Issuu

שדח המ MAH HADASH

WINTER 2025–26

Winter 2025–26 at PAS brings new programs, diverse worship opportunities, and the celebration of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, beginning December 14.

Celebrate America’s 250th with us. Our yearlong exploration of our nation’s past, present, and future highlights how Jews have shaped and continue to shape our shared story.

The annual Shabbaton will take place on January 30 and 31, focusing on the American Jewish experience and the unique ways Jewish life and culture have been shaped by America and vice versa.

The Men’s Club and Women’s Network continue to offer full calendars of engaging events, while Young Families can connect through programs for children and parents alike.

Discover a variety of experiences for everyone this winter at PAS.

WORSHIP

Join us as we celebrate Shabbat, Hanukkah, Purim, and more. 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.

HANUKKAH PROGRAMMING

Hanukkah Concert, p. 7

NextDor Hanukkah Party, p. 16

Pauline's Hanukkah Party, p. 25

PASCS Family Hanukkah Celebration with the Bible Players, p. 27

PFECC Hanukkah Celebrations, p. 29

Hanukkuh Concert with Cantor Reisner and the PAS Band, p.31

EVERY SHABBAT

KABBALAT SHABBAT

Fri / 6:15 pm / 87th St and Online

Recharge your spirit with a musical, lively, family-friendly service. Come for the community, stay for the oneg.

SHABBAT MORNING SERVICES

Sat / 9:45 am / 87th St and Online

This uplifting morning service includes a Torah reading, a sermon, and often the celebration of Bnei Mitzvah.

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.

DAILY MINYAN

SHAHARIT

Mon–Fri / 7:15 am / 87th St and Online

Sun / 9:00 am / Online

MINHA/MA’ARIV

Sun / 6:00 pm / Online

Mon–Thu / 6:00 pm / 87th St and Online

MORNING MINYAN WILL BEGIN AT 9:00 AND BE HELD ONLY ONLINE ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS:

Dec 25, Dec 31, Jan 1

MORNING MINYAN WILL BEGIN AT 9:00 AND BE HELD ONLINE AND IN PERSON ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS:

Jan 19, Feb 16

AFTERNOON AND EVENING MINYAN WILL BE HELD ONLY ONLINE ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS:

Dec 24, Dec 25, Dec 31, Jan 1, Jan 19

SHABBAT B’YACHAD

Sat / Dec 13, Jan 24, Mar 7 / 9:45 am / 87th St

Looking to vary and enrich your Shabbat experience? The smaller setting of Shabbat B’Yachad offers additional opportunities for communal participation and engagement, with a focus on music, liturgy, and learning.

For more information, email Rabbi Zauzmer.

PRAYER FOUNDATIONS

Sat / Jan 17 / 10:00 am / 87th St

Do you want to access more spirituality in Jewish prayer? Become more comfortable with Shabbat morning services? Understand what the prayers mean? In this class, we explore the world of Jewish prayer, learn its whats, hows, and whys, and pray.

For more information, email Rabbi Koffman.

PURIM SERVICES AND MEGILLAH READING

Mon / Mar 2 / After Purim Spiel (approximately 7:30 pm) / 87th St and Online

Tue / Mar 3 / 7:15 am / 87th St and Online

Come in costume, grab a grogger, and hear the story of Esther, Mordechai, Achashverosh, and H***n.

COMMUNITY

Kol Nidrei Appeal 5786

The 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. Your generosity will allow us to realize our vision and aspirations for PAS in 5786.

If you have not yet made your gift, you may mail a check or click here.

If you have made your gift, thank you!

PAS Music Center Presents

A Night of Light: A Hanukkah Concert

TUE / DEC 16 / 7:00 PM / 87TH ST AND ONLINE

Kindle a musical spirit during the Festival of Lights with your favorite Hanukkah melodies. This concert features our own cantors and ensemble, as well as special guests.

Purim Spiel 5786

Hamantaschen: 3 Tales from the Megillah

MON / MAR 2 / 7:00 PM / 87TH ST

In March, we revisit the story of Purim, as told in the Megillah, in a trio of tales:

The tale of a disco queen who escapes the hustle of palace life on the dance floor, hoping to save her people with style, sequins, and soul.

The tale of a street kid who finds her voice when she is transformed into a royal sensation fit for the king’s court.

The tale of an existentially conflicted queen in a “to be, or not to be” Shakespearean drama that sounds as much like the 1960s as the 1690s.

Don a costume, grab a grogger, and get transported across the pond with this dramatic trio of tales.

Park Avenue Synagogue

Gala 2026

TUE / MAY 12 / ZIEGFELD BALLROOM / 141 W 54TH ST

6:00 PM / PENN FAMILY ECC COCKTAIL RECEPTION

7:00 PM / GALA

This year’s gala will honor Rabbi Neil Zuckerman. For more information, please email development@pasyn.org.

“... As my ancestors planted for me before I was born, so I plant for those who come after me.”

—Talmud, Taanit 23a

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 create a lasting source of income that secures the future of Park Avenue Synagogue for our children and grandchildren.

To learn more, visit Planned Giving.

New-Member Welcome Reception

FRI / JAN 9 / 5:00 PM / 87TH ST

5:00 PM / RECEPTION

6:15 PM / KABBALAT SHABBAT SERVICES

Please join us for an invitation-only reception for new members. This gathering is an opportunity for those new to our community to meet one another and connect with our clergy, synagogue professionals, and lay leaders.

Following the reception, we hope you’ll join us for Kabbalat Shabbat services in the Main Sanctuary. Invitations will be sent to all new members.

MEMBER RESOURCES

JEWISH COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH: UNDERSTANDING AND RESPONDING TO COMMUNITY NEEDS

Tue / Dec 2 / 12:00 pm / Online

Tara Liberman, founder of the Jewish Community Mental Health Initiative (JCMHI), Suzanne Redlich, LCSW, and Rabbi Zuckerman

In the wake of October 7, Liberman founded the JCMHI, which mobilizes and trains mentalhealth clinicians to provide a supportive, compassionate, and inclusive space for members of the Jewish community. JCMHI has facilitated over 1,600 support groups for the Jewish community worldwide. During the program, a JCMHI researcher will share data from the organization’s studies on the impact of antisemitism on mental health.

PARTNERING TOGETHER: CAREGIVING FOR A FAMILY MEMBER WITH DEMENTIA

Mon / Dec 1, 8, 15, 22, Jan 5, 12 / 12:00 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 has mild cognitive impairment or various types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, Lewy body, vascular, frontotemporal, or mixed dementias. Each session provides 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 exploring the role of spirituality.

Schedule a screening

In collaboration with CaringKind

CAREGIVING SUPPORT GROUP: CAREGIVING FOR A PARENT WITH DEMENTIA

Tue / Dec 16, Jan 27, Feb 24 / 2:00 pm / 87th St

PAS Social Worker Suzanne Redlich, LCSW

These support groups are for members who are care partners for a parent with memory loss or dementia. Participation in our “Partnering Together” group is a prerequisite.

CAREGIVING SUPPORT GROUP: CAREGIVING FOR A SPOUSE WITH DEMENTIA

Wed / Dec 17, Jan 28, Feb 25 / 3:00 pm / 87th St

PAS Social Worker Suzanne Redlich, LCSW

These support groups are for members who are care partners for a spouse with memory loss or dementia. Participation in our “Partnering Together” group is a prerequisite.

SPOUSAL BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP

Thu / Dec 18, Jan 15 / 11:00 am / 87th St

Suzanne Redlich, LCSW

This monthly bereavement group is for members who have lost a spouse. A phone interview with our social worker, Suzanne, is required. Call her at 212-369-2600 x105.

AGING ALONE TOGETHER: A SERIES FOR SOLO AGERS

Tue / Jan 6, 13, 20, 27, Feb 3, 10 / 10:30 am / Online

Jane Blumenstein, LCSW

Join us for DOROT’s flagship program for solo agers – individuals who, by choice or circumstance, expect to age independently. This virtual six-week series explores tools, strategies, and support to help you prepare for the future. Each week covers key topics such as building community, preparing for future medical decisions, considering financial and legal matters, and exploring how to age at home or make a move.

This program is offered to PAS members age 55+ in partnership with DOROT’s Synagogue Partners. Capacity is limited; we ask that you commit to attending at least five of the six sessions. Please email Suzanne or Jane Blumenstein.

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

The Soul of America: Our Nation at 250

TUE / DEC 2 / 7:00 PM / 87TH ST AND ONLINE

Presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham joins Rabbi Cosgrove for a closer look at key moments in America’s history at this milestone anniversary. Reflecting on our nation’s triumphs, the darker hours, and the moments in between, this nuanced discussion will bring our history to life and look to the past for lessons on the way forward.

Stephen R. Volk Inaugural Lecture

Jon Meacham

Leiman Maisel Family Shabbaton

FRI–SAT / JAN 30–31

Our Shabbaton focuses on the American Jewish experience and the unique ways Jewish life and culture have been shaped by America and vice versa. We’ll explore key historical moments in the American Jewish experience as well as contemporary issues.

Jonathan Sarna is the Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University. He is also the past president of the Association for Jewish Studies and chief historian of the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. He is author or editor of more than 30 books on American Jewish history and life.

Rebecca Kobrin is the Russell and Bettina Knapp Associate Professor of American Jewish History at Columbia University. She works in the fields of immigration history, urban studies, business history, East European history, and American Jewish history, specializing in modern Jewish migration.

SCHEDULE

FRI / JAN 30

5:30 pm / Teen Conversation with Dr. Sarna

6:15 pm / Kabbalat Shabbat

7:30 pm / Community Shabbat Dinner with Dr. Sarna / Register

SAT / JAN 31

9:45 am / Shabbat Morning Services with Remarks from Dr. Sarna

12:00 pm / Community Kiddush

1:30 pm / Panel Discussion with Dr. Sarna and Dr. Kobrin

3:00 pm / Afternoon Learning with Dr. Sarna

4:15 pm / Hazzan’s Tisch

Above: Jewish War Orphans Arrive in the United States, 1921, Underwood & Underwood photographer.

Dr. Jonathan Sarna Dr. Rebecca Kobrin

Changing Hearts and Minds: Communication Strategies for Combatting Antisemitism

THU / FEB 5 / 6:30 PM / 87TH ST

DAVID WHITE AND RABBI ZUCKERMAN

In response to the drastic increase in antisemitic incidents over the last five years, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has created tools to help the Jewish community understand the roots of this hatred and how to combat it. This interactive training provides communication strategies to increase awareness, build bridges, and address antisemitism within your communities and online.

David White is the associate regional director of Jewish Outreach at ADL Register

‘Heart of a Stranger: An Unlikely Rabbi's Story of Faith, Identity, and Belonging’

THU / FEB 26 / 7:00 PM / 87TH ST AND ONLINE

RABBIS ANGELA BUCHDAHL, ELLIOT COSGROVE, AND CHAIM STEINMETZ

In her new book, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl recounts hearing the call to the rabbinate at a young age, feeling like an outsider at times, and becoming the leader of one of the largest congregations in America. Three Upper East Side rabbis, speaking from their long-standing relationship as colleagues and friends breaking barriers, building bridges, and creating cross-synagogue community, will celebrate Buchdahl’s story, including the challenges, triumphs, and everything in between.

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl is senior rabbi of Central Synagogue Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz is senior rabbi of Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun Register

Rabbi Angela Buchdahl

The Braille Siddur Project: Increasing Access to the Siddur

FRI / FEB 27

5:00 PM / BRAILLE WORKSHOP WITH MICHELLE SHAPIRO ABRAHAM AND JILL ROTHSTEIN, JBI LIBRARY

6:15 PM / KABBALAT SHABBAT WITH REMARKS FROM MICHELLE SHAPIRO ABRAHAM

JBI Library – a nonprofit that helps individuals with vision impairments and print disabilities access Jewish life – recently released the first-ever Braille transcription of the Siddur Lev Shalem for Shabbat and Festivals. At the workshop, learn about the process of transcribing texts into Braille. During Kabbalat Shabbat, hear about the continued efforts to increase accessibility to Jewish spaces for those with vision impairments.

Community Shabbat Dinner with Jeffrey Rosen

FRI / MAR 13 / 7:30 PM / 87TH ST

Join us for a dinner filled with learning, community, and Shabbat celebration. Our guest speaker, Jeffrey Rosen, is an American legal scholar and president and CEO of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. He is the author of The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America and is the host of the weekly constitutional debate podcast We the People.

PAS members and their guests only

Registration coming soon

Jeffrey Rosen

Our Communities

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

NEXTDOR

NEXTDOR HANUKKAH PARTY WITH CENTRAL SYNAGOGUE 20S AND 30S AND 92NY

Thu / Dec 18 / 7:00 pm / 87th St

Celebrate with your friends and fill your own donuts, mix and match toppings at the latke bar, and play a game of dreidel.

NEXTDOR WINTER SHABBAT DINNER

Fri / Feb 20 / 7:30 pm / 87th St

Warm up your winter with a NextDor community Shabbat dinner. Enjoy drinks, dinner, and gathering with friends old and new while breaking bread (challah!) together.

NEXTDOR PURIM CELEBRATION

Mon / Mar 2 / 7:30 pm / 87th St

Come in costume for Purim 5786! The event, hosted in partnership with Reshet Ramah and United Synagogue Youth, features a Megillah reading followed by a party featuring bites, drinks, hamantaschen, music, and other Purim fun.

Registration coming soon

OPEN TO PAS MEMBERS ONLY

70+

70+ SOCIAL SPACES:

December: Navigating Changing Family Relationships Through Life’s Later Chapters

Wed / Dec 3 / 1:00 pm / 87th St

PAS members Martha Cohen Stine, a family law attorney, and Carole Brafman, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, share their insights on evolving family relationships in the context of aging. They explore challenges faced by families, including the transition to retirement, the impact of illness and/or neurological changes, caregiving stress, and divorce, and how families explore and identify options, access resources, and navigate decision-making during these times.

January: Music Salon with David Enlow

Wed / Jan 7 / 1:00 pm / 87th St

Enjoy an afternoon of music with PAS music director David Enlow. Learn about the Gershwin brothers, the story behind some of their well-known tunes, and their contributions to American musical style.

February: Healthy Living for Brain and Body

Wed / Feb 4 / 1:00 pm / 87th St

In this program, presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, discover how research on diet and nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity, and social engagement can be applied to everyday life to support healthy aging.

70+ LUNCH TOGETHER

Thu / Feb 12 / 1:00 pm / 87th St

Enjoy a buffet luncheon that includes time to see friends old and new and learning with Rabbi Koffman.

TIKKUN OLAM

AT-HOME SANDWICH MAKING FOR THE NEW YORK COMMON PANTRY

Join our monthly initiative to make sandwiches at home and help bring nourishment to neighbors in need. The Common Pantry also accepts used delivery tote bags (e.g., FreshDirect bags) that are clean, in good condition, and have personal information removed. Please bring them during sandwich drop-off times.

Fri / Dec 12 / Drop off between 9:30–11:00 am / Register

Fri / Jan 9 / Drop off between 9:30–11:00 am / Register

Fri / Feb 13 / Drop off between 9:30–11:00 am / Register

WOMEN’S NETWORK

TOUR OF JUDAICA AND RITUAL ART

Thu / Jan 15 / 11:00 am / The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave

Explore highlights of The Met’s collection of Jewish ritual art and material culture during a guided tour.

PAS members only

UJA SHABBAT

Sat / Feb 7 / 9:45 am / 87th St and Online

At our annual Shabbat celebrating the strong relationship between PAS and UJA-Federation of New York, PAS welcomes UJA CEO Eric S. Goldstein and celebrates his 12 years of leadership as he prepares to conclude his tenure in June 2026. Reflecting on the past decade and how the New York City and global Jewish communities have navigated immense challenges, we will hear how UJA has continued to meet the need of Jews here and around the world.

CLUB

TORAH ON TAP

Tue / Feb 10 / 6:30 pm / Location TBA

Gather for a fun evening with the Men’s Club community and enjoy bites, drinks, and learning with Rabbi Zuckerman.

PAS members only

UJA@PAS

MEN’S

betrothal ring, 17th or 19th century, Eastern European or Italian, gold,

Jewish

enamel, The Met.

Classes

MONDAYS

INTRODUCTION TO TORAH: STORIES OF OUR PEOPLE

Mon / Weekly / 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, and modern scholarship.

Join Email List

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

Mon / Dec 1, Jan 19, Feb 23 / 8:00 pm / Online

Read challenging works of literature and join a stimulating discussion about characters, themes, and behavior. Come once, twice, or every time.

Join Email List

INSPIRATION AND EXPRESSION THROUGH

JEWISH ART

Mon / Dec 15, Jan 26, Feb 2, Mar 9, Apr 27, May 4 / 7:00 pm / Online

Ellen Alt

This art workshop uses Judaic sources and Jewish artists as inspiration for launching creative expression. Each session begins with a short introduction to a topic, followed by discussion and exploration of ideas and creation of artwork.

PAS members only Register

TUESDAYS

STUDY WITH RABBI COSGROVE

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

Rabbi Cosgrove

Join a stimulating discussion to start your day with learning from wherever you are.

Join Email List

CONTEMPORARY JEWISH THOUGHT

Tue / Weekly / 12:00 pm / 87th St and 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.

Join Email List

WEDNESDAYS

SEEKING DEEPER MEANING: THE METHOD OF MIDRASH

Wed / Weekly / 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'll delve into their deeper meanings and apply their lessons to our modern lives. No prior knowledge or experience necessary.

Join Email List

HEBREW FOR ADVANCED BEGINNERS

Wed / Begins Feb 4 / 5:15 pm / 87th St

Michal Nachmany

This class is designed for students who can already read Hebrew at a basic level and wish to deepen their skills. It offers a blend of modern Hebrew and liturgical (prayer book) Hebrew, with a primary focus on understanding and engaging with the prayers.

AMERICAN DEMOCRACY AND JUDAISM

Wed / Begins Feb 4 / 7:00 pm / Online

Rabbi Charles Savenor

George Washington wrote in 1790 that “the establishment of our new Government seemed to be the last great experiment for promoting human happiness.” At a moment when American society is divided and antisemitism and other forms of hatred are on the rise, this great experiment seems to be on shaky ground. In this course, explore significant texts in the history of American democratic thought and put them in dialogue with the sacred Jewish tradition. With so much at stake, these sources guide us on the elusive path to a more perfect union.

KING DAVID IN HISTORY AND LEGEND

Thu / Begins Feb 4 / 7:00 pm / 87th St and Online

Dr. Ed Silver

This course explores the literary and archaeological evidence for the establishment of the House of David, which is central to our biblical story. In the Books of Samuel, we will look at the attitudes the authors had toward kingship and how they depicted David. As a counterpoint, we will explore the historical and archaeological evidence for the monarchy in ancient Israel and Judah.

HEBREW POETRY AS A GUIDE THROUGH CHALLENGING TIMES

Wed / Begins Feb 4 / 7:00 pm / 87th St and Online

Rabbi Wendy Zierler, Ph.D.

How can Hebrew poetry and Israeli culture serve as a bulwark and resource in times of grief and loss? Zierler’s memoir, Going Out with Knots: My Two Kaddish Years with Hebrew Poetry, shares the story of the death of both her parents in one year, her personal mourning journey, and how she turned to modern Hebrew poetry as a way to process grief, faith, and ritual participation.

THURSDAYS

SACRED TIME: THE MOMENTS OF OUR LIVES

Thu / Begins Feb 4 / 9:15 am / 87th St

Rabbi Koffman

“To everything there is a season,” and in every part of our lives, Judaism has a way to mark the moments through holidays, rituals, and blessings. Explore how Jewish tradition marks time and how we sanctify it in the transitional moments of our lives, in the daily blessings, on Shabbat, and during holidays.

A HISTORY OF HATRED: THE EVERPRESENT THREAT OF ANTISEMITISM

Thu / Begins Feb 5 / 9:15 am / 87th St

Rabbi Zuckerman

In each historical period, hatred of Jews takes on a different form or focus, often as a reaction to the prevailing ideology of the time – be it religious, racist, or political. In the aftermath of the October 7 massacre and the war in Gaza, antisemitism is reaching levels not seen since the Holocaust. This class sheds light on the historical processes that have given rise to today’s antisemitism, including recurring tropes used to depict Jews and the Jewish State, as seen through pivotal moments in history and the contemporary landscape.

FRIDAYS

BEYOND THE HEADLINES: A DEEPER LOOK AT ISRAELI CURRENT EVENTS

Thu / Begins Feb 5 / 9:15 am / 87th St

Dagan Shimoni

Take a deep dive into the most pressing issues in Israel. Featuring a new current-events topic every week, each class provides 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 a discussion of possible outcomes and ramifications.

SHULHAN IVRIT

Thu / Monthly / Dec 11, Jan 8, Feb 5 / 7:00 pm / Online

Practice your conversational Hebrew with others in a relaxed, welcoming environment by discussing news articles, music, and more.

Join Email List

TALMUD STUDY

Fri / Weekly / 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 us today.

Join Email List

SATURDAYS

PARASHAT HASHAVUA

Sat / Weekly / 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.

PRAYER FOUNDATIONS

Sat / Jan 17 / 10:00 am / 87th St

See page 5

LOOKING AHEAD

ADULT DAY TRIP TO PHILADELPHIA

Sun / Apr 26

Travel back to America’s founding on this day trip to Philadelphia, where we’ll go on guided tours of cultural sites, including the Museum of the American Revolution and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.

Registration coming soon

MAH HADASH WINTER

Philadelphia

Philadelpia, PA.

TEENS

GRADES 8 AND 9: TWO JEWS, THREE OPINIONS: SUNDAY CIVICS SEMINARS

Sun / Dec 7, Jan 11 / 11:00 am / 87th St

Led by Rabbi Pink and Ariel Glueck, these seminars will include sessions by other PAS rabbis and guest speakers.

These seminars are designed to help students understand what it means to be a Jewish American and how to think about current events and issues through a Jewish lens. Participants will get to know other organizations that are addressing these topics and consider how volunteering positively impacts our community.

GRADES 10, 11, AND 12: BEREN SCHOLARS SEMINARS

Sun / Dec 7, Jan 11 / 11:00 am / 87th St

These seminars, for Beren Scholars in grades 10–12, focus on Israel and antisemitism. As today’s Jewish teens prepare for college, developing a strong connection to and sophisticated understanding of Israel has never been more important. The Beren Scholars, our newest initiative, provides meaningful education about Israel and engagement for teens and parents at this critical time.

Registration is closed

PAULINE’S HANUKKAH PARTY

Mon / Dec 15 / 5:00 pm / 87th St

At Pauline’s annual Hanukkah party, we will play dreidel and have latkes, sufganiyot, and gelt!

TEEN / PARENT LEARNING WITH RABBI COSGROVE

Sat / Dec 6, Jan 24, Feb 28 / 3:30 pm / TBA

Post-Bnei Mitzvah teens and their parents engage in intergenerational learning with Rabbi Cosgrove on Shabbat –always with conversation and black-and-white cookies. Location to be provided upon registration.

MIDNIGHT RUN

Sat / Dec 13 / 7:00 pm / 87th St

On this community service excursion, in partnership with Midnight Run, we will bring clothing, food, and toiletries to people living on the street.

TEEN TABLE AT SHABBATON

Fri / Jan 30 / 7:30 pm

Join us at the teen table at the Shabbaton community dinner.

GRADE 8 PHILADELPHIA TRIP

Sat–Sun / Mar 7–8 / Philadelphia

Explore this historic American city with us. We will visit the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History and go on a walking tour to understand the founding of America.

Top: The Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia. Bottom: The Liberty Bell in Philadelphia with Independence Hall in the background.

CONGREGATIONAL SCHOOL

THIRD-GRADE MILESTONE MOMENT AND SHABBAT DINNER

Fri / Dec 5 / 5:45 pm / 87th St

Third-grade families celebrate their annual Milestone Moment, followed by a Shabbat dinner.

FAMILY

HANUKKAH CELEBRATION WITH THE BIBLE PLAYERS

Sun / Dec 14 / 10:00 am / 87th St

The Bible Players will lead two interactive programs for students and parents to enjoy together, focusing on ruakh/spirit and the simhah/joy of Hanukkah, all while strengthening Park Avenue Synagogue’s sense of kehillah/community. The first program is the show “Milton the Menorah;” the second program is an intergenerational playshop for students and parents, focused on “Mitzprov,” the players’ award-winning approach to using improvisation and comedy as a way to practice mitzvot and middot/Jewish values. This program is for all ages.

KINDERGARTEN

MILESTONE MOMENT

Wed–Thu / Jan 14–15 / 4:30 pm / 87th St

Kindergarten/Gan families celebrate their children’s work on their B’reishit books. There will be singing, celebration, and cookies!

SIXTH-GRADE

BNEI MITZVAH FAMILY PROGRAM

Fri / Jan 23 / 5:00 pm / 87th St

This is the second of three family Bnei Mitzvah programs for our sixth graders. This session, led by Rabbi Neil Zuckerman and Melissa Silverman Cohavi, focuses on mitzvot, commandments, and responsibilities.

SECOND-GRADE MILESTONE MOMENT AND SHABBAT DINNER

Fri / Feb 6 / 5:45 pm / 87th St

Second-grade families celebrate their annual Milestone Moment, followed by a Shabbat dinner.

FIRST-GRADE

MILESTONE MOMENT AND SHABBAT DINNER

Fri / Feb 27 / 5:45 pm / 87th St

First-grade families celebrate their annual Milestone Moment, followed by a Shabbat dinner.

PENN FAMILY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

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

RED ROOM CLASS VISIT

Tue / Jan 6

YELLOW ROOM CLASS VISIT

Tue / Jan 13

MLK DAY / SCHOOL CLOSED

Mon / Jan 19

ALL-SCHOOL SHABBAT

Fri / Jan 30

VIOLET ROOM CLASS VISIT

Tue / Feb 10

WEEK OF PRESIDENTS’ DAY / SCHOOL CLOSED

Mon–Fri / Feb 16–20

BOOK FAIR WITH READ ALOUD

Fri / Feb 27

PURIM CELEBRATION

WEEK

Mon–Fri / Mar 2–6

BOOK FAIR AND READ ACROSS AMERICA

Mon / Mar 2

PARENT CONFERENCES / SCHOOL CLOSED

Tue / Mar 10

PURPLE ROOM CLASS VISIT

Tue / Mar 17

PASSOVER CELEBRATIONS

Tue–Thu / Mar 24–26

PASSOVER BREAK / SCHOOL CLOSED

Mon–Fri / Mar 30–Apr 10

ORANGE ROOM CLASS VISIT

Tue / Apr 28

KINDERGARTEN INFO SESSION

Wed / Apr 29 / 6:30 pm

ALL-SCHOOL SHABBAT

Fri / May 1

YOUNG FAMILY EDUCATION

BOKER TOV BABY AND TODDLER

Tue, Wed, or Thu

Make music together while you support your child’s learning! Classes are for children 5–20 months with their adult.

SHALOM SHTAYIM REGISTRATION

2 or 4 days a week / Fall 2026

Watch your kids explore everything from cooking to art and music as you give them a firm foundation for growing.

HANUKKAH CONCERT WITH CANTOR REISNER AND THE PAS BAND

Sun / Dec 21 / 10:30 am

Cantor Arielle Reisner

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

TOT SHABBATON

Fri / Jan 30 / 5:00 pm / Rabbi

Cosgrove and Cantor Schwartz

Sing, clap, and welcome Shabbat with a special musical service in the sanctuary.

KABBALAT SHABBAT AND DINNER

Fri / Dec 12, Feb 6/ 5:00 pm service, 5:30 pm dinner

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

RITUAL LAB JR AND SHABBAT SHELANU

Sat / Dec 6, 13, Jan 10, 24, 31, Feb 7, 28

10:00 am / Ritual Lab Jr

10:30 am / Shabbat Shelanu

In Ritual Lab Jr, families with children four 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.

HAVDALAH

Sat / Jan 17, Feb 21 / 5:00 pm

Cantor Reisner

Say shalom (goodbye) to Shabbat with your YFE friends. In addition to Havdalah, we will do a special art project.

BAGELS AND BABIES

Tue / Jan 20, Feb 10, Mar 17, Apr 21, May 12 / 12:00 pm

Meet other new parents and learn from various presenters about all things related to having a new baby. A bagel lunch will be served.

COOKING AND CONVERSATION WITH RACHEL SIMONS

Mon / Feb 2 / 7:00 pm

Enjoy a parents’ night out led by Rachel Simons, co-founder and owner of Seed + Mill, a New York City-based company that makes halva, tahini, and spice blends. The evening includes an interactive cooking demo and conversation about the health benefits of sesame.

LOOKING AHEAD

YOUNG-FAMILY SHABBAT RETREAT

Fri–Sun / May 1–3 / Poconos

Camp with your family and enjoy nature during this Shabbat retreat.

YOUNG-FAMILY ISRAEL TRIP

Sun–Sun / Aug 16–23 / Israel

Rabbi Cosgrove and Jamie Diamond

This trip is geared toward families with children ages 4–10 and their siblings.

CAMP KESHET: REGISTRATION OPEN

Mon–Fri / Jun 15–Aug 14

For updates and further information, please visit pasyn.org.

pasyn.org