The Cost of Free Food
Rabbi Roy Feldman
This sermon was originally delivered at KJ on Shabbat Beha'alotecha, June 6, 2026.
The human capacity for selective memory is remarkable. B’nei Yisrael looked back on Egypt and began to long for what they left behind, and with all the slavery and degradation, what did they remember?
"The fish that we ate in Egypt for free — the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic."
For free. Hinam.
Rashi asks a simple question: what do they mean by "free"? Nothing about Egypt was free. The food was part of a system in which they were enslaved. So what do they mean, "for free"?
He answers: Hinam min hamitzvot. Free from commandments. Free from obligation. Free from the weight of being responsible for something. Here is what Rashi is really saying. A slave has tasks, but not responsibility. A slave follows orders. The cost of freedom is responsibility. The cost of freedom is having to make choices and live with their consequences.
The Hebrew language draws a distinction that is not as evident in English. Hinam means free of charge. No cost. Herut means freedom. Sovereignty. They are not synonyms. The Sages teach:
"No one is truly free except one who engages in Torah."
This sounds like a paradox. The Torah imposes obligations and constraints; the Torah creates responsibility at every turn. But that is the point. Herut is not the absence of obligation. Herut is the willingness, the capacity, to bear obligation and responsibility.
Look at what the Torah actually says about the other free food, the manna. We tend to think of manna as the great miracle of the wilderness: bread from heaven, sustenance without labor. And it was miraculous. But far from a sign of freedom, it actually represented a postponement of the full Exodus.
Many don’t realize this. The Israelites celebrated only one Pesach in the wilderness, in the second year after leaving Egypt. Then they celebrated no Pesach at all for the next thirty-eight years. The next Pesach appears only after they cross the Jordan and enter the Land.
On that first Pesach in the Land of Israel, in the Book of Joshua, the Israelites offered the Paschal sacrifice. They ate from the produce of the Land. And then the manna ceased. ➤
No more food from heaven. No more miraculous protection from the consequences of drought or failed harvests. No more living in a world where someone else—even if that someone was God—bore the responsibility. From this day forward, God said: you plant, you harvest, you defend your fields; you are responsible for your future.
The manna was hinam. The Land was herut.
The generation that left Egypt could not make that transition. They had been slaves too long. They could tolerate tasks but not responsibility. And so God, with enormous love and patience, kept the manna coming. We shouldn’t judge that generation too harshly we understand the temptation of avoiding responsibility.
How many people would rather be the person offering advice than the person making the final decision. Advice is free. Responsibility has consequences. The same is true in family life. Responsibility is the most significant cost, notwithstanding diapers and formula, of having children. We even see this in our spiritual lives. It is possible to enjoy Jewish life as a consumer to attend, to celebrate, to participate when something is meaningful, and avoid the responsibilities that come along with it, the actual obligation in mitzvot, the planning and organizing and preparation that it all takes.
The Israelites in the desert were neither weak nor foolish. They were people broken by slavery, not yet ready for what freedom required. But the direction was always towards herut.
Last week, hundreds of thousands of Jews lined Fifth Avenue for Israel Day on Fifth. Of course there was argument. Who attended, who didn't. Which politicians marched, which stayed away. These are important questions for our community, and we should absolutely take note of and remember who was there and who wasn ’t.
But I specifically want to draw your attention to an opinion piece that made some waves before the parade. Rabbi Jill Jacobs, the CEO of T'ruah, a rabbinic organization focused on human rights, published a piece in the JTA arguing that the parade should be reimagined broadened from a celebration of Israel into a celebration of the full diversity of Jewish life in New York. Jewish languages, Jewish foods, Jewish communities, Jewish art. Bands playing in Hebrew, Yiddish, Ladino, Bukharian. Floats representing Sephardic and Ashkenazic traditions. The whole magnificent, cacophonous tapestry of what Jewish New York actually is.
What she wrote was inspiring in its celebration of New York Jewish life. But I think she is dead wrong. Jewish culture can flourish anywhere. It has. In Babylonia, in Spain, in Poland, in Brooklyn. The foods, the languages, the music, the Torah study — all of it is precious and part of our Judaism today, and all of it existed without a state. But the whole thrust of Judaism, the whole reason God took us out of Egypt, is Herut.
Herut requires something more than culture. It requires responsibility. Not just the freedom to light candles or speak Yiddish or eat matzah balls—and that’ s all beautiful. But those acts do not require responsibility for the collective fate of the Jewish people. ➤
That kind of herut only becomes possible with sovereignty. Only in Israel do Jews bear responsibility for defending Jews. Only in Israel do Jews bear responsibility for rescuing Jews. Only in Israel do Jews make the decisions about war and peace, immigration and security, justice and economics, that determine Jewish lives. Without those responsibilities, we are still in the desert. Still fed by the manna. Still waiting for the Exodus to complete itself, or for a government to emancipate us, for someone to let us into the country club.
The whole point of the forty years, the whole point of the manna eventually stopping, is that hinam was never the destination. Herut was. The State of Israel is that today.
I’ m all for celebrating Jewish culture. But the Israel parade is a celebration of something more specific: the moment the Jewish people finally crossed the Jordan. Finally stopped eating the manna. Finally took up the burden that is inseparable from freedom.
That is what we are marching for. Regardless of what you think of any specific policy or action or government or party. It has nothing to do with that. The miracle is that after two thousand years the Jewish people once again bear responsibility for our own destiny.
The parsha we just read contains psukim that the Chief Rabbis of Israel decades ago included in their special Ma’ariv service for Yom Ha’atzmaut:
"When you are at war in your land against an aggressor who attacks you, you shall sound blasts on the trumpets."
When you are at war. Not if. The Torah never imagined that herut would be hinam. Sovereignty has a cost. The very instructions for how to live in the Land include instructions for how to survive being attacked in it. But those are the costs of herut.
And the alternative is not some peaceful existence free of conflict. The alternative is the manna. The alternative is someone else carrying responsibility for us and the last two thousand years of Jewish history tells us everything we need to know about what that looks like.
For two thousand years, Jews were objects of history. Things happened to us. Others decided our fate. Others chose whether we lived or died, whether we stayed or were expelled. With the State of Israel, we are subjects, we possess agency, we possess responsibility.
This is also true for each of us. The most meaningful things in life: marriage, parenthood, community, and our spiritual lives, they are never hinam. They all demand that we accept responsibility for something larger than ourselves.
The State of Israel is, for us, a macrocosm of that very human reality. Herut is never Hinam. With all of its costs, the miracle of Israel is that, as a people, we can take responsibility for ourselves. And that is something truly worth marching for. ✦
Who Is Master Over Us?
Lashon Hara and the Temptation to Play God
ThispiecewasoriginallypublishedinImageMagazine.
Rabbi meyer laniado
Mostofushavebeeninconversationsthatstartasanexpressionofpainandthenturnintosomething more troubling. A person is frustrated, wounded, and trying to make sense of what happened. But sometimesthelanguagebecomessharperasreputationsaredissectedandoldgrievancesarerevisited. Atacertainpoint,itnolongersoundslikeanattemptatfindingaresolution.Itsoundslikeaclaimof authoritytodefineanotherperson’slife,choices,andfailures.
What is most unsettling to me in conversations such as these is the sense that the speaker feels entitledtostandaboveanotherpersonandpronouncejudgment.
Weoftenthinklashonharabeginswithwhatsomeoneelsedidwrong.Butoftenitbeginssomewhere else:inthedesiretostandaboveanotherpersonandlookdownontheminjudgment.
King David captures this posture when he gives voice to the lashon hara speaker’ s inner thoughts: “Withourtongueswewillprevail.Ourlipsarewithus.Whoismasteroverus?”(Tehillim12:5).Inthe phrase lilshonenu nagbir, the tongue becomes a kind of gibor, a weapon used to overpower. And in sefatenuitanu, “ourlipsarewithus,”speechbecomessomethingweimaginebelongsentirelytous:to define,diminish,andcontrolothers.Beneathitallliesthedeeperassumption:miadonlanu,whocan telluswhatwemayormaynotsay?
That is why the Gemara states that one who speaks lashon hara is as if he denies the fundamental principleoffaith,ke’ilukafarba’ikar(Arakhin15b).Notbecausehestandsupandsays,'Idonotbelieve inGod.'Butbecauseheactsasifnoone,notevenGod,hasaclaimoverhowheutilizeshisgiftof speech.
Thisisalsooneoftheoldesttemptations,onewefindintheGardenofEden.TheserpentluresAdam andEvewithasinglephrase:vihyitemk’Elohimyod’eitovvara, “youwillbelikeElohim,knowinggood and evil.” As Maimonides explains, Elohim here means judges or rulers: those who decide. The temptation was not simply to know more, but to become the one who determines good and bad, properandimproper(MorehNevukhim1:2).Lashonharaisthatsametemptation:apersonreachingfor theauthoritytodeclarethisactiongood,thatoneshameful,asthoughthatjudgmentweretheirsto render.
Thishelpsexplainoneofthestrangestappearancesof tzara’at inTanakh.Weareusedtoassociating tzara’atwithlashonhara,astheTorahinDevarimconnectstzara’atwiththestoryofMiriam(Devarim 24:8–9). Yet one of the most striking cases in Tanakh involves King Uzziah, where no lashon hara appears at all. King Uzziah brazenly entered the Beit HaMikdash to perform a service that was prescribedexclusivelyforthekohanim.Andso,theKohenAzariahapproachedhimwitheightybrave kohanimandstoodbeforethekingandsaid:lolekhaUzziah, ‘thisisnotforyou,Uzziah(DivreiHaYamim 226:18). ’
KingUzziahimmediatelybecomesvisiblyenraged,andfromthatrage,vehaTzara’atzarhabemitzho,the tzara'ataroseonhisforehead.Hisself-perceptionandentitlement,theassumptionthatnoboundary appliedtohim,burstforthforalltosee(DivreiHaYamim226:19).➤
One can almost hear Uzziah’ s inner voice saying: the mi adon lanu of Tehillim, who is master over me? Who are these kohanim to stop me? I defeated enemies, fortified our city, and built an army of hundreds of thousands. Who are they to tell me no?
The Uzziah case is not a sole outlier. In discussing the cause of Tzara’at, the Gemara in Arakhin lists several reasons for this affliction, including arrogance (as we saw with Uzziah), murder, and theft (Arakhin 16a). At their root, these share a common posture: a person sees himself as the decider over another person ’ s life, property, or dignity. With murder, a person sees it as their prerogative to decide when to end another' s life, and with theft, a person decides that what belongs to another belongs to them. Similarly, lashon hara is when a person assumes the right to define someone else, to shape how they are seen, and to decide what their actions mean.
The affliction of Tzara’at and its healing process address this directly. The person stricken by tzara’at must stand before the kohen and be seen. The one who decided how everyone else should be viewed must now wait for the kohen to determine how he will be viewed. He cannot declare himself pure or impure; his status must be determined by someone else. And then, he must announce to others who pass by, out loud:“I am impure, I am impure.” And when he calls out 'I am impure,' he is not merely warning others to keep their distance. Whether his tzara'at came from arrogance, from lashon hara, from theft, or from any of the other causes the Gemara lists, the declaration is the same. There is a Master above me. My status is His to determine, not mine. Before Him, I stand.
Lashon hara is often, at its core, not about the person being spoken about. It is about the speaker and where they imagined themself standing: above another person, above their choices, above their story. Speech becomes a mirror of that inner posture. It reveals not only what I think of someone else, but where I think I stand in relation to them.
That is why the healing is done with cedar and hyssop. As Rashi explains:“let him abandon his pride and regard himself lowly… as a hyssop”(Rashi to Vayikra 14:4). Tzara’at came from arrogance, and thus the remedy is to lower oneself from the cedar, the tall tree standing above everyone else, and to recognize where they actually stand, like the hyssop plant, low to the ground, not above others, and not entitled to pass judgment over them.
It is not only a question about harm done to another person. It is also a question of self understanding: “Who do I think I am when I say it?” The posture of mi adon lanu is the posture of a person who has forgotten that both he and his speech have a Master.
Before we speak, we need to hear the words Uzziah could not bear: lo lekha, this is not for you. It is not your story to author or judge. The antidote to mi adon lanu is remembering who the real Adon is. We are not Elohim yode’ei tov vera, judges appointed to stand above another person ’ s life and pronounce what it means. Only God is, and before Him, we all stand. ✦
Keter Torah awardee presentations
Linda Bernell
Linda Bernell and Julie Lobel received this year ’ s Annual Judith Kaufman Keter Torah Awards on Shavuot Here are their inspiring words
Standingheretoday,Iamfilledwithgratitudeandhumility.
RabbiJonathanSacksoncedescribedJewishlifeasabookinavastlibrary—whereeverygeneration writesitschapter,andeachofusisentrustedtowriteourownbeforepassingiton.Today,itfeelsas thoughIamsharingachapterthatisstillbeingwritten.
For me, that chapter truly began a few years ago, during a time that was both difficult and deeply awakening.
IntheaftermathofOctober7,andinthemidstofpersonalchallenges,therewasagrowingrealizationthatsomething morewasbeingaskedofme.Notsimplytocontinuemovingthroughtheroutinesofdailylife,buttogrowinadeeper andmorespiritualway.
Isoughtguidancefromseveralrespectedrabbis,andalthougheachhadtheirownperspective,theyallseemedtoguide me toward the same message: to stop trying to carry everything alone, and to place myself more fully in Hashem’ s hands.
ThatrealizationledmeonasearchforadeeperconnectiontoTorahandHashem asearchthatultimatelybrought metotheteachingsofRabbiJonathanSacks
Almost impulsively, I began listening to his lectures and Torah teachings every day His words felt modern, compassionate,relevant,anddeeplyhuman Torahnolongerfeltdistantorbelongingonlytothepast Itfeltalive It spokedirectlytoourstruggles,ourresponsibilities,andourrelationshipwithHashem.
ImadeacommitmenttostudyToraheverynightforatleasttenminutes.
Tenminutesbecameanhour
And then my husband, Adam, joined me, and studying Torah together became an integral part of our lives often endinginlongdiscussionsabouttheparshaandhowTorahcouldelevateourdailylivesinmeaningfulways. AndfromthatloveofTorah,theclasswasborn
That summer, The Hampton Synagogue enthusiastically embraced my idea of a women ’ s Torah class inspired by the teachingsofRabbiJonathanSacks.
WhathappenedafterwardwasbeyondanythingIcouldhaveimagined
Theclassgrewquickly,butmoreimportantly,itgrewmeaningfully
My incredible daughter Jenny joined me on this journey from the very beginning She attended every class, helped organize everything, supported me endlessly, and deepened her own connection to Torah along the way. Sharing this experiencewithherhasbeenoneofthegreatestgiftsofmylife.
Onewomanwhocametotheclassthatfirstsummerhadrecentlysufferedthedevastatinglossofachild.Shehadfallen intoadeepdepressionandhadlargelywithdrawnfromlife.Yetsomehow,shedecidedtocometotheclass.
At first, she arrived quietly and timidly, unsure if she belonged. But over time, through Torah learning, open conversation, and the warmth of the women around her, she slowly began reconnecting to life again. She formed friendships,beganlookingforwardtocomingtoclass,andbecamepartofsomethingmeaningfulonceagain. Thatexperiencechangedmedeeply.Itmademerealizethatthetruesuccessoftheclasswouldneverbemeasuredin numbers.Itwouldalwaysbemeasuredinpeople.
Inthegrandmotherwhospokeathergrandchild’sBarMitzvahaboutaTorahideashelearnedinclass.Inthewomanwho wenthomeandsharedtheweek’sParshawithherhusband whenhehadneverstudiedTorahbefore
Thesearethespecialmomentsthatgivetheclassmeaning ➤
Increatingaplacewherewomencouldquestion,participate,shareperspectivesopenly,andfeelthatnomatter wheretheywereintheirJewishjourney,theybelonged.
In the fall, I brought the class to KJ. Rabbi Steinmetz and Rabbi Feldman embraced the class immediately and enthusiastically, and together with Rabbi Feldman’ s meaningful partnership, the class continued to grow and deepen.
What developed became far more than a class. Women from different generations and backgrounds gathered together around one table to study Torah in an open and welcoming environment discussing commentaries, questioningideas,connectingTorahtomodernlife,andlisteningdeeplytooneanother.
Every woman had the opportunity not only to listen, but to speak — to share her own thoughts, experiences, questions,andperspective,andtofeelthathervoicetrulymatteredwithintheconversation.
Andduringthissameperiod,myownjourneywasstillunfolding
WatchingmyfourgrandsonsatRamazSchool learning,questioning,growing,andbringingTorahdiscussionsto our Shabbat table I began to understand even more deeply how our story continues from generation to generation
RabbiSacksoftenspokeaboutJudaismasaconversationacrosstime.AndhequotedRabbiYehoshuabenLevi, whotaughtthatwhoeverteachesTorahtotheirgrandchildrenisregardedasthoughtheythemselvesreceivedthe TorahatSinai.Thatteachingtouchedmeprofoundly.
My grandson Joshua immediately embraced the idea of learning parsha together before Shabbat dinner, and it quicklybecameoneofthemostpreciouspartsofmyweek.
Then,beforeChanukah,Ifoundmyselfoverwhelmedwithgratitudeformyfamily formydaughterJenny,my son-in-lawMarc,andmybelovedgrandsonsAlex,Max,Josh,andBenji.IkeptthinkingabouthowblessedIamby theloveweshareandbythedeepintertwiningofourlives.
Andsuddenly,almostlikeamomentofclarityandjoy,theideacametome:ATorah.
TodedicateaSeferTorahtomychildrenandgrandchildren somethingeternal,somethingholy,somethingthat wouldlivefarbeyondallofus feltlikethedeepestexpressionofloveIcouldpossiblygive WithRabbiSteinmetz’shelp,wefoundanextraordinarysoferinIsrael,andwhatfollowedfeltfilledwithblessing. Butmostimportantlytome,thisTorahwasnevermeantsimplytositbeautifullyinsideanark.Itwasgiventothe RamazUpperSchoolasalivingTorah.
I knew my grandsons would learn from it throughout their high school years, but I also knew that once a Torah entersaschool,itnolongerbelongstojustonefamily.Itbecomespartofthelifeofanentirecommunity.
HundredsofstudentswillstandbesidethisTorah,readfromit,prayfromit,andcarryitswordswiththemlong aftertheyleaveschool.
KnowingthatfillsmyheartmorethanIcansay
ThiswasneveronlyaboutaTorahscrollorevenaTorahclass.
Itwasaboutcontinuity.Aboutconnection.Aboutpassingsomethingsacredandenduringtothenextgeneration. Andsotoday,standinghere,Ifeelanintenselydeepsenseofgratitude.GratitudetoHashem.Gratitudeforthe opportunitytolearn.Gratitudeforthewomenwhohavemadethisclasswhatitis.GratitudeforRabbiSteinmetz andRabbiFeldman,whosesupportandleadershiphavemeantsomuchtome.
Andaboveall,aprofoundsenseofhumility Becausetocontribute,eveninasmallway,tothecontinuityofTorah, tothiscommunity,andtothegrowthofothers,istrulyoneofthegreatesthonorsofmylife
As Rabbi Sacks taught, Judaism lives in what we pass forward in our homes, in our learning, in our acts of kindness,andinthegenerationswhocontinuethestoryafterus
I am truly humbled, to be sharing this honor with you, Linda, and so grateful for your weekly parshaclasses
IwasaskedtosharewithyoutodaymypassionforKJ’sBeginners’Services.
There are two types. One, called the Explorers’ Service, teaches newcomers about Jewish tradition.ThebasicstructureandmeaningofShabbatprayersareexplainedandquestionsabout anyaspectofJewishpracticeareencouraged.Topicsmightincludecustoms,philosophy,history oraJewishperspectiveoncurrentevents.
Thesecond,calledtheKJBminyan,providesamorecomprehensiveShabbatdaveningexperiencewithachazan andTorahreading Itsinteractiveapproachleadstolivelydiscussionsabouttheweeklyparshaandclarifications about the prayers. Participants include those transitioning from the Explorers’ Service and those who prefer a moreintimate,explanatoryformat.
Ibegin,withanadmission MyJewishjourneybeganasacompletebeginner,andevennowIconsidermyselfa beginner ThereisstillsomuchIdon’tknow Iamcontinuallyreturningtothefoundationsofmyfaith,especially whenIfacechallenges
Asachild,myprimaryJewishpracticewaslimitedtoattendingaReformtempleonthehighholidays.Allmy great-grandparentsemigratedtoAmericainthe1890s,mostlyfromLithuania Witheachsuccessivegeneration, adherencetotraditiondiminished,duetolackofexposuretoformalJewishstudies Iwastaughtthatanexcellent seculareducationisparamountandthatit’sbesttokeepmyreligionprivate So,despiteearningundergraduate andgraduatedegrees,IwasbereftofJewishknowledge
My first exposure to Shabbat and Jewish holidays I had never heard of, began when I had the immense good fortune to meet my dear husband, Rick Without his enormous patience, constant good cheer, and steadfast encouragementIwouldnotbestandingbeforeyoutoday
Whenwestarteddating,RickinvitedmetojoinhimatanOrthodoxsynagogue.Itwasn’tKJanditdidn’toffer servicesforbeginners.JustasIwasadjustingtosittinginthewomen’sbalcony,somethinghappenedthatmade me quite nervous. Suddenly, some men below me, gathered in the front of the synagogue, completely hid themselvesundershawlsandstartedchanting Icouldn’tdecipherthewords Iworried,perhapsRickbelongedto somekindofcult Ididn’trealizetheshawlsweretallisesandthechantingwasBirkatHaKohanim
Whenourfirsttwochildrenwereveryyoung,wemovedtoEnglewood,NJ.Notlongafter,Iexpressedtoguests atourShabbostable,howremarkableitwasthatallthepreschoolteachershadthesamename.Iexclaimedin amazement that they were all called Morah. I had never learned Hebrew and was clueless that Morah meant teacher
Icanstillremembersomethingoneofourchildren’steacherssaidtomeafterItriedtosuggestwhatIthought would be a helpful way to teach Talmud to our child. He remarked “I have never met a parent who was so passionateandyet,knewsolittle.”Ididn’tknowwhethertolaughorcry.
Istruggledtoexpandmyknowledgebyvicariouslyabsorbing,whatourchildrenlearnedatJewishDaySchool.I gleanedinspirationfrommanyshiurimandbooks.
My experience has taught me deep empathy for all those new to Jewish tradition. At KJ’ s Beginners’ Services everyonefeelsaccepted,withoutjudgment,nomatterhisorherstartingpoint.Here’sasnapshotofthespecial peoplewhoattendthem.
I recently met a retired woman, who never received a Jewish education or attended religious services. Jewish customswereamysterytoher.Shealwayswantedtolearnmorebutneverdid.Ayearago,shemetherfiancé,a baalteshuva.Forthefirsttimeinherlife,sheisexploringherJewishheritage.BothsheandherfianceenjoyKJ’ s Meaningful Jewish Living classes, Sarah Rosen’ s Hebrew courses and the explanatory services. She had never beentoasynagogueonRoshHashanahorYomKippur,untillastyear,atKJ’sBeginnerHighHolidayServices.➤
Julie Lobel
Howamazingitistoseethatit’snevertoolatetoreturntoone’sJewishrootsandthatdistancefromJudaismcan bereplacedwithopennessandcuriosity.ThiscouplerecentlybecameKJmembersbecauseKJiswheretheyfeel mostathome
A family I’ ve met had a strong Jewish identity before coming to KJ. The wife grew up actively participating in Jewish life, while her husband had a more secular upbringing. Several years ago, they discovered their Jewish backgroundwasnotsufficient.Muchtothecouple’ssurprise,thewifelearnedthathermother’snon-orthodox conversionwasproblematic.
Aftersomesoul-searching,thecoupledecidedtheywantedtodo,whateverwasnecessarytoensurethattheir childrencouldhaveaJewishDaySchooleducation.AclosefriendoftheirssuggestedKJcouldhelp.WithKJ’ s
ANNUAL MEETING RECAP
154th Annual Meeting
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
The highlights of this year ’ s Annual Meeting was a short ceremony commemorating the 40th anniversary of NatanSharanasky’sliberationfromtheGulag.ThisgreatJewishheroaddressedusbyvideoandRabbiLookstein spoke about the movement to free Soviet Jews in general, and the historic role that brave members of the KJRamaz family played in that struggle. We honored those courageous individuals who played a very active and criticalrole.Everyonepresentwentbackintimeandrememberedwhenwechangedtheworldwiththestruggleof SovietJewryandthestrugglechangedus.
We also embraced the familiar, welcoming new members, bidding farewell to others, and remembering a year filled with highs and lows, beginning with Rabbi Steinmetz’ s invocation and Chazan Berson’ s rendition of our NationalAnthems.
Wewelcomed85newmemberhouseholds,themostinKJhistory:
Chumi & Ehud Adler
Elianna & Alex Agus
Nina & Eliav Assouline
Sheridan & Nadav Besner
Danielle & Josh Blank
Gabrielle & Jonathan Blum
Miriam & Ariel Broome
Alexandra Levin & Alan Buchbinder
Michael Chaykin
Hannah Liss & Eitan Chemerinski
Allison Wanderer & William Cooper
Viviane Sabat & Flavio De Andrade
Daneh & Eliot Elihu
Jennifer & Erick Epelboim
Talia & Craig Epstein
Sabrina Ghalili & Julian Felder
Paul Ferbank
Michele & Paul Fisher
Liora Cher & Jonathan Franco
Anna & Elisha Galler
Sara & Jason Genrich
Ruth Golan
Jennifer Litt & Jonathan Gold
Navah & Daniel Goldsmith
Nicole & Andrew Goletka
Alisa Greenstein
Melissa Mahgerefteh & Judah Guber
Abigail & Michael Gul
Yael Tzur Happ & Benjamin Happ
Samantha Harris
Michael Harris
Hadley Chu & Jared Isenstein
Susan & Bruce Jacobson
Ellie & Jeff Kagan
Hannah Zanger & Aaron Kahan
Karine & Jay Kaplan
Rebecca Friedman & Ron Kimchi
Barbara Klippert
Alyson & Leo Korman
Elisabeth Buchwald & Evan Kravitz
Karen & Alan Landau
Lauren & Ethan Lasko
Jasmine Esulin & Dan Cohen Lax
Rachel & Andrew Lobel
Russell Lubin
Deena Markovits
Blossom & Justin Merkin
Ellen & Fred Meyer
Patricia Moezinia
Myra & Alon Mogilner
Heather & Gregory Moss
Daniela & Michael Nisan
Eliza & Raphael Pransky
Alyssa & Matthew Reich
Ayelet Lebovicz & Michael Sabbah
Erin & Moshe Sacks
Nadine & Stephan Sakhai
Debbie & Irv Schaulewicz
Orly Mintz & Jeremy Schechter
Tamar & Benjamin Schwartz
Chelsea & Michael Shmuely
Deborah & Ezra Shoen
Jessica Sandler & Ben Siegel
Sandra Grant & Stephen Silver
Erica Silverman & Aron Silverman
Julia Posluns & Max Silverman
Rohan Singh
Hannah & Jordan Socol
Arielle & Lior Sofer
Laura & Daniel Strauss
Alexandra Arber & Leon Sultan
Sophia & Ariel Tambor
Rachel & Joshua Teitler
Fraidy & Isaac Von Weisl
Erica & Andrew Wald
Joanna Wald
Freda Rosenfeld & Howard Wallick
Rachel & Jonathan Weiss
Keren Savitzky & Corey Whitman
Mollie & Andrew Wolff
Carly & Jason Yablon
Julianna & Andrew Yakubovich
Liana & Jeremy Zborowski
Malka & Jason Zeller
Leah & Eli Zicherman
Rabbi Lookstein then paid tribute to
60 YEARS
Hannah Low
Sue Robins
50 YEARS
Avrom & Arlene Doft
Peter & Susan Frankel
Arthur & Vida Mantel
Michael & Susan Mukasey
Sanford Seplow
Lois Smigel
40 YEARS
Jonathan Art
James & Deborah Cleeman
Jerrold Feingold
Eric & Miriam Feldstein
Lewis Hershkowitz
Isaac Hoffman
25 YEARS
Michael Cleeman
Scot & Alisa Glasberg
David & Sophia Gomberg
Eric & Yonina Gomberg
Marcel Kahan & Andrea Fastenberg
Ronald & Michele Jaspan
Ruth Peyser Kestenbaum
Jerry Kestenbaum
Steven & Lynette Koppel
Barbara Leibowitz
John Lieberman & Andrea Thau
Eugene & Rochelle Major
Mark Meirowitz & Jennifer
Roberts Meirowitz
Mark & Phyllis Speiser
Paul & Mina Sub
Gabrielle Weinreich
Adam & Jessica Kaplan
Henry Kressel & Rina Uziel Kressel
Darren & Amy Landy
Elie & Jody Levine
Alex & Sherri Libin
Jeffrey & Iris Margolin
Harry & Tamar Poloner
Alan & Miera Rechtschaffen
Bradly & Ellice Schwab
Robert & Erica Schwartz
Robert & Suzanne Schwartz
Following the Kel Maleh Rachamim the following deceased members were remembered:
S. Daniel Abraham R b t B i f l
Warren Graham F d H l
Rabbi Mayer Moskowitz H l N h
President’s Report
PresentedbyKJBoardPresidentJonathanWagner
AsInoteeveryyear,itisanhonorandaprivilegetoserveasthePresidentofthis congregation
ThisismyfourthannualreportasPresident.Atthispointintime,Ihavenever beenmoreoptimisticaboutourCongregationanditsrolelocally,nationallyand eveninternationally—andbyinternationallyIamprincipallyreferringtosupport forourbrothersandsistersinIsrael.Atthesametime,Ihaveneverbeenmore concernedabouttheimpactoftheoutsideworld again,locally,nationallyand internationally,withyetanotherwarinIsrael,followingOctober7andtheGaza war,anewmayor,andanoftenhostiledomesticenvironment.
TheclashbetweenthesetwotrendsismanifestassoonasonearrivesatKJ
no army of guards either in or outside the building; no video cameras all over; no mantrap; no bulletproofglass;noreinforceddoors.
Butonceyouareinsidethebuilding,youseethatwehavecreatedsomethinguniqueandspecialinthe Jewish world. Seven or eight minyanim all under the same roof; a creative and engaging beginners program, now endowed for the future with a $3 million grant, bringing the unaffiliated closer to Judaisminincreasingnumbers;aSephardiccongregationthatisgrowinginsomanydifferentwaysand despitemuchcompetition;amainserviceledbyanextraordinarylineupofclergy;achazzanwhohas deliveredonhispromiseofmakingshirahanimportantpartofdaveningandKavanahatKJ;andsince weareJews—goodfood—akiddushthatissopackedthatonecanbarelymove.Weseemtolikeeach othersomuchthatwestayandtalkinKiddushevenafterthefoodisgone.
It’ s also guest speakers: Dara Horn; Rabbi Eliezer Melamed; Yaakov Katz, former editor of the JerusalemPost;RabbiWiederonaregularbasis;RabbiMenachemandRebbetzinAdeenaPenner,and Men’sClubdiscussions thankyou,MarkMeirowitz.
Andthat’sjustwhatgoesononShabbat.Duringtheweekthereareclasses;films;speakers;special programmingforholidays.Thelistgoesonandon.
Intermsofnumbers,theshulhasneverbeenstronger.Thisclassofnewmembers 85units isthe largestever,exceedinglastyear’sclassof75,whichuntilthenwasthehighestever.Thatmeansover twoyears 150+newmemberunits.Shulmembershipnowhasneverbeenhigher.
We’renotonlyabigshul,butwithourmanyservicesandprogramsweseemedtohavefiguredouta waytomaketheKJexperienceapersonalandintimateone
Andwecontinuetofindnewinitiativesafter154years.Someinitiativesstarttopdown,forexample KJ’snewroleinspeakingoutatelectiontimeaboutJewishinterests Forthat,weoweabigdebtto RabbiSteinmetz,whointhatrespecthasplayedaleadingroleamongJewishclergyinNewYork.
Otherinitiativescomefromthebottomup,fromcommunitymembers—forexample,thePostShiva SupportTeam,spearheadedbytheSisterhood,includingStephanieBasmanandothers.➤
Theseandotherprogramsreflectatraditionofactivism,whichinturnisoneofthegreatlegaciesofRabbi Lookstein,asheapproacheshis70 yearasarabbiatKJ.WewillhearmorefromRabbiLooksteininafew minutes, concerning his and KJ’ s and Ramaz’ s historic role in the Soviet Jewry movement and the 1986 releaseofNatanSharansky,which40yearslaterstillseemlikeamiracle. th
WecontinuetoinvestinthebuildingblocksofKJ’sfuture.BythatIprincipallymeantheKesherminyan;and thespectacularyouthprogramunderRuthieHollander.Allthiscreatesavirtualcyclewhichleadstomore people staying in the community, more strengthening of Ramaz, which in turn strengthens KJ. We are a historiccongregation;butwearealsoayoungcongregation.PerhapsbestreflectedintheBarMitzvahthis pastyearofa7 generationmember,BarrySchwartz. th
Turning briefly to the financial matters: Because the community has responded so well, principally with respecttotheAnnualSynagogueAppeal,weareabletokeepourdueslow,thelowestofanycomparable synagogueontheUpperEastandUpperWestSides.Thisyearwearenotraisingduesatall.That’sinkeeping withourstrategyofmakingthesynagogueaccessibletoall Tocontinuetokeepdueslow,weneedforyouall tocontinuetocontributegenerouslytotheAnnualSynagogueAppeal.
We are raising the security assessment by $75. That’ s a reflection of two factors. First, funding from the stateandfederalgovernmentforsecurityisunevenandunpredictable.Andsecond,wearealwayslookingfor waystoenhancesecurity TheSynagoguehasunusualsecurityneedsandburdens,andwewillneverrestor skimponsecurity.
Afewthankyous:Thankyoutoouroutstandingclergy,startingwithRabbiLookstein onlyonemoreyear untilyougettotakethemoundatCitiFieldagain,althoughperhapstheMetscoulduseyourhelpthisyear Thank you to our senior rabbi, Rabbi Steinmetz; who had a lasting impact at KJ as we celebrate your ten yearsatKJ.RabbiFeldman,RabbiLaniado,theKrauses,CantorBerson,BennyZaltaandCharlesZami thatisalineupthatrivalseventheL.A.Dodgers.
I'dliketothankourstaff,ledbyLennySilvermanandRivaAlper;ourchieffinancialofficer/controllerSy Yanofsky. Thank you to Esther Feierman, Dina Farhi, Yael Haller and of course Youth leader Ruthie Hollander. And, our Rabbinic Interns Spencer Glassman and Jonathan Berkowitz and also Rabbi Jeremy Teichman.AndthankyoutoourSuper,EdgardoRosario,andhisdevotedstaff.
I am awed and humbled every time I see what goes on behind the scenes, with the KJ staff and clergy workingwithgreatdedicationforacommongoal.
Thank you to my fellow and extremely talented officers: Ken Eckstein, Larry Baruch, Phil Wilner, Jonny Stern, Richard Cohen, Eric Gribetz, Adam Weinstein, Tamar Wise, the now retiring Nicole Agus, Yaira Singer,RebeccaFeit,EvanFarberandJenYashar.AndIamlookingforwardtowelcomingElaineKatz.
Finally, thanks to all of you here, our trustees, our members and volunteers. One of the most compelling linesintheTorahcamewhenBnaiIsraelwerefleeingEgypt,facingtheEgyptianarmyononesideandthe YamSufontheother.HashemsaystoMoshe-MahTits’akEilay,DaberElB’naiYisraelVaYisau.Stopcrying andgetgoing.Moveforward.That’swhatKJdoeseverytimeyou,themembersengage.
We are not resting — we are always looking to do things better If you have suggestions or ideas or even complaints,pleasereachouttoanyoftheofficers.
Withthat,IconcludethePresident’sreport.
FollowingourspecialprogramandclosingremarksandbenedictionbyRabbiFeldman,everyoneenjoyedasplendid repastofhotdogs,knishes,andicecoldbeercourtesyofForemostCaterers.
TISHA B’AV & THE THREE WEEKS
Fast of tammuz
Thursday, July 2
4:16 AM
Fast Begins
6:50 AM
8:05 PM
9:08 PM
Erev tisha b’av
Wednesday, July 22
7:30 AM
8:20 PM
Morning Services
Evening Services & the Reading of Megillat Eicha
8:21 PM
tisha b’av day
Thursday, July 23
7:00 AM
9:00 AM
7:10 PM
7:55 PM
8:55 PM
Morning Services
Shiur with Rabbi Dr. Jeremy Wieder
Afternoon Class with Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz
Tisha B’Av Film Screening
Thursday, July 23 / 5:00 PM
Join us for a screening of I Danced for the Angel of Death, the inspiring story of Holocaust survivor, psychologist, and bestselling author Dr Edith Eva Eger Through extraordinary resilience, courage, and faith, Dr. Eger transformed unimaginable suffering into a life dedicated to healing and hope. Location: Heyman Auditorium, 125 East 85th Street
Thursday, July 2 – Thursday, July 23 / During the summer months, we commemorate the destruction of the First and SecondTemplesinJerusalemandreflectontheeventsthatled tothosenationaltragedies.Thisperiodofmourningbeginswith the fast of Shivah Asar B’Tammuz and culminates with Tisha B’Av
ShivahAsarB’Tammuz(Thursday,July2)marksthebreachof Jerusalem’swallsbeforethedestructionoftheSecondTemple The Talmud associates this date with four additional tragedies: thebreakingofthefirsttabletsfollowingthesinoftheGolden Calf, the suspension of the daily Temple offering, the burning ofaTorahscrollbyApostomos,andtheplacementofanidolin theTemple.
The period between the fast of Shivah Asar B’Tammuz and TishaB’AvisknownasTheThreeWeeks Duringthistime,we refrain from haircuts, weddings, and other especially joyous celebrationsasanexpressionofcommunalmourning.
Beginning with Rosh Chodesh Av, the mourning intensifies during a period known as The Nine Days (July 15 - Jul 23). Duringthistime,werefrainfromeatingmeatanddrinkingwine (except on Shabbat), swimming or bathing for pleasure, and doinglaundryordrycleaningexceptwhennecessary.
TheculminationofthisperiodisTishaB’Av(Thursday,July23), thesaddestdayoftheJewishcalendar.Accordingtotradition, it was on this day that the spies returned from the Land of Israel with a negative report, leading to the decree that the generation of the Exodus would not enter the land. The destruction of both Temples, the fall of Betar during the Bar Kochbarevolt,andtheplowingofJerusalembytheRomansare also associated with this date Jewish tradition further notes that the expulsions from England in 1290 and Spain in 1492 occurredonTishaB’Av.
OnTishaB’Av,inadditiontofasting,werefrainfromwashing, wearingleathershoes,applyinglotionsorperfumes,andmarital relations Torahstudyislimitedtotextsdealingwithmourning anddestruction.WedonotweartefillinuntilMincha,sitonlow chairsuntilmidday,andavoidcustomarygreetings.
Throughtheseobservances,wemournnotonlythedestruction of the Temples but the spiritual and national losses they represent, while expressing our hope and prayer for the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the ultimate redemption of the Jewishpeople
4:16 AM
7:00 AM
Fast of tammuz Thursday, July 2 Fast Begins Morning Services
8:05 PM
8:52 PM
Services
Ends
Erev tisha b’av Wednesday, July 22
Morning Services Evening Services & the Reading of Megillat Eicha Fast Begins 7:30 AM 8:20 PM 8:21 PM
tisha b’av day Thursday, July 23
Morning Services
Shiur with Rabbi Dr Jeremy Wieder
Afternoon Class with Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz Evening Services
Ends
STUDY WITH KJ THIS SUMMER
SUNDAY/9:15AM
RabbiDr.JeremyWieder
“Dr.WilliamMajorMemorial AdvancedShiurinTalmud”
TUESDAY/9:00AM
RabbiRoyFeldman
“Prophets:TheBookofSamuel”
TUESDAY/10:00AM
RabbiRoyFeldman&LindaBernell
“WeeklyWomen’sParshaClass”
TUESDAY/8:00PM
MorrisMassel
“SeferHaChinuch”
WEDNESDAY
“HebrewwithSaraRosen” (OnhiatusinJuly;restartsinAug.)
5:30PM BeginnersHebrew
6:30PM IntermediateHebrew
7:30PM—AdvancedHebrew
THURSDAY/7:30PM
“ExploringtheZohar”
Dr.SamBavli
SHABBAT/45MinBeforeMincha
RabbiRoyFeldman
“InsidetheSiddur:TheHalakhahand MeaningofJewishPrayer”
BecomingJewishinAmerica:ATwo-PartSummerSeries onConversion,Identity,andAmericanJudaism TaughtbyRabbiRoyFeldman
Monday,August3HalakhicBackgroundandConversion inEarlyAmerica
Monday, August 10 How American Orthodoxy UnderstoodConversion
kjyd summer programs
Ice Cream in Carl Schurz Park
Shabbat from 4:00-5:30 PM / Carl Schurz Park
July 11 – August 29
Find Morah Ruthie and other KJYD Morahs on Shabbat afternoons on the boardwalk at Carl Schurz for ice cream!
Tisha B’Av Program for Kids
Thursday, July 23, 11:45 AM-1:45 PM / Heyman Auditorium
Children 5-12 are invited to a dropoff Tisha B’Av program.
Water Fun for Tots
Sunday, August 2, from 10-11:30 AM / KJ Roof
Parents & children ages 0-6 are invited to join us for water fun with sprinklers and other summer activities.
Arts & Crafts Fun for Tots
Sunday, August 16, from 10-11 AM / Riklis Social Hall
Parents and children ages 0-6 are invited to join us for arts and crafts with Morah Ruthie.
Within Our Family
BIRTHS
Nicole & Raanan Agus upon the birth of a granddaughter, TiferetRivka,borntotheirchildrenGabiandRavElieLereain Israel
Carole&AndrewAryehuponthebirthofason,BenjaminFred (Betzalel).MazalTovaswelltolongtimeKJmembers,Nancy& BenjaminAryeh.
MichaelBerkin&SarahAziziuponthebirthofason,theirfirst childtogether
Beth & Marc Bengualid upon the birth of a granddaughter, Reva,borntotheirchildrenMicheleBengualid&AlecFishman. Gabrielle&JonathanBlumuponthebirthofason,YairMoshe.
Jackie (Leifert)& Saul Bodenheimer upon the birth of a grandsonborntoDinaandMichaelBasin.
Emma&TerrenceChuuponthebirthofason,RonenMeyer.
Allison & William Cooper upon the birth of a son, David Harrison(DavidChaim).
Dr.OdelyaPagovich-Dabscheck&DavidDabscheckuponthe birthofadaughter,TaliaShira
Karen & Dr Allan Gibofsky upon the birth of a grandson, Zachary Levi (Yitzchak Ohr), born to their children Laura (Ramaz'04)&MichaelWeil.
Michelle&AlexGilluponthebirthoftheirfirstchildandson, Isaac
DaniellaGreenbaumDavis&BobbyDavisuponthebirthofa daughter,MashaLouisa(MashaHerut).MazalTovaswelltoKJ grandparentsWendyandSholemGreenbaum.
Navah Maynard & Daniel Goldsmith upon the birth of their firstchildanddaughter,LucyDinaGoldsmith(DinaEliya)
Melissa & Judah Guber upon the birth of their first child and son,NoahRafael(NoachRefael).
Karen & Michael Hershkowitz upon the birth of a granddaughter, Pearl Adeline (Chana Perel), born to their childrenOliviaHershkowitz&BenniTuchman
Drs Michelle Meersand and Allen Heller upon the arrival of theirfirstgranddaughter,RomiBiancaBreitne,thefirstchildof their daughter, Dr. Alexis Heller, & her husband, Dr. Daniel Breitner.
Dorothy & Daniel Katz upon the birth of a son, Max Shane (Moshe Yisrael). Mazal Tov as well to KJ grandmother, Paula Etra
RebeccaFriedman&RonKimchiuponthebirthofadaughter, Nessa Basha. Mazal Tov as well to KJ grandparents, Diana & RobertFriedman.
Caren & Sam Kohl upon the birth of a grandson, Theodore David(DavidShimon)
Carli&JeremyLevartuponthebirthofason.
AmyBravman&AndrewLevineuponthebirth ofadaughter,AddisonKira(YakiraNessa).
Haley Zylberberg & Jason Liberman upon the birthofason,ArthurDean(EliezerDov)
LeoraMogilner&RichardLinhartuponthebirth of a granddaughter, daughter of Tobey Linhart and Yonah Goldschmidt. Mazal Tov to the KJ great-grandparents Rochelle Mogilner (Leonard Mogilnerz”l)andHalGastwirtofJerusalem.
Sivan Aloni-Olidort & Julian Olidort upon the birth of a daughter Mazal Tov as well to KJ grandparents Nadia & Joseph Olidort and KJ great-grandmother,IrinaKlionsky.
Jennifer Bernstein & Geoffrey Platt upon the birthofason,SpencerLevi(NetanelLev) Mazal Tov as well to the KJ grandparents, Drs. Vicki Deutsch&GeraldPlatt.
Eliza & Raphael Pransky upon the birth of a daughter
Grace&ElliotSchubinuponthebirthofason
Chelsea&MichaelShmuelyuponthebirthofa son,OliverGabriel(YaakovGavriel).
Mattie & Max Shulman upon the birth of a daughter, Ruth Chaya. Mazal Tov as well to KJ grandparentsRob&EllenKapito
Elana & Ariel Smith upon the birth of a son, CalebZev(SimchaAvraham).MazalTovaswell to the grandparents, KJ Members Susan & Jay Spievack and to the KJ great grandmother, GabriellaMajor.
Shoshana & Saul Stromer upon the birth of a grandson, Joseph Theo Stromer, born to their children,ShiraandMichaelStromer.
Shoshana & Saul Stromer upon the birth of a grandson, Mason Ezra (Mayer Ezra), born to theirchildrenAlexandra&MichaelFarbenblum ofWoodmere.
Michele&Dr.JimWarshawuponthebirthofa granddaughter, Stella Elyse, born to their children Dr Lauren Wynne and Dr Joshua Wynne.
Rachel & Jonathan Weiss upon the birth of a daughter,Malka(Samantha).
Regina & Jason Yakubovich upon the birth of a daughter,MilaZoe(Zissel).MazalTovaswellto KJgrandparentsJane&NicolayYakubovich.
Maythesechildrengrowupinthefinesttraditionof Torah,chupah,andma’asimtovim.
Dr. Taryn Fishman & David Bolnick upon the engagement of their son, Benjamin, to Lauren Clement, daughter of Faye and Marcel Clement of Cedarhurst
Shirley Boyarsky upon the engagement of her grandson, Max Boyarsky, son of Jennifer and Jonathan Boyarsky to Alexandra Minkovsky, daughter of Natalie and Len Minkovsky of Philadelphia Mazal Tov as well to grandparents, Tommy & Sonia Gelb.
Dana & Michael Cohen upon the engagement of their son, Benjamin, to Sophia Markel, daughter of Lara and David Markel of Bellmore, Long Island. Mazal Tov as well to KJ longstanding Member and grandmother, Lillian Eisman.
Amanda & Meir Katz upon the engagement of their son, Chai, to Gigi Ashkenazy, daughter of Drazie & Ben Ashkenazy.
Stacey & Richard Klass upon the engagement of their daughter, Sophia, to Ben Sobel, son of Michelle Kalt and Ted Sobel of Woodcliff Lake, NJ.
Jackie (Leifert) & Saul Bodenheimer upon the engagement of their grandson, Yonah Leifert, the son of Yacova & Rabbi Aryeh Leifert and Michal & Noam Dacosta.
Adrian & KJ Executive Director Leonard Silverman upon the engagement of their son, Benjamin (Ramaz ’20), to Hana Masin, the daughter of Bini & Greg Masin of Kendall, FL. We remember at this time Ben’ s KJ grandparents, Donna z ”l & Arthur z ”l Silverman.
Sharon & Elan z "l Steinberg upon the engagement of their son, Harry, to Caley Coughlan, daughter of Jill Coughlan of Denver, Colorado.
Fran & Dr. Alex Tepper upon the engagement of their daughter, Gabriella, to Yoram Kappel, son of Miriam & Norman Kappel of Melbourne, Australia.
May their weddings take place in happiness and blessing.
MARRIAGES
Nava & Dan Bettinger upon the marriage of their son, Elan, to Lexi Sugar, daughter of Monica and Stephen Sugar of Surfside, Florida.
Shira & Larry Baruch upon the marriage of their son, Jeremy, to Sarala Sinnreich, daughter of Ariella & Richie Sinnreich of Far Rockaway. Mazal Tov as well to the delighted KJ grandparents Audrey & Rabbi Haskel Lookstein and to Gladys z "l & David Baruch z "l, who are remembered at this time.
Ilene Kapelner & Leonard Feingold upon their recent marriage
Karen & Steven Gurewitsch upon the marriage of their daughter, Jordana, to Asaf Miller, son of Drora & Alan Miller from Englewood, New Jersey Mazal Tov as well to KJ grandparents Rae and Stanley z "l Gurewitsch
Hadley Chu & Jared Isenstein upon their marriage
Nina & Larry Kassman upon the marriage of their daughter, Gabriella, to Morris Sutton, son of Sari and Sammy J Sutton of Midwood, Brooklyn
Edith & Salomon Lipiner upon the marriage in Israel of their grandson, Mattias Rom, of Zurich, Switzerland, to Liat Silver, of Herzliya.
Robin Mehl & the late Dr. Sydney Mehl upon the marriage of their daughter, Jaclyn Esther (Jackie), to Matty Rindenow, son of Eli & Elisa Rindenow of Lawrence, NY.
Noemi & Daniel Messing upon the marriage of their son, Jonathan, to Sara Marder, daughter of Ira and Shirley Marder, of Toronto.
Judy & Dr. Robert Podell upon the marriage of their grandson, Marc Fishkind, son of Dr. Debbie and Ari Fishkind to Aliza Beer, daughter of Dr. Gila and Rabbi Jeffrey Beer of White Plains.
May the newlywed couples be blessed to build homes faithful to the traditions of the Jewish people.
Benjamin Chetrit
Mazal Tov to Lisa and Juda Chetrit upon the recent Bar Mitzvah of their son, Benjamin, in New York City, at which time he read Parashat Behar-Bechukotai. Benjamin is a seventhgrade student at the Ramaz Middle School.
Gwen Kellman
Mazal Tov to Jennifer and David Kellman upon the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Gwen, on May 25 at Angel Orensanz. Gwen delivered a D’ var Torah titled “Rachamim and Rescue” and produced a documentary, Quiet Courage: The Story of Those Who Chose to Save, sharing the stories of Zelda and Rivala, the Holocaust survivors after whom she was named, and honoring the rescuers who helped save Rivala. Gwen is a sixth-grade student at SAR (and will attend Ramaz in the fall). Mazal Tov as well to KJ grandparents Ellen and Dr. Fred Meyer.
Max Zelcer
ov to Dahlia Kozlowsky and Meir Zelcer upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Max, d Parashat Bamidbar in The Regency Shul in Lawrence, on Shabbat May 16. He vered a D' var Torah on the theme of counting the Jewish people and being counted them Max is currently a seventh-grade student at SAR Academy in Riverdale
Claudia Chalme
Mazal Tov to Vanessa and Ray Chalme upon the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Claudia, who gave a D’ var Torah on Parashat Shelach and performed a chesed project by helping with the Bnei Mitzvah of children of the Neve Michael crisis center home in Israel She is currently a sixth-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School
Berdugo
ov to Jeremy and Leslie Berdugo, upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Joshua, at gation Kehilath Jeshurun, Sephardic minyan, on Shabbat morning, June 13th, at which read Parashat Shelach-Lekha. Joshua is a seventh-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School.
Zachary Pike
Mazal Tov to Janelle and Dr Sheldon Pike upon the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Zachary, at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, at which time he read Parashat Korach and delivered a siyum and D’ var Torah Zachary is a seventh-grade student at the Ramaz Middle School
new members
Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun warmly welcomes the following new members who joined the congregation between the printing of the last Bulletin on March 13 and this Bulletin, which went to press on June 23:
Shanah & Joel Barmish
Wayne Carlin
Mark Donig
Navah Maynard & Daniel Goldsmith
Alisa Greenstein
Lisa & Shaun Kobrin
Alyson & Leo Korman
Jasmine & Dan Lax
Ellen & Fred Meyer
Amanda & Max Podolsky
Rivkie & Eli Stein
Carly & Jason Yablon
MazalTovto—
Ari Ackerman upon being inducted into the Manhattan Jewish Hall of Fame - class of 2026! His induction is in recognition for the business he created (Bunk1.com) in the city he loves, and most importantly,forthetirelessJewishadvocacyworkhedoeseverysingledayonInstagram(@ariacker). “I will always stand up loudly, proudly and unapologetically for the Jewish people - no matter how difficultitis,”saidRamazgraduateAriAckerman.“IhadincredibleZionisticandlovingrolemodelsin my grandfather, Meshulam Riklis, and my mother, Dr. Mona Ackerman, who I hope I am making proudeverysingleday.”
Joshua Arcus upon being honored by UJA-Federation of New York at the Annual Real Estate Luncheon on May 6th with the Larry A. Silverstein REX Award. Josh is being recognized for his philanthropicandprofessionalachievements,bothintheJewishandRealEstatecommunities.Awelldeservedandmeaningfulhonor.
Esther Amini (Krawitz) was the keynote speaker on March 22 at the "Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven,’ where she discussed her memoir, Concealed, and shared the story of the crypto-Jews of Mashhad. Her parents, and prior to them her ancestors, had lived a duplicitous, dangerous,undergroundlifeinIran.Atopicpertinenttoourtimes,giventoday’swarwithIran.Her story,“APersianThanksgiving,”willbeperformedbyTheBraid,(a.k.a.JewishWomen’sTheatre),in theirupcomingshowcalled“L ChaimAmerica”AftertouringtheUnitedStates,theshowcomesto Manhattan,onSunday,July12,atTheMuseumofJewishHistory.
Martin Geller, the honoree of the 2026 Gala of the N.Y. Police and Fire Widows’& Children’ s BenefitFund,alsoknownasAnswertheCall.TheGalawillbeheldonThursday,October22,2026, at Cipriani Wall Street. This year ’ s event holds particular significance as we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11th - a moment that forever changed our city and our lives, and underscoredtheextraordinarysacrificesmadebyourfirstrespondersandtheirfamilies.Pleasefeel freetocontactLaurenRutkinatlrutkin@gellerco.comorreachouttotheorganization’sExecutive Director,LaurenProfeta,atstaff@answerthecall.org.
Ruth & Larry Kobrin upon the In-Person Book Talk by their daughter, Dr Rebecca Kobrin, at the Center for Jewish History where she spoke about her new book Credit to the Nation: Jewish ImmigrantBankersandAmericanFinance,1870–1930.
Sheila&WallyLehmanupontheappointmentoftheirdaughter,Dr.MarjorieLehman,Professorof TalmudatJTSandformerRamazfacultymember,astheholderoftheprestigiousE.BillyIvryChair of Talmud at JTS. The Lehman family celebrates Marjorie’ s extraordinary accomplishments as a Talmudscholar,author,educator,devotedmother,anddedicateddaughter.
milestones
Avrom Doft upon the 75th anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah. Bob and Janie Schwalbe on the occasion of their 60 anniversary. th
academicachievements
May They Go Higher and Higher!
We extend a warm Mazal Tov to the following young members of the Congregation who participated in Advancement Day Exercises as they completed the Ramaz Middle School and other Day Schools.
AMANDA ABRAHAM
daughter of Heidi and Jeffrey Abraham
ZACHARY ARCHIBALD
son of Dr. Carmit and Georges Archibald
COLIN AUSUBEL
son of Nicole and Tzvi Ausubel
RUBY BEHM
daughter of Stacy and Thomas Behm
ARIEL BENGIO
son of Liat and David Bengio
AVA BENSUSAN
daughter of Joanne and Tsion Bensusan and Elyse Bensusan
ANNA BERMAN
daughter of Sarah Berman
EDEN BRODY
daughter of Lauren Brody
KYLEE DEMRY
daughter of Michele and Gad Demry
LIANA DEMRY
daughter of Michele and Gad Demry
RAFAEL DUPONT
son of Judith and Olivier Dupont
ADAM DWEK
son of Perah and David Dwek
ELLIE FISHMAN
daughter of Dr. Sarah and Rocky Fishman
granddaughter of Liz and Rami Nahmias
MORRIE FRIDMAN
son of Gabriella and David Fridman
grandson of Anne and Natalio z ”l Fridman
NILI FRIEND
daughter of Gealia Friend and Matthew Friend
granddaughter of Dr. Adina Cimet and Michael Singer
ADAM GAMLIELI
son of Meytal Albo and Omer Gamlieli
SHIRA GARREN
daughter of Drs. Michelle and Joshua Garren
ANNABELLE GROSS
daughter of Pearl and Ron Gross
AUGUSTUS HALPERN
son of Aviya and Alexander Halpern
grandson of Cheryl and Fred a ”h Halpern
JULIET KASHANIAN
daughter of Jennifer and James Kashanian
JACOB KOCHIN
son of Anne and Israel Kochin
grandson of Dr. Jenny and Howard Shliozberg
GARRETT KULE
son of Melanie and Andrew Kule grandson of Wilma and Steven Kule
RAFAELA KUSHNER
daughter of Kim and Jonathan Kushner
granddaughter of Lee and Murray Kushner
ALIYAH LANDAU
daughter of Karen and Alan Landau
JUDAH LEVIN
son of Rebecca Kartin and Aryeh Levin grandson of Galdys and Martin Kartin
ISABEL LIPSTADT
daughter of Joanna and Jordan Lipstadt
BAYLA LITZENBLATT
daughter of Amy and Seth Litzenblatt
EZRA MOCHE
son of Jordana and Avi Moche
OLIVIA MOCHE
daughter of Margalit and Jason Moche
DAVID MOGHADDAM
son of Johanna and Arash Moghaddam
HARVEY OSTHEIMER
Kimberlee and Jason Ostheimer
ELLIE PARADIS
daughter of Jaclyn and Gonen Paradis
JOEL RISHTY
son of Meredith and Michael Rishty grandson of Perri and Akiba Stern
MARSHALL SALAME
son of Ann and James Salame
ELIANA SCHWARTZ
daughter of Erica and Robert Schwartz granddaughter of Sheira and Steven Schacter
BARRY SCHWARTZ
son of Erica and Robert Schwartz grandson of Sheira and Steven Schacter
ARABELLASHEFF daughterofLeahFangandJesseSheff
SOPHIASROUR daughterofGilaSrourandMarcoSrour
OLIVERSRULOWITZ sonofStephanieandMarkSrulowitz
JONATHANSULTAN sonofRandiandDavidSultan
ARIELTANTLEFF daughterofTaliandAdamTantleff
ANATHEIL daughterofDrs FlaviaandChaimTheil
NOAHWEINSTEIN sonofJodiandAdamWeinstein
GENEVIEVEWERTHENSCHLAG daughterofMaeiraandMichelWerthenschlag granddaughterofCherylandFreda”hHalpern
EDENWISE daughterofTamarandDr.DavidWise
Congratulations to our young KJ Members upon their graduation from the Ramaz Upper School and other high schools!
Harrison Agus, son of Jennifer and Daniel Agus, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School. He will attend Torah Tech this fall and New York University upon his return from Israel.
Janelle Ash, daughter of Deborah and Isaac Ash, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School, as a recipient of the Jesse Deutsch Tefillah Award, presented to the seniors who have shown a demonstrable commitment to Tefillah throughout high school. She will attend Columbia University in the fall.
Nathaniel Berman, son of Sara and Mark Bloom & David Berman, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the Debby Sacks Award for excellence in performing arts and a Band and Instrumental Award for participating with distinction in the band, percussion, or guitar ensemble. He will attend Harvard College. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents Judy and Michael Steinhardt.
Eitan Binstock, son of Yaira Singer and Matthew Binstock, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the Debby Sacks Award for excellence in performing arts and a Band and Instrumental Award for participating with distinction in the band, percussion, or guitar ensemble. He will attend Columbia University in the fall Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents Dr Adina Cimet and Michael Singer.
Joshua Davidson, son of Nina and Mitchell Davidson, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School. He will attend Netiv Aryeh in the fall and Emory University upon his return from Israel. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents Ingeborg and Ira Rennert.
Truman Edell, son of Deborah and Eric Edell, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School. He will attend Kivunim in the fall and the University of Pennsylvania upon his return. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandmother Mira Levenson.
Caroline Efron, daughter of Elyse and David Efron, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School She will attend Emory University in the fall Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents, Janet and Mark Mittler.
Matthew Fisher, son of Nicole and Jeffrey Fisher, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School. He will attend Torah Tech in the fall and Emory University upon his return from Israel. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandmother Shirley Boyarsky.
Sami Rose Fishman, daughter of Dr. Sarah and Rocky Fishman, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the Stage Award for the students who participated with distinction in the construction and technical production of the performing arts showcases, including stage design, backdrop creation, lighting, sound, and behind-the-scenes theatrical execution. She will attend Midreshet Lindenbaum in the fall and University of Maryland upon her return from Israel. Mazal Tov as well to KJ grandparents Liz and Rami Nahmias.
Michael Hadel, son of Anne Yi Hadel and Don Hadel, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School. He will attend Reichman University in Herzliya in the fall.
Joseph Kaufthal, son of Abby and Joshua Kaufthal, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School, as a recipient of the Ramaz Prize in memory of Julian and Esther, M. Edelman, awarded to the student who best exemplifies the ideals and goals of a Ramaz education: commitment to Torah and mitzvot, Am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael; excellence in academics; and a responsibility to serve society, as well as a Walter Koppel Jewish Political Action Award presented to the student who has demonstrated leadership and commitment to political action for the benefit of the Jewish people. He will attend TVA (Torah v ’Avodah) in the fall and the University of Pennsylvania upon his return.
Romi Kopel, daughter of Julie and Reuben Kopel, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School, as a recipient of the Beatrice & Murray Kirschblat Holocaust Award given to the student who has demonstrated a commitment to Holocaust awareness and care for Holocaust survivors through their participation in Witness Theater. She will attend University of Michigan in the fall.
Kira Kraus, daughter of KJ Directors of Community Education Rachel & Rabbi Daniel Kraus, upon her graduation from the Frisch School. She will attend TVA (Torah v ’Avodah) in the fall followed by plans to enlist in the IDF and then attend Reichman University in Herzliya.
Abraham Lubick, son of Ruth and Benjamin Lubick, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the Gorfinkle/Waldman Computer Science Award for outstanding work in the study of computer science. He will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall.
George Meyer, son of Nicole and Joseph Meyer, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the Norman Kreinen Fortitude Award, honoring students who, since their start at Ramaz, have exhibited unwavering perseverance, through hard work and determination, in pursuit of their academic and personal goals. He will attend Harvard College in the fall. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents Seryl and Charles Kushner.
Albert Montague, son of Julie and Steven Montague, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School. he will pursue a joint degree from Columbia University and Tel Aviv University in the fall.
Judah Ostad, son of Lisa Ohebshalaom and Natalie & Dr. Edward Ostad, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the Sidney Scheinberg Award for Politics and Law for commitment and outstanding performance in politics and law. He will attend Emory University in the fall.
Sylvie Raab, daughter of Katia and Mitchell Raab, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School, as a recipient of the Leonard Friedland Hebrew Language Memorial Award for outstanding work in the study of the Hebrew language and excellence in its literature; an English Award for excellence in literature; a History Award for excellence in history; the Spanish Award, for outstanding ability in Spanish; the Lisolette Samuel Gorlin Award for Excellence in Mathematics; the Harvey Blech Memorial Award for excellence in the study of physics; and a Rampage Award. She will attend Yale College in the fall.
Deborah Rubinstein, daughter of Shira and Allen Rubinstein, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School. She will attend Maryland University in the fall.
Victor Shemia, son of Sara and Simon Shemia, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School. He will attend Bar Ilan University in the fall Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandmother Marilyn Muhlbauer.
Yakira Weinstock, daughter of Dr. Naama and Rabbi Elie Weinstock, upon her graduation from the Ramaz Upper School as a recipient of the Drs. Gerald and Vicki Platt Award given to the graduating senior who demonstrates a love of Am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael as expressed in the philosophy of religious Zionism. She will attend TVA (Torah v ’Avodah) in the fall followed by Reichman University in Herzliya the following year.
Elliott Weiss, son of Dr. Jessica and Marcus Weiss, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School. He will attend University of Chicago in the fall.
Simon Werthenschlag, son of Maeira and Michel Werthenschlag, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School. he will attend Columbia University in the fall. Mazal Tov as well to proud KJ grandparents Cheryl and Fred a ”h Halpern.
Jacob Yashar, son of Jennifer and Jeremy Yashar, upon his graduation from the Ramaz Upper School He will attend TVA (Torah v ’Avodah) in the fall and University of Miami upon his return from Israel.
Congratulations to the following KJ members celebrating their graduations and the graduations of their loved ones:
Diane & Honorable Robert Abrams upon the graduation oftheirgranddaughter,GavriellaPear,daughterofRachel Schulder Abrams and Rabbi Ian (Chaim) Pear, rabbi of Shir Hadash, from Hebrew University – College of Nursing,inJerusalem
DeeDee z ”l & Victor Benel upon the graduation of their grandson, Eli Sasson Benel, son of Dani Benel '94 and Lena Fishman, from the Denver Jewish Day School with Judaic Distinction Eli will take a gap year on the Kivunim programandwillattendBrownUniversityuponhisreturn
Alison & Sylvain Bergfeld upon the graduation of their son, Aaron, from UC Berkeley with a master’ s degree in datascience.
Gila & Hon. David Cohen upon the graduation of their son, Maximilian, from Binghamton Univerity with an MBA.
Fran & Benjy (of blessed memory) Brown & Bob Sugarman, upon the graduation of their granddaughter, Kate Brown, from John Hopkins University with a Master of Science in Biostatistics. Kate is the daughter of Daniel andAlisonBrown.
Eugenia & Dr. Ira Davis upon the graduation of their son, Jacob,fromPrincetonUniversity.
Judith & Olivier Dupont upon the graduation of their daughter,Avigail,fromBrandeisUniversity.
Arthur Friedman upon the graduation of his grandson, Samuel Koffler (Ramaz '22) from the University of Pennsylvania College of Arts & Sciences To celebrate this milestone, Sam is riding his bicycle across the United States to raise money for the Daniella Moffson Foundation to help spread chesed. Sam co-founded Avdah, a UPenn start-up, which helps identify strong potentialjobcandidatestooptimizehiring.
Rosie & Dr. Mark Friedman upon the graduation of their grandson, Asher Fine, son of Ariela (‘97) and Rabbi Jeremy Fine of Woodmere, from 8th grade at South ShoreYeshivahinHewlett.
Rosie&Dr.MarkFriedmanuponthegraduation oftheirgranddaughter,MiriamFarkas,daughter of Yael (‘01) and Pinny Farkas of Woodmere, fromSKAHighSchoolinHewlettHarbor,witha specialtyandExcellenceinArt.
Rosie&Dr MarkFriedmanuponthegraduation of their grandson, Shmuel Moshe Yehaskel, son ofDavida(‘95)andMarcYehaskel,fromHAFTR HighSchoolinCedarhurst.
Rosie&Dr.MarkFriedmanuponthegraduation of their granddaughter, Michal Fine Baratz, daughter of Ariela (‘97)& Rabbi Jeremy Fine andwifeofGabieBaratz,fromSternCollegeSy SymsBusinessSchool
Karen & Michael Hershkowitz upon the graduationoftheirdaughter,Olivia,asaDoctor of Nursing Practice from Columbia School of Nursing.
RabbiMaxHollanderuponreceivinghissemikha yoreh yoreh from Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary and his master’ s degree from the Bernard Revel Graduate School of JewishStudies.
Dr. Jennifer and Michael Kaplan upon the graduation of their son, Joshua, from Harvard College.
Dr.BarbaraBraffmanandBenKlapper,uponthe graduation of their twin grandchildren, Emma and Ethan Klapper, the children of Chiaki and AaronKlapper,fromMiraCostaHighSchoolin Manhattan Beach, California Emma will be attendingtheUniversityofMiamiandEthanwill beattendingtheUniversityofUtah.
CarolineandMorrisMasseluponthegraduation of their daughter, Rebecca, from Columbia University MazalTovaswelltoKJgrandparents HeniandHarveyArfa
Ruth & David Musher upon the graduation of a granddaughter, Elena Eisenstadt (a daughter of Sharon Musher and Daniel Eisenstadt ’87), from University of Chicago with Honors. She has an internship with BloombergNews.
Ruth & David Musher upon the graduation of a granddaughter,AriellaEisenstadt(adaughterofSharon Musher and Daniel Eisenstadt ‘87) from Jack M BarrackHebrewAcademy,BrynMawr,PA Afteragap year in Israel at The Hartman Institute, she plans to attendEmoryUniversityinAtlanta,GA.
Dr.KatiePeyseruponcompletingaradiologyresidency atMt.SinaiHospital.
Ilana and Douglas Propp upon the graduation of their daughter,Ilana,fromtheUniversityofMichigan,witha degreeinelectricalengineering.
Laura & Laurence Rabinowitz upon the graduation of their son, Ben, from the Harvard Law School A recipient of the Dean' s Scholar Prize, Ben will join Lazard' s Restructuring and Liability Management group thissummer
Esther Buterman & Kenneth Rubinstein upon the graduationoftheirson,Spencer,fromRobertH.Smith SchoolofBusiness,UniversityofMaryland.
Suzanne and Robert Schwartz upon the graduation of theirson,Jacob,fromtheUniversityofPennsylvania.
AbbeandMichaelSerphosuponthegraduationoftheir son,Brayden,fromAmericanUniversity
Rifki Zable and Yonim Slonim upon the graduation of theirdaughter,Sophie,fromtheLeffellSchool
Lisa and Lee Snow upon the graduation of their son, Raffi, from the NYU Stern School of Business with an MBA and a concentration in Finance. Raffi will be joiningIBMintheirconsultingdivisionthissummer.
LisaandRabbiChaimSteinmetzuponthegraduationof their daughter, Ilana, from Yeshiva University Ferkauf Graduate school of Psychology with a master' s degree inMentalHealthCounseling.
Dr Eric Taub upon completing a radiology residency at HarlemHospital
Drs.RachelandCraigTitleuponthegraduationoftheir son,Corey,fromTuftsUniversity.
GreatsynagogueslikeKJaregreatinpart becauseofthesupportthattheyreceivefrom thecommunitiestheyserve,andwehopeyou willjoinotherdedicatedpeopleinour communitybyconsideringKJMembership
Visitckj.org/membershipor scantheQRcodeformore information.
Learn to read Hebrew for free with Eyal. Whether you have no reading experience or can read the basics and are searching for fluency, Eyal is the app for you. Eyal was created by KJ Hebrew teacher Sara Rosen and is available on iPad and Mac All work can be self-checked so no teacher is S f S Make Torah a part of every day. For individuals and families, all levels welcome PENINEI HALAKHA: LAWS OF PRAYER
taught by Rabbi Roy Feldman
Anne Addison upon the passing of her brother, Robert Kleiman.
Dr. Robert Allen upon the loss of his father, Louis Allen. Michael Castle upon the passing of his mother, Betty Castle.
llan Cohen upon the passing of his brother, Amir Cohen. Danielle Cooper upon the passing of her sister, Nancy Gurfein.
Paula Etra upon the passing of her mother, Dorothy Wiener.
Elana Vinar-Grant upon the passing of her mother, Rochelle Vinar.
Sue Javitt upon the passing of her husband, Dr. Norman Javitt, the oldest and longest serving Kohen in KJ history.
Alan Kestenbaum upon the passing of his father, Sandy Kestenbaum.
Moshe Klein upon the passing of his father, Eliezer Zev Klein.
IN memoriam
StanleyGurewitsch
Stanley was a shul yid: a regular, active and involved worshipper in our midst. He arrived in shul at the very beginning of the service and he was a serious davener who appreciated nusach and enjoyed the high standards of davening and Torah reading for which KJ is known. He served as President of the Congregation from 19881995,andheassociatedhimselfwiththetradition of our synagogue for adherence to halakhah, warmth of davening and dignity and propriety. HewasaJewwhoembracedtheJewishtradition andlovedit.
He and his wife, Rae, raised their two children, Steven and Anne Schwartz in KJ and Ramaz. They were involved deeply in every facet of communitylife.Theyliterallyhelpedtobuildand maintainthebeautyandthegloryofbothKJand Ramaz.
Stanley gave great leadership to our congregation Hewasabalabosinthetraditional sense of that term: pious, generous, and deeply committedtotheshul.
David Korn and Justin Korn upon the passing of their brother, Jay Korn.
Rabbi Meyer Laniado upon the passing of his grandmother, Barbara Laniado.
Jean Lindenbaum upon the passing of her brother, Albert Herskovits.
Alan Pines upon the passing of his mother, Hilda Pinewski.
Dina Propp upon the passing of her father, Dr. Lawrence Stein.
Carolyn Rubin upon the passing of her mother, Deenie Silver.
Marina Schwartz and Nicky Yakubovich & Robert Schwartz, Jason Yakubovich, and Andrew Yakubovich upon the passing of their mother and grandmother, Zitta.
Sue Stein upon the passing of her mother, Joan Mendelson.
Heidi Manheimer Tarsh upon the passing of her mother, Beverly Manheimer.
James Tisch upon the passing of his mother, Wilma “Billie” Tisch, and Samuel Tisch upon the passing of his grandmother.
FranLederman
She and her husband, Arnold, were longtime members of KJ with many friends in our congregation They raised their two daughters, DianeMarkovitzandNancyCohen,inRamaz,and they were very proud of all of their associations in both school and shul. Fran was a very active member of the Sisterhood and, until her illness, occupied her seat in the Main Synagogue every Shabbat.
Her joyous countenance was a source of warmth andlightinallofouractivities.
Brigitte Rosenthal
She was the wife of the late Tom Rosenthal and the mother of our member Nadine Rosenthal. Brigitte and Tom were primarily involved in our sister congregation, Orach Chaim, but they maintained their membership in KJ and supported us from the time that they first enrolled Nadine in Ramaz
Brigitte had many friends in our community, and she was incredibly proud of the professional accomplishments of her daughter.
Shabbat zmanim
June 26-27
July 3-4
July 10-11
July 17-18
July 24-25
July 31-August 1
August 7-8
August 14-15
August 21-22
August 28-29
September 4-5
Chukat - Balak
Pinchas
Shabbat Mevarchim / Matot-Masei
Shabbat Hazon / Devarim
Shabbat Nachamu / Vaetchanan
Eikev
Shabbat Mevarchim / Re’eh
Shoftim
Ki Teitzei
Ki Tavo
Nitzavim-Vayelech
DAtes to remember
Thursday, July 2
Shiva Asar b’Tammuz
Fast of the 17th of Tammuz
Fast begins 4:16 AM
6:50 AM Morning Services
8:05 PM Evening Services
Fast concludes 9:08 PM
Friday, July 3
Independence Day (Observed)
8:30 AM Morning Services
Wednesday, July 15
Rosh Chodesh Av
7:00 AM Morning Services
Wednesday&Thursday
July22-23
Tishab’Av
MainSchedule–Page12
SephardicSchedule–Page13
Thursday&Friday
August13-14
RoshChodeshElul
7:00AMMorningServices
MotzeiShabbat,September5
RecitationofSelichotbegins
Monday,September7
LaborDay
8:30AMMorningServices
