Rabbi Joshua Rabin

Cantor Emeritus George Lindenblatt

Judaism With Open Arms

This week we mourn the loss of Rabbi Alvin Kass, who served as ACI's rabbi from 1964 to 1978 and remained a beloved presence in our community throughout his life. For those wishing to pay their respects and comfort the family during shiva, please see the details below:

80 Riverside Blvd 6U NY NY 10069
(between 63-64th Streets)

• Sat night 11/1: 7pm-9pm
• Sun 11/2: Shacharit at 8am, Visits 8am-12pm, 2pm to 6pm (Mincha Maariv at 4.40pm), 7pm-9pm.
• Mon 11/3: Shacharit at 8am, Visits 8am-12pm, 2pm to 6pm (Mincha Maariv at 4.40pm), 7pm-9pm.
• Tues 11/4: Shacharit at 8am, Visits 8am-12pm, 2pm to 6pm (Mincha Maariv at 4.40pm), 7pm-9pm.
• Wed 11/5: Shacharit at 8am, Visits 8am-12pm, 2pm to 6pm (Mincha Maariv at 4.40pm), 7pm-9pm.

In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to make donations to the NYPD Shomrim Society, the East Midwood Jewish Center, or the Jewish Theological Seminary.

We had a great time at our last hangout, so please join us again on Tuesday, November 18 from 6-8pm. This is your space to hang out, connect with friends, and help us shape future ACI programming for your age group. Come ready to relax and have fun!

RSVP to Eric so we know how much food to have.

Adults Only Event
Friday, November 7, 6:30pm

Join us for WJOA's annual Friendsgiving Shabbat hosted at ACI. Mark your calendar for Friday, November 7, as we gather for Shabbat services and a special autumnal vegetarian potluck dinner.

RSVP through this form by Wednesday, November 5, to get the sign-up sheet.

6:30–7:30pm – Erev Shabbat service
7:30–end – Kiddush and vegetarian potluck dinner

Join the ACI community once a month for a no-experience-necessary Shabbat service, where we will explore the structure and meaning behind the prayer service. Learn more here. The next dates:

• November 8
• December 13
• January 10

ACI is partnering with the NY Jewish Coalition for Criminal Justice Reform to organize volunteer groups for worship services at Rikers Island - contact Litza Stark to participate or find out more.

Join Rabbi Josh each Sunday night from 9:00-9:15 pm ET on Zoom for a brief meditation to close out the weekend and start the new week with calmness, focus, and purpose. Our meditation is open to anyone who wants a few minutes of quiet to center themselves. Learn more, or join the meditation here.

ACI is offering an introduction to Judaism course via Zoom for those exploring Judaism or considering conversion. The Fall course, held Monday nights, is already underway, and the Spring session will be held Thursday nights from February to June. Learn more and register here.

This Week in Hebrew School

This week, our students continued learning about the very first parsha in the Torah — Bereshit (The Creation).

Kitah Adom (with Morah Esther)
Students had a special visit with the Rabbi, who showed them a large Torah scroll kept in the Ark. They admired its beautiful cover, the Hebrew letters, and the yad (pointer). The class learned about how a Torah is written, assembled, and cared for. Afterward, they read the story of Creation in both Hebrew and English and made a Creation booklet, reviewing what G-d created on each of the six days and what happened on the seventh. Morah Esther emphasized that G-d rested on the seventh day — Shabbat — and explained how we honor that each week by resting and reflecting. A hands-on activity helped students remember what was created on each day. (We’ll have a special unit on Shabbat later this year!)

Kitah Katom (with Morah Lydia)
Students created and signed their own classroom laws and rules (now proudly hanging under the clock!). They listened to the story of the seven days of Creation and then worked in groups to illustrate each day. The seventh day will be completed next session with a focus on Shabbat. Morah Shana joined the class for a lively Hebrew game about parts of the face, and students also had the chance to see the Torah up close in the Sanctuary with the Rabbi.

Kitah Tzahov (with Morah Ariane)
This week, students began learning about the Sefer Torah and what makes it so special. With Rabbi Josh, they explored a real Torah scroll in the synagogue and discussed how it’s different from a Chumash (a printed Torah book). They also learned the names of the five books of the Torah. (We’ll continue this unit next time!) In Hebrew, we reviewed the letters and vowels learned so far — shin, sin, nun, mem, hey, chet, and the vowels chirik and kamatz. We also kicked off a fun home study program: students can earn an ice cream party by practicing Aleph-Bet and vocabulary flashcards at home!

Kitah Yarok (with Moreh Alty)
Students explored the Torah through a lively "true or false" game, testing their knowledge about the scroll and its significance. The class then discussed how and why people turn to the Torah during important moments in their lives. This led to a thoughtful conversation about faith, G-d, and the reasons behind events in our lives and the world — including why we understand some things while others remain mysteries. Students also had the opportunity to examine one of ACI's Torah scrolls up close in the Sanctuary with Rabbi Josh.

Please note: Hebrew School will not meet for the next two weeks due to Election Day and Veterans Day.

Pastoral Requests

ACI is committed to serving our community’s needs. If you would like to inform the synagogue about a hospital visit or death, or request pastoral care for yourself or someone you know, please fill out this simple form. All submissions are confidential.

Support ACI's Mission

Help us continue to serve our community with meaningful programs, welcoming services, and a well-maintained sacred space. Donate Here.

Messages

In memory of my beloved mother, Ruth Redisch, from Brenda Hamby

In memory of my beloved mother, Grace Felsher, from Carol Felsher

In Honor of Cantor Emeritus and Mrs. George Lindenblatt's family celebrating the B'nai Mitzvot of their grandchildren, Frankie and Daniella, from Lenny & Beryl Rosendorf

In memory of my beloved Beatrice Hamby, from Brenda Hamby

זכר צדיק לברכה - May the memory of this righteous person be for a blessing
In memory of Dr. Rabbi Alvin Kass, with Love from Sue Ann and Mitch

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

This week (10-16 Cheshvan), we observe the yahrzeits of the following ACI members, family and friends. May their memories always be a blessing.

David Rosenberg

Isidor Cohn

Jennie Leinwol

Jennie Braunschweig  

Rosalie K. Kirshen  

Abraham Mishler  

Minnie Weisberg

Bessie Zipes 

Alexander Lindey   

Isaac Roth  

Heather Pressler  

Edith Groopman 

Sarah Schawelson  

David G. Steiner  

Rose Kaplan 

Estelle Reiff

Ruth Redisch  

Louis Arak  

Theodore M. Weiss