WEEKLY NEWS

Family Yoga Tefillah (Ages 5-12, Family or Drop-Off): Saturday, 11am in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel

TeleTefila Havdallah: Saturday, 8:07pm on Zoom

Follow Ansche Chesed on Instagram and Facebook for photos, events and more. 

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Mazel Tov to Ruby Wolf, her parents, Hannah Sholl and Ralph Wolf, and her siblings, Lena and Caleb, on her Bat Mitzvah this Shabbat.

We also wish Mazel Tov to Annie Medina and Elie Hanft, and grandparents Claudia Chernov and Josh Hanft, on the birth of a baby girl. 

Join us in wishing comfort to Lilly Kaufman at the passing of her mother, Sonia Fanny Kaufman (Sarah Feyge b. Berl v'Golda).

Join Our Synagogue Board and Help Shape Our Community

The Nominating Committee is seeking dedicated members to serve a three-year term on the Board of Trustees, or to get involved in committee work. Board members play a vital role in guiding our synagogue including:

• Attending meetings and contributing to strategic decisions
• Serving on one or more committees
• Engaging in outreach and welcoming community members
• Helping to fulfill our shared mission

We are especially looking for individuals with experience in development, personnel, or finance. If you are interested – or would like to nominate someone – we would love to hear from you.

For consideration, please contact Vivian Mamelak, chair of the Nominating Committee, at Vivian.mamelak@gmail.com by Monday, April 14th.

Update: Successful Book Drive for PS 145

Last Sunday’s book drive for PS 145 was a huge success! We collected nearly 1,200 books in two hours, bringing our total book donations for the year to 1,800 (an auspicious chai, no doubt!) A heartfelt thanks to our volunteers and everyone who donated their books, time and energy. These books will restock the free Bloomingdale Community Bookshelf, where PS 145 students and their families have already chosen more than 600 books donated by ACHS families to keep for their home bookshelves. Keep an eye out for future opportunities to get involved with this remarkable local public school.

Questioning and Kashering with Rabbi Kalmanofsky

Monday, April 7 from 6:30 - 8:30pm in the Kitchen

To get ready for Passover, please bring your Kashrut questions and your pots and pans. We’ll help you prepare for the feast of freedom by boiling away the chametz.

See our Pesach webpage for more info, including service times.

Community Second Seder

Sunday, April 13 at 7pm in Hirsch Hall

This year consider joining us for an engaging participatory intergenerational Seder celebration. Rich in songs in many languages, rooted in tradition, highlighting and weaving together unique stories and experiences of everyone around the table. No one leaves a stranger!

“Let all who are hungry come and eat.” — Our seder is open to AC members and non-members, adults and children. Register by Tuesday, April 8.

Upper West Side Mimouna Celebration

Monday, April 21 from 7:30 - 8:45pm at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan (334 Amsterdam Ave.)

Celebrate the vibrant conclusion of Passover at the Upper West Side Moroccan Mimouna! Enjoy an unforgettable evening of music, food, and tradition, featuring the enchanting sounds of Layali El Andalus. Indulge in a rich and colorful Mimouna table, overflowing with handmade sweets, traditional mufletas, and refreshing Moroccan mint tea. Learn more and purchase discounted tickets

Organized by the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan in partnership with Ansche Chesed.

Sell Your Chametz

To designate Rabbi Kalmanofsky to sell your chametz, please fill out the online form by Friday, April 11 at 10am. Contact the office with any questions.

Chametz Collection for the Ujamaa Community Fridge

Getting rid of your chametz? Don't throw it away! We'll donate it for you. As you clean your home, bring your chametz to the AC lobby, where we're collecting food for the Ujamaa Community Fridge on 100th and Columbus.

Drop off your non-perishable goods in the AC lobby between Friday, April 4th and Thursday, April 10th by 4pm. We will also be collecting perishables on Thursday, April 10th only. Questions? Email AC Social Action Rabbinic Intern Abigail Goldberg-Zelizer. 

Book of Remembrance

The Book of Remembrance lists those close to us who have passed away, but who have not been forgotten. This year we have created a virtual version of our Book of Remembrance that you can add names to throughout the year. Submit names here.

Earth Day 2025: Celebrating Innovation and Action

Tuesday, April 22 at 7:30pm at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan (334 Amsterdam Ave.)

Want to feel upbeat about saving the planet? Join the Jewish Climate Action Network NYC (JCAN) in collaboration with the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan at the JCC for an evening of film about creative and ambitious innovations followed by a moderated discussion about the art of the possible. Buy your tickets now. Pay only $5 with promotion code JCAN5.  

Cosponsored by Ansche Chesed.

Jews for Repro NY: Lobby Day in Albany

Tuesday, April 29

AC Delegation - led by Rabbi Yael Hammerman

On Tuesday, April 29, NCJW NY’s Jews for Repro NY will meet with our elected officials to discuss and press them to pass important reproductive rights legislation in New York State. We will offer virtual training beforehand, materials with bill information as well as summaries and talking points about our legislative priorities, so everyone will be prepared. NCJW NY will provide round-trip transportation from Manhattan.

Our legislative priorities for 2025 include:

• funding for abortion providers, for facility, staff, and security upgrades;
• the Health Information Privacy Act, protecting patient health data;
• the need for comprehensive sex education in New York, and more!

Please register here by April 21 and share this opportunity with your friends. Questions? Contact Rabbi Yael. 

Support Asylum Seekers in NYC

As a synagogue community who recognizes the divine image of all people, is motivated by the mitzvah of welcoming the stranger, and is composed of generations of immigrants from across the world, we hope you will join us in supporting asylum seekers in our city. If you would like to hear from us about future opportunities to get involved, please join our mailing list.

Pre-Shabbat Climate Action from Jewish Climate Action Network NYC

Subscribe for weekly emails with a quick action you can take to support climate legislation, and a short reflection for Shabbat. View this week's.

Rabbi Jules Harlow Parshat HaShavuah Class

Saturdays, 9am in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel or on Zoom

Source Sheet (updated Friday afternoons)

Dedicated to Rabbi Jules Harlow, a great teacher of Torah and Jewish liturgy. Come before class at 8:45am for hot coffee and schmoozing!

Shirei Chesed Community Chorus

Tuesdays from 7:30 - 9pm in 5 North

Shirei Chesed builds community through a rich repertoire of Jewish music, bringing harmony to a world that needs it more than ever. Learn more or schedule an audition with Hazzan Natasha Hirschhorn.

Holy Books & Holy Time: Talmud with Rabbi Kalmanofsky

Wednesdays at 7pm in the Mayer Cavalier Chapel or via Zoom



Please Note: There will be no Talmud class next Wednesday, April 9.

This year we will study tractate Shabbat, Chapter 16, which addresses how to write and care for sacred texts.

Parsha Talk

Join Rabbi Kalmanofsky and his buddies Rabbis Barry Chesler and Eliot Malomet for their weekly Parsha Talk. Watch the latest episode

Misheberakh List

We invite you to add the names of your dear ones. Please re-submit them each English calendar month if you'd like us to keep davvening for them.

Message from Executive Director Amy Shapiro-Kessler

As some of you know, I was just in Israel. While there I connected with 3 women, survivors from Kibbutz Re’im, who are coming to NY April 12-19 for some much needed respite. They are looking for a place to stay during this time, any place at all to lay their heads would be wonderful. They are 25, 26 and 30 years old and their visit is during Pesach. Please let me know if you’re interested in hearing more or may have room for them.

Chef's Table: Special Passover Catering Menu

Our longtime friend and kitchen tenant, Bruce Soffer of Chef's Table, offers a special catering menu for Passover. Chef's Table prepares delicious kosher meals, delivered to your door.

Contact Bruce at 917-868-7964 or his website for more information. 

JTS Beit Midrash Summer Program

July 7 - August 7

Looking to deepen your connection to sacred texts? JTS is offering two learning opportunities this summer, including its new Tanakh 360 program. This weeklong (or longer!) immersive learning experience invites participants to explore the enduring questions Jews have asked of the sacred canon—and the interpretive tools that have shaped meaning over the centuries. It’s a fantastic opportunity for learners at all levels.

Each day focuses on a different approach—Biblical Scholarship, Rabbinics, Medieval Commentary, and Jewish Thought—taught by renowned JTS faculty in an intimate, engaging setting. Whether you’re a seasoned Torah student or just beginning your journey, Tanakh 360 is designed to inspire and challenge you in equal measure. Learn more and register

Looking for a Hebrew Tutor? From Martin Sinkoff

Interested in learning Hebrew or perfecting your Hebrew? Ramit Avidan, my teacher here in Tel Aviv, works privately via Zoom. I recommend her without reservation. She is exceptional. Feel free to use my name as a reference. Click here to contact.

Looking for 1-Bedroom UWS Apartment, from Nancy Reibstein

My niece and her husband are looking for a 1-bedroom apartment on the UWS starting in May - a new lease, taking over a lease or even a sublet. Any leads will be greatly appreciated! Please contact nreibstein@gmail.com.

Home Health Aide Looking for Live-In Position, from Cecile Kuznitz

Skilled, responsible, and caring home health aide looking for live in position. Stephanie took exceptional care of my mother and I offer her my highest recommendation. You can contact Stephanie directly at (347) 418-7417. I am also happy to answer any questions. Cecile Kuznitz - (845) 616-4962 

Housekeeper/Caretaker Seeking Employment, from Corinne Boren

I am recommending my friend Anila who is seeking employment as a housekeeper, caretaker or companion. Anila is very experienced and caring. She helped me take care of my mother for over four years and truly enhanced her quality of life until my mother passed in 2020. Should you wish further information please feel free to contact me at my email address co18bo@aol.com or by phone 212 864 8163.

GENERAL DONATIONS

Jennifer Altman, in honor of Sivan Medjuck-Bruckner

Carol Ingall & Stephan Brumberg, in memory of the losses in the family of Sandy Edelman and Burt Visotzky

Valerie Wald & Jeremy Goldman, in honor of the marriage between Bonita Leeds and Alex Sheldon

Charles Gropper

Bali Miller & Stuart Klawans, in honor of the Golden wedding anniversary of Nahma Sandrow and Bill Meyers

Sara Krulwich

Bonita Leeds, in memory of Albert Gal

Naomi Marcus, in honor of the wedding of Bonita Leeds and Alex Sheldon

Anne Mintz, in honor of the marriage between Bonita Leeds and Alex Sheldon

Sandra Novick, in honor of Sheila and Sheldon Lewis

Edwin Rusgo, in recognition of my honor to dress the Torah

Bonita Leeds & Alex Sheldon, in deep thanks to Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky, and in memory of Albert Gal

Arleen Stern, in honor of the marriage between Bonita Leeds and Alex Sheldon

RABBI'S FUND DONATIONS

Corinne Boren

Elizabeth Denlinger

Sarah Lehrich & Gadi Friedman, in honor of the marriage between Bonita Leeds and Alex Sheldon

Mr. Gross

Claudia Chernov & Josh Hanft, in honor of the marriage between Bonita Leeds and Alex Sheldon

Navah Harlow, in commemoration of the first yahrzeit of Rabbi Jules Harlow

Kim Friedlander & Nicholas James, in honor of Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky for making Kai and Pascal's Bnai Mitzvah a meaningful experience

Greg Linn, in memory of Thelma (Temmie) Drucker

Bonita Leeds & Alex Sheldon, with sweet gratitude to all of our bakers

"OF A CERTAIN AGE" DONATIONS

Kay Cynamon, in honor of the marriage between Bonita Leeds and Alex Sheldon

Miriam Harris-Kaplan & George Kaplan, in honor of the marriage between Bonita Leeds and Alex Sheldon

Janet Leuchter & Hal Glicksman

Amy & Tom Marx

Linda Messing

Ruth & Ira Salzman

YAHRZEIT DONATIONS

Roberta Lynn & Larry Axelrod, in memory of Larry’s father, Alfred Axelrod

Suzanne Cavalier, in memory of Carolyn Rubin, Beryl Rubin, Morris Kleinman and Rachel Cavaliero

Amy Zarrow & Alan Divack, in memory or Elliot Divack

Judith Edelstein, in memory of her mother Jean Edelstein

Helane Rosenberg & Yakov Epstein, in memory of Malka bat Nuchem Aryeh V'Sheindl and Jacob Epstein

Ellen Flax, in memory of her mother, Doris Flax

Sarah Fisher Gillman, in memory of her father, Harry Fisher

Gail Glickman, in memory of her father, Leonard Glickman

Elaine & Mark Goodman, in memory of Neome Goodman-Berg

Marilyn Gordon, in memory of her mother, Ida Gordon

Doris Ullendorff & Kenneth Gorfinkle, in memory of Ari, Sidney and Lorraine Gorfinkle

Kim Friedlander & Nicholas James, in memory of Nicholas's father, Alan T. James

Steve Kandler, in memory of Daniel Kraut

Kathy Kendall, in memory of Getzel Gold

Tatyana Leifman, in memory of Lev Leifman and Vera Leifman

Stanley Mazva, in memory of Eileen Edelstein Mazva

Bonnie Moses, in memory of her mother, Rose Shaffer

Suzan Rosen, in memory of Harry Samet

Lori Skopp & Micheal Schmidt, in memory of Marvin E. Frankel, Anne Hoffman, and Hugh Smyser

Marjorie Singer, in memory of Marion Kaye Singer

Helen Singer & Michael Skliar, in memory of Helen's mother, Sylvia Singer

Arleen Stern, in memory of Albert Gal and Regina Gal

Marc Supcoff, in memory of Bernard Ladetsky, a loving and caring dad to Lynn, grandpa to Craig, husband to Rochelle and friend to all who knew him

KIDDUSH DONATIONS

Michael Brochstein, in memory of Linda Fasano

Suzanne Cavalier

Greg Linn, in memory of Thelma (Temmie) Drucker

Ruth & Ira Salzman, in honor of the marriage between Bonita Leeds and Alex Sheldon

Rona Wexler, in honor of her retirement and selling her business, and in memory of her daughter, Ariel Fixler, whose 10th Yahrzeit will be commemorated in March.

MUSIC FUND DONATIONS

Agnes Dauerman

Kim Friedlander & Nicholas James, in honor of Hazzan Natasha Hirschhorn with thanks for all your help in preparing Kai and Pascal for their Bnai Mitzvah, and helping us layn our aliyot.

CHILDREN'S PROGRAM DONATIONS

Kim Friedlander & Nicholas James, in honor of Rabbi Yael Hammerman with thanks for your support and kindness during and after Kai and Pascal's Bnai Mitzvah.

HEBREW SCHOOL DONATIONS

Yael Hammerman & Josh Rabin