chanukah & purim
What’s Your Verse? rabbi meyer laniado
On September 7th, 2025, at 6:00 am had passed. While I knew this momen speech for him over the years, I was at
What could I say that would encaps impacted me and others?
On my way to the funeral, while cros high school, I had interviewed my gra before the funeral, I stopped by my p found the filing cabinet with my old pa was! ‘The Life of Irwin Leventer.’ At “Advice for Future Generations.” Ther family, from more than twenty years Torah. You will be influenced by them and in the world Don’t let money corrupt yo
These words don’t capture the totality him, and what he wanted to pass to th who came to honor my grandfather, an
We often think of inheritance in term ethical inheritance. What I have record his real legacy: what he lived for, a grandchildren.
Sometimes, when a person passes, sud they had one more chance? What wou
But what if we didn’t wait? What if we turn, what if we asked ourselves the sam
Imagine your children, one day, open discover? What is the idea, the value ethical will, a sava ’ a, is It is a genre g p p , y g Abraham: Lemaʿ an asher yesavve et banav ve ’et beto aharav, veshameru derekh HaShem laʿ asot sedaqa umishpat —“So that he [Abraham] will instruct his children and his household after him to keep the way of G-d, by doing righteousness and justice”(Bereshit 18:19; Hebrew Ethical Wills by Israel Abrahams).
We are familiar with this type of literature from Pirqe Abot. Literally “The Chapters of Our Fathers” , a book filled with one-line aphorisms of our greatest sages: the solitary idea and message they each thought was the most important to preserve for the next generation. We also have models of longer, more elaborate ethical wills. The most well-known are those of Yehudah Ibn Tibbon and The Ramban (12th-13th Centuries). ➤
The Ramban, after winning the debate against Pablo Christiani in Spain, had to flee for his life. While in Israel, far from his son, he wrote a letter to guide his son through life. He emphasized the importance of humility, distancing oneself from anger, and speaking calmly as core traits for his son to cultivate for a successful life. This letter is still read regularly, included in siddurim, and published as a stand-alone book by majorJewishpublishers.
Another example that I find so powerful is from Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai, one of the greatest rabbis of theMishna.Atgreatpersonalrisk,hesecuredJudaism’ssurvivalaftertheSecondTemplewasdestroyedby his request to the Romans to save the city of Yavneh and its scholars. On his deathbed, with his students requesting a final blessing, Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai left them one piercing line:“May the fear of Heaven be upon you like the fear of flesh and blood. ” His students protested: Ad kan? Is that it? And he answered: Halevai.Ifonlywecouldliveatthatlevel(BabylonianTalmud,Berakhot28b).
Thesemessagesweresaidbyourgreatestscholarsduringtheirlifetimes,somedirectlytotheirchildren,and others to their students. This is how we should think of ethical wills. Not as documents to be read after we pass,butevenwhileweareliving,tomakecleartoourlovedoneswhatismostimportanttous.Thiswillalso serveuswellourselves,toremindusthewaywethinkismostimportanttolive,maybeeventoframeonour wallorplaceonourdeskasourguidingmessage:asalivingethicalwill.
Twochallengesoftenarisewhendiscussingthewritingofthesedocuments:feelingourmessageisn’tunique, andfindingjustafewvaluesthattrulydefineus.
Firstly,toaddressthematterofuniqueness.Theimpactofalivingethicalwillisnotthatitisahiddush,anew insightthatwasneversaidbefore.Itisthatitis your message.Itpowerfullyencapsulateshowyougenuinely live, what is most important to you, describing what guides your life, and your message to your loved ones abouthowtheyshouldlivetheirs Thatiswhyitissoimpactfulonthoseclosesttoyou,yourfamily,andyour students
Secondly, to address the challenge of choosing a few main points. Even regarding Avraham, our forefather, whomwedescribeas ish hesed,ourmodelfor hakhnasat orhim,howweinviteinandhostguestsinourhome. HeisalsodescribedbyGodasamanof sedaqa u-mishpat,righteousnessandjustice.Bothofthosearetrue, and speak to aspects of who Avraham was, yet our prayers highlight one trait, that of his hesed We also all live by multiple values that animate our lives, but when we distill them to one or two, we bring to the forefront,incleararticulation,partofthecoreofwhoweare
Theprocessdemandshonestyandisnotabouttryingtosoundnobleandvirtuous.Itisaboutclarifyingwhat truly matters to us, what we strive for in our choices, and how we want to be remembered, through verbalizingitsuccinctlyandsharingitwithothers,eitherorallyorinwriting.
This idea began to take shape for me when I invited a group of rabbis and mentors to share the single verse fromTanakhthatmostcaptureshowtheytrytoliveandwhattheyhopetopasson.Isharedtheirresponses over the High Holidays with my congregation, and the reaction was overwhelming. Many people told me howmuchtheversesresonatedwiththem,andhowtheywereinspiredtosearchforaverseorateachingof their own. Not everyone is comfortable or familiar with Tanakh, and choosing a single verse that crystallizes your message may not come easily, but you may find yourself drawn to a line or teaching that feels true to you,onethatcapturesthethrough-lineofyourlifeandtheconvictionthatguidesit
For me, this question, “What’ s my verse?” , my message, began in a very real moment, when I read my grandfather’ s words, his living ethical will, and later, when, as a family, we searched for a verse that could capture the essence of his life. In that moment, I realized he had left us a gift, and with that gift came a responsibility: to begin writing my own. To ask myself: What is my message? What will I leave for my children,grandchildren,students,andcongregation?
So, the question for us is: What is your one message? Your key value? Your lesson for future generations? What are the words that will be your life, your legacy, your ethical will, your gift to the generations who comeafteryou?
ShabbatShemot/January9-10
FeaturingRabbiMarcandRebbetzinAdeenaPenner,co-foundersofKesherFamilies,anorganizationthatsupportsOrthodox familiesnavigatingtheexperienceofhavinganLGBTQ+familymember.Kesherprovidesguidance,connection,andresourcesto helpfamiliesmaintainstrongrelationshipswiththeirchildrenandlovedones.
RebbetzinPenner,whohasspokenwidelyaboutherfamily’sjourney,workstoeducateandsensitizecommunitiesacrossNorth America.RabbiPenner,ExecutiveVicePresidentoftheRCAandDeanEmeritusofRIETS,isasought-afterteacherand mentorwho,togetherwithAdeena,offerscompassionatesupporttofamiliesfacingthesecomplexcircumstances
SixthAnnualKJSephardicFamilySkiTrip
Sunday,January18,2026
WindhamMountain,19ResortDrive,Windham,NY12946
EventChairs:TaliTantleff•ErikaKashi
KJSephardicWomen’sChallahBake
Tuesday,December9/7:30PM
Joinusforaninspiringeveningofcommunity,connection,andtradition aswecometogethertopreparechallah Thishands-onexperienceis designedforallagesandbackgrounds,offeringawarmatmosphereto learn,create,andsharemeaningfultimewithfriendsoldandnew.
EventChairs:CamilleDunst•DebraZalta•ErikaKashi•Gabrielle Robertson•JudithDupont
KJSephardic Shabbatdinner
March6,2026
Join us for our annual KJ Sephardic FridayNightDinner!Enjoyadelicious Foremost-cateredmeal,connectingwith friends,family,andcommunity. Children’sprogrammingwillbeprovided andtableswillbethoughtfullyassigned tocreateawelcomingatmosphere.
EventChairs:AliEsses•ErikaKashi• JenniferKashanian•LenoreBrachot• LisaCohen•SolBehar
PAJAMAtotshabbat
Shabbat,Dec6/4:30PM
Circle-time, dairy seudah shlishit,havdalahandChanukah tuneswithCantorBerson For familieswithchildrenunderage 6(plussiblings).
familylearning
MotzeiShabbat,Dec6/6PM
familyfridaynight
Friday,Dec12/5:30PM
&
Pre-Chanukah family learning with Rabbi Feldman. For familieswithchildreninGrades 1-4.Raffles,prizes,sufganiyot, andpizza.
Following Kesher Minyan, enjoy a festive, catered Shabbatdinnerbuffetandtot entertainment. Register:ckj.org/form/ffn1212
BBAT CHAZZANUT BBATCHAZZANUT
ch 6 Foremost-Catered Shabbat Dinner & Cantorial Concert.
sformative and uplifting power of cantorial music with the Hamptons Synagogue Choir r Chaim Dovid Berson.
ISA
TOR CHAIM DOVID BERSON
Simchat Torah Chatanim
Asher S. Levitsky • chatan torah
AsherS LevitskycomesfromafamilytraditionofservicetotheJewishcommunity HisfatherwasactiveintheJewish communityinWilkes-Barre,PA,whereAshergrewup HisgrandfatherwasactiveintheJewishcommunityinMontreal duringthefirstfourdecadesofthe20 century.th
AsherhasbeenamemberofKJsince1974 HeservedaspresidentoftheCouplesClub,whichisthepredecessorofKesher,andaspresident oftheMen’sClub.AspresidentoftheMen’sClub,hewasinstrumentalinstartingaPurimSpielprogram,whichcontinuedformanyyears. HealsostartedtheSeudahShlishitprogram,whichdidnotthenexistatKJ FormanyyearsheservedasaSuccahmealschairman,following inthefootstepsofMichaelBaranyandWalterKoppel,andhewasoftenassistedbyhisdaughterLily,whowasthenaRamazstudent.
HehasbeenGabbaioftheHashkamaminyan,apositionhehasheldsinceitsinception,andhisbirthdayKiddush,forwhichhedoesallthe cooking,iswellknown HeisalsoGabbaioftheweekdayandShabbatminchaMinyanimandformanyyearshasbeenGabbaiofoneofthe HighHolidayminyanim,aminyanhehasattendedsincehecametoKJ.Hejokesthatthatminyanistheminyanthatwastheyoungpeople’ s minyanwhenRabbiLooksteinwastheyoungpeople AsheralsoservedasaTrusteeofKJ AsherisalsooneoftheBaalaiKorehforthe weekdayminyanandisoneofthemenwhoblowstheShofarduringthemonthofElul Duringthepandemic,hewasalsoBaalTokeaforone oftherooftopminyanim.
AsherisacorporateandsecuritieslawyeratEllenoffGrossman&ScholeLLP,whereheisofcounsel
AsherismarriedtoSharonGarfunkel,whomhemetatKJandtheyweremarriedinarooftopceremonyintheSynagoguebuilding Sharonis aformerSisterhoodpresidentandisactiveinChesedactivities.ShewashonoredwiththeKeterTorahawardthispastShavuot.Asherhastwo children,JoshuaandLily,andsixgrandchildren
Mark meirowitz • chatan bereishit
Dr.MarkMeirowitzisaprofessorandbusinesslawyerdeeplyrootedintheKJcommunity.Alongtimelayleader,hehas servedasMen’sClubPresident,organizedtheKiddushDiscussionseries,andheldthedistinctiveroleofChiefUsher He hasalsoservedastheheadoftheKJAmHaseferBookDiscussionClub.
MarkgrewupinWashingtonHeights,thesonofsurvivorsofAuschwitz.HehasservedasaJudgeintheHolocaustEssayContestforhigh schoolstudentssponsoredbyaHolocaustFoundation Hehaswrittenacolumn"OnTheMark"fortheJewishPost Hehasalsowritten articlesandgivenpresentationsandwebinarsdealingwithinternationalaffairs,withparticulardeepfocusonTurkey,forvariouspublications andorganizations.
MarkandhiswifeJennifer,aresidentialrealestatebroker,areproudparentsofAlex,aRamazgraduateandrealestatelawyer,and grandparentstoJackandSloan KJandRamazhavebeenthefoundationoftheirfamilylifeformanyyears
gabe slotnick • chatan maftir
Gabe, together with his wife Karen, first joined the KJ community back in late 2018 where they started attending the Kesher minyan sporadically after being introduced to Rabbi Weinstock They immediately felt at home with the Kesher community and by February 2019 became full KJ Members and regular attendees of the Kesher minyan Gabe began helping with leading davening and leyning and by October 2020 was asked to become a member of the Gabbai team To this
thisdayGabecontinuestobeapartoftheKesherGabbaiteam,helpingeveryweektoencourageKesherattendeestoleaddaveningand leyningaswellasfillinginhimselfwhentheneedarises.Gabeloveshelpingtheshulinotherwaysaswell,byoccasionallyleyningatthe Hashkamaminyan,leyningandleadingdaveningatKJB,fillinginasYaamoderintheMainSanctuaryandleyningonRoshHashanahandYom Kippurinvariousservices.In2024,GabewasaskedtojointheKJBoardwhereheislookingforwardtofutureopportunitiestohelptheShul andcommunity
InNovemberof2019,whentheirsonReubenwasborn,KarenandGabeimmediatelyknewtheywantedtoraisehimintheKJ/Kesher community.ReubenisnowinhisthirdyearatRamaz(Kindergarten)andGabeisluckytobeabletowalkhimtoschooleveryday.Gabe’ s highlightoftheweekistakingReubentoShulFridaynightandtoKeshereveryShabbatmorning ReubencanhardlywaitforChazanBerson tomakekiddushtodrinkhiscupofgrapejuiceandimmediatelyafter,runsuptoshaketherabbi’shand,andtoreceiveabrachafromRabbi Lookstein.ReubenalsoenjoysattendingKJYDevents,especiallytheMotzeiShabbatmusicalHavdalahwithChazanBerson. GabeattendedMTAhighschool,learnedatYeshivatShaalvimforayearandreceivedhisBSinAccountingfromYeshivaUniversity He workedintheAudit/Compliancefieldfor15yearsbeforeleavingthecorporateworldtofollowhispassionforteachingandcoachingtennis Forthepast13yearshehasbeenteachingchildrenasyoungas4yearsoldandadultsofallages,somewhoarewellintheir80s.Heis currentlytheAssistantManageratManhattanPlazaRacquetClubandJuniorProgramDirector Previously,GabevolunteeredwithDOROT’sFamilyServicedivisionaswellastheMetCouncilyoungleadership,wherehemadeweekly visitstoahomeboundseniorandassistedwiththepaintingofseniorlivingfacilities.
CONGREGATION KEHILATH JESHURUN CELEBRATES RABBI HASKEL LOOKSTEIN, EXPANDED KJ BEGINNERSPROGRAM
KJBeginnershaswelcomedspiritualseekersformorethan30years.ThenewRHLProjecthonorsthatlegacy.
OntheJewishNewYear,Lindastoodinfrontofalargeaudience.Anappellatelitigator,afilmmaker,thedaughterof Holocaustsurvivorsandawifeandmotheroftwo,shewascomposed,butherwordswerevulnerable
“I am a true beginner,” Linda said “I am still nervous about the responsibility of speaking to you about the Torah becausethereissomuchthatIdon’tknowandsomuchthatIwanttolearn WhatIamcertainofisthatIloveTorah, andIloveGod”
Wheredidshefindthatcertainty?Theanswer,sheshared,wassimple:“KJBeginnersHighHolyDayServicesand weeklyShabbatservices.”
Lindaisnottheonlyone.Theroomshewasinwasfullofpeoplewithsimilarstories—peoplewho,likeher,hadfounda spiritualhomeatKJBeginners.Despitethesimilarities,theaudiencewasdiverseinage,backgroundandknowledge, reflecting a truism that anyone who has ever attended a KJ Beginners program or service has heard: We are all Beginners.
For more than 30 years, New Yorkers looking to explore Judaism have found themselves gripped by the unique experience they find at KJ Beginners. More than just a kiruv (“outreach”) or an inter-community program, KJ Beginnersisahomecomingforpeopleofallbackgrounds,runbydedicatedvolunteersandrabbis.
When a donor looked to honor Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, rabbi emeritus of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun and principal emeritus of Ramaz, earlier this year, it was this legacy they sought to celebrate. At 93, Rabbi Lookstein is energeticandbright-eyed,alwayswithakindwordforasecurityguardorasmallchild,hisvoicecarryingatprayer serviceslikeamanmuchyounger HisroleintheconceptionoftheKJBeginnersprogramandinitscontinuedsuccess made the decision simple for the donor: the program would generously be endowed and renamed the Rabbi Haskel LooksteinJewishExploration&ContinuityProject(“TheRHLProject”)
The RHL Project expands KJ Beginners’ offerings, allowing it to positively impact even more lives Depending on a person ’sage,lifestageandbackground,theymightfindthemselvesinanynumberofprograms.
A young professional might join Holy Hour-Happy Hour, a collaboration with Chabad Young Professionals, which features a musical kabbalat Shabbat and a buffet dinner for hundreds of people ages 21-38 each Friday Night. This program offers a place to belong in a busy and ever-moving city—Jori Holloway, an enthusiastic participant and volunteer leader, calls it “ so welcoming and vibrant.” And the RHL Project and CYP have just announced a new program,inspiredbythesuccessofHolyHour-HappyHour:SOD,whichconsistsofasocialhourfollowedbytiered learningoptionsforindividualsofallbackgroundsandagegroups.
BelovedweeklyShabbatservicesarerunbydedicatedvolunteersGeorgeRohr,MorrisMasselandDr.StevenRudolph —exploratoryservicesforthosewithnoHebreworprayerbackgroundandmorein-depthservicesforthosewithmore experience. Rachel and Rabbi Daniel Kraus, the clergy members who lead the RHL Project, also host bi-monthly Shabbat morning programs that offer “spiritual caffeine”—inspiration, practical tips, conversation and prayer—for parentsinsearchofcommunityandfriendship
Every person who enters the community brings a unique story, and there are dozens of entry points RHL Project eventstakeplacealmosteverynightoftheweekatKJ:Hebrewclasses,a“MeaningfulJewishLiving”course,holiday workshops,Jewishparentingprogramsand“FridayNightLive”communitydinners.“FromthemomentIwalkedin,I feltsomethingshift,”expressedonecommunitymember,VivianeSabat,earlierthisyear.“Everythingfeltalive.”
Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun is honored to gather this year in celebration of the legacy of the KJ Beginners Program, reimagined and renamed in honor of Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, whose life’ s work has been to open doors, mindsandheartstoJewishlearningandliving.
KJinvitesalltojoinforaneveninghonoringthisworkandtheprofoundimpactoftheKJBeginnersProgramonDec. 13,at8p.m.Toregister,ortopaytributetotheextraordinaryvisionofKJBleadersRabbiDanielandRachelKraus, GeorgeRohr,Dr.StevenRudolphandMorrisMassel,visit:ckj.org/annualdinner.
CHANUKAH OVERVIEW
ChanukahbeginsSundaynight,December14.
ChanukahcelebratesthemiraclesofthespiritualandmilitaryvictoriesoftheMaccabeesagainsttheHellenist tyrantsthatimposedanti-religiousruleanddesecratedtheHolyTemplein165BCE.
The25thofKislevwasthedaytheMaccabeesenteredtheTemplefollowingthebattleandwantedtorestart theHolyServicethathadceasedundertheforeignrule.TheMaccabeesfoundonlyoneday’ssupplyofoilthat theycouldusetorededicatetheMenorah Yetthattinyflasklasteduntiltheywereabletocreatenew,pureoil –adelayofeightdays.
ThevictoryestablishedJewishreligiousandpoliticalsovereigntyinIsraelduringthesecondTempletimes.This miracle of Jewish independence had not been seen since the destruction of the First Temple and the assassinationofthethen-governor,Gedalyah
Primarily, we celebrate Chanukah with spiritual expressions:(1) lighting candles in commemoration of the miracleoftherededicationoftheTemple,(2)singingHallelinpraiseofGod’sdeliverancefromourenemies, and (3) adding Al Ha Nisim in our prayers of thanksgiving in recognition of both aspects of the miracle of Chanukah Wealsohavephysicalpleasuresandcelebrationsbyhaving(4)specialfoods,(5)giftgiving,andeven (6)parties.
TheCandles
TheprevailingAshkenazicustomisforeachmemberofthefamilytolighthisorherownmenorahwhichwill haveasmanycandlesasthatnightoftheholidayplustheshamash TheSephardiccustomistolightonesuch menorah per household. Since the Chanukah candles are to commemorate the Menorah of the Temple, we apply the same rules to both: the candles and their flames become holy and as such cannot be used for any otherpurpose Withtheexceptionoftheshamash,wecannotreadbytheirlightsorusethemtolightanother candle.
TimeforLighting
Candlesmustbelitafternightfall(about40minutesaftersunset)andburnforatleastahalf-hour.OnFriday afternoon,ChanukahcandlesshouldbelitbeforeShabbatcandles,andshouldbeofatypethatwilllastoveran hour(thisleadstomanyadoptingthecustomofusingoliveoil-basedlamps).OnSaturdaynight,thecandles arelitafterHavdalah.
CandleArrangement
ThecandlesaresetfromtherightsideoftheMenorahasthecandlelighterfacesit TheMenorahshouldbe placedinanareawhereitwillnotneedtobemovedafterbeinglit.Safetyisalsoamajorconcern,sopleasedo notleavethehomewiththecandlesunattended.
LightingtheCandles
The lights are lit from left to right – starting with the newest candle first We begin by lighting the shamash, then we say the blessings:(1) ner shel Chanukah, (2) sheasa nisim, and on the first night we add (3) shehecheyanu.Oncetheblessingsaresaid,welightthefirstcandleandbeginsingingthesongsHanerotHallalu –whichexplainsthereasonsfortheceremony–andMaozTzurwhichdescribesallthesalvationswroughtby GodfortheJewishPeople
PublicizingtheMiracle
We light the Menorah so we can publicize the miracle to as many people as possible. We start with our own familybutweoftenplacetheMenorahinthewindowtoproclaimourbelieftoothers Moreover,wepublicize the miracle by singing the complete Hallel in the morning service and by adding Al Ha-Nisim in our daily ShemonehEsreiandinBirkatha-Mazon.
MaterialPleasures
Inadditiontothespiritualnatureoftheholiday,wehaveadded,inlatertimes,thephysicalpleasuresofspecial foods (latkes, jelly donuts), gift-giving (never a bad idea, especially Jewish books), and parties (that serve as a means for fellowship and for publicizing the miracle). Chanukah is a time when we should renew our commitment and devotion to God. The brave Maccabees who risked their lives for religious freedom should serveasamodelforustocelebratethosefreedomsandourjoyinservicetoGod
Kj & Ramaz blood drive
plus: write & decorate a special chanukah card FOR our CHAI LIFELINE toy drive! Sunday, December 7 • 3 floor, 114 e 85 st rd th
f
Drop new and unopened toys in the Ramaz Lower School Lobby from December 2 to December 17 (We’ll also have a designated table for gifts on December 7 at 114 E 85 St!) th Ramaz Collection
Order off our Amazon Wishlist by scanning the QR code on the right Amazon Wishlist
Alltoyswillbedonated toChaiLifeline.
Sunday, December 7 / 8:30 AM-2:30 PM
114 East 85th Street, Falk Auditorium
We are asking ALL members of the KJ/Ramaz community to consider performing the ultimate mitzvah of saving a life
For guidelines on who can donate, visit nybc org and if you are eligible, please bring photo ID and register using the QR code on the right.
To volunteer, email kjramaz.blooddrive@gmail.com.
chanukah market
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7 / 12-2 PM
RAMAZ MIDDLE SCHOOL (114 E 85TH ST) 3RD FLOOR / FOR ALL AGES
Pre-purchase online ckj.org/form/chanukahmarket or pay cash at the door balloon art face paint hot cocoa shuk stall diy bracelets sand art photobooth diy candles caricatures donut dipping glitter art and more!
PURIM OVERVIEW
ForMegillahtimesandfullHolidayschedulevisitckj.org/purim.
TheMeaningofPurim
Purim,theholidayonthe14thofAdar,isoneofthehappiestdaysoftheJewishcalendar.TheholidayofPurimcelebrates the saving of the Persian Jews from the genocidal plans of Haman Through the wisdom and grace of Mordechai and Esther and the behind-the-scenes machinations of God, certain death was replaced with victory, security, and religious freedom.BecauseHamanissuchanobviouspredecessorofHitlerandbecausethePurimstoryoccursintheDiaspora,it canresonatedeeplywithus We,too,livefarfromIsraelinanassimilatedenvironment Thoughweenjoygreatprivileges, we recognize that our fortunes could change in an instant under the wrong political or social conditions. We, too, must seekGod’spresenceinaworldwhereHeishidden
TheHistoryoftheHoliday
ThestoryofEstherunfoldsduringthePersianEmpirecirca366-355BCE,inthe70-yearexilefollowingthedestruction oftheFirstTemple ThekeyfiguresinthisdramatictaleincludeMordechai,awiseJewishleader;Esther,hiscourageous cousin who becomes queen; King Achashverosh, a ruler easily swayed by advisors; and Haman, a descendant of Amalek whoharborsdeephatredfortheJewishpeopleanddevisesaplanfortheirdestruction LifefortheJewsinexilewasuncertain KingAchashverosh,inadisplayofpowerandimpulsivity,executedhiswife,Vashti, fordefyinghimandthensoughtanewqueen.HeultimatelychosetheyoungandhumbleEsther,whowassecretlyJewish and guided by Mordechai Meanwhile, Haman, infuriated by Mordechai’ s refusal to bow to him, convinced the king to issueadecreefortheannihilationoftheJewishpeople.Hamancastlots(puriminAramaic)todeterminethefatefulday— the13thofAdar
Upon hearing of the decree, Mordechai urged Esther to intervene and plead for her people Though initially hesitant, fearing for her life, Esther bravely risked everything, approaching the king uninvited. Through a series of divinely orchestratedevents,herappealwassuccessful,Hamanwasexposedandultimatelyexecuted,andtheJewsweregranted permission to defend themselves. On the 13th of Adar, they fought back and emerged victorious. In gratitude for this miraculous salvation, the Jewish people established the holiday of Purim on the following day, celebrating God’ s hidden handintheirdeliverance
TheMitzvotofPurim
TherearefourlawsincumbentuponallJewsonPurim:
TheFastofEstherEsthercommandedtheJewstofastfor3daysbeforesheappearedbeforethekingtopleadforhimto cancelHaman’splan.Luckilyforus,weonlyfastthedaybeforePurim.Itisappropriatetohaveasolemndayofprayer beforeenteringthejoyouscelebrationofPurim Somesaywefastonthatdaybecausewehadtofightawarandlives–bothoursandtheirs–werelost.Weonlycelebratethepeace,notthewar.
TheReadingoftheMegillah(ScrollofEsther)EstherandMordechaiwereconvincedthatPurimwascriticallyimportant forthefutureoftheJews-“thesedaysshouldberememberedanddoneineverygeneration,everyfamily,everycountry andeverycityandthatthesedaysofPurimshouldneverpassawayfromtheJewsandtheirmemoryshouldnevercease fromtheirchildren”(Esther,chap 9)
TheypetitionedtheMenoftheGreatAssemblytorequirethatthestoryofPurimbereadpubliclyonceayear,asifit wereanurgentlettersentfromthecapitalcityannouncingthatweweresavedfromcertaindeath.Intheuncertaintimes inwhichwelive,itisgoodtorememberthatGodhasourback!
The Megillah should be heard by every Jew twice, in the evening and morning of the Purim holiday. The reading of the MegillahisconsideredaformofthejoyousHallelprayer(Psalms113-117)andsoHallelisnotsaidonPurim GiftstothePoor(Matanotla-Evyonim)Oneofthespecificdirectives(seeEsther9:22)maderegardingPurimwastogive specialgiftstothepoor(minimum2giftsto2poorpeople)sothatnopersonlackedthemeanstohaveaspecialPurim feast Some have a custom not to turn away any person who asks for assistance on this day Some authorities say the mitzva is only fulfilled when the money is given to the poor on the day of Purim itself, so there are special groups that collect money for distribution on Purim day If you give charity money to any of the KJ Rabbis, we will make sure it is deliveredonPurimday.[Thereisalsoacustomtogivethehalfshekel,whichwasaJewishcommunaltaxgivenonceayear duringTempletimes.Thoughbothareusedforcharitablepurposes,theyshouldbegivenseparately.]
DeliveriesofFood(MishloachManot)InEsther9:22,italsomandatesthatJewssendpreparedfoodstotheirneighbors andfriendsonthisday,toincreasethejoyandunityamongJews.Theminimumrequirementistogivetwokindsoffood (i.e.afruitandachocolatebar)tooneperson.➤
atthemeal,tellingjokesandperforminghumorousskitsetc.Itisalsoamongtheobservancesofthedaytobecometoo drunk to tell the difference between Haman and Mordechai (or two people dressed as them) While some people scrupulously observe this precept,otherscontentthemselveswithaglassofwineand/orashortnap.Whilebotharelegitimatepractices,onemustsurelybe awarethatexcessivedrinkingcarriesotherseriousrisks,bothasfarastransgressingJewishlawandone’spersonalwelfare.
HowWeCommemorate&Celebrate
ShabbatZachorTheShabbatbeforePurim,knownasShabbatZachor,carriesaspecialmitzvah—torememberandneverforgetthe evilofAmalek,thenationthatsoughttodestroytheJewishpeople Amalek’scrueltyisfirstrecordedinExodus17:8-16,wherethey waged an unprovoked attack on the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. In Deuteronomy 25:17-19, we are explicitly commanded:"RememberwhatAmalekdidtoyouonyourwayoutofEgypt...youshallerasethememoryofAmalekfromunderthe heavens Donotforget"
ThismitzvahisfulfilledannuallybylisteningtothisTorahportionreadinsynagogueonShabbatZachor.Accordingtomosthalachic authorities,hearingthisreadingisaTorah-levelobligation.Ifattendingsynagogueisnotpossible,oneshouldreadthepassageabout AmalekfromaChumashonthatShabbat Thiscommandmentremindsusthatevilmustnotbeignored,andcomplacencyisnever an option. As we prepare for Purim, a holiday that celebrates the downfall of Haman, a descendant of Amalek, we reaffirm our commitmenttostandingagainsthatredandensuringthesurvivaloftheJewishpeople
TaanitEsther(13Adar)ThedaybeforePurim,the13thofAdar,isobservedasTaanitEsther,afastdaythatreflectsthethemesof the Purim story. This date, mentioned in the Megillah, was the day Haman had chosen for the destruction of the Jewish people. Instead,itbecamethedaywhentheJewscourageouslydefendedthemselvesagainsttheirenemies
Unlikeotherfastdays,whichfocusonmourningandrepentance,TaanitEstherisafastofreflectionandgratitude.Itacknowledges both the danger we faced and the miraculous salvation that followed, much like the Fast of the Firstborn before Pesach (Esther 9:31).
WhilemanyassociatethefastwithQueenEsther’sownfastbeforeapproachingKingAchashverosh(Esther4:16),thatoccurredon a different date—most likely during Pesach This fast reminds us that, just as in Esther’ s time, deliverance often comes through faith,unity,andcourage.ItpreparesusspirituallyforPurim,adayofcelebration,triumph,andgratitudeforoursurvival.
OtherCustomsofPurim
Reciting a Prayer of Thanks (“al ha-Nisim”)WeinsertaspecialprayerofThanksgivingintheAmida(SilentDevotion)andinthe GraceafterMealsonPurimday.ThisprayersummarizesthePurimstoryandthanksGodforallowingHaman’splanstobethwarted. CostumesItiscustomarytodressuponPurim,becauseofthethemeof“ v ’nahafochhu,”thateverythingwasturnedupsidedown onPurim.TheJewsweregoingtobedestroyed,butintheend,theyweresaved.Itwasgoingtobeadayofmourninganddeath,but itwasflippedintoajoyouscelebration.
Inaddition,God’sroleisahiddenoneinthestoryofPurim ThoughGodisclearlyincontrol,Hispresenceisneverclearlyfelt God is,sotospeak,indisguise,usingEstherandMordechaiasrepresentativestochanneldivinebenevolencetotheJews.Inotherwords, bydressingup,weaffirmthatGodissometimeshiddeninourlives,butthatjustaswecanseebehindthecostumeifwetry,wecan alsoseethehiddenfaceofGod.
PurimTorah/PurimSpielThehumorandlightheartednessofPurimisfoundinintellectualwaysaswell.Manyhavethecustomon P rim of creating elaborate P rim spiels singing f nn songs and poking (harmless) f n Among some this resembles Sat rda
PurimWorkshop
Explore the history, origins, and customs of Purim beyond the celebration. Discover the hidden messages, timeless lessons, and spiritual depth behind this joyous holiday. , &RACHELKRAUS
visit ckj org/purim for more details
purim
fast of esther & purim night
Monday, March 2
5:17 AM
6:50 AM
7:00 AM
5:20 PM
6:00 PM
6:30 PM
Fast begins
Shacharit (Rohr Chapel)
Shaharit — KJ Sephardic (Major-Ward Library)
Mincha
Maariv, followed by Megillat Esther (All Locations)
KJB Megillah Reading & Soiree (Heyman Auditorium)
purim Day
Tuesday, march 3
7:00 AM
9:30 AM
9:45 AM
6:30 PM
L o c a t i o n G u i d e
Shacharit, followed by Megillat Esther
Shacharit, followed by Megillat Esther
Tots-Friendly Megillah & Magic Show (Riklis Social Hall)
Evening Services
PURIM NIGHT
KJ Family Megillah Reading — Main Sanctuary
KJ Sephardic Megillah Reading — Rohr Chapel
Adult Only Quiet Reading — Falk Auditorium
Womens Megillah Reading — Riklis Social Hall
Kesher Megillah Reading — LS Nakash Gymnasium
KJB Megillah Reading — Heyman Auditorium
PURIM DAY
KJ Main Megillah Reading — Main Sanctuary
KJ Sephardic Megillah Reading — Rohr Chapel
Tots Megillah Reading — Riklis Social Hall
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
6:30PM/Intermediate e
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 SOD
TheNextChapterofJewishWisdom
6:30PM/HorsD’oeuvres&Cocktails
7:00PM/SessionILearning
8:00PM/SessionIILearning
9:00PM/RabbiSteinmetz SocialIssuesinJewish Law&Thought THURSDAY
8:30AM/Dr.SheraTuchman AStudyofthePurpose oftheCreationofEve
7:30PM/Dr.SamBavli ExploringtheZohar
WeeklyClasses/Sundays10:00AM
February1/February8/February22/March1
March8/March15/March22/March29/April19
SeudahShlishitinMay—dateTBD Toregister,pleasevisitckj.org/batmitzvah.
Within Our Family
BIRTHS
Suzanne & Jacob Doft and Ellen Aschendorf-Shasha on the birth of a grandson, Alfred Ariel Shasha (Ovadia Ariel) born to their children, Eliana & David Aschendorf-Shasha Mazal Tov as well to KJ great-grandparents, Arlene & Avrom Doft and Marion & WilliamWeiss
Ally&AviBarononthebirthoftheirfirstchildandson.
Karen Blatt & Ari Hirt on the birth of a grandson to Rabbi Avi & EsteeHirtinIsrael.
Arielle&AdamBaumanonthebirthofababygirl,RubyDavida
Beth & Marc Bengualid on the birth of a granddaughter, Sylvie Beth (Batya) Harary born to their children, Elana Bengualid Harary&JackHarary.
Jenna&CyrilBerdugoonthebirthofadaughter,ChloeGabrielle (Esther).
Sheridan&NadavBesneronthebirthofason,ElanAriel
Jewel & Ted Edelman on the birth of a grandson to their children, Shayna & Jason Edelman Mazal Tov as well to great aunt, KJ MemberAnneAddison.
Talia & Craig Epstein on the birth of their first child, Myles Nathaniel(MosheNetanel).
Fran Margolin & Robert Finkelstein on the birth of a granddaughter, Hayden Lily (Chana Leah), to their children Ariel &SethFinkelstein
Rosie (Ramaz ’68)& Dr. Mark Friedman on the birth of their grandson, Nachman, born to Rivkah & Rabbi Yosef Y. Friedman (Ramaz‘04),ofEzratTorah,Jerusalem.
Debra & Barry Frohlinger on the birth of their first granddaughter, Joelle Rose, born to their children, Natalie & JamesKnepper
Samantha Sterling & Yoni Gol on the birth of their first child, Zev Asher MazalTovtoKJgrandparents,Jane&IshaiaGol
Isaac Hoffman & the late Vicki Hoffman on the birth of a granddaughter, Victoria Lily (Vered Lily), born to their children, Alieza&DavidHoffman.
Sara & Jeremy Hoffman on the birth of a daughter Mazal Tov as well to KJ grandparents Bettina & Spencer Waxman and Rena & Scott Hoffman, and great-grandparents Wendy & Sidney Ingber andAnnSterman
VivianandJoshKestenbaumonthebirthofagranddaughter,born totheirchildrenSabrinaKestenbaum&ShaiHassaninIsrael.
Caren & Samuel Kohl and Mindy & Dr. Jay Cinnamon on the birth of a granddaughter, Abigail Zoey (Avigail Zahava), born to their children, Amanda & Aaron Kohl Mazal Tov as well to great grandparentsAudrey&RabbiHaskelLookstein
Lauren & Ethan Lasko on the birth of a son, Mason Lev (Mordechai Lev). Mazal Tov to KJ grandparents, Jennifer & Saul BurianandMechiGross.
Former KJ Israel Bond Representative Robert Lunzer on the birth ofagranddaughter,MiellePearl,borntoYosefa&EliLunzer
Sandy & Dr. Norman Magid on the birth of a grandson, David William(DavidBaruch),borntotheirchildrenSara&YehudaMagid ofManhattan
Fiona & Jon Margareten on the birth of twin girls, Miley Brooke (MalkaBracha)andMaeveIvy(MeiravSimcha)
Myra&AlonMogilneronthebirthofagrandson,YitzchakZev,born to their children Shira & Joey Mogilner Mazal Tov as well to KJ great-grandmotherRochelleMogilnerGastwirt
RobinMussonthebirthofherfirstgrandchild,YosefChaim,bornto herchildren,Temima&JordanAbada MazalTovaswelltoKJgreatgrandparents,Harriet&JoshuaMuss
Danielle & Yossi Newmark on the birth of their first child and son, Bennett(Benny)Samuel(ShlomoBaruch)
Judy & Dr Robert Podell on the birth of a great-grandson, Amitai Yosef,borntotheirgrandchildren,Aaron&MaddieFishkind
Lauren & Mitchell Presser on the birth of a granddaughter and a grandson(twins!),borntoTalya&IlanPortnoy
Drs Susan & Jeffrey Rand on the birth of a grandson to their children,AvrahamMoshe&ShevaRandinJerusalem
Drs Susan & Jeffrey Rand on the birth of a grandson, Eric David (Yitzchak David), born to their children, Daniel (Ramaz ‘16) and SylviainManhattan.
Raquel & Michael Reich on the birth of a son, Jonas Beckett (Yonah).
Lauren & Michael Rosman on the birth of a daughter. Mazal Tov to the proud grandparents, Phyllis & Jonathan Wagner, and Anida & EdwinRosman.
Pamela&GeorgeRohrandCatherine&DavidMoussazadehonthe birthofagranddaughter,Anna(Anael),borntotheirchildren,Celine & Alex Rohr Mazal Tov as well to KJ great grandmother, Helen Nash
Lauren & Dr Michael Rosman on the birth of a daughter, Aurora Hazel (Tzivya Frida) Mazal tov as well to grandparents Phyllis & KJ PresidentJonathanWagnerandAnida&EdwinRosman
Dr Steven Rudolph & Naomi Ickovitz on the birth of a granddaughter,Yonina,inIsraeltoDinaRudolph&RabbiDanKatz.
Sharon & Dr Ryan Schwab on the birth of a son Mazal Tov to KJ grandparentsRonit&LarrySchwab.
Susan Goldberg Shipper & David Shipper on the birth of a greatgranddaughter,ElishevaRivka,inIsrael,totheirgrandchildren,Shifra &YitziFrom MazalTovtograndparentsRachel&YoniKutnerand Dasi&AronFrom
Drs.Deborah&EzraShoenonthebirthofason.
Dr. Meg Rosenblatt & David Stein on the birth of a granddaughter, OrliGrace(OrliGittel),borntotheirchildren,NatalieStein&Isaac Benjamin
Jill & former KJ Associate Rabbi Mark Wildes on the birth of a granddaughter,borntotheirchildrenYitzhar&EzraWildes.
Bracha & KJ Comptroller Sy Yanofsky, on the birth of a grandson Jacob (Yaakov), brother to twins Esti and Miri, and son of Dina & YoshiHerzig
May these children grow up in the finest tradition of Torah, chupah, and ma ’asimtovim
bnei mitzvah
Vivian & Bernard Falk on the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter, Noa Carmel Hassenfeld, daughter ofTaliaFalk&ElieHassenfeldofBerkeley,CA
Nava & Dan Bettinger on the engagement of their son, Elan, to Lexi Sugar, daughter of Monica & StephenSugarofSurfside,FL.
Karen & Steven Gurewitsch on the engagement of theirson,Andrew,toManuelaGutierrez MazalTov toKJgrandparents,Rae&StanleyGurewitsch.
Karen & Steven Gurewitsch on the engagement of their daughter, Jordana, to Asaf Miller, son of Drora & Alan Miller from Englewood, NJ Mazal Tovto KJgrandparentsRae&StanleyGurewitsch.
Nina & Larry Kassman on the engagement of their daughter, Gabriella, to Morris Sutton, son of SamuelJ.&SariSuttonofMidwood.
Debbie & Kenny Rochlin on the engagement of their daughter, Daniella Rose Rochlin, to Shmully Hyams of Elizabeth, NJ, son of Basya & Yossi Hyams. Mazal Tov to the grandmothers, long-time KJ Member Mrs. Evelyn Rochlin, Mrs. Cheryl Meskin of Jerusalem, and Mrs. Chana Hyams of London
Oliver Schwalbe on his engagement to Yael Carmi, daughter of Rachel & Itamar Carmi of Teaneck, NJ Mazal Tov to KJ parents, Dasi & Jeremy Schwalbe, and KJ grandparents Janie & Robert Schwalbe.
Alissa & Howard Shams on the engagement of theirson,Harry,toChavivaLiss,daughterofMindy &MartyLissfromSharon,MA
Sirena Silber on the engagement of her daughter, Rebecca, to Joe Rosen, son of Malki & Phil Rosen ofLawrence,NY
May their weddings take place in happiness and blessing.
MARRIAGES
Bonnie & Joel Bergstein on the marriage of their daughter,Samara,toZacharyReid,sonofKaren& CharlieReid.
Suzy & the late Sandy (z ”l) Eisenstat on the marriage of their granddaughter, Anna Eisenstat, daughter of Dr Jennifer Bursky Eisenstat (Ramaz ’89)& Jackie Eisenstat (Ramaz ’89) of Efrat, Israel,toHayyimRimerman,sonofClaudiaKraut &HowardRimermanofRidgefield,CT
Suzy & the late Sandy (z ”l) Eisenstat on the marriageoftheirgranddaughter,BrachaEisenstat, daughterofTamar&AbeEisenstat(Ramaz’87),to Natan Sandler, son of Leora & Danny Sandler of Johannesburg. Engagements
Suzy&thelateSandy(z ”l)Eisenstatonthemarriage oftheirgranddaughter,GabriellaEisenstat,daughter of Dr. Jennifer Bursky Eisenstat & Jackie Eisenstat (Ramaz ’89 classmates, now of Efrat, Israel), to Yitzchak Cohen, the son of Ditza & Shlomo Cohen ofMitzpeYericho,Israel.
Randy&HowardEisensteinonthemarriageoftheir son, Alex, to Sophia Lepore, daughter of Mindel KleinLepore&JohnLeporefromWestchester.
Rosie (Ramaz ‘68)& Dr. Mark Friedman on the marriage of their granddaughter, Michal Zehava, daughterofAriela(Ramaz'97)&RabbiJeremyFine of Woodmere, to Gabie Baratz, son of Rachie & SammyBaratzofHewlett
Vivianne&RobertKurzweilonthemarriageoftheir son Philippe, to Kate Lyness, daughter of David Lyness
Wilma & Stephen Kule on the marriage of their granddaughter, Sophie Kule, daughter of Leslie & Michael Kule of Great Neck, to Roy Katzenelson from Tel Aviv Mazal tov to Great-Aunts Sharon Dane&GailPropp.
Elena & Jay Lefkowitz on the marriage of their daughter,Dani,toMattWolfman,sonofMichele& JonathanWolfman.
Drs. Jody & Elie Levine on the marriage of their daughter, Caitlin, to Max Orbach, son of Dara & David Orbach of Livingston, NJ. Mazal Tov to grandparents Myrna & Charles Alpert, Beatrice & RabbiSamuelLevine,andSeryl&CharlesKushner, andtogreatgrandmotherMarilynStadmauer.
Sandy&Dr.NormanMagidonthemarriageoftheir daughter,Dr YaelMagid,toDr IdanBergmanofTel Aviv,sonofIlana&Dr.ShmuelBergmanofToronto.
Dr. Michelle Meersand & Dr. Allen Heller on the marriageoftheirdaughter,CourtneyRoseHelle,to Matthew Benjamin Blum, son of Mindy & Evan BlumofCaldwell,NJ.
Wendy & Adam Modlin on the marriage of their daughter,Julia,toMaxJankelovits(bothRamaz’21), son of Barbara & Jeffrey Jankelovits of New York City Mazal Tov to KJ grandparents Leah & Barrie ModlinandMarleneKreinen.
RobinMussonthemarriageofherson,Matthew,to Danielle Benjamin from Great Neck Mazal Tov to theproudgrandparents,Harriet&JoshuaMuss,and Rivkah&CarlRosenberg.
HeniSchwartzArfa&HarveyArfaonthemarriage of Heni' s grandson, Hillel Schwartz of Sharon, MA, toRebeccaAdlerofTeaneck,NJ.
HeniSchwartzArfa&HarveyArfaonthemarriage of Heni' s grandson, Betzalel Schwartz of Raanana, Israel,toHadarGrushkoofJerusalem,Israel. May the newlywed couples be blessed to build homes faithfultothetraditionsoftheJewishpeople.
Sivan Shemi
Mazal Tov to Marisa and Mickey Shemi upon on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Sivan, which took place on November 29th at KJ in a Women' s Tefillah Sivan led shacharit, chanted Parashat Vayetzei and the Haftarah, and shared her insights on the Parashah in a D' var Torah Sivan is in seventh grade at Booker T Washington Middle School on the Upper West Side.
Eyden Hadel
Mazal Tov to Anne and Don Hadel upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Eyden Shalom, on Shabbat morning, December 13, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, at which time he will read Parashat Vayeshev Eyden is a seventh-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.
Madison Kashanian
Mazal Tov to Jennifer and James Kashanian upon the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Madison, on December 14 (24 Kislev 5786) — the eve of Chanukah) at the American Dream Amusement Park at which time they will tie together the themes of the day, the holiday about to begin, and enduring Jewish values. Madison is a sixth-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School
Ella Weinstein
Mazal Tov to Jodi and Adam Weinstein upon the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Ella in New York City on January 11, at which time she will deliver her D’ var Torah on Parashat Vayera Ella is a sixth-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.
Daniel Chaovat
Mazal Tov to Debbi and Erez Chaovat upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Daniel, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on Shabbat morning, January 17, at which time he will read Parashat Va’eira Daniel is a seventh-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.
Judah Chubak
Mazal Tov to Jamie and David Chubak upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Judah, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on Monday, January 19 Judah is a seventh-grade student at the Shefa School
Isaiah Goldstein
Mazal Tov to Audrey and Mark Goldstein upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Isaiah, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on Shabbat morning, January 24th, at which time he will read Parashat Bo and deliver a D’ var Torah Isaiah is a seventh-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School
Flora Fridman
Mazal Tov to Gabby and David Fridman upon the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Flora, which will take place on Sunday, January 25th. Flora will deliver a Dvar Torah on Pirkei Avot. Flora is a sixth- grade student at the Ramaz Middle School. Mazal Tov to proud KJ grandparents, Anne and Natalio (z "l) Fridman and Gwen Francis.
Julian Fine
Mazal Tov to Lee and Andrew Fine upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Julian, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on Shabbat morning, January 31, 2026, at which time he will read Parashat Beshalach Julian is a seventh-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School
Benjamin Lewittes
Mazal Tov to Lee and Michael Lewittes (Ramaz ‘85), upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Benjamin, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on Shabbat morning, February 7, at which time he will read Parashat Yitro and deliver a D’ var Torah about his volunteer work with Tomchei Shabbos Benjamin is a seventh-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandmother Ruth Lewittes
Aaron Ganfer
Mazal Tov to Natali and Jason Ganfer upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Aaron, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun on February 28, 2026, at which time he will read Parashat Tetzave Aaron is a seventh-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.
Milestones
Mazal Tov to —
Elias Sussman, Eliyahu ha Kohen, beloved father of Perri Sussman Stern (Akiba) and grandfather to Meredith (Michael) Rishty, upon the occasion of his 100th birthday!
communalnews&Honors
MazalTovto—
FredDistenfeldonbeingelectedchairmanoftheboardoftheFIDF
AlanFriedman,whowashonoredonSunday,October26,forhis10yearsofservice as the Board President of CAJAC (Community Alliance for Jewish Affiliated Cemeteries.)CAJACoverseescemeteriesandburialsocietiesthatnolongerhave thefundingormanagementtostandalone.
Suzanne&Dr NormanJavittontheachievementoftheirson,Dr DanielC Javitt M.D.,Ph.D.,oftheNathanKlineInstituteforPsychiatricResearchandColumbia University,whohasbeenawardedtheLieberPrizeforOutstandingAchievementin SchizophreniaResearch
Judy&Dr.HirshelKahn,ontheachievementoftheirdaughter,Nathalie(Jordyn) Schoenfeld,passingtheNewYorkBar
Gail Propp, who was honored by the American Committee for Shaare Zedek MedicalCenteronWednesday,November19,atGustavino' s.
new members
Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun warmly welcomes the following new members who joined the congregation between the printing of the last Bulletin on August 30 and this Bulletin, which went to press on November 25:
Sheridan & Nadav Besner
Viviane Sabat & Flavio De Andrade
Jennifer & Erick Epelboim
Michele & Paul Fisher
Liora Cher & Fisher Franco
Sara & Jason Genrich
Ruth Golan
Susan & Bruce Jacobson
Ellie & Jeff Kagan
Karine & Jay Kaplan
Rebecca Friedman & Ron Kimchi
Lauren & Ethan Lasko
Rachel & Andrew Lobel
Russell Lubin
Patricia Moezinia
Daniela & Michael Nisan
Condolences to
Eliza & Raphael Pransky
Erin & Moshe Sacks
Chelsea & Michael Shmuely
Deborah & Ezra Shoen
Jessica Sandler & Ben Siegel
Arielle & Lior Sofer
Laura & Daniel Strauss
Alexandra Arber & Leon Sultan
Fraidy & Isaac Von Weisl
Joanna Wald
Rachel & Jonathan Weiss
Keren Savitzky & Corey Whitman
Mollie & Andrew Wolff
Julianna & Andrew Yakubovich
Malka & Jason Zeller
David Bengio on the passing of his father, Salomon Bengio.
Sylvain Bergfeld on the passing of his mother, Madeleine Bergfeld.
Chaiki Feldman on the passing of her mother, Adelaide Heller
Karen Hershkowitz on the passing of her mother, Adeline Frankel
Sasha Dweck Salamon on the passing of her father, Moshe Dweck.
Daniel Stein upon the passing of his mother, Betty Stein.
Rabbi Dr. Abraham Unger on the passing of his mother, Myra G. Unger.
Marcus Weiss on the passing of his father, Michael Weiss.
PENINEI HALAKHA: LAWS OF PRAYER
Make Torah a part of every day. We are studying 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.
Learn to read Hebrew for free with Eyal. Whether you have no reading experience or can read the basics and are searching for fluency, Eyal is the app for you Eyal was created by KJ Hebrew teacher Sara Rosen and is available on iPad and Mac All work can be self-checked so no teacher is required. Suitable for all ages. Search for Eyal in the iPad or Mac App Store to get started.
taught by Rabbi Roy Feldman
Register by scanning the QR code above.
Ethel Horowitz
Ethel Horowitz was a woman of quiet strength, deep devotion, and unwavering love for her family. Raised in Brooklyn and later making her home in Queens and Great Neck, she created a household marked by stability, Jewish tradition, and care. A dedicated wife to her late husband, Dr. Irving Horowitz, and devoted mother of Arthur and Jason, she took great pride in being a grandmother and greatgrandmother whose presence was constant and reassuring. Ethel expressed her love through small, thoughtful acts: checking in on her children each night, worrying about whether everyone had eaten, and offering her particular brand of honest advice with a dry sense of humor that endeared her to those around her. Even in her later years, she remained sharp, independent, and faithful in her observance, lighting her Shabbat candles and keeping a warm, welcoming home. She will be remembered with affection and gratitude. May her memory be a blessing.
RobertBriefel
Robert Briefel was a fixture in our shul for many years. He occupied a place in the middle of the men ’ s section Shabbat after Shabbat. He davened with great fervor, and he practiced Jewish ritual and ethics withspecialpiety.
He was a wonderful husband and father, and he was a very good friend to all the people that he knew in our congregation. He loved to daven, and he cherished the time that he spent in God’ s House which he approached with reverence and piety. It was a privilege for us to welcome him in ourcongregation.
RabbiMayerMoskowitz
Rabbi Moskowitz was a leading figure in KJ and in Ramaz for over fifty years. He taught High School, Middle School and Lower School. He was a HeadmasterofJudaicStudiesintheLowerSchool. He was an adored teacher of Talmud, Tanach, and Yiddish. At KJ, he was the Chazan on the High Holy Days for many years as we initiated an auxiliary service. Many flocked to that service to hear his beautiful davening withsomuchcheinandreligiousZionistfervor.
He was a beloved educator and religious leader, a survivoroftheHolocaustwhoneverthelessradiatedjoy, happiness,andsimchashelmitzvah.
Our world is diminished by his passing even as we were blessedbyhisincomparablepresence.
DonnaSilverman
What a grand lady! She and her husband, Arthur, who justpassedawayshortlybeforeherdemise,wereposter people for our congregation. They came to us with a very limited religious Jewish background and they became observant, pious, deeply involved communally, examples of how a Modern Orthodox Jewish family shouldconductitself.
Donna led the way in sending her two sons to Ramaz, andjoiningourcongregationandencouragingArthurto take a leadership role in both KJ and Ramaz. She was deeply devoted to our joined institutions and to all of the membership in them. She was known throughout the community as the initiator and Director of our Wednesday Lunch and Learn for Seniors, a program which she pioneered and led for many years, greeting the seniors and the guest speakers with her brilliant smileandopencountenance.
She was a remarkable Jewish lady who reared a family of deeply committed Modern Orthodox Jews, right here at KJ where her son, Leonard, is our longtime Executive Director and in Los Angeles where her son, Daniel,isacommunalleader.
We were honored to have loved her and been blessed byherpresence.
Shabbat zmanim
Date
Dec 5-6
Dec 12-13
Dec 19-20
Dec 26-27
Jan 2-3
Jan 9-10
Jan 16-17
Jan 23-24
Jan 30-31
Feb 6-7
Feb 13-14
Feb 20-21
Feb 27-28
March 6-7
March 13-14
Vayishlach
Shabbat Mevarchim / Vayeshev
Chanukah / Rosh Chodesh Tevet / Miketz
Vayigash
Vayechi
Shemot
Shabbat Mevarchim / Vaera
Bo
Beshalach
Yitro
Shabbat Mevarchim / Shekalim / Mishpatim
Terumah
Zachor / Tetzaveh
Parah / Ki Tisa
Shabbat Mevarchim / HaChodesh / Vayakhel - Pekudei
DAtes to remember
Monday-Thursday,Dec15-18
Chanukah
7:10AMMorningServices
Sunday,December21
RoshChodeshTevet/Chanukah
8:30AMMorningServices
Monday,December22
RoshChodeshTevet/Chanukah
7:00AMMorningServices
Thursday,December25
8:30AMMorningServices
Tuesday,December30
FastofAsarab’Tevet
Fastbegins6:08AM
6:50AMMorningServices
4:10PMEveningServices
Fastconcludes5:11PM
Wednesday,January1
8:30AMMorningServices
Monday, January 19
Rosh Chodesh Shevat
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Morning Services 7:00 AM
Monday, February 2
Tu b’Shevat
Monday, February 16
President’ s Day 8:30 AM Morning Services
Tuesday-Wednesday, Feb 17-18
Rosh Chodesh Adar
Friday Morning Services 7:00 AM
Monday, March 2
Fast of Esther
Fast begins 5:17 AM
Fast concludes 6:18 PM
evening services
Nov 30-Dec 25 Dec 28-29 Dec 30 Dec 31 Jan 1-8
Jan 11-15
Jan 18-22
Jan 25-29
Feb 1-5
Feb 8- 12
Feb 15-19
Feb 22-26
March 1 March 2