Fall Mah Hadash 2025 | Park Avenue Synagogue by pasyn

שדח המ MAH HADASH

FALL 2025

Fall brings school openings, cooler air, and changing leaves along with the High Holiday celebrations we look forward to. This season 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, of course, worship. Our High Holiday worship as we welcome the year 5786 begins with Erev Rosh Hashanah on September 22. Adults, as well as teens and youth, have a variety of options to choose from, including special activities and events. Please take a look at our offerings and find what interests you.

WORSHIP

It’s always uplifting 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

Gather the family and 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 morning service, with Torah reading, a sermon, and often with celebration of Bnei Mitzvah.

HASHKAMAH MINYAN

Sat / Weekly / 7:30 am / 87th St

At our lay-led early Shabbat service, we gather as a community of committed daveners to celebrate Shabbat and connect with tradition.

SHABBAT B’YACHAD

Sat /Oct 25, Dec 13 / 10:00 am / 87th St

Find the joy of Shabbat music and liturgy in a smaller setting with the opportunity to participate and engage in Jewish learning.

For questions or more information, email Rabbi Zauzmer at SZauzmer@pasyn.org.

PRAYER FOUNDATIONS

Sat / Nov 15 / 10:00 am / 87th St

Do you want to access more spirituality in Jewish prayer? Become more comfortable with Shabbat morning services and their choreography? Understand what the prayers mean?

Perhaps you have a child’s Bnei Mitzvah on the horizon and want to understand the service better for that special day? Perhaps you are exploring Judaism in our Pathways classes?

Perhaps you have come to services many times and just want to learn more about them? In Prayer Foundations, together, we explore the world of Jewish prayer, learn its whats, hows and whys, and pray.

For questions or more information, email Rabbi Koffman at lkoffman@pasyn.org.

Pre-Shabbat Oneg with Remarks from MK Naama Lazimi

Fri / Sep 12 / 5:00 pm / 87th St

Join us for a special Oneg before Kabbalat Shabbat. We're honored to be joined by Knesset Member Naama Lazimi, who will share remarks. You'll also get to meet and greet with our new clergy interns, Rabbinic Intern Claire Bruder, Cantorial Intern Kelsey Bailey, and our new Shlichim (Israel emissaries), Dagan Shimoni and Daniel Ohayon

HOLIDAYS

Whether observing Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur, Sukkot, or Simhat Torah, we look forward to these opportunities to worship and learn together.

Sat / Sep 13

SELIHOT LEARNING AND SERVICE

Sat / Sep 13 / 87th St and Online

7:00 pm / Learning with Rabbi Lisa Goldstein

7:45 pm / Havdalah and Selihot Service

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, engage in the spiritual practice of learning and prayers to prepare for the High Holidays.

Rabbi Lisa Goldstein is a spiritual teacher and a certified master practitioner of NARM, a cutting-edge modality for working with complex trauma. She served for many years as director of Hillel of San Diego and as executive director of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, a global leader of Jewish mindfulness and spiritual practices. She has taught Jewish mindfulness meditation, prayer, and spiritual practices for over 20 years.

Kol Nidrei Appeal

Our annual Kol Nidrei Appeal allows us to continue providing innovative programs and meaningful worship experiences. We are grateful to you for making it a priority again this year. Your generosity is what allows us to remain an inclusive community at the forefront of Judaism.

If you have made your gift, thank you! If you still need to donate, click here.

High Holidays 5786

We look forward to our community joining together to welcome 5786. We offer numerous opportunities to engage in meaningful prayer and reflection as a community.

HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICES LOCATIONS

• MAIN SANCTUARY: 50 EAST 87TH STREET

• DARLINGTON HALL: 4 EAST 90TH STREET

• THE DALTON SCHOOL: 108 EAST 89TH STREET

• THIRD FLOOR CHAPEL: 50 EAST 87TH STREET

• FIFTH FLOOR: 50 EAST 87TH STREET

• LOWER LEVEL: 50 EAST 87TH STREET

• ELI M. BLACK CENTER FOR LIFELONG LEARNING: 11 EAST 89TH STREET

HIGH HOLIDAY SCHEDULES

• YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES

• THIRD-FLOOR CHAPEL SERVICES

• TEEN SERVICES (GRADES 7-12)

• SANCTUARY

• FIFTH AVENUE

• LOWER LEVEL

• LIVESTREAM

America Turns 250: Truths, Self-Evident & Otherwise

Thu / Oct 2 / 2:30 pm / 87th St and Online

Dr. Richard Haass, Dr. Julian Zelizer, and Rabbi Cosgrove see page 18

You're always part of our community—wherever you are. Stream our services from the comfort of your home online via the platforms below. Stay connected. Stay inspired.

• PAS CONNECT

• PASYN.ORG

• YOUTUBE

• FACEBOOK

The Festival of Sukkot / Oct 6–Oct 13

WEEKDAY AFTERNOON AND FESTIVAL EVENING SERVICES

Mon / Oct 6 / 6:00 pm / 87th St and Online

FESTIVAL MORNING SERVICES

Tue / Oct 7 / 9:45 am / 87th St and Online

FESTIVAL AFTERNOON AND EVENING SERVICES

Tue / Oct 7 / 6:00 pm / 87th St and Online

FESTIVAL MORNING SERVICES

Wed / Oct 8 / 9:45 am / 87th St and Online

DINNER IN THE SUKKAH

Fri / Oct 10 / Following Shabbat services / 87th St

Celebrate Sukkot with a catered dinner in the sukkah.

$80 member, $100 general, $40 child under 12.

Questions? Call Rebecca Serlin at 212-369-2600 or email rserlin@pasyn.org

RSVP by noon on Friday, Oct. 3

BYOD IN THE SUKKAH!

Sat / Oct 11 / 7:00 pm / 87th St

Join us for a dairy BYOD (bring your own dinner)! Wine and cookies will be served. Bon appetit!

RSVP by noon on Friday, Oct. 3

DAY SCHOOL DINNER IN THE SUKKAH

Sun / Oct 12 / 7:00 pm / Sukkah 87th St

Day-school families unite for a festive dinner.

Shemini Atzeret / Oct 13–Oct 14

WEEKDAY AFTERNOON AND FESTIVAL EVENING SERVICES

Mon / Oct 13 / 6:00 pm / 87th St and Online

FESTIVAL MORNING SERVICES, INCLUDING YIZKOR

Tue / Oct 14 / 9:45 am / 87th St and Online

PURCHASE A LULAV & ETROG

$50 per set

Deadline is 11:00 am Monday, Sep 29.

Pickup is Friday, Oct 3, 9:30 am–3:00 pm and Monday, Oct 6, 9:30 am–2:30 pm, or on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct 7 and 8, during Sukkot morning services.

For more information, contact Allen Paisner at apaisner@pasyn.org, 212-369-2600, x102.

Simhat Torah Celebration and Honorees / Oct 14–Oct 15

Stephanie Levey

Stephanie Levey has been a dedicated PAS volunteer for nearly two decades, during which time she has served on the Congregational School, Music, Tikkun Olam, and Social Work committees, co-chaired the Bnei Mitzvah track of the synagogue’s record-setting 2018 trip to Israel, and raised four children who have been teen leaders in the community. These are only some of the achievements that made her an obvious choice as a 2025 Simhat Torah honoree.

For Stephanie, volunteerism is a family value. Her father was a longtime volunteer and chairman of his synagogue. His hard work influenced her involvement at PAS and inspired her to become a role model for her children.

When Stephanie and her husband, Stephen, were looking to join a synagogue, they wanted a place that would merge their backgrounds – his Ashkenazi Reform upbringing in the United

States and her traditional Sephardic upbringing abroad. (Stephanie’s parents are Moroccan, and she was raised in France until she was 9.) Stephanie and Stephen were immediately comfortable at PAS, and they were determined to make the community an important part of their lives and the lives of their children.

With her children in Congregational School, Stephanie began volunteering at PAS on the Congregational School Committee. “I wanted to better understand the Congregational School and to contribute in my own way,” she said. She then joined the Music Committee and more recently, the Tikkun Olam and Social Work committees.

Stephanie said that being the co-chair of the Tikkun Olam Committee for the past three years “has been another wonderful way to give back to PAS and to contribute to the greater community.”

She reflected that “the Tikkun Olam Committee has really grown and has potential to do even more. It’s come such a long way over the past few years. Our work encourages the PAS community to come together and to give back to the larger community and outside world.”

The committee’s work includes ongoing projects, seasonal work based on a theme, and projects to support a need or event, such as park cleanups and get-out-the-vote efforts. It was her committee work that inspired the Monthly Mitzvah challenge.

Stephanie, who has a full-time private practice as a licensed clinical psychologist, served on the task force to find and hire PAS social worker

Suzanne Redlich, and she continues to provide support to Suzanne and her work.

Cantor Azi Schwartz said that it was “such a joy” to collaborate with Stephanie on the Music Committee. “Her deep love for Jewish music, combined with her thoughtful leadership, helped shape a spirit of creativity and community that still resonates,” he said.

“Stephanie is also an incredible role model: a successful professional, a dedicated lay leader at PAS, and a caring mother whose children are deeply involved in our community and clearly take their cues from her. Her commitment and presence enrich every space she enters.”

Stephanie shared that “Friday night services were and continue to be a big part of our lives, and my children continue to feel connected to PAS.”

Her oldest two, inspired by their work as teen leaders at PAS, have taken on leadership roles in Jewish groups at college.

The PAS community was particularly meaningful to Stephanie when dealing with a family health crisis in 2021; she felt an incredible sense of support during that time.

Stephanie’s family was among the large group who traveled to Israel in 2018, during which she served as co-chair of the Bnei Mitzvah track.

“The trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that built and reinforced friendships and was an opportunity to be in Israel with my

family, old and new friends, and the whole PAS community,” Stephanie said. “It reflected what PAS does best – lay leaders and professional leaders working together – which made for a spectacular experience.”

She said she’s “extremely humbled and grateful for this honor. I feel so lucky to be part of a community where so many people want to be involved. It renews and continues to reinvigorate my desire to do more. It has been such a formative part of my life and of my family’s life.”

Steve Wasserman

Steve Wasserman and his wife, Randi, joined PAS in the late 1990s, but their connection to PAS dates back nearly a half century, beginning when Randi’s family became members in the mid-1970s.

Steve and Randi were married by Rabbi Nadich and Cantor Lefkowitz in 1988. Steve loves the community and has made it a central part of his life since his daughter Samantha and son Josh attended the Penn Family Early Childhood Center. It’s his long and happy journey of milestones, simchas and dedicated volunteer work that has resulted in his being named a 2025 Simhat Torah honoree.

“I was first asked by Art Penn if I was interested in getting involved in the synagogue,” he said. “Randi and I became friendly with Art and Ilene Penn when Josh and their daughter Madeline were in the same class at the ECC. Since then,

I’ve participated in clergy searches, advisory committees, the audit committee, and served on the board for nearly ten years. PAS is a very special place, with an amazing community and inspiring clergy.”

Steve’s commitment and contributions to the PAS community are unparalleled,” said Rabbi Cosgrove. “His dedication shines through in everything he does. He’s the consummate volunteer, and his longtime service on various committees has been a key factor in the success and growth of our congregation."

Cantor Azi Schwartz said that “Steve’s energy is infectious, and his love for PAS is evident in everything he does. He served as co-chair of the Assistant Cantor Search Committee and led that important process with care and dedication, and the results speak for themselves.”

Steve, a partner at Brown Rudnick LLP, has degrees from Union College and Cardozo School of Law. His business acumen has been instrumental in much of his committee work.

“Steve is always available to support Park Avenue Synagogue and has done so for many decades at this point,” said Art Penn, honorary chairman.

Steve and Randi frequently attend Friday night services and have been involved with study groups and Hamptons Shabbat. Steve’s daughter Samantha took inspiration from his involvement and has also been a lay leader, serving as co-chair of PAS’ NextDor, a social

group for young adults. Samantha, who got married in February, met her husband through NextDor in a match that was facilitated by Rabbi Shayna Zauzmer.

Steve and Randi have participated in several trips with PAS, including a Bnei Mitzvah visit to Israel for the Bar Mitzvah of their son Josh in 2008 and, in 2019, as part of PAS’ largest congregational pilgrimage to Israel. They have also joined congregational trips to Poland, Germany, Budapest, and Prague. They visited Poland again, for the Ride For The Living, which supports the JCC Krakow. They are looking forward to the congregational trip to Argentina this fall.

Penn summed up Steve’s hard work, saying, “He has contributed in so many ways, including from a legal perspective, a synagogueoperations perspective, and, most importantly, from a human perspective. Steve’s kindness, decency, and menschlikeit are always the overriding characteristics of his involvement.”

Planned Giving

and the L’Dor V’Dor Circle"

Park Avenue Synagogue has served its members and the greater Jewish community for nearly 150 years. Your legacy gift will help ensure that we can continue providing the meaningful Jewish education, worship, and community you cherish for the next 150 years.

Each year, planned gifts make a significant direct contribution to our budget. Legacy gifts build our endowment, an investment that creates a lasting source of income that secures the future of Park Avenue Synagogue for our children and grandchildren.

To learn more, visit Planned Giving.

On Eagles’ Wings: 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.

Broadway: A Jewish Journey

This album celebrates the legacy of Jewish composers who shaped Broadway. From the bimah to the Yiddish Theatre, from Carousel to Rent from Wicked back to the synagogue, this musical journey highlights the powerful intersection of Jewish experience and musical theater. Through struggle and protest, hope and dreams, these songs resound where sacred tradition meets Broadway creativity, where drama on the stage meets the prayer of a Jewish heart.

Cantor Azi Schwartz

featuring

Cantor Mira Davis

Julie Benko

Cantor Arielle Reisner

David Enlow, Music Director

Audio Editing and Mixing: Oscar Acevedo, Oli Jung

Assistant Producer: Dominique Pasols

SUN / NOV 23 / 10:00 AM / 87TH ST

On this annual day of good deeds, participate in projects for all ages that help organizations serving our NYC community and beyond. On this annual day of good deeds, participate in projects for all ages that help organizations serving our NYC community and beyond.

Music Album

Doing Good Together

Vicki K. Wimpfheimer

Mitzvah Day

MEMBER RESOURCES

BUILDING RESILIENCY IN LATER LIFE

Tue / Sep 2, 9 / 4:00 pm / Online

This six-part guided discussion series explores topics such as courage, meaning in life, vulnerability, legacy, intentional living, and gratitude. Each meeting will feature discussion and activities, with the goal of sharing life experiences, values, aspirations, and fostering new relationships within the PAS community. These sessions are led by DOROT social worker Jane Blumenstein. For questions, please email Blumenstein at jblumenstein@dorotusa.org or Suzanne Redlich at sredlich@pasyn.org.

PARTNERING TOGETHER: CAREGIVING FOR A FAMILY MEMBER WITH DEMENTIA

Mon / Oct 20, 27, Nov 3, 10, 17, 24, Dec 1, 8, 15, 22 /

12-1:30 pm / 87th St

PAS Social Worker Suzanne Redlich, LCSW and CaringKind Social Worker Shira Felberbaum Kedem, LMSW, MS

This 10-week psychoeducational group is for those who are caregivers for a family member who is experiencing mild cognitive impairment or various types of dementia, including Alzheimer's, Lewy body, vascular, frontotemporal, or mixed dementias. Each session focuses on providing foundational knowledge about disease progression, adapting to changing relationships, coping with grief and loss, engaging a broader support system, grappling with legal and financial considerations, and the role of spirituality. A caregiver or care partner is anyone who tends to the emotional, physical, financial, or other needs of a person with dementia or memory loss.

Schedule a screening

In Collaboration with CaringKind

CAREGIVING SUPPORT GROUPS: CARING FOR A PARENT OR SPOUSE WITH DEMENTIA

Monthly / 87th St

PAS Social Worker Suzanne Redlich, LCSW

These support groups are for members who are care partners for a loved one with memory loss or dementia. Participation in our “Partnering Together” 10-week psychoeducational group series is a prerequisite. For more information, contact our social worker, Suzanne Redlich, at sredlich@pasyn.org or 212-369-2600 x105.

SPOUSAL BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

Thu / Nov 13, Dec 18, Jan 15

This monthly bereavement group is for members who have lost a spouse. A phone interview with our social worker, Suzanne Redlich, is required before joining. To join or for more information, contact Suzanne at 212-3692600 x105.

JEWISH COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP

Coming soon!

In partnership with the Jewish Community Mental Health Initiative (JCMHI), this clinicianled group offers a safe environment to process complex emotions, traumatic experiences, and grief stemming from the rise in antisemitism. Additional details to come.

OUR PROGRAMS

PAS CELEBRATES AMERICA AT 250

In the year leading up to America’s 250th birthday, join PAS for a variety of programs across the synagogue to mark this historic moment. We’ll dive into many facets of America’s past, present, and future, and explore our place in the great American story.

Learn more

From Page to Stage: ‘The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay’

THU / SEP 11 / 7:00 PM / 87TH ST AND ONLINE

Ahead of the company premiere of Mason Bates’ and librettist Gene Scheer's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay join PAS and the Metropolitan Opera for a discussion about the new work (on stage Sep 21Oct 11), as well as performances of select pieces from the opera, performed by the PAS Choir and Metropolitan Opera stars. In this new adaptation of Michael Chabon’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel, set shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, two Jewish cousins invent an antifascist superhero and launch their own comic-book series, hoping to recruit America into the fight against Nazism.

Rabbi Lori Koffman will moderate a panel featuring PAS music director David Enlow, composer Mason Bates, and Dr. Miriam Mora, a historian of Jewish immigration.

America Turns 250:

Truths, Self-Evident & Otherwise

THU / OCT 2 / 2:30 PM / 87TH ST AND ONLINE

DR. RICHARD HAASS, DR. JULIAN ZELIZER, AND RABBI COSGROVE

As the kickoff to our year of America at 250 programming, our Yom Kippur afternoon learning will look at key moments in our history and discuss our present and future.

Dr. Richard Haass, a veteran diplomat and respected scholar of international relations, is president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Dr. Julian Zelizer is the Malcolm Stevenson Forbes, Class of 1941 Professor of History and Public Affairs at Princeton University, a columnist for Foreign Policy and a New York Times best-selling author.

In-Person for PAS Members Only

Community Shabbat Dinner With PAS Clergy

FRI / NOV 14 / 7:30 PM / 87TH ST

Bring in Shabbat as a community. The program will feature learning with Rabbi Cosgrove, singing with Cantor Schwartz, and gathering over dinner with our clergy and friends old and new.

MEN’S CLUB

OUR COMMUNITIES

Engage with PAS from your own perspective. Join our Arms and Committees and make friends who share your interests.

This monthly series features guest speakers on a variety of topics, followed by time to socialize over snacks and drinks.

• SEPTEMBER: DISCUSSION WITH CAROL BECKER

Wed / Sep 10 / 1:00 pm

Carol Becker, PAS member and owner of William Greenberg Desserts, will share her journey from home baking for friends to owning Greenberg's, a New York institution. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with Becker about her experience with entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and growing Greenberg in NYC; and, of course, there will be cookies!

• NOVEMBER: NUTRITION AND AGING WITH LARA METZ

Wed / Nov 5 / 1:00 pm

Lara Metz, PAS member and a registered dietitian, will share insights about how nutrition needs change as we age and will offer some tips to incorporate and maintain a nutritious diet through life changes.

70+ LUNCH TOGETHER

Thu / Nov 13 / 1:00 pm

Enjoy a luncheon with the 70+ community that includes a buffet, time to see old friends and make new ones, and learning with Rabbi Zuckerman.

ROSES FOR ROSH HASHANAH

Surprise a friend, honor a family member, or treat yourself by ordering roses for Rosh Hashanah. Roses can be delivered anywhere in Manhattan, and a portion of your purchase will help support the PAS Teen Food Pantry.

Order bouquets by Thursday, Sep 18.

MEN’S CLUB AND DADS' GROUP: ISRAEL UPDATE WITH URI FEINBERG

Mon / Sep 8 / 6:30 pm / 87th St

Discuss the latest headlines and most pressing issues in Israel with Uri Feinberg, Israel educator and tour guide.

PAS members only

WOMEN'S NETWORK AND MEN'S CLUB FALL KICKOFF IN THE SUKKAH

Wed / Oct 8 / 7:00 pm / 87th St

Enjoy an array of wines, a sampling of top-shelf spirits, and a tasty menu in our rooftop sukkah. Don’t miss this evening of building community, connecting with old friends, and meeting new ones as we kick off the new year together.

PAS members only

MEN’S CLUB TORAH ON TAP

Thu / Nov 6 / 6:30 pm / Location provided upon registration

Gather for a learning session over bites and drinks. This session will feature Dr. Stephen Arnoff, CEO of the Fuchsberg Jerusalem Center, in dialogue with Rabbi Zuckerman on the topic of Torah and rock and roll. Arnoff, a former musician, is the author of About Man and God and Law: The Spiritual Wisdom of Bob Dylan

PAS members only

MEN’S CLUB AT VICKI K. WIMPFHEIMER MITZVAH DAY

Sun / Nov 23 / 10:00 am / 87th St

Join our annual Mitzvah Day project assembling Hanukkah care packages for clients of Project Ezra, which helps frail Jewish elderly on the Lower East Side live with dignity, companionship, and community.

see page 13

WOMEN’S NETWORK

CHALLAH FOR ROSH HASHANAH

Prepare for the holidays and do a yummy mitzvah. Order challahs for yourself or send loaves to friends to wish them a sweet new year. Choose between plain, raisin, whole-wheat, or poppy challahs from the William Greenberg Desserts. A portion of the proceeds from your purchase will go to the PAS Clergy Discretionary and Welfare Fund.

Order by Thursday, Sep 18.

WOMEN'S NETWORK AND MEN'S CLUB FALL KICKOFF IN THE SUKKAH

Wed / Oct 8 / 7:00 pm / 87th St

COOKBOOK LAUNCH: ‘WILLIAM GREENBERG DESSERTS BAKES VEGAN’

Mon / Nov 17 / 11:00 am / Location provided upon registration

Carol Becker, owner of William Greenberg Desserts, will share insights from her personal story, from home baking for friends to owning a storied New York bakery. She'll discuss her experience with entrepreneurship and philanthropy, growing Greenberg's in NYC, and her latest cookbook focused on plant-based treats.

Registration coming soon

PAS members only

WOMEN’S NETWORK AT VICKI K. WIMPFHEIMER MITZVAH DAY

Sun / Nov 23 / 10:00 am / 87th St

Join our annual Mitzvah Day project assembling personal-care packages for clients of East Harlem WIN, which provides safe housing and critical services to help homeless women and their children rebuild their lives.

see page 13

NEXTDOR

NEXTDOR FALL SHABBAT DINNER

Fri / Sep 5 / 7:30 pm / 87th St

Kick off the fall with the NextDor community at the first Shabbat dinner of the season, featuring drinks, food, and friends.

NEXTDOR SUKKAH SCHMOOZE

Thu / Oct 9 / 7:00 pm / 87th St

Gather in the PAS sukkah with friends and enjoy a hummus and falafel bar and drinks.

NEXTDOR MITZVAH NIGHT

Thu / Nov 13 / 7:00 pm / 87th St

Roll up your sleeves and volunteer to help assemble care packages for our neighbors in need.

Join NextDor+ and get the most out of our 20s and 30s community!

While our NextDor events are open to all those who are 21-39, NextDor+ offers greater access to the vibrant community.

• 50% off 2025-26 NextDor events (one event per month from September to May)

• Opportunity to buy significantly discounted PAS High Holiday tickets to the Third-Floor service at 87th St, subject to availability

• Admission to our annual Cocktails with the Clergy event, exclusively for those in NextDor+

• Priority admission off the waitlist for 2025-26 NextDor events

• NextDor swag

Learn more and join NextDor+ today!

OLAM

Join our monthly initiative to make sandwiches at home to nourish our neighbors in need. Drop them off at the synagogue in the morning for delivery. The New York Common Pantry also accepts used delivery tote bags that are clean, in good condition, and with personal information removed.

In partnership with Jewish Voters Unite, reach out to Jewish voters across New York City for an evening of text banking to ensure voters have the information they need to make their voices heard at the ballot box on Nov. 4.

Explore the intersection of politics, art, culture, and social dynamics during Hollywood’s Red Scare through photographs, objects, and film. Personal narratives of the blacklisted “Hollywood Ten,” members of Congress, and film executives reveal different approaches to what it means to be a patriotic American.

MONDAYS

NEW!

INTRO TO TORAH: STORIES OF OUR PEOPLE

Mon / Weekly / Begins Oct 20 / 9:00 am / Online

Rabbinic Intern Claire Davidson Bruder

Ever wonder who Abraham and Sarah really were? From Creation to Canaan and beyond, explore the stories and characters of the Torah that form the foundation of our heritage and traditions. Learn how to approach the study of Torah through various methods of inquiry such as Rabbinic commentaries, Midrash, modern scholarship, and more.

Zoom

Join Email List

INSPIRATION AND EXPRESSION THROUGH JEWISH ART

Mon / Sep 15, Oct 20, Nov 17 / 7:00 pm / 89th St

Ellen Alt

Use 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 and exploration of ideas and creation of artwork.

PAS members only

TUESDAYS

STUDY

WITH RABBI COSGROVE

Tue / Weekly / Begins Oct 21 / 8:00 am / 87th St and Online

Join Rabbi Cosgrove for stimulating study and discussion to start your day from wherever you are.

Join Email List

CONTEMPORARY JEWISH THOUGHT

Tue / Weekly / Begins Oct 21 / 12:00 pm / Online

Rabbi Zuckerman

Learn about and discuss contemporary issues and current events in Jewish life with the help of books, articles, essays, and guest speakers.

Zoom

Join Email List

WEDNESDAYS

SEEKING DEEPER MEANING: THE METHOD OF MIDRASH

Wed / Weekly / Begins Oct 22 / 9:30 am / Online

Rabbi Zauzmer

Engage in an interactive study of several midrashim (rabbinic interpretations of the Torah) in English over the course of the year. We will delve into their deeper meanings and apply the lessons of these midrashim to our modern lives. No prior knowledge or experience necessary.

Zoom

Join Email List

INTRODUCTORY HEBREW

Wed / Begins Oct 22 / 10 Sessions / 5:15 pm / 87th St

Michal Nachmany

Want to begin your Hebrew learning journey?

This class will help you learn the letters and vowels as well as basic vocabulary and phrases in an interactive setting.

ADULT BNEI MITZVAH

Wed / Begins Oct 22 / 26 Sessions / 6:30 pm / 87th St

Rabbi Koffman and Cantor Davis

Our adult Bnei Mitzvah program is a year-long journey for those who have not experienced a bar or bat mitzvah, would like to affirm and strengthen their commitment to Jewish growth, and wish to increase their learning. Combining study for its own sake with learning synagogue skills, we explore Jewish issues and texts as well as learning to read and chant blessings, prayers, and Torah and Haftarah trope, culminating with a Bnei Mitzvah celebration on Shavuot.

Class size is limited.

PATHWAYS: INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM

Wed / Begins Sep 3 / 18 Sessions

Rabbis Zuckerman, Koffman, and Pink Jewish, Jew-ish, or Jew-curious? The Pathways course provides fundamental knowledge, practical skills, and clarifying insights into Jewish culture. Learn about the Torah and Judaism’s many rituals, values, and holidays, and explore Judaism’s past, present, and future with guidance from the rabbinic faculty. If you are considering conversion to Judaism, the Pathways course is for you.

Join interest list

BIBLE STORIES AS YOU’VE NEVER HEARD THEM

Wed / Begins Oct 22 / 10 Sessions / 7:00 pm / 87th St and Online

Dr. Ed Silver

The stories in the Hebrew Bible are frequently irreverent, and its authors delighted in ambiguity, wordplay, and ambivalence. But the text has often been badly served by its translators so that these literary undercurrents are lost. Recovering the Bible's original aesthetic force requires us to attune ourselves to its voice and learn how biblical narrative differs from the narrative styles we are accustomed to. We will survey a range of biblical texts, discussing their internal themes and their literary style with an eye to discovering what these stories meant to the Israelites who first told them.

A DEEPER LOOK AT ISRAELI CURRENT EVENTS

Wed / Begins Oct 22 / 8 Sessions / 7:00 pm / 87th St

Michal Abramoff

Take a deep dive into the most pressing issues in Israel. Featuring a new current-events topic each week, each class will provide a rich cultural and historical perspective with a focus on the historical background of the issue, the cultural translation of Israeli perspectives around it, and discussion of possible outcomes and ramifications.

THURSDAYS

MELTON CORE: YEAR OF JEWISH DISCOVERY

Thu / Begins Oct 23 / 24 Sessions / 9:15 am / 87th St

Rabbis Zuckerman, Koffman, and Pink 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 group. Topics will include Jewish holidays and lifecycle events, key moments in Jewish history, the role of prayer in Jewish life, themes of God and belief, and Jewish community and peoplehood. If you have always wanted to try Melton, we encourage you to sign up.

UNDERSTANDING ZIONISM: THE RETURN TO THE JEWISH HOMELAND

Thu / Begins Oct 23 / 5 Sessions / 9:15 am / 87th St and Online

Rabbi Cosgrove

The remarkable story of Zionism chronicles a people who, having been exiled from their homeland and suffered from prejudice and oppression for 2,000 years, maintained a strong identity, never losing faith with the dream of an eventual return home. Examine how these ancient dreams took on new religious, cultural, national, and political dimensions that actualized into the Zionist Enterprise, culminating in the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, and the continued understanding of Zionism up to today, its relationship with the Jewish people in the Diaspora, and some of the contemporary challenges it faces.

TIMELESS WISDOM FROM THE BOOKS OF ECCLESIASTES, LAMENTATIONS, AND SONG OF SONGS

Thu / Begins Oct 23 / 10 Sessions / 9:15 am / 87th St

Rabbi Charles Savenor

Delve into the mysteries of these ancient megillot of Ecclesiastes, Lamentations, and Song of Songs as they muse over the meaning of life, describe national suffering, and depict the power of love. Study both the original text and the commentaries, both ancient and contemporary, as they uncover and untangle the complex and everlasting messages about our relationship to the Divine, humanity, and everyday life.

THE TIES THAT BIND: INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND JUDAISM

Thu / Begins Oct 23 / 6 sessions / 9:15 am / 87th St

Rabbi Koffman

From parents and children to friends, neighbors, partners, and even strangers, relationships can bring both great challenges and deep meaning to our lives. Focusing on a different topic each week, we explore what Judaism has to say about the way we relate to each other.

FRIDAYS

BEGINNING TORAH TROPE

Thu / Begins Oct 23 / 6 Sessions / 5:00 pm / 87th St

Cantor Reisner

Have you always wanted to learn to read Torah? This course will teach you the basics of trope, the cantillation system used for chanting the Torah reading. Students should be able to read Hebrew, but do not need to understand it.

TALMUD STUDY

Weekly / Begins Oct 24 / 8:00 am / 87th St and Online

Rabbi Pink

Study passages of the Talmud to explore the world of the rabbis and their methodology, agreements, and disagreements. Discover how their thinking shapes Jewish law and tradition today.

Zoom

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SATURDAYS

PARASHAT HASHAVUA

Weekly / Begins Sep 6 / 9:00 am / 87th St and Online

Clergy Rotation

Study the week’s Torah portion and discover a new angle to our annual parashah cycle.

Zoom

TEENS

Welcome Back Ice Cream Party / Backpack Drive

SUN / SEP 7 / 2:00 PM / 87TH ST

We hope you had a great summer and will join us for ice cream and some tikkun olam. Please bring school supplies and/or a backpack. We hope to pack and donate 50 backpacks to a local school.

YEAR-LONG OPPORTUNITIES

GRADES 8 AND 9 SUNDAY CIVICS SEMINAR

Sun / Sep 14, Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec 7, Jan 11, Mar 1, Apr 19, May 3 / 11:00 am

The seminar will be led by Rabbi Pink and Ariel Glueck and will include sessions by other PAS rabbis as well as guest speakers. The program will help our students understand what it means to be a Jewish American and how to think about current events and issues in America through a Jewish lens. Participants will get to know other organizations that are addressing these issues and consider how volunteering may make a positive impact on our community.

Information and Registration

GRADES 10–12 BEREN SCHOLARS

Sun / Sep 14, Oct 19, Dec 7, Jan 11, Mar 1, Apr 19, May 3 / 11:00 am Tue / Nov 4 / 6:30 pm

As Jewish teens prepare for college or university, developing a strong connection to and sophisticated understanding of Israel has never been more important. The Beren Scholars, our newest initiative, provides meaningful Israel education and engagement for teens and parents at this critical time.

Applications are no longer open, but more information may be found here.

ORAL HISTORY PROJECT

Sun / Oct 5, 26, Nov 16, Dec 7, Mar 1, 8, Apr 19 / 1:30 pm and 1 interview (2 hours) and 1 voice-over recording (30 min)

Join us in interviewing seniors in our community. You will learn about the interview and podcast processes, build relationships with elders, hear about their lives, and leave with a podcast episode.

Apply by Sep 20

PASTA (PAS TEACHING ASSISTANT) PROGRAM

Teen volunteers in 8th-12th grade are placed in a Congregational School class and matched with a mentor teacher. In the classroom, PASTAs support their mentor teachers, lead class activities, and work one-on-one with students. The teens learn teaching and leadership skills while they build relationships with students.

Apply

PARENT / TEEN LEARNING WITH RABBI COSGROVE

Sat / Oct 25, Dec 13, Jan 24, Feb 28, Apr 11, May 16 / 3:30 pm / Rabbi Cosgrove's home

Post-Bnei Mitzvah teens and their parent(s) learn with Rabbi Cosgrove on Shabbat. This is a lovely opportunity to engage in intergenerational learning. And we always have black-and-white cookies.

GRADE 8 PARENT GROUP

Tue / Nov 12, Dec 3, Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 4, Apr 1 / 6:30 pm / Location Varies

We will draw on Jewish wisdom and social-emotional learning to explore a range of conversations and topics connected to parenting adolescents. Rabbi Zuckerman will bring his rabbinic wisdom, as well as his experience parenting teens, and Ariel Glueck will bring her social work experience and expertise as a Jewish educator with youth. These sessions will be home-hosted.

FOOD PANTRY

Wednesdays, 5:00 pm Fridays, 4:00 pm

Join us for our longest running teen program. Come pack food on Wednesdays and distribute on Fridays. Come twice a week or once in a while to hang out with your PAS friends and make a difference. No need to register.

TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES

GRADE 8 PHILLY TRIP

Sat–Sun / Mar 7–8 / Philadephia

Explore Philadelphia with us. We're going to leave after Shabbat on Saturday night and return on Sunday. Register

GRADES 9 AND 10 CIVILRIGHTS

TRIP

Thu–Sun / Nov 6–9 / Alabama and Georgia

Hosted by Ariel Glueck and Rabbi Pink, we will hear from people who fought for their rights and learn about advocacy through a Jewish lens.

GRADES 11 AND 12 SPAIN TRIP

Thu–Mon / Jan 15–19 / Spain

Led by Ariel Glueck and Rabbi Cosgrove, we will learn about Jewish history before the Spanish Inquisition, meet with young Jews, and explore Spanish culture.

CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL

OPENING

OF CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL

Week of Sep 8, 2025

Welcome back to PASCS! We look forward to seeing all of our families at 11 East 89th St for another great year.

CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL WELCOME-BACK SHABBAT DINNER

Fri / Sep 12 / 7:15 pm / 87th St

Celebrate the 2025-26 school year with a Congregational School community Shabbat Dinner immediately following services in the lower-level ballrooms.

CELEBRATE THE FALL FESTIVAL OF SUKKOT WITH THE CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL

Mon / Oct 6 / 6:00 pm / 87th St Tue / Oct 7 / 12:00 pm / 87th St

Join Congregational School families to celebrate Sukkot. This year we have two options, so join us for one or for both. In addition to lunch/dinner, there will be activities, shaking of the lulav and etrog, and more.

SIMHAT TORAH WITH THE CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL

Tue / Oct 14 / 5:00 pm / 87th St

Congregational School families get together for pizza, activities, parent learning, and an unrolling of the Torah scroll to learn about the holiday. Immediately afterward, there is a congregational celebration in the main sanctuary.

SIXTH-GRADE BNEI MITZVAH FAMILY PROGRAM

Fri / Oct 24 / 5:00 pm / 87th St

Sixth-grade families get together for the first of three programs as they begin their journey toward this lifecycle event. It will be led by Rabbi Neil Zuckerman and other CS team members.

SIXTH-GRADE MILESTONE MOMENT AND SHABBAT DINNER

Fri / Nov 7 / 5:45 pm / 87th St

Sixth-grade families get together as their children receive yads (Torah pointers) for use at their Bnei Mitzvahs. The yads were made by each student and are a ritual object that will be held on to for a lifetime. Shabbat services in the main sanctuary and a celebratory family dinner follow.

FIRST- AND SECONDGRADE FAMILIES SHABBAT RETREAT 2025

Fri–Sat / Nov 7–8 / Skytop Lodge

Get together with other firstand second-grade families for a Congregational School overnight retreat. There will be activities for children and adults as well as Shabbat dinner and services together. Questions? Email Melissa Cohavi at mscohavi@ pasyn.org.

PENN FAMILY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

LABOR DAY / OFFICES CLOSED Mon / Sep 1

FALL PARENT WELCOME Thu / Sep 4 / 6:30 pm

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Wed / Sep 10

WELCOME COFFEE

Fri / Sep 19 / 9:15 am

EREV ROSH HASHANAH / SCHOOL CLOSED

Mon / Sep 22

ROSH HASHANAH / SCHOOL CLOSED

Tue–Wed / Sep 23–24

EREV YOM KIPPUR / SCHOOL CLOSED Wed / Oct 1

YOM KIPPUR / SCHOOL CLOSED Thu / Oct 2

SUKKOT / SCHOOL CLOSED

Mon–Wed / Oct 6–8

SHEMINI ATZERET / SIMHAT TORAH / SCHOOL CLOSED Mon–Tue / Oct 13–15

SUKKOT / SIMHAT TORAH CELEBRATIONS Tue / Oct 21 1:30 pm / Yellow 2:00 pm / Green

SUKKOT / SIMHAT TORAH CELEBRATIONS Wed / Oct 22 11:30 am / Indigo 12:30 pm / Violet 1:30 pm / Red

SUKKOT / SIMHAT TORAH CELEBRATIONS Thu / Oct 23 11:30 am / Orange 12:30 pm / Purple 2:00 pm / Blue

CURRICULUM NIGHT & PARENT COCKTAILS Wed / Oct 29 6:30 pm / Red, Green, Blue

BLUE ROOM CLASS VISIT Tue / Nov 4

VETERANS DAY / PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY / SCHOOL CLOSED Tue / Nov 11

CURRICULUM NIGHT & PARENT COCKTAILS

Wed / Nov 12

6:30 pm / New Classroom, Orange, Purple

FIRST ALL-SCHOOL SHABBAT Fri / Nov 21

NOON DISMISSAL Wed / Nov 26

THANKSGIVING / SCHOOL CLOSED Thu-Fri / Nov 27-28

PHOTO DAY Tue-Wed / Dec 2-3

PARENT CONFERENCES / SCHOOL CLOSED Tue / Dec 9

HANUKKAH CELEBRATIONS

Tue / Dec 16 1:30 pm / Yellow 2:00 pm / Green

HANUKKAH CELEBRATIONS

Wed / Dec 17 11:30 am / Indigo 12:30 pm / Violet 1:30 pm / Red

HANUKKAH CELEBRATIONS

Thu / Dec 18 11:30 am / Orange 12:30 pm / Purple 2:00 pm / Blue

WINTER BREAK / SCHOOL CLOSED Mon-Fri / Dec 22-Jan 2

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 Tuesdays or Thursdays, while Boker Tov Babies (ages 5–9 months) and Boker Tov Toddlers II (ages 15–20 months) meet on Wednesdays.

Members $648

General $720 (Class runs Sep-Feb)

Terrific Twos SHALOM SHTAYIM

2 or 4 days a week / Sep-May

Watch your kids explore everything from cooking to expressing themselves artistically and musically as you give them a firm foundation for growing with this innovative Jewish program.

Bagels and Babies NEW-PARENTS GROUP

Tue/ Sep 16, Oct 21, Nov 18, Dec 16 / 12:00 pm

Parents with babies under 12 months discuss topics ranging from sleep, developmental milestones, and your Jew-wishes for your children. Each month will be a different topic. Feel free to bring your little one and meet other parents in the same stage of life. Bagel lunch will be served.

Pray & Sing KABBALAT SHABBAT AND DINNER FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Fri / Oct 24, Nov 14, Dec 12 / 5:00 pm

Welcome Shabbat with YFE friends with a musical family service followed by a kid-friendly Shabbat dinner.

Family Morning Service RITUAL LAB JR AND SHABBAT SHELANU

Sat / Sep 13, 20, 27, Oct 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, Dec 6, 13

Ritual Lab Jr / 10:00 am

Shabbat Shelanu / 10:30 am

Cantor Reisner

In Ritual Lab Jr, families with children 4 and younger explore the rituals connected to Shabbat.

Shabbat Shelanu, a musical morning service, is for families with children ages newborn-2nd grade. Led by Cantor Arielle Reisner, your family will sing, pray, and learn together.

Shana Tova With YFE HIGH-HOLIDAY SERVICES FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

Tue & Wed/ Sep 23 & 24

Thu / Oct 2

Welcome the new year with a musical service that will engage your family and start your year off on a wonderful note.

Sukkah Shenanigans

YFE SUKKAH BRUNCH

Sun / Oct 12 / 10:30 am

Cantor Reisner and Ellen Alt

A morning filled with Sukkot festivities. Music, art, and munchies — who could ask for more?

Torah for Tots

YFE SIMHAT TORAH

Tue / Oct 14 / 5:00 pm

Cantor Reisner

Celebrate Simhat Torah with your favorite Torah songs for the whole family. Cantor Arielle Reisner leads a celebration that’s fun for the kids and the kids at heart.

Hanukkah, O Hanukkah HANUKKAH CONCERT

Sun / Dec 21 / 10:30 am

Get in the Hanukkah spirit with a special YFE concert. Sing, dance, and nosh on sufganiyot.

LOOKING AHEAD

NEW-MEMBER

WELCOME RECEPTION

Fri / Jan 9, 2026 / 5:00 pm

CIVIL RIGHTS TRIP TO THE AMERICAN SOUTH

Feb 9–11, 2026

LEIMAN MAISEL FAMILY SHABBATON

Fri-Sat / Jan 30-31, 2026

Featuring Dr. Jonathan Sarna, Professor of American Jewish History

YOUNG-FAMILY ISRAEL TRIP

Aug 16-23, 2026

Rabbi Cosgrove and Jamie Diamond