Fall brings cooler air and changing leaves, along with the High Holiday celebrations we all look forward to. And as the season changes, fall 2024 at PAS brings a wealth of opportunities for our congregation to worship, learn, and socialize.
Please join us for lectures and programs, guest speakers and visiting scholars, and consistent worship options. Our High Holiday worship as we welcome the year 5785 begins with Erev Rosh Hashanah on October 2. We continue our Yachad (together service on the second day of Rosh Hashanah). Teens and youth have a variety of options to choose from, including special activities as we look to the future. Young families with children ages 4-10 don’t want to miss out on being part of a very special trip to Israel next June, led by Rabbi Cosgrove.
Take a look at the many options on tap this fall and please come find what interests you.
MAH HADASH
WORSHIP
It’s always perfect when family and friends come together to celebrate Shabbat and holidays. At Kabbalat Shabbat, on Shabbat and holiday mornings, and at weekday minyan, we read Torah, learn from our rabbis, sing with our cantors, comfort mourners, and pray together from wherever we are.
EVERY SHABBAT
Welcome Shabbat KABBALAT SHABBAT
Fri / 6:15 pm / 87th St and Online
Recharge with a musical, lively, family-friendly service.
Every 7 days. 52 weeks a year. SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES
Sat / 9:45 am / 87th St and Online
An uplifting service, with Torah reading, a sermon, and often with the celebration of Bnei Mitzvah.
DAILY MINYAN SHAHARIT
Mon–Fri / 7:15 am / 87th St and Online
Sun / 9:00 am / Online
MINHA/MA’ARIV
Sun / 5:45 pm / Online
Mon–Thu / 5:45 pm / 87th St and Online
MONTHLY ON SATURDAY MORNINGS
SHABBAT B’YACHAD
Sat / Sep 14, 21; Nov 23 / 9:45 am / 87th St
Find the joy of Shabbat music and liturgy but in a smaller, more intimate setting where you can participate and engage in Jewish learning and find community together – B'Yachad!
MORNING MINYAN WILL BEGIN AT 9:00 AM ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS:
Sep 2, Oct 14, Nov 28, Nov 29
HASHKAMAH MINYAN
Sat / 7:30 am / 87th St
Our lay-led, early Shabbat Service is egalitarian. We gather as a community of committed daveners to celebrate Shabbat and connect with tradition.
AFTERNOON AND EVENING MINYAN WILL BE ONLINE ONLY ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS:
Sep 2, Oct 14, Nov 28
PRAYER FOUNDATIONS
Sat / Nov 9 / 10:00 am / 87th St
Do you want to make sense of Jewish prayer? Access more spirituality in it? Become more comfortable with Shabbat morning services and their choreography? Understand what the prayers mean?
Join us for the first Prayer Foundations, where we explore the world of Jewish prayer, learn its whats, hows, and whys, and pray.
For more information, email Rabbi Koffman at lkoffman@pasyn.org.
HOLIDAYS
Whether observing Yom Kippur or Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, or Simhat Torah, we look forward to these opportunities to worship and learn together.
Selihot
Sat / Sep 28
Selihot Learning and Service
THE DEEPER MEANING OF THE AVINU MALKEINU PRAYER
Sat / Sep 28 / 8:15 pm / 87th St and Online
Elie Kaufner
Avinu Malkeinu – "Our Father, Our King" – is one of the core prayers of the High Holidays. But what does it mean? The Talmud tells the story of how and why this prayer was written, offering a very different understanding of what we might have expected. As we prepare together to pray on High Holidays, we will look at the story of the writing of Avinu Malkeinu and a number of related Talmudic stories to explore this prayer in a new light. Our beautiful and traditional Selihot services will follow the learning.
High Holidays 5785
We look forward to our community joining together to welcome 5785. We’ll offer numerous opportunities to engage in meaningful prayer and reflection as a community.
You can access our High Holidays webpage here, and below are links to schedules for each service type and location.
HIGH HOLIDAY SCHEDULES:
FIFTH AVENUE
ROSES FOR ROSH HASHANAH
Mon–Mon / Sep 23 –30
See page 18.
Grief Support
HIGH HOLIDAYS GRIEF SUPPORT CIRCLE
Thurs / Sept 26 / 6-7:15 pm / 87th St
Suzanne Redlich, LCSW and Hilary Forrest, LMSW
As the year ebbs and flows and holidays come and go, our thoughts may turn to the loved ones and friends we have lost. As we approach the Yamim Nora’im, PAS Social Worker Suzanne Redlich and DOROT Social Worker
Hilary Forrest will co-facilitate a Grief Support Circle for those who are experiencing the High Holy Days without a loved one.
Registration will be limited to 15 adult members. This space is for anyone experiencing the High Holy Days after the loss of a close family member; people with a loss within the past two years are especially encouraged to attend. If you require accommodations or have questions, please contact Suzanne Redlich at 212-369-2600 x105 or sredlich@pasyn.org.
HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICES LOCATIONS
Sanctuary, Lower Level, Third-Floor Chapel, Fifth Floor 50 E. 87th Street
Fifth Avenue
1085 Fifth Avenue (90th Street)
Darlington Hall and Gym 4 E. 90th Street
(between Fifth and Madison Avenues)
Eli M. Black Lifelong Learning Center 11 E. 89th Street (between Fifth and Madison Avenues)
The Dalton School 108 E. 89th Street (between Lexington and Park Avenues)
Livestream pasyn.org/livestream
SANCTUARY
LOWER LEVEL
THIRD FLOOR
YOUTH AND FAMILY
TEENS
If you can't attend in person, you can join our worldclass livestream on PAS CONNECT for a meaningful experience wherever you are.
LIVESTREAM
Community Support 5785
KOL NIDREI APPEAL
Our annual Kol Nidrei Appeal allows PAS to remain a center for vibrant Jewish life, learning, inspiration, and connection for our members.
If you have made your gift, thank you for your generosity. You also can donate online.
GIVE TODAY
LET’S MEET IN THE SUKKAH!
The Festival of Sukkot / Oct 16–23
WEEKDAY AFTERNOON AND FESTIVAL EVENING SERVICES
Wed / Oct 16 / 5:45 pm / 87th St and Online
FESTIVAL MORNING SERVICES
Thu / Oct 17 / 9:45 am / 87th St and Online
FESTIVAL AFTERNOON AND EVENING SERVICES
Thu / Oct 17 / 5:45 pm / 87th St and Online
Bon Appétit BYOD IN THE SUKKAH!
Thu / Oct 17 /Following evening services
Join us for a dairy BYOD (bring your own dinner)! Wine and cookies will be served.
RSVP BY NOON ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10
FESTIVAL MORNING SERVICES
Fri / Oct 18 / 9:45 am / 87th St and Online
CATERED DINNER IN THE SUKKAH!
Fri / Oct 18 / Following evening services
Celebrate Sukkot with a catered dinner in the sukkah.
$75/member, $95/general, $40/child under 12.
Questions? Call Jayde Grossman at 212-369-2600, x141 or email jgrossman@ pasyn.org.
RSVP BY NOON ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1
NEXTDOR SUKKAH SCHMOOZE
Sat / Oct 19 / 7:00 pm / 87th St
See page 19.
YFE SUKKAH BRUNCH
Sun / Oct 20 / 10:30 am / 87th St
See page 31.
PASCS LUNCH IN THE SUKKAH
Sun / Oct 20 / 12:30 pm / 87th St
See page 27.
PASCS DINNER IN THE SUKKAH
Tues / Oct 22 / 6:00 pm / 87th St
WOMEN'S NETWORK AND MEN’S CLUB WELCOME RECEPTION IN THE SUKKAH
Mon / Oct 21 / 7:00 pm / 87th St
See page 19.
Shemini Atzeret
/ Oct 23 / 5:45 pm / 87th St and Online
ORDER YOUR LULAV & ETROG
Thu / Oct 10 / 12:00 pm PICK-UP Tue–Wed / Oct 15–16 / 9:30 am–6:00 pm Thu–Fri/ Oct 17–18 / during Sukkot morning services
For more information, contact Allen Paisner at apaisner@pasyn.org or 212-369-2600, x102. ORDER
Larry Zakarin
Every Saturday morning, regardless of where he is in the world, Larry Zakarin goes to shul. His upbringing in a traditional Conservative home gave him a desire to continue that dedication as an adult, which helped draw him to PAS in 2004 along with his wife, Amy, after they moved to the Upper East Side. Ever since then, his involvement in volunteer efforts and hard work at PAS have put him in the spotlight, leading to his being named a 2024 Simhat Torah honoree.
Larry and Amy, when looking for a nursery school for their now 19-year-old son, Hank, were instantly drawn to PAS’ Penn Family Early Childhood Center. “We joined PAS and started attending services and becoming part of the PAS world,” Larry said. “Soon after, Rabbi Cosgrove joined PAS, and this was a gamechanger for me. Rabbi Cosgrove is my first rabbi that I was able to say is my rabbi.”
Shabbat and celebrating the holidays where they felt comfortable was important as they raised their family, which also includes their son Adam, 16. “PAS fits a lot of our wants and has for sure become a major part of our lives, during good, bad, and hard times,” Larry said.
HATAN TORAH Larry Zakarin
Larry’s involvement with the Men of a Certain Age group spearheaded his devotion to volunteerism and led to his training as a lay leader. His involvement with Hashkamah Minyan, the “early service,” became a cornerstone of his efforts at the synagogue.
When Larry lost his dad in 2011, he found his way to the morning minyan. “I worked through my loss, and my boys had lost their grandpa, but they gained 15 new grandpas through Hashkamah,” Larry said. “I was more than 30 years younger than most of the group’s members, but they were so inviting.”
When the pandemic hit in the spring of 2020, Hashkamah in person had to end. Larry came up with the idea to hire a Torah reader to keep the group together so that they can meet daily and connect. As a result, they did daily minyan on Zoom as an alternative to weekly Hashkamah. Larry said, “we were able to keep our services going. In 2022, when it was safe to resume in person, Rabbi Cosgrove and discussed how to start things again, in particular the Hashkamah Saturday Minyan. He wanted it to be more inclusive, including inviting women to attend. We expanded to follow the inclusiveness track of PAS. The lay-led service is now a key part of PAS’ weekly schedule, with consistent participation from PAS members.”
Larry, the division head for accessories, outerwear and swim at Jordache, said his professional strategies from the workplace often inform his projects at PAS: “I use the same approach of a willingness of working towards change—at PAS, our ability to be nimble, to open the door to modern times, and to change allows us to keep getting better.”
Larry helped with the new siddur launch and was a member of the Catering Committee and is now on the Advisory Council and the Ritual Advisory Committee.
He feels fortunate to have been tapped by special members of different eras and felt “heard in a big place. PAS is my shul, in good times and bad times. I want to be known as a congregant.”
As for the future, Larry said his goal is to increase the number of people in PAS pews.
KALLAT BERESHIT
Vicki Warner
Vicki Warner, who loves being involved at PAS, says there’s nothing better than “being a PAS ambassador.”
Her record of involvement and volunteerism is vast—she chaired the Kol Nidrei fundraising campaign for the past three years and is a member of the Membership, Inclusion, and Interfaith Committee.
She participates in adult education classes, organizes logistics for trips abroad, and frequently attends services—all evidence of her tremendous love for and dedication to the PAS community, where she’s been a member since 2013.
“Vicki personifies our biblical matriarch Rebecca—full of smarts, gusto, and zrizut, which is a quality of moving through the world with purpose and intention, of creating one’s own luck and unabashedly helping others do the same. This is Vicki. This is Vicki in everything she does. We are blessed to have her in our community,” reflects Debbie Cosgrove.
Vicki loves to travel, and shortly after joining PAS, she was asked to chair a synagogue trip to Poland. During that trip, she became passionate about the work of JCC Krakow, and then became chair the board of the Friends of JCC Krakow, and has been back many times. As a co-chair of the 2023 Women’s Portugal trip, she was instrumental in its success. Rabbi Lori Koffman says, “Vicki brought her customary enthusiasm to the trip, helped 'corral' participants when needed, was thoughtful as always as we developed the itinerary, and was a wonderful sounding board.” Vicki also previously chaired the PAS Women’s Network. She is on the Board of Directors for UJAFederation and is an active participant of their Women's Executive Committee.
Israel and its future are very important to Vicki, and she values the support that PAS has shown to Israel especially over the past year, since October 7. She has been to Israel on several trips and participated with her family on the PAS mission in February 2024. An activist, she is a volunteer for Brothers for Life, which was created and run by Israeli veterans to care for wounded soldiers.
Vicki, a residential real estate agent in Manhattan, raised her two daughters, Haley and Emi, in the city. She’s passionate about adult education classes, sits on the adult education committee, and enjoys attending synagogue programs and lectures.
Her passion for the community is clear. “I love that PAS wants everyone to be welcome,” she says. “PAS meets you where you are . It’s really about showing up.”
HATAN TORAH
OUR COMMUNITY
We continue to reflect on the situation in Israel and pray for our family and friends who endure daily life there, coping with the ripple effects of the war. As October 7, the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack approaches, we note the significance of this date, the plight of the hostages who have yet to be released, and the pain their families still suffer as they await freedom.
Book Launch
SEP 25 / 7:00 PM / 87ST AND ONLINE WITH JUJU CHANG
ABC News’ Nightline Anchor Juju Chang will interview Rabbi Cosgrove about his latest book, For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today
The attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, which killed more Jews in one day than at any time since the Holocaust, has drawn a clear and irreversible demarcation in time. The Jewish community woke up to an unrecognizable new reality, witnessing first the horror of the atrocities followed by the stark rise in antisemitism, the world’s oldest hatred. But even in this dark hour, the Jewish community is experiencing something profound and beautiful: a deep, abiding connection to community, culture, and faith. Drawing on the rich trove of Jewish history and tradition, Rabbi Cosgrove helps readers make sense of this fraught time.
Members receive priority access for event registration. Available September 24, 2024
For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today
A poignant exploration of what it means to be Jewish today, from a leading voice in modern Judaism, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove. Pre-order your copy today.
For Jews today, the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7—a vicious assault that killed more Jews in one day than any time since the Holocaust—has drawn a clear and irreversible demarcation in time. The Jewish community woke up to an unrecognizable new reality on that day, witnessing first the sheer horror of the atrocities in Israel, followed immediately by the stark rise in antisemitism, the world’s oldest hatred, in its wake.
But even in this dark hour, the Jewish community is experiencing something profound and beautiful: a deep, abiding connection to community, culture, and faith. Drawing on the rich trove of Jewish history and tradition, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, one of today’s most influential thought leaders and spiritual guides, helps readers make sense of this fraught time. With warmth and wisdom, Rabbi Cosgrove explores the challenging questions embedded in the soul of contemporary Jewry. Where did all this antisemitism come from, and was it always there? How have Israel and Zionism shaped American Judaism, and what ties us and divides us today? How do we practice Judaism and understand our place in a world that has, without fail, in every century, turned against us.
Pre-order a copy today.
Am Israel Chai:
An October 7th Commemorative Album
In the wake of the October 7 attack on Israel, which forever altered the lives of Israelis and all Jews and changed Jewish institutions, music is one of the things we have turned to for hope as we envision a lasting peace. This album is a collection of reactions to the war and a call to new action.
Sermon Book 5784
At the Edge of the Wilderness: Selected Sermons by Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove
The sermons in this volume reflect Rabbi Cosgrove’s dedication to guiding congregants near and far through the evolving challenges of Israel at war, growing antisemitism, and the historic events that have rocked the global Jewish community during the past year.
SUN / NOV 24 / 10:00 AM–1:00 PM / 87TH ST
Celebrate more than 25 years of doing mitzvot together by joining us for a morning of activities for all ages that help benefit our local community.
ADULT ENGAGEMENT
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS: ON BEING JEWISH TODAY BOOK LAUNCH
Sep 25 / 7:00 pm / 87 St and Online
Members receive priority access for event registration.
See page 13.
Post-Election
Analysis
WED / NOV 6 / 7:00 PM / 87TH ST
Rabbi Cosgrove and Bret Stephens, journalist and columnist for the New York Times, will engage in a deep and informative post-election analysis. They will discuss the reverberations of a whirlwind election cycle, its results, and the potential impact for the Jewish community locally, nationally, and internationally.
This event is presented in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY
Menachem Mendel Schneerson: Becoming the Messiah
The Chabad-Lubavitch movement, one of the world’s best-known Hasidic groups, is driven by the belief that we are on the verge of the messianic age. One man is most recognized for the movement’s success: the seventh and last Lubavitcher rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson (1902–1994), believed by many of his followers to be the Messiah. How did he go from being an ordinary rabbi’s son in the Russian Empire to a mystical sage who revitalized a centuries-old Hasidic movement, constructed an outreach empire of unprecedented scope, and earned the admiration and condemnation of political, communal, and religious leaders in America and abroad? Explore the life and thoughts of one of the most influential—and controversial—rabbis in modern Judaism.
70+
Committees & Communities
Engage with PAS from your own perspective.
Join our Arms and Committees and make friends who share your interests.
Engage in Community
70+ SOCIAL SPACE
Wed / 1:15 pm / 87th St
Suzanne Redlich, LCSW
This monthly program will include a learning topic and social time to connect over coffee and snacks. Come once, twice, or every month.
• WED / SEP 18 / 1:15 PM / 87TH ST
Det. Anthony Nuccio from the Crime Prevention Division of the NYPD 19th Precinct will talk about crime prevention and safety, including tips to help prevent identity theft and avoid phone/Internet scams.
REGISTER
• WED / NOV 6 / 1:15 PM / 87TH ST
An Expert from Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program from the NYC Department for the Aging will give a presentation on Medicare Open Enrollment for 2025 (which runs October 15–December 7, 2024).
REGISTER
• WED / DEC 4 / 1:15 PM / 87TH ST
PAS Member, Ian Dorfman, from home care agency, Alvita Care, will give a presentation on navigating the process of identifying appropriate in-home care. Ian will discuss the different types of care that are available (home health aides, registered nurses, care managers, care coordinators) and will share suggestions for how to get the best care possible for yourself or a loved one.
REGISTER
MEN’S CLUB
MEN’S CLUB REUNION
Tue / Sep 10 / 7:00 pm / 87th St
Join us as we celebrate the club’s past presidents and the ongoing participation that the club has cultivated over the past 50 years.
For PAS members.
ROSES FOR ROSH HASHANAH
Mon–Mon / Sep 23–Sep 30
Surprise a friend, honor a family member, or treat yourself in the new year by ordering roses for Rosh Hashanah. They can be delivered to anywhere in Manhattan, and a portion of your purchase will help support the PAS Teen Food Pantry.
ORDER HERE
WOMEN'S NETWORK AND MEN’S CLUB WELCOME RECEPTION IN THE SUKKAH
Mon / Oct 21 / 7:00 pm / 87th St
Enjoy an array of wines, a sampling of topshelf spirits, and a meal in our rooftop sukkah. This evening is about building community, connecting with old friends, and meeting new ones.
For Men’s Club and Women’s Network members.
REGISTER
NEXTDOR (FOR AGES 21-39)
NEXTDOR SHABBAT DINNER
Fri / Sep 13 / 7:30 pm / 87th St
Join NextDor (PAS 20s and 30s) for a rooftop Shabbat dinner, where you’ll see old friends and make new ones over drinks and appetizers.
REGISTER
NEXTDOR SUKKAH SCHMOOZE
Sat / Oct 19 / 7:00 pm / 87th St
Gather in the PAS sukkah, which will have a hummus and falafel bar.
REGISTER
NEXTDOR MITZVAH NIGHT
Thu / Nov 14 / 7:00 pm / 87th St
Come to our first ever Mitzvah Night, assemble care packages for our neighbors in need, and fuel your mitzvah-making with pizza and drinks.
REGISTER
NEXTDOR HANUKKAH PARTY WITH CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE 20S AND 30S
Thu / Dec 19 / 7:00 pm / 87th St
Celebrate Hanukkah, the festival of lights, with your friends in the NextDor and Central Synagogue communities. Fill your own donuts, mix and match toppings at the latke bar, play a game of dreidel, and more.
REGISTER
TIKKUN OLAM
AT-HOME SANDWICH-MAKING FOR THE NEW YORK COMMON PANTRY
Fri / 9:30 am–11:00 am / Drop off at 87th St
Join our monthly initiative to make sandwiches at home for our neighbors in need. The New York Common Pantry also accepts used
FreshDirect bags that are clean, in good condition, and that have personal information removed. Please feel free bring them to the sandwich drop-off.
REGISTER FOR SEPTEMBER 13
REGISTER FOR NOVEMBER 15
REGISTER FOR DECEMBER 13
TIKKUN OLAM TOGETHER FOR ISRAEL
Wed / Sep 18 / 6:15 pm / 87th St
Kick off the fall with a community-wide event to support IDF soldiers. In partnership with Grilling for Israel which hosts barbeques for IDF troops, write cards with messages of love, solidarity, and strength for our soldiers. Light bites will be served.
REGISTER
WOMEN’S NETWORK
WOMEN'S NETWORK CHALLAH SALE
Mon–Wed / Sep 16–25
Prepare for the holidays and do a yummy mitzvah. Choose between plain, raisin, whole-wheat, or poppy challahs from William Greenberg Desserts. A portion of the proceeds from your purchase will go toward the PAS Clergy Discretionary and Welfare Fund. ORDER HERE
WOMEN'S NETWORK AND MEN’S CLUB WELCOME RECEPTION IN THE SUKKAH
Mon / Oct 21 / 7:00 pm / 87th St
See page 18.
REGISTER
WELLNESS WITH WOMEN’S NETWORK
Wed / Nov 20 / 11:00 am / 153d Centre St, New York, NY 10013
Gather for a wellness morning at Spring Cafe, a unique spot that serves vegan comfort food and healthy refreshments. Enjoy learning about healthy eating and living, make new friends and see old ones.
WEDNESDAYS
Classes
From post-minyan dropins to weekly evening classes, online and in person, our fall classes offer a variety of ways to learn something new with our dedicated faculty.
THURSDAYS
THE HISTORY OF THE HOLOCAUST
Wed / Begins Oct 30 / 6 sessions / 7:00 pm / 87 St
Dr. David Kaufman
The overarching historical question, “how did the Holocaust happen?” may be simple, but the answer is extraordinarily complex, with social, political, cultural, and psychological dimensions. Through study of various facets of this era, including the perpetrators, the victims, the bystanders, and the survivors, this course will demystify and explain the Holocaust as a historical phenomenon—contrary to those who see it as a unique and singular event and therefore unfathomable.
REGISTER THE WORLD OF THE BIBLE, PART
I: ANCIENT ISRAEL AND ITS WORLD
Wed / Begins Oct 30 / 6 sessions / 7:00 pm / 87 St and Online
Dr. Ed Silver
Explore the historical, cultural, and religious environment of ancient Israel and emerging Judaism to enrich your understanding of where the Bible came from and why it looks the way it does. Examining other ancient texts from Egypt, Canaan, and Mesopotamia, dive into biblical origins to situate the history of the Torah within the larger scope of the ancient Near East.
REGISTER
THE
ORIGINAL ZIONISTS: EZRA AND NEHEMIAH
Thu / Begins Oct 31 / 6 sessions / 9:30 am / 87th St
Rabbi Charles Savenor
The destruction of the First Temple in 586 BCE should have been the end of the Jewish people, but several generations later, King Cyrus of Persia miraculously enabled our ancestors to return to Zion. Explore the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which constitute the last chapters of the Biblical period and the beginning of something new. The stories of these original Zionists as well as the construction of the Second Temple expose the practical, religious, and psychological difficulties involved with returning to our homeland then and now, asking the question, can we ever go home again?
REGISTER
GENESIS (BERESHIT) PART I - FROM ADAM TO ABRAHAM: THE FIRST 20 GENERATIONS
Thu / Begins Oct 31 / 6 sessions / 9:30 am / 87 St
Rabbi Lori Koffman
Explore the first book of the Torah from the creation of Adam and Eve to the story of Abraham and Sarah, including the very first sibling rivalry that ended in murder, and examine universal narratives that serve as the foundation of the Jewish faith. You’ll gain insight into the story of the flood, the Tower of Babel, and much more, exploring themes of family, faith, honor, and power and discussing how these stories have influenced our people throughout history.
REGISTER
A HISTORY OF ISRAEL: LAND, PEOPLE, AND STATE
Wed / Begins Oct 30 / 7:00 pm / Online Thu / Begins Oct 31 / 9:30 am / 87th St Michal Abramoff
Trace the history of Israel through three key themes and experience how they come together to form the modern society we see today. Learn about the story of the Holy Land from biblical times to statehood, discover the diversity of the people of Israel, their origin stories and their representation in today’s society, and explore cultural and historical moments in the modern State of Israel.
REGISTER
MELTON CORE PROGRAM: LIVING WISDOM, YEAR OF JEWISH DISCOVERY
Thu / Begins Oct 31 / 24 sessions / 9:30 am / 87 St
Study the foundation of Jewish life and practice in this transformative program, where you will learn from our clergy and build community with your Melton cohort. Topics will include Jewish holidays and life-cycle events, the role of prayer in Jewish life, themes of God and belief, and Jewish community and peoplehood.
REGISTER
Drop-in Classes / Fall Semester
INSPIRATION AND EXPRESSION THROUGH JEWISH ART
Mon / Sep 9, Nov 11, Dec 16, Jan 27 / 7:00 pm / 89th St
Artist-in-Residence, Ellen Alt
This art workshop uses Judaic sources and Jewish artists as inspiration for launching creative expression. Each session will begin with a short introduction to a topic, followed by discussion, BYOD, and exploration of ideas, and creation of artwork.
BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
Mon / Sep 23, Nov 4, Dec 9, Jan 13, Mar 3, Apr 21, May 19 / 7:30 pm / Online
Read challenging works of literature then join a stimulating discussion of character, themes, and behavior. Come once, twice, or every time.
To join the distribution list for session updates and reminders, sign up here.
STUDY WITH RABBI COSGROVE
Tue / Weekly, Begins Oct 29 / 8:00 am / 87 St and Online
Rabbi Cosgrove
Join Rabbi Cosgrove for stimulating study and discussion to start your day from wherever you are.
To join the distribution list for session updates and reminders, email Patricia Ezewoko.
CONTEMPORARY JEWISH THOUGHT
Tue / Weekly, Begins Oct 29 / 12:00 pm / Online
Rabbi Zuckerman
Learn about and debate contemporary issues in Jewish life with the help of books, essays, and articles.
To join the distribution list for session updates and reminders, sign up here.
SHULHAN IVRIT
Thu / Sep 5, Oct 10, Nov 7, Dec 12, Jan 23 / 7:00 pm / Online
Want to practice your conversational Hebrew with others in a relaxed, welcoming environment? We’ll discuss news articles, music, and more.
JOIN VIA ZOOM
TALMUD STUDY
Fri / Weekly, Begins Nov 1 / 8:00 am / Online Rabbinic Intern Pink
Study passages of the Talmud to explore the world of the rabbis and their methodology, agreements, and disagreements. Discover how their thinking shapes us today.
To join the distribution list for session updates and reminders, sign up here.
PARASHAT HASHAVUA
Sat / Weekly, Begins Sep 7 / 9:00 am / 87th St and Online
PAS Clergy
Study the week’s Torah portion and discover a new angle to our annual parashah cycle.
JOIN VIA ZOOM
YOUTH AND TEENS
YOUTH
YOUTH: BROADWAY SHOW – SUFFS
Sun / Nov 3 / 2:30 pm / Offsite
See Suffs and learn about the history of the suffragist movement before Election Day. Parents/ guardians are welcome but not required.
Content Warning: Profanity, and there is also a scene that discusses and depicts prison abuse, specifically pertaining to starvation and forced feeding. If you have specific questions, contact Mackenzie Haun.
$85 per person
REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 23
FAMILIES: MENORAH PAINTING
Sun / Nov 17 / 12:00 pm / 87th St
Paint a new Hanukkah menorah that will become a family heirloom. Open to 3rd- through 7th-grade families. Snacks will be served.
$75 per family
Note: Charge is for one menorah; if you would like more than one, please indicate that on the registration form.
REGISTER
CHALLAH BAKE
Thu / Dec 5 / 6:30 pm / 87th St
Come learn different Challah Braiding techniques and take a challah home for Shabbat!
TEENS
PAS TEEN PROGRAM REGISTRATION (PASPORT)
PAS teens are encouraged to register for a PASport to help support the program.
REGISTER
FOOD PANTRY
Wed / 5:00–6:00 pm
Fri / 4:00–5:30 pm
The PAS Food Pantry, which is 37 years old, is coordinated and run by teens. Volunteers meet on Wednesdays to prepare food packages and on Friday afternoons to distribute packages to hundreds of local families.
No registration necessary; come when you can!
DINNER DEEP DIVES
Wed / 6:30–8:00 pm
Students grades 8–10 are invited to dinner, where we explore a topic each month. We use multimedia resources, speakers, and debates to talk about each topic. Come for the dinner, stay for the fun and riveting conversation.
REGISTER
DAYS FOR GIRLS PACKING
Fri / Sep 13, Oct 18, Nov 8, Dec 13 / 4:15 pm / 87th
St
Join fellow teens in packing items for menstrual kits that will be distributed locally and internationally.
REGISTER
TEEN AND PARENT LEARNING WITH RABBI COSGROVE
Sat / Sep 14, Nov 23, Dec 14 / Time and Location Vary
Post-Bnei Mitzvah teens and their parent(s) are invited to learn with Rabbi Cosgrove on Shabbat. This is a lovely opportunity to engage in intergenerational learning . and we always have black and white cookies.
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TEENS COMBATING ANTISEMITISM TASK FORCE
Sun / Sep 22; Oct 20; Nov 24; Dec 15 / 3:00 pm / 87th St
Join us for our third year making a difference as we educate, advocate, and empower teens in our communities and beyond to unite against antisemitism and hate. We will continue working on our website and brainstorming and implementing new ideas
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SHABBAT DINNER TOGETHER
Fri / Sep 20 / 7:30 pm / 87th St
Join us for our first monthly Teen Shabbat Dinner. Rabbi Zuckerman will be our first speaker. 8th–12th graders are invited to meet us at Kabbalat Shabbat before joining us for dinner.
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OPEN TEEN LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEETINGS
Sun / Sep 22, Oct 27, Nov 10, Dec 1 / 5:00 pm / 87th Street
The Teen Leadership Council is a group of dedicated teens who meet monthly on Sundays to create and support teen programming at Park Avenue Synagogue. Join us if you have a great idea to share, or to give your input.
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Special Events
FOOD PANTRY THANKSGIVING TURKEY
DISTRIBUTION
Wed / Nov 27 / 9:00 am – 4:00 pm / 87th St
The PAS teen-led food pantry will be giving out 500 turkeys and other food for Thanksgiving. Students in grades 8–12 are invited to help. Come for as much of the day as you like.
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MIDNIGHT RUN
Sat / Dec 7 / 8:00 pm / 87th St
Join us for a night of community service as we pack and deliver winter clothes to unhoused individuals across the city. We will begin at PAS, have dinner, sort donated items, and then go into the community with our guides from Midnight Run.
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PAULINE’S HANUKKAH PARTY
Wed / Dec 11 / 6:30 pm / 87th St
Join Pauline and other PAS friends for our annual Hanukkah celebration. We will have latkes and sufganiyot, dreidels and gelt, games and prizes.
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Teen Travel
Save the dates for these opportunities to learn more about the world, yourself, and your community.
8TH-GRADE PHILLY TRIP
Sat–Sun / Sep 28–29 / Philadelphia
Join us for a fun-packed day in Philadelphia. We're going to leave after Shabbat on Saturday night and spend a day there.
9TH- AND 10TH- GRADE DC TRIP
Fri–Mon / Nov 8–11 / Washington, D.C.
Join us for a trip to D.C., just days after the U.S. presidential election. We will visit museums, learn about politics, and lobby politicians.
11TH- AND 12TH GRADE SPAIN TRIP
Thu–Tue / Feb 13–18 / Spain
We’ll spend time in Madrid, Toledo, and Córdoba and learn about the rich history of the Jews before the Spanish Inquisition.
REGISTER BY OCTOBER 14
CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL
WELCOME-BACK SHABBAT DINNER & SERVICES
Fri / Sep 13
6:15 pm / Main Sanctuary services
7:15 pm / Dinner in the LowerLevel Ballroom
PASCS families are invited to celebrate the start of a new year together.
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PASCS CURRICULUM WEEK
Mon–Thurs / Sep 23–26 / 5:30 pm / 89th St
Parents are invited into classrooms to meet the teachers and hear about the curriculum. This will take place in your child’s classroom during the last 30 minutes of class. No registration is necessary.
PASCS LUNCH IN THE SUKKAH
Sun / Oct 20 / 12:30 pm / 87th St
The congregational school community celebrates Sukkot, the Feast of Booths, by having lunch together and shaking the lulav and etrog.
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PASCS DINNER IN THE SUKKAH
Tues / Oct 22 / 6:00 pm / 87th St
The congregational school community celebrates Sukkot, the Feast of Booths, by having dinner together and shaking the lulav and etrog.
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PASCS COMMUNITY SHABBAT DINNER
Fri / Nov 1
6:15 pm / Main Sanctuary services
7:15 pm / Dinner in the LowerLevel Ballroom
The PASCS community will come together to celebrate Shabbat.
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6TH-GRADE MILESTONE MOMENT AND SHABBAT DINNER
Fri / Nov 15
5:45 pm / Milestone Moment Third Floor 87th St
6:15 pm / Main Sanctuary services
7:15 pm / Shabbat dinner in LowerLevel Ballroom
Sixth-grade families will celebrate as students receive personalized Yads (Torah pointers) that they made in class. They will be used at their B’nei Mitzvah celebrations.
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PENN FAMILY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
LABOR DAY / OFFICES CLOSED Mon / Sep 2
PARENT WELCOME Thu / Sep 5 / 6:30 pm
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Mon / Sep 9
ALL-SCHOOL SHABBAT AND WELCOME COFFEE Fri / Sep 13
EREV ROSH HASHANAH AND ROSH HASHANAH/ SCHOOL CLOSED Wed–Fri / Oct 2–4
EREV YOM KIPPUR / SCHOOL CLOSED Fri / Oct 11
SUKKOT CELEBRATIONS Mon / Oct 14
11:30 am / Indigo 1:30 pm / Yellow 2:00 pm / Green
SUKKOT CELEBRATIONS Tue / Oct 15
11:30 am / Orange 12:30 pm / Violet 1:30 pm / Red 2:00 pm / Blue
EREV SUKKOT AND SUKKOT / SCHOOL CLOSED
Wed–Fri / Oct 16–18
CURRICULUM NIGHT AND PARENT COCKTAILS
Tue / Oct 22 / 6:30 pm / Yellow, Red, Green, Blue
SHEMINI ATZERET / SIMHAT TORAH/ SCHOOL CLOSED
Thu–Fri / Oct 24–25
BLUE ROOM CLASS VISIT
Wed / Nov 6 / 9:00 am
CAROL HENDIN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY/ SCHOOL CLOSED Mon / Nov 11 / Veterans Day
CURRICULUM NIGHT & PARENT COCKTAILS
Tue / Nov 12 / 6:30 pm / Indigo, Orange, Violet NOON DISMISSAL Nov 27
THANKSGIVING/ SCHOOL CLOSED
DAYS
/ Dec 3–4
CONFERENCES / SCHOOL CLOSED
/ Dec 10
SHABBAT Fri / Dec 13 / 9:00 am
HANUKKAH CELEBRATIONS Mon / Dec 16 11:30 am / Indigo 1:30 pm / Yellow 2:00 pm / Green HANUKKAH CELEBRATIONS Wed / Dec 18 11:30 am / Orange 12:30 pm / Violet 1:30 pm / Red 2:00 pm / Blue
WINTER BREAK / SCHOOL CLOSED
Thu–Fri / Nov 28–29 GREEN ROOM CLASS VISIT
YOUNG FAMILY EDUCATION
Music making with your mini BOKER TOV BABY AND TODDLER
Have fun making music together while you support your children's learning. Boker Tov Toddlers I (ages 10–14 months) meets on Thursdays, while Boker Tov Babies (ages 5–9 months) and Boker Tov Toddlers II (ages 15–20 months) meet on Wednesdays.
Members/$550; General/$650
Terrific Twos SHALOM SHTAYIM
Two or four days a week / Sep–May
Watch your kids explore everything from cooking to art and music as you give them a firm foundation for growing with this innovative Jewish program.
Bagels and Babies NEW-PARENTS GROUP
Tue / Sep 17, Oct 8, Nov 19, Dec 17 / 12:00 pm
Parents with babies under 12 months discuss topics ranging from sleep and developmental milestones to Jew-wishes for your children. Bring your little one and meet other parents in the same stage of life. A bagel lunch will be served.
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Pray & Sing
KABBALAT SHABBAT AND DINNER FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Thu / Sept 20, Nov 8, Dec 5 / 5:00 pm
Welcome Shabbat with YFE friends with a musical family service followed by a kid-friendly Shabbat dinner.
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Family Morning Service SHABBAT SHELANU
Sat / Sep 14, 21, 28; Oct 5, 19, 26; Nov 2, 9, 23; Dec 7, 14 / 10:30 am
Cantor Reisner
This musical service with familyfriendly Shabbat activity is geared for those who have children ages newborn-2nd grade. Led by Cantor Reisner, your family will sing, pray, and learn together.
Shana Tova with YFE
HIGH HOLIDAYS SERVICES FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Thu–Fri / Oct 3–4
Sat / Oct 12
Welcome the new year at a musical service that will engage your family and start you off on a wonderful note.
Sukkah Shenanigans
YFE SUKKAH BRUNCH
Sun / Oct 20 / 10:30 am
Cantor Reisner and Ellen Alt
A morning filled with Sukkot festivities. Music, art, and munchies: Who could ask for more?
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Torah for Tots
YFE SIMHAT TORAH
Thu / Oct 24 / 5:00 pm
Cantor Reisner
Ring in Simhat Torah by singing favorite Torah songs with the whole family. Cantor Reisner will lead a celebration that’s fun for kids and kids at heart.
Shalom Shabbat
HAVDALAH
Sat / Nov 16 / 5:00 pm
Cantor Reisner
Say shalom (goodbye) to Shabbat with your YFE friends. In addition to Havdalah, we will do a special project.
Hanukkah, oh Hanukkah
HANUKKAH CONCERT
Sun / Dec 15 / 10:30 am
Get in the Hanukkah spirit with a special YFE concert. Sing, dance, and nosh on some sufganiot.
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From the Upper East to the Middle East ISRAEL TRIP
June 9–19, 2025
Rabbi Cosgrove and Jamie Diamond
Join PAS clergy, staff, and members of the community in June 2025 for a trip to Israel that’s geared toward PAS families with children ages 4–10 and their siblings. It’s a wonderful opportunity for first-time and return visitors alike. Watch your children discover, experience, and connect to the land and people of Israel.
Highlights include exploring the Galilee, rafting down the Jordan River, touring the mystical city of Tzfat, Shabbat in Jerusalem, floating in the Dead Sea, and a special tikkun olam project.
REGISTRATION OPENS IN NOVEMBER
LOOKING AHEAD
WINTER CONCERT
@PARKAVENUESYN
For updates and further information, please visit pasyn.org.
Leiman Maisel Family SHABBATON
Fri–Sat / Jan 24–25, 2025
From the Upper East to the Middle East JUNE 9–19, 2025 ISRAEL TRIP
