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Rabbi Joshua Rabin Cantor Emeritus George Lindenblatt
Judaism With Open Arms |
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Friday Flyer |
May 31, 2024 • 23 Iyar, 5784 |
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Reflections from Rabbi Josh: Crawling Out of the Tarpit |
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The Times of Israel published Rabbi Josh's essay on conflict and common ground on their blog yesterday. Read the full article here. |
Potluck Tomorrow |
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Come next Shabbat, June 1, for services, Junior Congregation (the last of this school year), and Tot Shabbat, then join us for our monthly potluck Kiddush afterwards!
No contribution of food is required, but if you can, please bring a kosher dairy/pareve dish to share (sign up here).
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Shabbat Services |
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Saturday, June 1 at 10am
Junior Congregation From 10:30-11:30am
Tot Shabbat From 11am-12pm Doors open at 9:45; come early to schmooze. Please join us afterwards for a potluck kiddush! |
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Upcoming Children’s Programs |
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Tot Shabbat Every Week 11:00am-12:00pm through June 29 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 8:03 pm. Havdalah will be Saturday at 9:11 pm. The weekly Torah portion is Bechukotai. |
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DEADLINE TODAY: |
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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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Celebrate Shavuot with Malkhut and ACI |
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For the second year, Malkhut and ACI are coming together for a shared Shavuot program in Jackson Heights!
This year, Malkhut is bringing the holiday of Shavuot and Pride month together with a special storytelling program, "The First Jew in Canada: The Incredible True Story Of Jacques LaFargue, The 18th Century Transgender Jewish Ancestor You’ve Never Heard Of," written and performed by S. Bear Bergman, a celebrated trans Jewish writer and performer. We will also share a potluck dinner celebrating the richness and diversity of our community through the foods that represent our journeys and identities.
Date & time: Tuesday, June 11th, 5:30 - 10pm Location: St Mark's Episcopal Church, 33-50 82nd St, Jackson Heights, NY 11372 (enter off 34th ave, indoor and/or outdoor locations weather permitting)
Find more details and register for the event on Malkhut's website. |
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ACI's Summer Schedule |
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ACI will pause our regular schedule of Shabbat morning services and Tot Shabbat for July and August, but we have a full calendar of Shabbat events in store!
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This Week in Hebrew School |
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In the Arts and Music classes, students were busy completing their Shabbat box project, eagerly assisted by our dedicated volunteers.
In the Hebrew Language class, we decided to spice things up a bit. Kitot Bet and Gimmel were split into teams of two, each tasked with an intriguing challenge. They had to discern the 10 “real” commandments from a mix of 20, which included 10 cleverly crafted “decoy” commandments. These decoys were comprised of some wholesome life principles, which added an extra layer of difficulty. To elevate the excitement, we introduced a round where the groups competed to read and translate the genuine commandments from Hebrew. Meanwhile, Kitah Aleph enjoyed a slightly simpler set of commandments.
In Judaic Studies, students of all levels embarked on a fascinating journey into the rich tapestry of traditions surrounding Shavuot. They learned that this festival, one of the three pilgrimage holidays, resonates deeply with themes of agriculture and the bountiful produce of the land of Israel. Students learned of the various other names of Shavuot, such as Z’man Matan Torateinu (the giving of the Torah), Chag Hakatzir (Harvest), Chag Habikurim (First Fruits), and Atzeret (Assembly) and how the names resonate with the holiday. They also explored the multitude of mitzvot (commandments) and the meaning of the minhagim (customs) associated with Shavuot, from adorning homes and synagogues with lush greenery to the solemn all-night Torah study sessions, to the custom of indulging in dairy delights. Moreover, students were enlightened about the symbolic significance of the seven species of Israel, which play a central role in the festivities of Shavuot.
To enrich our understanding, students enjoyed a captivating video showcasing the unique celebrations of Shavuot on various kibbutzim, where these age-old agricultural rituals and traditions hold profound significance, echoing the timeless bond between the people and the land.
Finally, the entire school joined Rabbi Josh in the main sanctuary, where they reviewed the Birchot Hashachar as well as the Modeh Ani blessings we say in the morning. |
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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 Open Door Shabbat on June 22 and July 13. 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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Mi Sheberachs |
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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 Allan Wishnoff, son
To add (or remove) a name, please contact Lizanne Fluxmon. |
Yahrzeits |
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This week (24 Iyar - 1 Sivan), we observe the yahrzeits of the following ACI members, family and friends. May their memories always be a blessing.
Barnet Kramer |
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