly Fertility Group • KJ Caring Committee • Ahava@KJ • Individual Supportive Counseling Sessions • Lecture Series on Mental Health

THOUSANDS of smiles generated by KJ chesed activists.

Save These Dates 11th Annual Florence Fishel Cohen Teshuva Lecture in Memory of Florence Fishel Cohen September 13 Dr. Elana Stein-Hain

Panel Discussion

with Justice Elyakim Rubenstein and former United States Attorney General Michael Mukasey October 9 Co-Sponsored by Touro Law Center

Author Night with Sandra E. Rapoport Reading & Signing

The Queen and the Spymaster October 30

Kristallnacht Program Thursday, November 8 Moshe Avital

Super Sunday: Sisterhood Boutique and KJ/Ramaz Blood Drive Sunday, November 18

Book Talk with Author Scott Shay

In Good Faith: Questioning Religion and Atheism Fall 2018

KJ Annual Dinner

Saturday night, December 1

Ramaz Dinner Dance Sunday, January 13

Annual Synagogue Meeting Wednesday, April 10

Pre-Pesach Kasher-In April 14

Yom Hashoah

Wednesday Night, May 1

Connect with KJ @RabbiChaim @RavElie @rabbidkraus

Download the KJ App Ckj.org/getapp

Access everything KJ right at your fingertips.

facebook.com/congregationkehilathjeshurun 212-774-5600 @CongregationKJ Ckj.org

Who’s Who at KJ Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz received his ordination from Yeshiva University, where he was a member of the Gruss Kollel Elyon and received an M.A. in Jewish Philosophy from the Bernard Revel Graduate School, in addition to an M.A. in Education from Adelphi University. Rabbi Steinmetz, a past president of the Montreal Board of Rabbis and Rabbinic Council of Canada, is a frequent contributor to Jewish newspapers and has a popular, frequently updated blog entitled “The Happiness Warrior.”

Rabbi Elie Weinstock is a veteran of both formal and informal educational programs and a Yeshiva University graduate. He received his Rabbinic ordination from the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary and a Masters in Jewish Philosophy from the Bernard Revel Graduate School. Rabbi Weinstock oversees the highly developed KJ Beginners Program and is a member of the Talmud faculty at the Ramaz Middle School. He is Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis, serves on AIPAC’s National Council, is a participant in the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Rabbinic Leadership Initiative, and shares his thoughts on his “Just Judaism” blog (rabbielieweinstock.blogspot.com).

Rabbi Haskel Lookstein joined the rabbinate of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun in 1958 and serves as Principal Emeritus of the Ramaz School, and Rabbi Emeritus of KJ. He is the Joseph H. Lookstein Professor of Homiletics at Yeshiva University, serves as a Vice President of the Beth Din of America, and has served as President of the New York Board of Rabbis, Chairman of the National Rabbinic Cabinet of UJA and President of the Synagogue Council of America. He also was a Commissioner of the New York City Human Rights Commission. He received his B.A. from Columbia College, and earned his ordination, Master’s degree and PhD from Yeshiva University.

Rabbi Meyer Laniado has served as a Rabbi in the Sephardic community for four years as an Associate Rabbi at Congregation Magen David of West Deal and as a Rabbi at Hillel Yeshiva Middle and High School. He received semicha from Yeshiva University – RIETS and the Sephardic Bet Din of Queens. He holds a B.S. in Management from Yeshiva University – Sy Syms School of Business and has a Masters in Talmudic Studies from Yeshiva University – Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies.

Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Wieder our Scholar-inResidence is Yeshiva University’s Joseph and Gwendolyn Straus Professor of Talmud in the Mazer Yeshiva Program, a rosh yeshiva at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, and an adjunct professor of Bible at Yeshiva College.

A summa cum laude graduate of Yeshiva College, he was ordained at RIETS, received his MS in American Jewish history from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, and holds a PhD in Judaic studies from New York University.

Cantor Mayer Davis graduated Queens College with a B.A. in Jewish Studies and studied at Yeshiva University’s Cantor’s Institute. In addition, he trained under the tutelage of his late father, Cantor Avram Davis, as well as Cantor David Koussevitsky. A versatile vocal performer and songwriter, he has appeared at venues across the country and has been a featured guest soloist with Zamir Chorale.

Cantor Dr. Benjamin Zalta, an Associate Professor of Radiology in the Cardiothoracic Division at Montefiore Medical Center and a native of Damascus, Syria, has been Chazan at the KJ Sephardic Minyan since its founding in 2011. Steeped in the Syrian musical tradition, Dr. Zalta has served Sephardic congregations in Brooklyn and Deal, NJ, and led the Sephardic Services at Fifth Avenue Synagogue for 18 years.

Rabbi Daniel Kraus is the Director of Community Education at KJ. Prior to KJ, Daniel served as the inaugural Director of the Manhattan Jewish Experience Downtown where, together with Rachel, they built a vibrant community for young Jewish professionals and created a hub of Jewish life and engagement. Outside of KJ, Daniel is an Associate Vice President for the Birthright Israel Foundation.

Rachel Kraus is the Director of Community Education at KJ. Rachel completed a B.S. from Stern College majoring in marketing with a minor in music, including coursework at The Julliard School and holds an MBA from NYU. Outside of KJ, Rachel is the Vice President of Marketing for Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield where she leads marketing strategy, partnerships, and brand experience for World Trade Center retail development. Rachel and Daniel were among the 2017 New York Jewish Week’s 36 Under 36 list of emerging Jewish leaders. Rachel and Daniel are the proud parents of four delicious children.

Rabbi Dr. Shilo Kramer, Chazan for the KJ Beginners Program, is a physician specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and regenerative medicine.

He is the Director of Physical Medicine at Complete Wellness P.C. in NYC. He completed a fellowship in Cancer Rehabilitation at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Leonard Silverman is the KJ Executive Director, overseeing many non-rabbinic facets of KJ’s operations. A graduate of Ramaz School, he holds a B.A. from Brandeis University, and a J.D. from New York University School of Law. Riva Alper is the KJ Administrator, bringing the perspective and dedication of a member and lay leader of the congregation. She is a graduate of Stern College with an MA in English and Education from Seton Hall University.

Aryana Ritholtz is a veteran of Jewish informal educational programs who now shares her enthusiasm, passion, and vibrant personality with the KJ Youth Department.

Dr. Steven Ritholtz uses his past teen experience in various summer programs and the NCSY Summer Kollel in Israel to engage our teens, and he guides our highly acclaimed Shabbat Teen Minyan.

Julia Baruch serves as the Yoetzet Halakha at KJ. A graduate of Nishmat’s U.S. Yoatzot Halakha Fellows Program, Julia sensitively addresses questions impacting womens’ health while pursuing a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology.

Leead Staller, Rabbinic Intern, is a third year Rabbinical Student at RIETS and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with degrees in both History and Philosophy. He studied for two years at Yeshivat Har Etzion in Israel.

He is also a Wexner Graduate Fellow.

Esther Feierman is Director of Communications and Programming.

Orginally from Brooklyn, she graduated from SUNY Oswego with a degree in Global Politics and French. Her first foray into the business world was selling diamonds on 47th Street until she found a passion for the Jewish non-profit world—specifically within the communications field. Esther has returned to her roots in Brooklyn with her husband, Chaim, and pup, Suzie.

KJ Executive Assistant Dina Farhi’s European refinement dates back to a childhood spent in Belgium. The face and voice of our rabbinic suite, Dina has faithfully served the KJ/Ramaz community for more than 30 years, during which time she has demonstrated keen leadership and organizational skills that are now put to good use on behalf of our heavily engaged rabbis. Dina and husband Jacques are the proud parents of two distinguished Ramaz alumni, and the grandparents of three adorable grandchildren.

Shera Aranoff Tuchman has been teaching a weekly class in Biblical commentary at KJ for the past 20 y ears. Notes from this class culminated in the publications of two books co-authored with Sandra E. Rapoport, Passions of the Matriarchs and Moses’ Women, commentaries on the women in Genesis and Exodus, respectively. Dr. Aranoff also practices Dermatology in Manhattan.

Sara Rosen has been with the KJ Adult Education program for over a decade.

Born in Jerusalem, she studied education at Beit Berl Teacher’s College and at Columbia University.

In addition to teaching Hebrew at KJ, Sara oversees the Hebrew program at Rodeph Sholom Religious School and teaches Hebrew in their adult education program.

Martin Kaufman was formerly Chairman and CEO of Philipp Brothers and now consults in the natural resource sector throughout the world. A long-time member, together with his family, of the KJ/Ramaz community, he was educated at Yeshiva University and New York University’s Graduate School of Business Administration.

Rabbi Yossi Weiser received his ordination from the Mirrer Yeshiva in Brooklyn. He also has Masters degrees in Jewish History and Guidance Counseling. He is currently a member of the Judaic Studies faculty of the Ramaz Upper School, and is a noted adult educator in Jewish history, philosophy, political science and Bible.

Rabbi Mayer Moskowitz has been a leader in the KJ/Ramaz family for 53 years, serving as the Baal Tefillah in the auxiliary minyan on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and now teaching classes as part of the Lunch and Learn program at KJ. Beloved by generations of students, campers and educators, Rabbi Moskowitz devotes his life to kindling the Pintaleh Yid.

2018–2019: 5779

125 East 85th Street, New York, NY 10028 Office@ckj.org | Ckj.org | 212-774-5600 facebook.com/CongregationKehilathJeshurun twitter.com/CongregationKJ