WEEKLY NEWS
Parshat Ha'azinu
September 18, 2021 / 12 Tishrei 5782
THIS SHABBAT
Kabbalat Shabbat Friday, 6:30pm Join Us In Person, or Via Zoom
Sanctuary Services: Saturday, 9:45am Join Us In Person, Live Streamed or Via Zoom
PLEASE NOTE SERVICES BEGIN AT 9:45am
TeleTefila Services: P'sukei D'zimra 9:40am, Shacharit, 10am Via Zoom
Minyan M'at Services: Saturday, 10am in Hirsch Hall
Kiddush On The Korner: Saturday, 12 noon Ansche Chesed West End Steps
TeleTefila Havdallah: Saturday, 7:51pm Via Zoom
Candle Lighting: 6:42pm
Torah Reading: Parshat Ha'azinu Deuteronomy 32:1-52 (32:1-52)
Haftara: 2 Samuel 22:1-51
Shabbat Ends: 7:41pm
Sukkot and Simchat Torah
Eating in the Ansche Chesed Sukkah
We are glad to report that this year, the full sukkah returns to our roof and the small spillover sukkah returns to the fifth-floor patio. The branches are in place for sekhakh and the walls are already up. It’s beginning to look a lot like sukkos!

But – and in these Covid years, there is always a but – attendance will be more restricted than we would like. We will have fewer tables and seats to maintain some social distance and must require advance registration. Please register to join us.
Sukkot
Sunday, September 19
10-11am: Sukkah Decorating Party (ages 2-5) Register Here
11:30-12:30pm: Sukkah Decorating Party (ages 6-10) Register Here

Monday, September 20, Erev Sukkot Services
6:30pm: Sanctuary Service In Person and VIA ZOOM

Tuesday, September 21, First Day Sukkot
9:45am: Sanctuary Service In Person, LIVESTREAMED and VIA ZOOM
10am: Minyan M'at Services in Hirsch Hall and VIA ZOOM
9:40am: TeleTefila Services, VIA ZOOM
10:30am: Children's Services in Riverside Park
Kids of all ages and their families are invited to join Leilah Rosen and Education and Family Program Director Matt Check for 2 parallel Sukkot family services on the 1st day of the holiday.

We will meet in Riverside Park - the best way to find the spot is to enter at 99th Street and walk north towards the ramp leading down to the Hudson River. We will be in the grassy area across from the ramp. 

Wednesday, September 22, Second Day Sukkot
9:45am: Sanctuary Service In Person, LIVESTREAMED and VIA ZOOM
10am: Minyan M'at Services in Hirsch Hall and VIA ZOOM

Thursday, September 23, Chol HaMoed Sukkot
15th Annual Sukkot Sing Along
Thursday, 7pm AC Roof Sukkah (Weather Permitting) Register here
Join Hazzan Natasha Hirschhorn, Shirei Chesed Chorus singers and guest musicians for our Annual Sukkah Sing-Along - in person! We will pick the most beautiful and fun Jewish folk songs from Israel and beyond to sing the night away! Free of charge, all are welcome, registration and proof of vaccination for those 12 and older is required.

In addition to registering to attend the Sing-Along, you must register for a spot in the Ansche Chesed Sukkah. Please register here



Monday, September 27, Hoshana Rabbah & Shemini Atzeret
7:30am: Hoshana Rabbah Services In Persona and VIA ZOOM
6:30pm: Erev Shemini Atzeret Sanctuary Services In Person and VIA ZOOM

Tuesday, September 28, Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah
9:45am: Shemini Atzeret Sanctuary Services In Person, LIVESTREAMED and VIA ZOOM
10am: Minyan M'at Shemini Atzeret Services in Hirsch Hall and VIA ZOOM
9:40am: TeleTefila Shemini Abzehret Services VIA ZOOM
6:30pm: Erev Simchat Torah Services In Person, LIVESTREAMED and VIA ZOOM
6:30pm: Minyan M'at Erev Simchat Torah Services in Hirsch Hall and VIA ZOOM

Wednesday, September 29, Simchat Torah
9:45am: Simchat Torah Sanctuary Services In Person, LIVESTREAMED and VIA ZOOM
10am: Minyan M'at Services in Hirsch Hall and VIA ZOOM
MAZEL TOV
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please Respond To Our Kol Nidre Appeal
The pandemic that hit the world in early 2020 is really hitting Ansche Chesed’s financial health right now. Simply put, our expenses are up but our income is still not back to normal- it’s lagging behind. We’re therefore projecting a significant deficit in the coming fiscal year.

Please consider making a meaningful donation to sustain our communal Jewish home in New York City.

Please click on this LINK or send a check into the offices. 
Bima Flowers on the High Holidays
We thank Mark Friedman for sponsoring the flowers on the bima during the High Holidays in memory of his father.
Return To Masking
In response to the uptick in COVID cases, the CDC has changed their guidance, and now urges people to wear masks at indoor programs even if vaccinated. As a result, the leadership of Ansche Chesed will be mandating masks at all indoor programming and services.
PRAYER
Weekday Morning Minyan
Monday-Friday at 7:30am 
Sunday at 8:30am
or call: 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 933 006 171
Passcode: minyan

We have begun to hold our Sunday morning minyan in person at 8:30am in the Ansche Chesed sanctuary.
Please join us!

Please note, this service will continue to be available via Zoom as well
Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, 6:30pm IN PERSON or Via Zoom
Join us as we begin Shabbat with our traditional Kabbalat Shabbat and maariv service.

We are thrilled that Ansche Chesed can safely open to ever increasing numbers of davveners. Please join us in person in the coming weeks and months.

JOIN US IN PERSON
or
or call
929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 875 1782 0145
Passcode: Shabbat
Shabbat Morning Services
Saturday, 9:45am IN PERSON in the Sanctuary, Live Streamed, or Via Zoom

Join the Ansche Chesed community for a traditional Conservative Shabbat morning prayer service.

Please note that we have returned to our normal 9:45am start time. Please continue to enter the building via our West End Avenue entrance (unless mobility issues make it necessary for you to use the lift.)

We are grateful to the Rabbinical Assembly (RA) for making Siddur Lev Shalem and the Torah reading for Parshat Ha'azinu from the Etz Hayim Chumash available to us as PDF's for those who join us via Zoom.

We hope that everyone will be able to fully participate with us!

JOIN US IN PERSON
or
or
or call
929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 875 1782 0145
Passcode: Shabbat
Kiddush on the Korner
Saturday, after Shabbat morning services, approx. 12 noon.
Please join us on West End Avenue in front of Ansche Chesed after services for Kiddush, weather permitting. To sponsor a Kiddush, contact Martin Sivorinovsky, msivorinovsky@anschechesed.org.
ONGOING PROGRAMS
Shabbat Morning Study
RETURNING Saturdays in Late September or Early October, 8:45am 
IN PERSON, Live Stream, or Via Zoom
Join Rabbi Kalmanofsky to delve into the weekly portion through the eyes of favorite commentators-ancient, medieval, and modern; midrashic, mystical, and academic.
Shirei Chesed Community Chorus Led by Hazzan Hirschhorn
RETURNING Tuesday, October 5, 7:30-9pm IN PERSON
Shirei Chesed Community Chorus continues to build community through learning a rich and diverse repertoire of Jewish music, and bring harmony into the world that needs it more than ever. During the height of Covid Era we focused on growing our repertoire and musicianship, as well as recording a few virtual choir projects here, here, and here

This year we are cautiously optimistic about our ability to sing in the same space again, even though some extra precautions may be needed. All participants will be required to submit a proof of vaccination, masking may be required.

Ability to carry a tune is important; reading Hebrew or music is not required; Free for Ansche Chesed members; non-members pay $90 per semester or $180 per year. For more information, or to schedule an audition, please email NHirschhorn@AnscheChesed.org.
Talmud Study With Rabbi Kalmanofsky
RETURNING Wednesday, October 6, 7pm Via Zoom
This year in Wednesday night Talmud we will study the tenth chapter of Tractate Pesachim.

Once Sukkot ends .. it's almost Passover! This year let's begin getting ready early by studying the Talmudic chapter devoted to the night of the Seder. This chapter has a wonderful blend of law and lore, will make you think about history and will deepen your Passover celebration.
Meeting ID: 889 9369 5753
Passcode: Pesachim
WELCOMING BETTER 
  100th STREET LOBBY UPDATE
The amazing transformation inside Ansche Chesed continues. Below, see our exciting progress this week.

Step into the 100th Street lobby.  Two windows in the temporary wall allow you to sneak a peek at the new lower lobby, including a coatroom, lounge and stroller parking.  See the poster-size renderings of the new upper and lower lobbies, scheduled for completion before the end of the year.
WORK BETTER
OFFICE FURNITURE INSTALLED THIS WEEK!
Our devoted clergy and staff will settle into their new offices next week during Chol HaMoed Sukot. Two new ADA restrooms are fully functional.  The new kosher kitchen is almost done. 
If you were with us in person for Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur, it was great to have you back.  If you were with us in spirit only, rest assured our doors are now open, and when you’re ready to come back, we’ll be here for you. 

Nearly half of the membership has already pledged and/or donated to the Rav Chesed Campaign, and we have raised more than $7 million to date. But with an $8 million goal, we need every member to contribute.

If you already have, thank you for getting us this far. If you have not yet pledged or contributed, call Executive Director Josh Hanft at 212-865-0600 x 209, or stay tuned for further information on how to participate.
SOCIAL ACTION & COMMUNITY SERVICE
Help Afghani Refugees Resettle in America
AC members, can you help during this urgent crisis? 

Resettlement assistance may range from short-term needs like furnishing an apartment to longer-term needs like helping with a job search (many are professionals), enrolling children in school, obtaining a driver's license, and more. Help might include direct contact with families but also materials and donations. Friendly, welcoming neighbors are also invaluable during times of stress and tremendous change.

We are contacting NYC-area agencies working with refugee families and will know more about what they need. We are eager to put together a list of congregants who are interested in leading or helping with this effort. If you would like to be part of this, we will keep you informed as our response takes shape. Please contact MargotRBecker@hotmail.com.

We realize this is the busiest time in the Jewish calendar... and we also realize the crisis for these Afghani families can not wait.
Ruth's Refuge
Ruth's Refuge needs your help preparing for more arrivals of unaccompanied minors as well as families from Afghanistan. It is a very fluid and unpredictable situation right now, but they need to be prepared for arrivals at a moment's notice.
 
Ways You Can Help:
Purchase from their Amazon Wishlist or Target Wishlist so they have what we need in stock. 

Donate Money
Ruth's Refuge need to obtain extra storage and pay for movers to meet demand. They need more funds to make this happen. Please donate as generously as you can.

Volunteer:
Ruth's Refuge need people for delivery crews, both for Afghan families and refugees from other countries as well. They also need volunteers to put together beds and other furniture in people's homes. Behind the scenes help is also needed to help get the word out to people and make information available. Email margo@ruthsrefuge.org.
Community Fridges Need Our Support
Looking for a way to ease hunger in our community this holiday season and beyond? Consider supporting one of the friendly fridges in our neighborhood. At community refrigerators anyone may take what they need or leave food for others. 

Donations of fresh produce, frozen meals, packaged and pantry items, etc., are all welcome. 
Ujamaa Community Fridge
Columbus Ave @ 101st Street
(West Side of Columbus)
The West End Community Fridge
77th St between Broadway and WEA
open M-F, 9am-5pm
REACH OUT
What Matters
Ansche Chesed is pleased to announce it has joined with other New York synagogues and communal organizations in an initiative called What Matters: Caring Conversations About End of Life. This effort aims to heighten awareness around the importance of completing advance care directives, and enable individuals to thoughtfully consider and document their end of life preferences, with opportunities to engage Jewish values as part of the process. Confidential conversations are conducted by trained and certified Ansche Chesed facilitators, who are available to answer important questions and help walk you through the process, clarifying your goals and wishes for future healthcare and related choices in case you are unable to speak for yourself.
 
We look forward to working with you on this important initiative. Should you wish to schedule a conversation, please eMail, whatmatters@anschechesed.org, or leave a message at (212)865.0600 x201, and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Do you know someone who is ill or in need of temporary support? The Bikkur Cholim Committee is here to help.
If you know someone who is ill and in need of a visit or a meal, or other assistance, please contact the Bikkur Cholim committee. The Bikkur Cholim committee helps care for Ansche Chesed members who are ill or have been hospitalized. We visit them; telephone and send cards; provide meals, especially for Shabbat; shop for them; and escort them to doctors' appointments.

Please contact Maron Waxman or Bettyrose Nelson at BikkurCholim@AnscheChesed.org if you need help or to join the Bikkur Cholim volunteer corps.

Click here for more information on life cycle support at Ansche Chesed.
COMMUNITY
Kidney Donor Urgently Sought
Our cousin, 23 years after receiving a successful kidney transplant, is now in deteriorating health and urgently in need of a new kidney. If you are interested in coming to the rescue, we would appreciate your help. If you are willing to be a match, email Richard.Roth@turner.com or reach out to us at here.

With thanks,

Martin and Tamara Green
Chef's Table
A new year is upon us …
Please place your orders for the High Holidays with Chefs Table.

Our long-time friend and kitchen tenant Chef's Table and its principal Bruce Soffer offer you catering menus for Shabbat and Jewish and secular holidays. If you like, please take a look at his work. 

Chef's Table Kosher Catering has prepared gourmet foods, delivered to customers in New York City. These are pre-cooked, delicious kosher meals delivered right to your door.

Bruce is still actively working in the kitchen during the construction. Please contact him directly for your catering needs.

Visit their website to view their special menu.

Contact Bruce at (917)-868-7964 or his website for more information.
SHUK
Sublet or Apartment near Ansche Chesed
If anyone hears of a sublet or apartment walking distance from Ansche Chesed (within 20 blocks), and available soon, please reach out to Ansche Chesed member Ilan Stein at istein82@gmail.com. Furnished would be ideal, but information about any two- or three-bedroom would be really helpful.  
If you are a member, you may send "shuk" postings to shuk@anschechesed.org. All postings must have a member's contact info, and received by Tuesday at 3pm.
Postings run for only two weeks.
Despite our best efforts and extensive proofreading, we apologize for any errors or omissions. Please note: If you wish to be included in the Community or Shuk sections of the Weekly Newsletter (which is sent out on Thursday), please email druskay@anschechesed.org with a Word or plain text version of your title, date/time, brief blurb, and relevant link/contact info by end of business on Tuesday.