WEEKLY NEWS
Shabbat Vayera
October 23, 2021 / 17 Heshvan 5782
THIS SHABBAT
Kabbalat Shabbat: Shabbat in Harmony: Friday, 6:30pm In Person, Live Streamed or Via Zoom
Sanctuary Services: Saturday, 9:45am In Person, Live Streamed or Via Zoom
TeleTefila Services: P'sukei D'zimra 9:40am, Shacharit, 10am Via Zoom
Minyan M'at Services: Saturday, 10am in Hirsch Hall
Mishpacha Services (Babies, Tots and Pre-Schoolers): Saturday, 11am on the AC Roof
Kiddush On The Korner: Saturday, 12:15pm Ansche Chesed West End Steps
TeleTefila Havdallah: Saturday, 6:55pm Via Zoom
Candle Lighting: 5:46pm
Torah Reading: Parshat Vayera Genesis 18:1 - 22:24
Haftara: 2 Kings 4:1 - 37
Shabbat Ends: 6:45pm
THIS WEEK
Shlomo ibn Gabirol: Songs of Torture & Rapture: Thursday, 7:30pm Via Zoom
Rabbi Jules Harlow Parshat HaShavua Class: Saturday, 8:45am In Person, Via Zoom and Live Streamed
JCC Manhattan 6th Annual Symposium on Positive Aging Monday, 10am-3pm Information and tickets
Meditation Mondays: Monday, 4pm Via Zoom
AC Teen Class: Tuesday, November 2. 5:15pm Register Here
Shirei Chesed Community Choir: Tuesday, 7:30pm In Person in the Sanctuary
Weekly Talmud Masechet Pesachim: Wednesday, 7pm Via Zoom
MAZEL TOV

Mazel Tov to Rabbi Yael Hammerman, Rabbi Josh Rabin, Hannah and Shai on the birth of their daughter and sister Ella Keren.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Kiddush is back… but needs a little help.
Our kiddush fund is a little depleted after Kiddush on the Korner all summer. Please consider sponsoring a kiddush or making a contribution to the kiddush fund- to celebrate a milestone, in honor of someone, in memory of a loved one, or just to support our wonderful afternoon schmoozes. Please contribute!
Our doors are open, and when you’re ready to come back in-person, we are here for you.

Nearly half of the membership already has 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 donated, thank you for getting us this far. If you have not yet contributed, stay tuned for further information on how to participate.
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: Shabbat In Harmony
Friday, 6:30pm IN PERSON, Live Streamed, or Via Zoom
Our Shabbat prayers convey multiple images of angelic choirs singing praises to God in sweet harmony - and we are encouraged to imitate such music making here on earth! This Friday night, we will do just that, with the help of our talented team of Meshorerim - the same skilled singers who enhanced our prayers on Kol Nidre - supporting and elevating the voice of the congregation. We hope that everyone will feel empowered and inspired to lift their voice with us in holy harmony, uv'nima kedosha.


JOIN US IN PERSON
or
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 Vayera from the Etz Hayim Chumash available to us as PDF's for those who join us virtually.

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
Mishpacha Services (Babies, Tots & Preschoolers)
Saturday, October 23, November 20 & 27, 11am on the Ansche Chesed Roof
Babies, toddlers and preschool age kids and their families are invited to join Leilah for our Mishpacha Service. Get in the Shabbat spirit with songs, puppets, movement — and your friends from Ansche Chesed. Older siblings are welcome, and encouraged to attend as well. 
Yigdal Service (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade)
Saturday, October 30, November 13, 11am in Riverside Park
This service, geared towards children in Kindergarten through 2nd Grade, introduces children to a variety of Shabbat tefillot (prayers). A section of the Torah is read and the week’s parsha (Torah portion) is presented through discussion, skits, and stories. Parents, younger and older siblings are welcome, and encouraged to attend as well. 
Big Kids Service (Grade 3 through B'nai Mitzvah) 
Saturday, November 6, 11am on the 5th Floor Patio (Tentative)
This service delves into the structure, purpose and words of our Shabbat morning tefillot (prayers) and the weekly parshah (Torah portion), which we experience as community through discussion and interactive activities. Parents are welcome to drop off their kids.
Kiddush on the Korner
Saturday, after Shabbat morning services, approx. 12:15pm.
Please join us on West End Avenue in front of Ansche Chesed after services for Kiddush, weather permitting. To sponsor a Kiddush, or contribute, click here.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Shlomo ibn Gabirol: Songs of Torture and Rapture
Thursdays, October 21, 28, November 11 and 18, 7:30pm On Zoom
This year, 2021, marks 1,000 years since the birth of the greatest Hebrew poet of the Middle Ages. Gabirol composed sublime love songs to God, as well as groans of a suffering soul. A millennium later, his words still soar and sear.
 
Please join Rabbi Kalmanofsky for four sessions to salute this extraordinary poet on this extraordinary birth day.
 
Meeting ID: 884 4849 4288
Passcode: TandR
What Remains: Selected Poems by David Curzon
A Zoom Publication Party
Thursdays, November 4, 7:30pm On Zoom
Join us to celebrate the publication of What Remains: Selected Poems, a new work by David Curzon. This evening will feature David Curzon in conversation with award-winning journalist Sandee Brawarsky and readings from the collection by Sharon Dolin, Stuart Klawans, and David Roskies.

Meeting ID: 828 6927 8766
Passcode: Curzon
ONGOING PROGRAMS
Rabbi Jules Harlow Parshat HaShavuah Class
Saturday, 8:45am IN PERSON, on Live Stream or Zoom
Join Rabbi Kalmanofsky for his weekly Parashat HaShavua class before the start of Shabbat morning services either in person in the AC Sanctuary or via Live Stream or Zoom. (Please note electronic methods of participation are non-interactive.)

In these COVID times, we will hold the hour-long class in person in the Sanctuary (we'll bring back the table when we can all sit closer), enabling those in the room to participate in the discussion, and Live Stream it out, so others can watch and listen. As usual, the weekly source sheet will be available here.

This weekly class is dedicated to Rabbi Jules Harlow, a great teacher of Torah and especially of Jewish liturgy.


JOIN US IN PERSON AND PARTICIPATE
or
JOIN US ELECTRONICALLY (non-interactive)
Meeting ID: 875 1782 0145
Passcode: Shabbat
Meditation Mondays
Mondays 4-5pm Via Zoom (Note new start time this year)
Led by Ansche Chesed members and Meditation Teachers Sheila Lewis, Sheldon Lewis and Peter Silverman
Get your week off to a great start!

Join us for a break from stress, anxiety, news cycles, and uncertainty—with calming and enlivening practices like mindful breathing, imagery, and introspection. Discussion and Q&A to follow. Beginners and advanced meditators are welcome.
Note New Time for this Year.
Meeting ID: 871 3692 1161
Passcode: Breathe
Shirei Chesed Community Chorus Led by Hazzan Hirschhorn
Tuesdays, 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 the 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
Wednesdays, 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
FAMILY AND TEEN PROGRAMMING
The Ansche Chesed Teen Class
Bi-Weekly Next Session Tuesday, November 2, 5:15-6:15PM Register Here
AC high school students are invited to join Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky in the fall and Rabbi Yael Hammerman and Youth Director Adina Beiner in the spring for a bi-weekly class. Throughout the year we will be choosing meaningful and relevant topics to discuss and unpack as a group (with some time left for schmoozing and pizza as well!). In order to cover the costs of this program, we are asking for a suggested donation of $54 per participant for the year. 

Scheduled Dates: November 2, November 16, November 30, December 14, January 11, January 25, February 8, March 1, March 15, March 29, April 12, April 26, May 10, May 24.
Moving Traditions
High school can be a challenging time. It's when teens ask big questions, figuring out who they want to become. It's a time when friendship and mentorship are needed most, and when the values and support of Jewish community can be a positive, guiding force. Ansche Chesed is excited to offer 2 teen groups this coming year, in partnership with Moving Traditions. Together we're creating small, safe group experiences that encourage self-discovery, promote self-confidence and strengthen connections with other teens and the broader Jewish community.

Rosh Hodesh for Girls
11th-12th grades led by Avital Moss
Rosh Hodesh groups focus on what it means to be a young Jewish woman in our world today. Through discussion, arts & crafts, creative rituals, games, and drama, the girls and their leaders draw on Jewish values and a gender lens to explore issues the girls care about - such as body image, friendship, relationships, family, competition, and stress.
Avital's group will meet in person from 5:30-7 PM on the following Sundays: 9/26, 10/24, 11/21, 12/19, 1/23, 2/13, 3/13, 4/3, 5/1, 6/12

Shevet for Guys
9th-10th grades led by Josh Ull
Shevet groups build a supportive community for guys to decompress, and balance having fun with deep discussion. Groups use games, media, conversation, and other curricular tools while developing friendships with each other as well as their group leader.
Josh's group will meet in person from 5:00-6:30 PM on the following Sundays: 10/24,11/21,12/19, 1/23, 2/13, 3/13, 4/10, 5/22

The cost of the program is $360 for the year. Scholarships are available. If your teen does not identify as male or female but would like to join a group, please let us know. We are happy to connect!
SOCIAL ACTION & COMMUNITY SERVICE
Help Refugees Resettle in America-- Welcome the Stranger
Like many of our ancestors, refugee families are coming to the U.S. to escape violence, discrimination, or poverty. Can you help settle a family in a safe new home in New York?

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.

Many congregants have already offered help. If you'd like to join this work, please contact ACRA1928@gmail.com.
Fresh Food for Seniors
My Fresh Food for Seniors program is back this fall! Seniors can order a mixed bag of fresh produce grown by New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania farmers, sourced by GrowNYC

Seniors pay $9 cash for a bag– containing five to six varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables– a week in advance at a participating site, and then pick up their produce the following week. Participants can sign up for just one order at a time so that they can decide how much food they need, when they need it. Registration has already begun; sign-up dates/times vary per site– please contact each site for more details.
On the Upper West Side the delivery dates are October 20, November 3 and 17, at the following locations:
  • Goddard Riverside Senior Center (593 Columbus Ave. at 88th St., 212-873-6600)
  • Project Find: Hamilton House (141 W. 73rd St., 212-787-7710)
  • NCJW Council Lifetime Learning (241 W. 72nd St., 212-687-5030)
  • Bloomingdale Aging in Place (212-842-8831)
  • Lincoln House Outreach (303 W. 66th St., 212-875-8958
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
The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan presents
The 6th Annual Symposium on Positive Aging
Monday, October 25, 10am-3pm Information and tickets
The signature event of the JCC’s Wechsler Center for Modern Aging will begin with an in-person conversation between Rabbi Joy Levitt, CEO of the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist Anna Quindlen. Friends since college, Anna and Joy will reflect on their decades-long relationship and discuss the unique ways in which friendships become more critical as we age.

The afternoon session (all virtual) will include an array of thought-provoking workshops designed to educate and inspire, including one with Rabbi Kalmanofsky.

Empathy and Support on Your Health Journey (1:30-2:45pm)
Rabbi Mychal Springer, Manager of Clinical Pastoral Care at NewYork-Presbyterian, in conversation with Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky
Being there for a friend who is ill requires more than just listening. We need to be able to make space for the other person and manage our own fears as well. Join us to learn and share ways to encourage good health and healthy aging with those you are close to. Wherever you are on your health journey, having a friend truly listen as you go through it builds connection and 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
A Mother and Infant For Observation
A member of our community is looking for a mother and infant to observe weekly as part of her Parent-Infant Training Program. These observations can be done either in person or virtually. If you are open to being observed in this fashion, please reach out to Zoe Leaf at zleaf18@gmail.com.
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
Caregiver/Housekeeper Available
Anila took care of my mother for almost three years and truly enhanced her quality of life before she passed in April of 2020. She is currently seeking employment as a caretaker or housekeeper. Please contact me (Corinne Boren) via eMail or at 212.864.8163 if you would like more information or to be put in touch with Anila.
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.