Rabbi Joshua Rabin

Cantor Emeritus George Lindenblatt

 

Judaism With Open Arms

 

Friday Flyer

June 14, 2024 • 8 Sivan, 5784

 

Bat Mitzvah Tomorrow! 

The Simchas continue at ACI as we celebrate the Bat Mitzvah of Adele Freund! We are delighted to celebrate this rite of passage with Adele and her family. After services, please join us for a Kiddush luncheon sponsored by the Freund family.

Shabbat Services

Saturday, June 15 at 10am

 

Tot Shabbat

From 11am-12pm

Doors open at 9:45; come early to schmooze. Please join us afterwards for a Kiddush lunch!

 

Upcoming Children’s Programs

Tot Shabbat

Every Week 11:00am-12:00pm through June 29

For preschool children

 

Junior Congregation is on hiatus for the Summer

 

Candle Lighting 

 

Tonight's candle lighting time is 8:11 pm.  Havdalah will be Saturday at 9:20 pm. The weekly Torah portion is Nasso.

Journal Service on June 21

Join us for ACI's 2024 Journal Service at 7pm on Friday, June 21, honoring our dedicated Acting Ritual Chair, Susan Mickel. Susan has been essential to the continuity and meaning of ACI's services for many years, and we welcome this opportunity to celebrate her substantial contributions.

 

Following the service, enjoy a dessert reception sponsored by the Jacobs, Blumenthal, and Sprung families. We look forward to seeing you at this special evening of gratitude and community!

Volunteers Needed for June 30 Blood Drive!

Irene Sprung, our dedicated Blood Drive Coordinator, needs a few helping hands to help run our blood drive on June 30. Shifts are from 12-3 and 3-6. Please contact [email protected] if you can help!

 

You can also make an appointment to donate! 

ACI's Summer Schedule

ACI will pause our regular schedule of Shabbat morning services and Tot Shabbat for July and August, but we still have a full calendar of Shabbat events in store!

  • July 13, 2024: Open Door Shabbat at ACI (10:00 am)
  • July 19, 2024: Kabbalat Shabbat in Astoria Park (6:00 pm)
  • July 27, 2024: Regular Shabbat Service at the Sunnyside Jewish Center (10:00 am)
  • August 2, 2024: Tot Shabbat at the Sunnyside Jewish Center (6:00 pm)
  • August 24, 2024: Shabbat Field Trip (Location TBD)

This Week in Hebrew School

In Judaic studies, the students of Kita Aleph learned about the significance of the holiday of Shavuot, exploring its profound connection to the giving of the Torah. Through the story “Sammy Spider’s First Shavuot,” they discovered the rich traditions surrounding the holiday, including the symbolic foods enjoyed and their meanings. Adding a tactile element, we passed around a miniature Torah scroll, allowing students to examine it closely. Finally, students engaged in naming and coloring the seven agricultural products that symbolize Shavuot and hold a central place in Jewish spirituality.

 

In Kita Bet and Gimmel, we delved into the mitzvot and commandments associated with Shavuot. Our exploration included an in-depth study of the Megillah Ruth, traditionally read on the holiday’s second day. Through Ruth’s profound loyalty and commitment to her mother-in-law Naomi, as well as her embrace of the Jewish faith, students gleaned valuable lessons. They learned about the importance of familial responsibility, the transformative power of generosity and kindness, and the timeless truth that our actions are what define us.

 

In our Music and Art session, students were treated to a Klezmer workshop led by Alex Parke, a former teacher at ACI. Through a scavenger hunt in the sanctuary, students unraveled the essence of Klezmer, discovering its roots in the fusion of the words kley (vessel) and zemer (song). Subsequently, they immersed themselves in Klezmer pieces, collaborating in groups to craft theatrical scenes inspired by the music. With opportunities for improvisation and even conducting, every student found a creative outlet.

 

Meanwhile, Kita Aleph expressed their interpretations of Klezmer melodies through artwork, inspired by Alex’s clarinet performance.

 

Wrapping up the program in the social hall, students enjoyed a lively pizza party with friends while reminiscing over a slideshow of the year’s highlights. After assembling their own Shabbat box, students learned the Havdalah song, with Morah Shanah on piano, Alex on clarinet, and Ari on guitar. To conclude on a sweet note, students savored scoops of ice cream with a variety of toppings before teachers presented students with certificates recognizing their achievements this year.

 

We eagerly anticipate reconnecting with everyone in the fall. Stay tuned for updates on our registration process.

 

Open Door Shabbat

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:

  • Structure of a prayer experience
  • Meaning behind key Jewish prayers
  • How to sing when you don't know Hebrew

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.

Messages

 
In memory of my daughter, Dale Brichta, from Elaine Brichta
 
In honor of my granddaughter, Anna Brichta, obtaining her MBA from Binghamton University, from Elaine Brichta
 
In honor of my cousin, Aaron Schneider, graduating from high school, from Elaine Brichta
 
 In memory of my grandfather Morris Kamlet, from Beryl Rosendorf
 
In memory of my uncle, Harry Pasteelnick, from Sally Costain
 
In memory of my father, Ben Vajda, from Sue Ann Vajda
 

Mi Sheberachs

Please keep the following people in your hearts and prayers for the blessing of r'fua sh'leima:

 

Dodie Knebl
Mindy Zimmerman
Robyn Voorhis
Reyna Rosendorf
Chia Minna Bas Asna
Menachem Mendel Yonah
Ben Beila V' Yaakov
Andrew Alper
Shalom Ben Haim
Heddy Bat Evelyn
Rachel bat Eleaonora
Joel Tarlowe
Aaron Vajda
Zalman Mordechai Aaron ben
Yehudit
Adina bat Guta
Shashanna Bat Toda
Sarah Chanah Bat Ziesel V’ Dov
Berel Ha Levi
Gary Lefkowitz

Harold Lefkowitz
Eric Laxman

Dov Meir Ben Avraham V’ Dvora
Hacohen
Michael Stoess
Pessah Ruchel Bat Dina
Tzvi Hersh Bar Esther
Faith Braunschweig
 Hersh ben Pearl Chana (Hersh
Goldberg-Polin)
Deborah Ramirez.

אלונה בת שרה

Sherwin Liff

HaRav Yaakov ben Esther
Adam Topol
Jack Demsheck

Dinah Bat Brina

Allan Wishnoff, son of

Sylvia and Fred Wishnoff

Sarah Leah bat Mushy

 

To add (or remove) a name, please contact Lizanne Fluxmon.

Yahrzeits

This week (9 - 15 Sivan), we observe the yahrzeits of the following ACI members, family and friends. May their memories always be a blessing.

 

Morris Kusnetz
Sarah Tischler
May Edzant
Minnie Himoff
Moss, Lillian Risik
Rose G. Frank
Isaac Baer
Esther Finkelstein
Sylvia Steinhardt
Sophie Mansfield
Florence D. Wiener
Shelley Sanford
Frieda P. Braunstein
Dr. Herman
Enselberg (Chaim) Benjamin Breitstein
Morris Kamlet
Milton Kusnetz
Kurt von Hall
Dora Eisenstein
Dr. Frida Friedman
Sally F. Melnick
Dr. Charles Arak
Helen Saltzman
Aaron Zipes
Max Fuld
Murray Goldstein
Fannie Dembowitz
Florence Lena Karr
Myrtle Horowitz
Benjamin Vajda
Abraham Mushlin
Louis Maurice Stern
Ralph Teddy Sohmer
Samuel M. Dankberg

Bouquet of pink and yellow tulips