In her opinion piece, Rachel Isaacs celebrates the vitality of small-town Jewish communities in America, highlighting their resilience and ability to adapt to contemporary challenges. Isaacs reflects on a recent event in central Maine, where over 250 people gathered for a multigenerational Shabbat service, showcasing the strength and diversity of...
Out of the darkness of the October 7 tragedy, a bright spot has emerged: new opportunities to create transformational Israeli-diaspora connections through programs like Project 24 Israel. Congregation Rodeph Sholom is proud to be part of this initiative, which connects Israeli communities in the South and North with North American...
The NY Jewish Week highlights "Project 24: Thanks4Giving," hosted at Congregation Rodeph Sholom, which welcomed 400 Israelis who survived the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on border kibbutzim. These guests, visiting for a weeklong respite, were hosted by 35 synagogues, including Rodeph Sholom, offering much-needed relief and fostering meaningful bonds...
Cantorial student Justin Callis recently fulfilled a childhood dream by composing "The Song of Jonah," a cantata for soloist, choir, and orchestra. Inspired by his early experiences with a musical on the Book of Jonah, Callis blended Hebrew, Yiddish, and English in his work, which debuted at Hebrew Union College...
Dear Rodeph Sholom Family, We all feel the weight of this season. Nearly every issue feels like we walk on a razor’s edge between humanity and inhumanity. Nearly every space feels defined by ideological purity tests and a belief that unity must mean uniformity. Anger and fear dominate our airwaves and...
Initially founded to provide immediate relief for Israeli families arriving to the New York area after the Hamas invasion, one year into its existence the Israeli Hug Center has evolved into an full-fledged organization with three staffers, two of whom are paid. These days the Hug Center, which is based...
One year of grief. One year in which lives, hearts, families, communities were torn apart. For many of us, it feels like a different world. Antisemitism now rests comfortably in the center of every sector of society. Israel, once a unifier of American Judaism, now represents rupture in even the most...
As we approach Rosh Hashanah and the one-year mark of October 7th, clergy from across the Upper West Side have come together to offer collective blessings for the new year. In this special video, spiritual leaders from different communities share words of hope, unity, and comfort after a challenging year. https://vimeo.com/1014591215/28e8e6e67d?ts=0& ...
We are thrilled to share some exciting news! HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) has recognized our extraordinary work in supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and other forcibly displaced people by awarding us their highest congregational honor – the Pathways Trailblazer Award. This prestigious award reflects our steadfast commitment to...
With summer well underway, we are looking forward to seeing you in the fall! As you begin to plan your calendar, we want to highlight a few of the amazing events coming in September: Shabbat in the Street (and 9/11 Observance)FRI, SEP 6 | 6:00 PMElul YogaSAT, SEP 14 | 9:00 AMPolitics Can Still Be Funny: The Role of Humor...
2024 Meeting Minutes will be posted soon. Please check back again.
