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Rabbi Joshua Rabin Cantor Emeritus George Lindenblatt
Judaism With Open Arms |
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Friday Flyer |
May 17, 2024 • 9 Iyar, 5784 |
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Tonight: Kabbalat Shabbat |
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Come and celebrate Shabbat with the ACI community during May's Kabbalat Shabbat service. Join us for a service in the sanctuary, followed by a Yom Ha'atzmaut-themed Oneg and a social gathering in ACI's lobby. Whether you're coming alone, with friends, or with the whole family, this evening promises to be a great way to celebrate Shabbat and spend time together.
ACI Tot Shabbat, Junior Congregation, and Hebrew School families are highly encouraged to attend - we'd love to see you there!
May 17th, 2024 - 6:30 PM
RSVPs not required, but feel free to let us know you're coming by writing to [email protected].
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Tomorrow: Bat Mitzvah |
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We are delighted to announce that Sadie Gonzalez will be celebrating her Bat Mitzvah during Shabbat services tomorrow. Please join us in congratulating her and her family on this joyous occasion! |
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Shabbat Services |
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Saturday, May 11 at 10am
Tot Shabbat From 11am-12pm Doors open at 9:45; come early to schmooze. Please join us afterwards for a kiddush in honor of Sadie Gonzalez's Bat Mitzvah! |
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Upcoming Children’s Programs |
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Tot Shabbat Every Week 11:00am-12:00pm For preschool children
Junior Congregation With Morah Audrey 10:30-11:30am For school-aged children The last Junior Congregation of the 2023-24 school year will be on June 1! |
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Candle Lighting |
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Tonight's candle lighting time is 7:51 pm. Havdalah will be Saturday at 8:57 pm. The weekly Torah portion is Emor. |
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An Eventful Week in Hebrew School |
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During the first hour this past Tuesday, marking both Yom Hashoah and Yom Hazikaron (May 6th and 13th, respectively), ACI’s Hebrew School hosted an incredibly poignant event in the chapel. Sami Steigman, a Holocaust survivor with a remarkable story, graced the occasion. Born in what was then Austria-Hungary just before the outbreak of WWII, Sami shared his harrowing journey with the attentive Kitah Bet and Gimmel students.
In a manner tailored to their age, Sami recounted his family's deportation to a forced labor camp in 1941, the unimaginable privation and hardships they endured during the war, and the lasting physical and emotional scars it left on him and his family. He illuminated the room with the story of a courageous German woman who risked everything to ensure his survival, highlighting the power of human compassion even in the bleakest of times. Despite the darkness of his narrative, Sami's overarching message, which he has delivered to dozens of middle and high schools around the country, was one of optimism, resilience, empowerment, and hope.
While Sami spoke to Kitah Bet and Gimmel, Kitah Aleph students learned about the ritual Havdalah service that we observe at the conclusion of Shabbat and the components we use when reciting the Havdalah prayer. Each Aleph student, with the assistance of Morah Shana and Ariane, then proceeded to roll their own Havdalah candle out of beeswax, which will complete their family’s Shabbat box.
During the second hour, all students congregated in the Social Hall where we had a Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration with four stations. The first was a crafts table where students made cards and included their messages and wishes to families of hostages or to soldiers serving in Israel.
The second station offered an interactive experience with the PJ Library Israel Trail Game, inviting students to embark on a virtual journey along the 683-mile Israel National Trail. Whether traversing solo or in teams, participants delved into the rich tapestry of Israeli geography and culture, choosing between "meet" cards, detailing encounters with diverse individuals along the trail, or "collect" cards, representing the unique souvenirs gathered on their voyage.
Meanwhile, the third station put students' knowledge to the test with a spirited trivia game, challenging their awareness of the myriad inventions originating from Israel.
Finally, the fourth station beckoned budding chefs to the Israeli salad-making corner, where students assembled vibrant bowls of Israeli salad, blending fresh tomatoes, crisp Persian cucumbers, and fragrant parsley, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice, and finished with a pinch of salt. Many students came back for seconds!
The day's events were a profound reminder of the importance of remembrance, resilience, and unity within our community. From hearing Sami Steigman's powerful story to participating in hands-on activities that celebrated Israeli culture, our students walked away with a greater appreciation of their heritage and the enduring human spirit. We look forward to continuing these important traditions and educational experiences, strengthening our community's bonds and understanding of our shared history. |
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May Movie Night at ACI |
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By popular demand!
Adam Sandler Movie Night - May 24th, 2024 - 6 PM Join the ACI community for a film night ideal for the entire family! Perfectly timed with several B'nai Mitzvot at the center - we'll be screening the film You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah, starring Adam Sandler and Idina Menzel.
Join us for the movie and snacks at 6 PM, and Shabbat candle lighting immediately following the film.
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Submit Journal Ads By May 31 |
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Join us in honoring Susan Mickel, our dedicated Ritual Committee Chair, for her outstanding contributions to ACI. From reading the Torah on Shabbat to organizing our most sacred services, Susan's efforts are at the heart of our community.
Support Our Cause: Our Anniversary Journal is a crucial fundraiser that helps sustain our beloved synagogue and its diverse programs. This is your chance to support us while honoring Susan!
Design and pay for your ad at astoriacenter.org/journal-order.
Ad Deadline: May 31, 2024. For more info or to view sample ads, visit the Journal website. |
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Open Door Shabbat |
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Shabbat morning is the best time for Jews to come together, and the WORST time to feel out of place in synagogue.
Join the ACI once a month for a no-experience-necessary Shabbat service, where we will explore the:
Don't know Hebrew? No problem! Skeptical about religion? We'd love to have you!
Haven't gone to synagogue since your Bar/Bat Mitzvah? You're perfect!
Join us from 10:30 am until noon for our final Open Door Shabbat of the season on June 22. At 10:00, there will be a brief meditation service, and at 10:30 we will start the learning service.
If you have any questions, contact Rabbi Josh at [email protected]. Attendance at all sessions is not required; sign up at the link below.
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Messages |
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In memory of Alex & Jeanne Siegel, from Sara & Joseph Scicluna
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In memory of Morris Kemp, from Elinor Saler
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In memory of Bernard Steinberg, from Bonnie & Allen Steinberg
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In memory of Elizabeth Pomerantz, from Carol Pomerantz
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In memory of William Schwartz, from Genevieve Gasque
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Mi Sheiberachs |
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Please keep the following people in your hearts and prayers for the blessing of r'fua sh'leima:
Dodie Knebl Harold Lefkowitz Dov Meir Ben Avraham V’ Dvora אלונה בת שרה Sherwin Liff HaRav Yaakov ben Esther Dinah Bat Brina
To add (or remove) a name, please contact Lizanne Fluxmon. |
Yahrzeits |
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This week (10-16 Iyar), we observe the yahrzeits of the following ACI members, family and friends. May their memories always be a blessing.
Julius Marks |
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