See All That's Going On at Congregation Rodeph Sholom!

Dear Congregants,

With our spirit renewed after the High Holy Days, we're now plunging headlong into the full roster of fall activities here at Rodeph Sholom ... and there's so much going on that we want to make sure you don't miss any of it!

Come and learn something, meet new people (and see old friends). Check our calendar as the weeks unfold, for updates and additions.

We Celebrate the Release of Gilad Shalit!

Gilad Shalit was released from prison this morning, and returned to his family in Israel after five years and four months in captivity. We at Rodeph Sholom celebrate with him, his family, and the world community of Israel!

Join members of the Upper West Side community to celebrate and reflect on this important moment with a brief service at the JCC (76th Street and Amsterdam Avenue) at 7 PM tonight.

High Holy Day Wrap-Up

A Big "Thank You" to Those Who Supported Our Annual Yom Kippur Food Drive!

Many thanks to all who rose to meet the challenge of our annual Yom Kippur Food Drive. We collected a grand total of 32,837 pounds of food (vs.16,000 last year). About 12,000 came thanks to the generosity of one donor who responded to Rabbi Levine's impassioned appeal from the bimah during the High Holy Days.

Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah Sermons Available Online

Words of wisdom, flashes of inspiration ... whenever you want them! Revisit your favorite High Holy Day sermons given by all the Clergy members (and share them with your friends) in our online archive.

Mitzvah Weekend 5772

October 21-23

Every Day Makes a Difference!

FRIDAY

Joel Berg, head of the New York CIty Coalition Against Hunger (representing more than 1,200 nonprofit soup kitchens and food pantries in the City) will speak at a special Erev Shabbat service honoring Rodeph Sholom's longstanding commitment to the cause.

SATURDAY

Hav-da-cappella: From Our Table to Yours (6:00 PM - 7:15 PM)

Have a nosh and a cocktail, sing along with the Yiddish, Israeli, rock and pop stylings of Jewish a cappella - and help our community the whole time. It's a free, adults-only evening out that'll leave you feeling good. RSVP to Amy at aleszman@crsnyc.org.

SUNDAY

An impressive array of Mitzvah Day projects includes opportunities to promote literacy, schmooze with seniors, plant trees, make crafty stuff, feed the hungry ... and so much more! Sign up here.

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Rodeph Sholom Mitzvah Day Blood Drive
Sunday, October 24; 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Take 20 minutes to help save a life! Donate blood. Make an appointment at (646) 454-3043 or email blooddrive@crsnyc.org. Ages 17 and up are eligible to be donors.

Last Chance for Spain in the Spring!

Monday, October 24, 8 AM

At this informational meeting, we'll have a representative from the trip organizers, Keshet, plus the final itinerary and pricing. Deposits are due in November. Contact Rabbi Grushcow with questions.

Support Group for Those With a Family Member With Mental Illness

Monday, October 24, 7:30 PM

Share experiences, strategies, and information; gain insight and coping skills. For further information, contact Ruth F. Kobrin, LMSW, at (646) 454-3180.

Brotherhood Torah Study

Tuesday, October 25; 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Is There Any Way We Can Believe In God Today?

Many of us have our doubts; many of us have our moments of faith. In a world filled with horror and hope, how can we believe if we're not fundamentalist? We'll explore faith in a modern world with Rabbi Levine. A light breakfast will be served.

RSVP to brotherhood@crsnyc.org.

CRS Book Club

Thursday, November 3; 7:00 PM

This month we're reading Nemesis by Philip Roth. Come join the group; we're looking forward to a lively discussion!

Get more information here or RSVP at bookgroup@crsnyc.org.

Sisterhood Study

Friday, November 4; 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Gather in a congregation member's home for some breakfast nosh, interesting texts, and meaningful conversations that will get you into the "Shabbat spirit." No previous knowledge or experience is necessary - just a willingness to join the dicsussion. RSVP to

sisterhood@crsnyc.org.

A Birthday Oneg for Rabbi Levine

Friday, November 4, 6 PM Shabbat Service

We love milestones - and we know you do, too! So why not come and help Rabbi Levine celebrate a milestone birthday with a special oneg after services on November 4? Join your fellow congregants in singing Happy Birthday to Rabbi Levine.

New Member Confab

Wednesday, November 9; 7:00 PM

Confab, from the Latin, "confabulari." To engage in casual, familiar talk or conversation.

New members who joined our community this past year are invited to "confab" with Clergy, staff, and other members. Through conversation and stories, find out more about our events, opportunities, and culture. RSVP at membership@crsnyc.org or (646) 454-3010.

Mah Jongg at CRS

Thursday, November 10; 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Cards are available for purchase for $8.00 or bring your own. Novices and veteran players are all welcome. Get details HERE or

RSVP at mahjongg@crsnyc.org.

Lunch Together:

It's the Judaica Trivia Bowl!

Tuesday, November 15: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Shake up those brain cells as Rabbi Levine hosts a game of Pitseleh Pursuit! A little culture, a bit of history, maybe some religion (and don't forget food). Everybody gets to play - so come and show us what you know! Suggested donation of $8. RSVP at lunchtogether@crsnyc.org or 646-454-3043.

Chamber Music at Rodeph Sholom

Saturday, November 19: 1:00 PM

Enjoy music for piano trio and flute by Faure, Goldberg, Mendelssohn, and Smetana in the Schnurmacher Chapel. More information about this free concert is available here. RSVP for a light lunch in Eisner at 12:30 at chambermusic@crsnyc.org or call 646-454-3039.

Save the Date: Parents Association Bazaar and Gift Show

December 1, 8 AM - 5 PM

Stay tuned for more information!

Yom Kippur Appeal

When you lose your job or face a medical crisis and bills mount ... that's just when you don't want to lose your support system! The Yom Kippur Appeal helps those needing dues assistance stay within our family, supports our varied educational programming, and maintains our historical building in tip-top form.

Your participation in the 2011 Appeal is especially meaningful. Send your gift to the Synagogue or make a secure online donation. For questions, contact the Development Office at 646-454-3051.

And thank you from the entire Congregation!

Adult Learning and Life

Shabbat Morning Torah Study

Saturdays, throughout the year, 8:45am - 9:45am

We are continuing the Book of Genesis - everyone welcome!

Rabbi Lisa J. Grushcow, D. Phil.

Rabbi Sari R. Laufer

Rabbi Benjamin H. Spratt

How to Raise a Mentsch:

Tuesdays at 9:00 AM - October 18; November 1 and 15

A chance to explore the big questions of parenting in an intimate environment. Please click HERE for the flyer.

Rabbi Lisa Grushcow

RSVP to adulted@crsnyc.org.

Giving Voice to a Generation of Change:

The Writing of Sholom Aleichem

Tuesday, October 25; 7:15 PM

The literary and historical context of Sholom Aleichem, whose works address the despair and hope of Jewish communities in the late 19th century. Click HERE for the flyer.

Jessica Kirzane

RSVP to Sigal at sstark@crsnyc.org.

Basic Judaism

Wednesdays at 7:00 PM; October 26; November 2, 9, and 16

Open to all who want to take a closer look at why and how Jewish rituals have developed, and how they create meaning in our lives.

Rabbi Leora Kaye

RSVP to Sigal at sstark@crsnyc.org.

Text in Context --

Zohar, Zo Good: A Survey of Jewish Mysticism

Thursdays at 8 AM - October 27; November 3 and 10

Start your day by delving into Jewish mysticism!

Rabbi Andrea Myers

RSVP to Sigal at sstark@crsnyc.org.

babyMENTSCH

Thursday, November 3; 9:00 AM

It's never too early to begin creating the best environment for our children.

Rabbi Benjamin Spratt

RSVP to adulted@crsnyc.org.

Therapists' Study Group

Thursday, November 3; 10:30 AM (new time)

Therapists join together for conversation and connection.

Contact Rabbi Lisa Grushcow to sign up.

Esa Eynai El He'Harim - I lift my eyes to the mountains

Personal and Spiritual Pathways through the Psalms

Friday, November 11 at Noon

A contemplative and personal approach to finding support within the biblical Psalms.

Rabbi Jaccqueline Ellenson

RSVP to Sigal at sstark@crsnyc.org.

Seminar in Jewish History

Thursday, November 17; Noon

Those looking for in-depth study will explore the experience of Jewish communities around the world.

Rabbi Lisa Grushcow

RSVP to Sigal at sstark@crsnyc.org.

Hebrew Classes:

Beginning Hebrew - Mondays at 6:15 PM

Beginning Hebrew - Thursdays at 9:00 AM

Continuing Hebrew - Mondays at 7:30 PM

Continuing Hebrew - Tuesdays at 9:15 AM

Understanding Liturgy - Tuesdays at 8:15 AM

Click HERE For the full Adult Education Brochure.

October 18, 2011

Table of Contents

Yom Kippur Appeal

High Holy Day Wrap-Up

Mitzvah Weekend

Featured Article

Underwriting
Opportunities

"Tzedakah begins the moment we decide to think about other people besides ourselves."
-Rabbi Robert Levine

Find out more about CRS underwriting opportunities.

Union Field Cemetery

Come visit and learn more about Rodeph Sholom's historic Union Field Cemetery. Discounted fees are available for CRS members. For more information, call our knowledgeable staff at
718-366-3748.

October
Donation Box:

Socks 'n Undies

See the flyer for details about this month's donation box.

Hearing Enhancement Devices

Hearing
enhancement devices are available during services at the security desk.

Bereavement Notices

Click HERE if you would like to be informed of deaths in our community.

Bikkur Cholim

Our committed group of Bikur Cholim volunteers visit the Jewish Home and Hospital. If you or a loved one live there and would appreciate a visit from a friendly Rodeph Sholom volunteer, e-mail visiting@crsnyc.org with contact information.

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Congregation Rodeph Sholom
212-362-8800
www.rodephsholom.org