Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrates Purim With Worship Service, Holiday Fun Performing "Will The Shusan Island Chiefs Win The Super Bowl" Purimschpiel Play, Singing, Dancing And Delicious Hamantaschen Fruit Pastry

Janet Falk reports on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) Purim celebration last Thursday evening. According to Ms. Falk:

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Presented Will the Shushan Island Chiefs Win the Super Bowl?

Purim, a joyous and comedic holiday celebration, filled with fun and parody based on the Biblical story of Esther, was celebrated by the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) on Thursday night, March 13, with more than 50 people participating in a full evening of activities for all ages.

The evening began with a pizza and salad dinner, organized by Nina Lublin, Michal Melamed, Amber Seligson Levanon, Laurie Stull and Annica Stull-Lane. Cantor Sarah Myerson led the worship service. It included the reading of the megillah or traditional scroll, which recounts the story of the holiday, marking the survival of the Jewish people at a time of a threatened massacre. She was assisted by multiple readers in Hebrew, English, Spanish and Hungarian: Keren Bachi, Susan Berks-Seligson, Ben Fhala, Dvir Koenigstein, Gad Levanon, Anna Levenstein, Michal Melamed, Laura Palermo, Charlie Schwartz, Eden Shaveet and Uri Shusterman.

The reading was interrupted by children and adults wielding graggers to blot out the recitation of Haman, the name of the man who purportedly attempted to destroy the Jews. Led by Cantor Myerson playing the ukelele, the congregation joined in singing songs in Hebrew, English, Yiddish and Ladino about the holiday.

The evening included a Purimschpiel, or play based on this narrative. Written by Mickey Rindler and directed by Janet Falk, Will the Shushan Island Chiefs Win the Super Bowl? drew inspiration from contemporary themes of professional football, Artificial Intelligence and Taylor Swift. It also wove aspects of the current political scene and references to Roosevelt Island.

The cast featured Janet Falk, Michal Melamed, Mickey Rindler, Charlie Schwartz and Annica Stull-Lane as well as children of the RIJC Hebrew School and community.

The audience joined in singing new lyrics to songs by Taylor Swift, I Knew You Were Trouble and Shake It Off. The Purimschpiel's broad humor and political-themed puns, plus references to Roosevelt Island affairs, drew laughter, groans and cheers from the audience, who applauded enthusiastically.

The evening concluded with refreshments and delicious Hamantaschen , a triangular holiday fruit pastry treat, donated by the Levanon-Seligson family, which has become an annual tradition.

Mishloach Manot holiday gifts were prepared and donated by RIJC friends and neighbors.

For more information about the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, which is the oldest, active egalitarian congregation on the Island, please visit www.rijc.org or email RIJC President Nina Lublin at ninalublin1@gmail.com. The next Shabbat worship service is Friday, March 28 at the Cultural Center, 548 Main Street.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Invites Neighbors To Celebrate Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur High Holiday Services Beginning Tomorrow Night - Welcome The New Year 5785, L'Shana Tovah

According to the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC):

ROOSEVELT ISLAND JEWISH CONGREGATION

Nina Lublin, President

Marna Sapsowitz, Guest Rabbi

L’SHANAH TOVAH !!

As we begin the New Year, 5785, the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation wishes you a healthy, happy and peaceful New Year.

We are the oldest, longest-serving community congregation on the island, with over 40 years of service to more than one generation of Islanders.

We are excited to welcome our Guest Rabbi, Marna Sapsowitz, from Olympia, WA, a very long-time friend of RIJC members Angela Santamaria & Howard Schwartz. Rabbi Sapsowitz will be joined by returning Cantor, Sandra Goodman. Long-time RIJC members Amber Levanon Seligson & Michal Melamed have been instrumental in assisting Rabbi S with the Order of Services, recruiting Torah readers and other key service participants and more.

All Services will be conducted in the Small Studio/RIJC Sanctuary or in the Howe Theatre, both located in the RI Cultural Center, 548 Main Street. Additional details, Special video & print directions & more information can be found at RIJC.org as well as our RIJC Zoom link.

OUR SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2nd

6:00 pm — First Night Services / Rosh Hashanah

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3rd

9:30 am — First Day Services / Rosh Hashanah

11:00 am — Children’s Service

2:00 pm (approx) — Tashlich at the Meditation Steps

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4th

9:30 am — Second Day Services / Rosh Hashanah

COMING SOON —

RIJC’s updated schedule for Yom Kippur, Friday October 11th & Saturday October 12.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrates Purim With Worship Service, Holiday Fun Performing Maestra Esther Heimer Purimschpiel Play & Delicious Home Made Hamantaschen Fruit Pastry

Janet Falk reports on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) Purim celebration last Saturday evening. According to Ms. Falk:

Maestra Esther Heimer: A Purim Celebration on Roosevelt Island

Purim, a joyous and comedic holiday celebration filled with fun and parody based on the Biblical story of Esther, was celebrated by the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) on Saturday evening, March 23, with about 50 people participating in a full evening of activities for all ages.

Following a pizza dinner, Amber Levanon Seligson led the evening worship service. 

Then, Rabbi Laurie Gold, dressed as a pirate, led the reading of the megillah, or traditional scroll, which recounts the story of the holiday, marking the survival of the Jewish people at a time of a threatened massacre. Ably assisted by Gad Levanon, Michal Melamed and Dvir Koenigstein, her reading was interrupted by children and adults wielding groggers to blot out the recitation of the name of the man, Haman, who purportedly attempted to destroy the Jews.

Interspersed among the sections telling the Purim story was a Purimschpiel, or play based on this narrative. Written by Mickey Rindler and Janet Falk, Maestra Esther Heimer combined the narratives of three summer blockbuster movies: Barbie, Maestro and Oppenheimer.

The audience was invited to join in a song to a very familiar melody, here called Sweet Esther Stein, as Queen Esther gathered her courage to petition the King and secure the safety of the Jews. The cast featured Emily Kalb, Michal Melamed, Scott Piro, Mickey Rindler and Charlie Schwartz, plus teen members of the congregation, Tamar & Lucia,

The Purimschpiel's broad humor, plus references to past & current Roosevelt Island affairs, drew much laughter, groans and many cheers from the audience. This was the latest and most successful Purimsphiel from our great Team of Rindler & Falk, who have been writing them for many years.

The evening concluded with delicious home-made Hamantaschen, a traditional fruit pastry treat, baked by the Levanon-Seligson family. 

Mishloach Manot holiday gifts were prepared and donated by RIJC friends and neighbors.

The RIJC is the oldest, longest-serving, welcoming Jewish organization on the Island. For more information about the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, please visit our website or email Nina Lublin, RIJC President, at ninalublin1@gmail.com.

L'Shanah Tovah, Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Invites Neighbors To Yom Kippur Services September 24 and 25 In Person At The Cultural Center And Via Zoom

 According to the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC)

L’Shanah Tovah !! The RIJC is the oldest, longest-serving Jewish Community here on Roosevelt Island. Our High Holiday services continue with Yom Kippur, led by Rabbi Gold and Cantor Sandra Goodman, this Sunday & Monday, September 24th & 25th. Please join us in the Cultural Center (548 Main Street). We will be in our Sanctuary in the Small Studio, &/or in the Theatre; please note the RIJC signage for each activity posted as you enter.

Yom Kippur begins this Sunday evening, September 24th, at 6:30 pm, with the Kol Nidrei Cantor Sandra Goodman will return to the RIJC and join Rabbi Gold to start our beautiful evening service.

Yom Kippur Day services start Monday morning, September 25th, at 10:00 am

A full day of worship for our Holiest day, led by Rabbi Gold & Cantor Goodman,

Children’s Service at 11:00 am,

Yiskor, at approximately 12 noon

Neilah and concluding services around 5:30 pm.

There will be a very light Break-the-Fast

And, a special note regarding Covid:

As Covid cases continue to increase in NYC,this fall, and here on Roosevelt Island, please note that while masks are not not required, they are recommended when indoors and social distancing is not possible.

Please join us via this Zoom Link, if you are not attending services in person.

The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Welcomes Laurie Gold As Its New Rabbi - Come Meet Rabbi Gold Labor Day September 4 At Good Shepherd Plaza Picnic Tables For Snacks, Beverages & Refreshments

The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) welcomes Laurie Gold as its new Rabbi. According to the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation: 

Dear Friends & Neighbors,

Welcome to the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation !

We are thrilled to welcome our new Rabbi, Laurie Gold who, as of August 1st, is “up and running” and already preparing for her new year, and the New Year, with us.

The RIJC has been a significant part of the greater Roosevelt Island community for over 45 years. We have had many “homes” and several Rabbis in that time, as well as served a wide variety of families, friends, neighbors and members, donors and supporters. People of all ages and backgrounds worship with us, celebrate holidays and special events together, volunteer to help our organization and engage the community in practical and meaningful ways.

We are an active, liberal, egalitarian congregation, conservative yet open to new ideas and to better involving our Island’s residents....

I interviewed Rabbi Gold last week.

Rabbi Gold told me:

My whole life I wanted to become a rabbi but I got sidetracked. I was a lawyer for 25 years which wasn't a terrible life. I didn't mind it but being a rabbi is so much more wonderful. I got a second chance so I'm very grateful that I got to be a rabbi. I wanted to be able to pass on my love of Judaism, my love of Torah, my love of Talmud, my love of Jewish ideas and Jewish values to other people. 

Being a rabbi for this particular community of sweet, welcoming and down to earth people is a dream come true. It's a real honor to work with RIJC President Nina Lublin and to work with other people at the temple and I'm  looking forward to to getting to know more people and having them get to know me so it's really thrilling to be here.

I asked Rabbi Gold of future plans for RIJC:

I want to bring new ideas. 

I love to teach. I want to teach courses on the prophets and happiness and Talmud and maybe some comparative religion and anything that people are interested in. One of the things that I've done, I've taught at Queensborough Community College and other places, and very often I ask the students what they want to learn about and then a couple of weeks later I present a lesson on that. I love to learn and I'm open to whatever people want to learn about.

One thing that I've been doing successfully at my prior positions was a walk and talk where we take walks in nature. There's certainly beautiful places here to walk and talk to each other and make connections. Even before Covid, very often we just lack connections. Relatives are scattered all over the country, friends all over the country so this is a good opportunity to make new friends. I always talk about my temple family and RIJC is already feeling like my temple family. 

I'd also like to work with some yoga teachers and do Jewish yoga which I've done in the past and it's a lot of fun. We do some prayers and meditation. I've been practicing yoga for about 30 years and I think it makes me the calm person I am. I'm not calm all the time. I was in Midtown traffic the other day and I was not very calm but 95% of the time I'm calm and I think it's because of my yoga and meditation practice so I'd like to pass that on to other people.

 I'm very excited to come here and I'm just delighted so far.

According to Rabbi Gold's biography:

Rabbi Gold received her rabbinic ordination from The Academy for Jewish Religion. Before becoming a rabbi, she worked as a trial attorney. Rabbi Gold earned a JD from Hofstra Law School and a BA in Anthropology from the University of Michigan. She has been the rabbi of congregations in Brewster, NY and Danbury, CT. She also served as rabbi at several nursing homes and cruise-lines.

Rabbi Gold and her wife Nancy like travelling and spending time at their local Jewish Community Center, where they swim and attend lectures. They also enjoy reading and practicing meditation and yoga.

Rabbi Gold is non-judgmental and meets people where they are. She is flexible, approachable and down-to-earth. Rabbi Gold looks forward to getting to know the members of her new Temple Family, Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, as well as other people on the Island.

 The RIJC adds:

MEET & WELCOME RABBI GOLD.

Please join us this coming Monday, September 4th, Labor Day, at 5:00 pm, at the Benches & Picnic Tables by Good Shepherd Chapel. Snacks, Beverages, Light refreshments will provided as we extend our Roosevelt Island hospitality to our new Rabbi. 

More information about RIJC, including plans for the upcoming High Holidays and Hebrew school, available at the RIJC website.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrates Purim with Worship Services Led By Rabbi Joel Dressed As Jewish Spy Balloon and Purimschpiel Play Knives Out:The Glass Octagon With Sherlock Shaloms

Janet Falk reports on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) Purim celebration last Monday evening. According to Ms. Falk:

Purim, a joyous and comedic holiday celebration, filled with fun and parody based on the Biblical story of Esther, was celebrated by the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) on Monday night, March 6, with more than 30 people participating in a full evening of worship and Purim celebration, both in person and online.

Rabbi Joel Shaiman, dressed as a Jewish spy balloon, 

Image From Scott Piro

led the worship service and the reading of the megillah or traditional scroll. The holiday marks the survival of the Jewish people at a time of a threatened massacre. The other readers were Keren Bachi, Uri Shusterman and Michal Melamed. 

The reading was interrupted by children and adults wielding noise-making groggers to blot out the recitation of the name of the man, Haman, who purportedly attempted to destroy the Jews.

The service alternated with scenes from a Purimschpiel, or play, based on this narrative, written by Mickey Rindler and directed by Janet Falk: Knives Out: The Glass Octagon.

The murder mystery cast featured King Bidensuerus (Charles Schwartz), Haman (Mickey Rindler), Mordechai (Michal Melamed), Queen Vashti (Janet Falk), Queen Esther (Tamar) and Zeresh (Lucia). The detectives investigating the murder were Sherlock Shaloms (Mickey Rindler) and Yonatan Ben Mah/John Watson (Gabriela). 

Image From Amber Seligson-Levanon

The Purimschpiel's broad humor and political-themed puns, plus sharp references to Roosevelt Island affairs, drew laughter, groans and cheers from the audience, who used their groggers and applauded enthusiastically.

The evening concluded with delicious Hamantaschen, 

Image By Scott Piro

a triangular holiday fruit pastry treat, donated, as in the past several years, by the Seligson-Levanon family.

For more information about the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, which is the oldest, active and egalitarian congregation on the Island, please visit www.rijc.org or send an email to information@rijc.org.

The next in-person Shabbat service is Friday, March 24th, at 7:00 pm, in the Cultural Center, and also available on Zoom. The Zoom link is at RIJC.org on the Coming Up page, listed as Friday Night Programs.

Stay tuned for specific details for the Spring Learning Series, led by Rabbi Joel Shaiman, as well as April, May and June Shabbat services, Passover plans and Shavuot celebration. Be sure to check our website at RIJC.org or email us at information@rijc.org.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Invites Neighbors To Celebrate Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur High Holiday Services - Welcome The New Year 5783, L'Shana Tovah

According to the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC):

L’Shana Tovah!!

As we welcome 5783, and start our 2022 - 23 year, you are invited to join Rabbi Joel and the RIJC to celebrate, rejoice, and reflect on the New Year with friends, family, and neighbors, long-timers and newcomers alike. We’ve been welcoming the New Year here on Roosevelt Island for over 40 years.

We will celebrate Rosh Hashanah a little differently this year, as we will not be in our usual space in the Cultural Center, but rather in the Rivercross Community Room, 531 Main Street, where we have met many times before, as well as outdoors too.

We appreciate your RSVP to us in advance if possible, so we can plan appropriately for both in-person and remote participation. With regard to up-to-the-minute Covid requirements and guidance, the Honor System will prevail for indoors — if you are vaccinated & boosted, masks/face coverings are optional; if you are not, they are required.

Please visit RIJC.org to access our Rosh Hashanah services via Zoom, as well as links to obtaining our prayer books & readings.

Our Yom Kippur information for October 4 & 5 will be available early next week. We look forward to seeing you in just a few days. Suggestions & Questions are always welcome.

ROSH HASHANAH

*** FIRST NIGHT: Sunday, September 25th, 6:30 pm - Outdoors, By the Picnic Tables & Benches by Good Shepherd Chapel

Welcoming Meet & Greet 

Opening Evening Services / Evening Prayers with Rabbi Joel 

Kiddush Apples and Honey 

(In case of rain, we will be in the Rivercross Community Room, 531 Main Street, just south of the Chapel & Tables) 

 *** FIRST DAY: Monday, September 26th, Rivercross Community Room / 531 Main

9:30 am — Morning Services, led by Rabbi Joel

11:00 am — Children’s Service, led by Amber Levanon Seligson, 531 Main Street

1:00 pm — Families’ Meet-up, Discussion & Conversation with Rabbi Joel

2:00 pm — Tashlich, outdoors, at the Meditation Steps (Just south of Rivercross, facing west)

Joel Shaiman, Rabbi. Nina Lublin, President.

Click here for more info about the RIJC.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrates Purim Holiday With Worship Service Followed By The Marvelous Mrs. Esther Maisel Purimschpiel Play - Watch The New Maccabeats Purim Video Too

Janet Falk reports on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) Purim celebration last Wednesday. According to Ms. Falk: 

Purim, a joyous and comedic holiday celebration, filled with fun and parody based on the Biblical story of Esther, was celebrated by the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) on Wednesday night, March 16, with more than 40 people participating in a full evening of worship and Purim celebration both in person and online. 

Image Of Haman And Queen Eggster by Ken & Peggy Organes

Rabbi Joel Shaiman, 

Photo By Harriet Shaiman

 

dressed in a green plaid kilt and tam o’ shanter in anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day, led the worship service and the reading of the megillah or traditional scroll. The holiday marks the survival of the Jewish people at a time of a threatened massacre. The other readers were Keren Bachi, Uri Shusterman, Rachel Rekhter, Michal Melamed and Ben Fhala. The reading was interrupted by children and adults wielding noise-making groggers to blot out the recitation of the name of the man who purportedly attempted to destroy the Jews. The congregation joined in singing prayers to the melodies of familiar Irish songs.

The service alternated with scenes from a Purimschpiel, or play, based on this narrative. Written by Mickey Rindler and directed by Janet Falk, The Marvelous Mrs. Esther Maisel transported the characters from the television show (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) to the Shushkills (formerly known as the Catskills) where there is a lively comedy club scene. The cast featured King Adamsuerus (Tamar), Haman (Mickey Rindler), Mordechai (Charles Schwartz), Queen Vashti (Beth Asher), Esther Maisel (Emily Kalb) and Aunt Rose (Michal Melamed).  

Other cast members included sisters Lucia and Gabriella, children of our RIJC community. 

The Purimschpiel's broad humor and political-themed puns, plus references to Roosevelt Island affairs, drew laughter, groans and cheers from the audience, who used their groggers and applauded enthusiastically. 

The evening concluded with delicious Hamantaschen, a triangular holiday fruit pastry treat, baked by Tamar, which has become an annual tradition. 

For more information about the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, which is the oldest, active and egalitarian congregation on the Island, please visit www.rijc.org or send an email to information@rijc.org.  

The next Shabbat worship services are on Friday, March 25 at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary at the Cultural Center, 548 Main Street. Attendees should RSVP to ninalublin1@gmail.com and must be fully vaccinated. Masks are optional. The services will be broadcast on Zoom; the Zoom link is at RIJC.org on the Coming Up page, listed as Friday Night Programs. 

Our Spring Learning series, led by Rabbi Joel, will focus on various aspects of Social Justice, will start up the week of Tuesday April 5, with dates, times and Zoom link to be announced. Shabbat services, holidays and other activities in April, May and June will be posted and sent out soon. 

More info on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation at their web site.

The Maccabeats singing group celebrate and explain the Purim Holiday too.

Best Wishes For A Happy Roosevelt Island Passover - Why Is This Night Different From All Others And What To Do With Leftover Matzah?

Best wishes for a Happy Roosevelt Island Passover.

I'm not aware of any local in person Passover seder services but check out the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation and  Chabad of Roosevelt Island for more info.

You may ask why this night is different from all others? The Maccabeats answer.

Join a musical Seder with the Israeli Philharmonic.

And ideas for leftover Matzah?

The Roosevelt Island Historical Society (RIHS) shares this photo and some Roosevelt Island Jewish history 

with a Passover at Goldwater Hospital

Celebrate Queen Esther's Gambit With Fun, Parody, Prayer, Song And Costume Party At Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation's Virtual Zoom Purim Celebration Thursday February 25 - Have Some Hamentachen Too

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) President Nina Lublin reports:

The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrates Purim!! 

The RIJC is the oldest, longest-serving active egalitarian congregation on RI, engaging the community for more than 40 years. We are multi-generational, welcoming, & responsive to our unique Island population. The Coronavirus Pandemic has not slowed us down, and since last March 20th, we have continued to celebrate Shabbats, the High Holidays, festivals & more holidays, child & family activities, many life-cycle events and more, virtually, via Zoom. 

That spirit of service continues this Thursday, February 25 at 6:00 pm, with our annual, grand celebration of Purim, led by our Rabbi, Joel Shaiman. Via Zoom, we will celebrate the holiday of Queen Esther with fun & parody, prayer and song, a costume parade, making Hamentashen, and a great new Purim play written, produced, directed, & starring our members & friends. 

Last Purim, March 9th, 2020, was the last time 40 of us were together, in person, in our Sanctuary. 

We look forward to the time we will all be together in person again. In the meantime, come celebrate this great holiday with the RIJC, your friends & family. 

All the details are at our website, RIJC.org — please visit us. We hope you will join us for the whole evening of celebration.

PURIM 2021 (5781) is here! 

Please join the RIJC this Thursday evening, February 25 as we celebrate the holiday!  

6 pm — Join World-famous Pastry Chef Harriet Shaiman to complete your hamentaschen! (Prepare the dough earlier, and take it out of the refrigerator by 5:30 pm. Click here for recipe) 

6:45 pm — Pre-service get-together (as your hamentaschen are baking). 

7:00 pm — Costume parade on Zoom… Kids and grown-ups alike! 

7:10 pm — Evening Services Begin 7:20 pm — Megillah Reading and Purim Shpiel: Presented by the RIJC Purim Players - written, produced and starring the dynamic team of Mickey Rindler and Janet Falk. 

Immediately followed by much singing of songs, schmoozing and noshing… 

ZOOM link information: 

Topic: RIJC Purim Festivities 

Time: Feb 25, 2021 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)  

Join Zoom Meeting 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89849518690 

Meeting ID: 898 4951 8690 

Passcode: 055120

Some scenes from 2018 RIJC Purim Celebrations.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ScottyP (@scottpiro)

And the Maccabeats tell the story of Purim and Queen Esther.

Click here for more info on RIJC.

Happy Passover & Easter From Roosevelt Island - No In Person Gatherings Due To Coronavirus Social Distancing But Enjoy Virtual Seder, A Little RI Passover History, Maccabeats Singing 4 Questions And Streaming Easter Celebration From East River Catholics And RI Mosaic Church

The Coronavirus Pandemic Social Distancing efforts have closed Jewish and Christian houses of worship during this week's Passover and Easter Holidays including the:

• Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, 
• Chabad Of Roosevelt Island,
• St Francis Xavier Cabrini Church, part of the East River Catholics Parish and
• The Roosevelt Island Mosaic Church.

So, in the absence of attending an in person Passover Seder with friends and family, sit down to a virtual Passover Seder:



learn:

A LITTLE JEWISH HISTORY & PASSOVER AT GOLDWATER

from the Roosevelt Island Historical Society archive and take a listen to the Maccabeats sing Passover's 4 Questions



For Easter, East River Catholics web site has their schedule

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Cancels Friday Night Services & Programs Due To Coronavirus Emergency - RIJC Hopes To Offer On Line Services In Near Future

 Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) Rabbi Joel Shaiman and President Nina Lublin report:

Friends,

With deep concern for the health and well-being of our community members, we’ve decided to cancel all our Friday night programming at the RIJC this week, including our 7:00 pm service. We made this decision with the assistance of several of our community members, and we are closely following the CDC recommendations for community and religious organizations.

We are disappointed, but we feel that it is most prudent to join in with many other synagogues in this extreme “social distancing” in the hope that it slows the spread of this disease and, by so doing, allows us all to gather again together soon.

We encourage you to participate in Friday night services on-line, as several local synagogues are live-streaming their services:

• Park Avenue Synagogue (6:15 pm Friday)
• Central Synagogue (6:00 pm Friday)
• Bnai Jeshrun Synagogue (6:15 pm Friday)

We are evaluating the possibility of the RIJC providing a similar on-line experience in the weeks ahead.

In the meantime, we wish you all a Shabbat shalom, and a prayer for health and healing. Please feel free to reach out directly to either one of us during the days ahead if we can be of any assistance or support.

The Forward reports on Jewish Online Streaming services for teens and adults.

Roosevelt Island Yom Kippur Services Schedule At Chabad Of Roosevelt Island and Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation

The Chabad of Roosevelt Island and Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation are hosting Yom Kippur services this evening and tomorrow.

The Chabad Of Roosevelt Island Yom Kippur services schedule is here and Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Yom Kippur services here.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Invites Neighbors To Celebrate Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur High Holiday Services

According to the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC):

SHANAH TOVAH !!

It is that time of the year -- time for the Days of Awe, time to reflect on the year now ending and to celebrate the year to come. It's been an exciting first year with Rabbi Joel Shaiman from start to finish, leading our services and shaking them up a bit, bringing new ideas to our festivals, holidays and activities, and engaging long-timers and newcomers to our congregation, serving RI for nearly 40 years.

Rabbi Joel and the RIJC invite you to celebrate Rosh Hashanah beginning this Sunday night at 7:00 pm September 29th, and continuing Monday the 30th & Tuesday October 1st.

All services & activities are held in our Sanctuary in the Cultural Center**
548 Main Street, unless otherwise noted.
Our Rosh Hashanah schedule:
Sunday September 29 - First Evening
7:00 pm -- Evening services

Monday September 30 - First Day
9:30 am -- Morning Services
10:15 am -- Children's Service in the Theatre
1:15 pm ( approximately) -- Tashlich at the Meditation Steps
No Evening Service

Tuesday October 1 - Second Day
9:30 am -- Morning Services

> Child Care will be available in the Blackwell Room,

Additional information & updates for Yom Kippur (October 8 & 9) and for Sukkot (October 13 - 21) are on our website, RIJC.org and will be sent out next week.

Questions? Suggestions? Help Us Set Up This Sunday?
Please Contact Nina at 212-688-0003.

Access the Cultural Center through the Breezeway next to 540 Main Street and then down the "Red Staircase". Follow signs to RIJC.

Disability, wheelchair & stroller access to the Center is through the Breezeway at 556 Main Street & then turn right, walking along rear of Roosevelt Landings Management & Public Safety offices to double doors with RIJC sign. Press buzzer for doors to open & take elevator down to 1st floor. Turn right for Center entrance & follow signs to RIJC.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrates Purim and Performs The Trial of the Millennium Purimschpiel

Janet Falk reports on the annual Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) Purim celebration held last Wednesday. According to Ms. Falk;

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Presented The Trial of the Millennium for Purim

Purim, a joyous and comedic holiday celebration, filled with fun and parody based on the Biblical story of Esther, was celebrated by the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC)

on Wednesday night, March 20, with more than 60 people participating in a full evening of activities for all ages.

After a pizza dinner, Rabbi Joel Shaiman, dressed as Freddy Mercury,

led the worship service. It included the reading of the megillah or traditional scroll, which recounts the story of the holiday, marking the survival of the Jewish people at a time of a threatened massacre. Assisted by Keren Bachi, Gad Levanon, Anna Levenstein, Michal Melamed and Rachel Rekhter, the reading was interrupted by children

and adults wielding groggers to blot out the recitation of the name of the man who purportedly attempted to destroy the Jews. The congregation joined in singing prayers to music from Queen and Lady Gaga.

The service alternated with scenes from a Purimschpiel, or play based on this narrative. Written by Mickey Rindler and directed by Janet Falk, The Trial of the Millennium presented a courtroom drama in which witnesses pointed out the misdeeds of the villain Haman, who rebutted with his own interpretation. The cast featured King (and Chief Justice) Ahasuerus (Tsoni Peled),

Haman (Mickey Rindler),

Mordechai (Scott Piro),

Queen Vashti (Janet Falk),

Zeresh (Michal Melamed) and Esther (Emily Kalb).

Other cast members included children of the RIJC Religious School and Island community.

The Purimschpiel's broad humor and political-themed puns, plus references to Roosevelt Island affairs, drew laughter, groans and cheers from the audience, who applauded enthusiastically.

The evening concluded with refreshments and delicious Hamantaschen , a triangular holiday fruit pastry treat, baked by the Levanon-Seligson family, which has become an annual tradition.

For more information about the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, which is the oldest, active egalitarian congregation on the Island, please visit www.rijc.org or call 212-688-0003.

The next Shabbat family Pot Luck Dinner is Friday, April 12 at 6:00 pm at a neighbor’s home, followed by worship services at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary at the Cultural Center, 548 Main Street.

The Spring Learning series, Fake News?: Scripture, Midrash, Story and History in Our Observances of Purim, Passover and Shavuot, with Rabbi Joel Shaiman, will begin on Monday, April 15 at 7:30 pm.

More info on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation at their web site.

Message From The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation - Rabbi Urges Members And Friends To Show Up For Shabbat To Honor Memory Of Pittsburgh Tree Of Life Victims And To Fight Anti Semitism And Other Forms Of Hate

The American Jewish Committee is encouraging everyone to #ShowUpForShabbat in a demonstration of solidarity for the 11 victims killed at the Tree of Life synagogue. https://t.co/zzXb5HhsmV

— NPR (@NPR) November 2, 2018

Nina Lublin. President of the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, shares the following message on this particular Friday:

The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, serving the RI Jewish community for over 35 years, joins the entire country in grieving for the 11 murdered women & men of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, and in praying for the on-going recovery of the 6 wounded.

Earlier this week our Rabbi, Joel Shaiman, led a service of prayers, comfort, discussion & action.

Our next Shabbat Service is next Friday, November 9th, at 7:00 pm, in the Sanctuary / Small Studio in the Cultural Center. Until then, please take a few minutes to read a Special Message from Rabbi Shaiman and decide how you will #ShowUpForShabbat this weekend, & beyond.

Rabbi Shaiman writes:

Last Shabbat, eleven of our brothers and sisters were brutally murdered at a Pittsburgh synagogue, as they joined together to pray, to celebrate out Jewish tradition, and to be together with our people. This Shabbat, to honor the memory of the victims, and to stand-up to anti-Semitism and all forms of hate, all synagogues nationwide will be participating in the #ShowUpForShabbat campaign.

Organized by the American Jewish Committee (AJC), Jewish communities across the country—along with elected officials, religious and civic leaders, and other allies, both Jewish and non-Jewish—will flock to synagogues for Shabbat services (tonight, Friday, and Saturday, November 2-3). Although the RIJC does not have services this weekend, we urge the members & friends of the RIJC & their families to attend services at other synagogues on Friday evening & Saturday morning, perhaps gather for Shabbat dinners or Kiddush lunches, and to reach out to neighbors who might be alone and in need of comfort & company. I look forward to seeing you next Friday night, November 9th.

My colleague Rabbi Noam Marans, Director of Interreligious and Intergroup Relations at the AJC writes:

It is a Shabbat of sadness and mourning. But it must also be a Shabbat of defiance and continuity, a Shabbat of gratitude and thanksgiving…We will not run away. We will not cower. We will not allow the hate of a few to drive out the love of the many…Faith leaders, civic officials and many millions of Americans have made it clear: An attack on one faith is an attack on all faiths. An attack on one American is an attack on all Americans.

As the families of the victims and the entire Pittsburgh Jewish community begin their mourning this week, I hope we can all find some comfort as the healing begins. Let us take inspiration from the Psalmist (30:11-12) who from the depths, looked to the heavens and proclaimed: “O God, be my help! You turned my lament into dancing, you undid my sackcloth and girded me with joy”.

Shabbat shalom.

As reported yesterday, the Chabad Of Roosevelt Island are hosting a Show Up For Shabbat Solidarity Service tomorrow, November 3 at the Cultural Center.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Invites Neighbors To Celebrate Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur High Holiday Services - Meet New Rabbi Joel Shaiman

According to the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC):

... RIJC is an egalitarian, progressive, friendly and fun synagogue founded in 1976. Our congregation is dedicated to providing Jewish spiritual support and renewed Jewish knowledge to all who seek it, as well as a strong Jewish community in and for the neighborhood.

Everyone in the community is welcome to join us at our High Holiday, Shabbat and Festival Services and social events. Our members include singles and couples, seniors and families with young children, people of many national origins and religious backgrounds....

RIJC President Nina Lublin adds:

Image Of Ms. Lublin and Rabbi Joel Shaiman

Our New Year & holidays are here at last.

We look forward to the next few days as our new Rabbi, Joel Shaiman, leads our Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur services in our Sanctuary at the Cultural Center. This is our great opportunity to reflect & renew, soul search & celebrate. Many of you have already met Rabbi Joel. These next few days are your opportunity to welcome him and his family to our RIJC family & community. Additional High Holy Day information is available on our website, RIJC.org.

Our schedule:

Rosh Hashanah

Sunday, September 9th at 7:30 pm - Evening Service

Monday September 10th at 9:30 am - Morning Service

Children's Service at 11 am in the Theatre

Tashlich at 1:15 pm at the Meditation Steps (time approximate)

Tuesday September 11th at 9:30 am - Morning Service


Yom Kippur

Tuesday, September 18th at 6:30 pm sharp -- Kol Nidrei

Wednesday September 19th

9:15 am -- Morning Service

11:00 am Children's Service in the Theatre

5:00 pm -- Afternoon Service w. Ne'ilah & Havdalah

7:39 pm -- Blowing of the Shofar & End of Fast

All Services are held in the Sanctuary at the RI Cultural Center (548 Main Street). Child Care will be available in the Classroom each day.

There is no evening service on September 10th.

The Staircase entrance to the Cultural Center is through the Breezeway next to 540 Main & down the Red Staircase. The Elevator entrance is accessed through the Breezeway at 556 Main, then turning right to the double doors behind the Public Safety office. Press the white button for the doors to open & take the elevator down to 1. Directional signage will be posted.

To those of you who have already made donations, renewed your membership or joined the RIJC for the first time, Thank You. Your thoughtful & generous financial support is most welcome & appreciated right now. Please use the PayPal link at RIJC.org or send your check made out to the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, to RIJC P.O.Box 241 Island Station. New York, NY 10044.

More info about RIJC available at their web site and here's a message from new RIJC Rabbi Joel Shaiman.

La Shana Tova.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Celebrates Purim Holiday With Worship Service Followed By Shusan Abbey Purimschpiel Play

Janet Falk reports on the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) Purim celebration last Wednesday. According to Ms. Falk;

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Presented Shushan Abbey for Purim

Purim, a joyous and comedic holiday celebration, filled with fun and parody based on the Biblical story of Esther, was celebrated by the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) on Wednesday night, February 28 with more than 50 people participating in a full evening of activities for all ages.

Rabbi Leana Moritt, dressed as Vashti #MeToo, led the worship service. It included the reading of the megillah or traditional scroll, which recounts the story of the holiday, marking the survival of the Jewish people at a time of a threatened massacre.

Gad Levanon and Rabbi Leana Moritt read the story of Purim from the megillah scroll of the Book of Esther. (Photo Judy Berdy)

Assisted by Gad Levanon and Rachel Rekhter, her reading was interrupted by children and adults wielding groggers to blot out the recitation of the name of the man who purportedly attempted to destroy the Jews. With humor and parody, the congregation joined in singing prayers and songs to popular music and show tunes.

Later, a Purimschpiel, or play based on this narrative, was performed. Written by Mickey Rindler and directed by Janet Falk,

Mickey Rindler, Playwright, and Janet Falk (Director) welcome the audience & play Theme from Downnton Abbey. (Photo Scott Pirro)

Shushan Abbey drew inspiration from the television series Downton Abbey. It also wove aspects of contemporary New York life into the familiar tale and featured Lord Crawley-suerus (Tsoni Peled),

Emily Kalb (Lady Esther) welcomes Tsoni Peled (Lord Crawley-suerus) back to Shushan Abbey (Photo Scott Piro)

Thomas Barrow Haman (Mickey Rindler),

Mickey Rindler (Haman) speaks to staff of Shushan Abbey, played by children and Ellen Polivy. (Photo Scott Piro)

Mordechai (Scott Piro), Lady Vashti (Rabbi Moritt) and Esther (Emily Kalb).

Scott Piro (Mordechai) tells his cousin Emily Kalb (Esther) to apply for the job of maid at Shushan Abbey. (Photo Janet Falk)

Other cast members included Ellen Polivy and Michal Melamed, plus children of the RIJC Religious School and Island community.

The Purimschpiel's broad humor and political-themed puns, plus references to Roosevelt Island affairs, drew laughter, groans and cheers from the audience, who applauded enthusiastically.

The evening concluded with refreshments and delicious Hamantaschen , a triangular holiday fruit pastry treat, baked by the Levanon-Seligson family, which has become an annual tradition.

For more information about the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation, which is the oldest, active egalitarian congregation on the Island, please visit www.rijc.org or call 212-688-0003. The next Shabbat worship service is Friday, March 16 at the Cultural Center, 548 Main Street.

Scott Piro adds a Roosevelt Island Purim Tweet:

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation #purim #magilla reading and #purimspiel: “Shushan Alley”… https://t.co/DCSzdwRlhq

— ScottyP (@scottpiro) March 6, 2018

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation #purim #magilla reading and #purimspiel: “Shushan Alley” (“Downton Abbey” parody that also satirizes Trump, immigration and the #MeToo movement.

A post shared by ScottyP (@scottpiro) on Mar 5, 2018 at 8:16pm PST

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Yom Kippur Services Friday September 29 & Saturday September 30 - Have An Easy Fast

A message from Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation (RIJC) President Nina Lublin:

You can mark one of the most important days of the Jewish calendar and continue to celebrate the High Holidays

Rabbi/Hazzan Rabbi Leslie Schotz, RIJC President Nina Lublin and Rabbi Leana Moritt address the congregation on Rosh Hashanah

with your family, friends and neighbors at the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation’s Yom Kippur services.

At the RIJC, the oldest and longest-serving Jewish congregation on the Island, you will find members of all generations worshipping as a progressive, egalitarian and friendly community. Our spiritual leader, Rabbi Leana Moritt, has established a special warmth and, after 10 years here, knows every member and their family.

Kol Nidrei services begin Friday evening, September 29th at 6:15 pm sharp, in the Samctuary in the Cultural Center, at 548 Main Street, down the stairs marked Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance. Barrier-free access via elevator is also available through the breezeway at 556 Main Street.

Yom Kippur Morning services will be held on Saturday, September 30 at 9:00 am.

Child care is available for children ages two to ten Friday evening and during the Saturday morning and afternoon services.

There will be a children’s service in the Theatre on Saturday, September 30 at 11:00 am.

The Afternoon services, including Havdalah, will begin at 5:00 pm, followed by a light Break Fast.

For more information about the High Holidays, worship services and programs throughout the year, please visit RIJC.org for details. You may call Nina Lublin, RIJC president, at 212-688-0003.

We look forward to seeing you for Yom Kippur. Shanah tovah u’metukah.

More info on the RIJC available at their web site.

Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation Invites Neighbors To Celebrate Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur High Holiday Services

The Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation reports:

Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with your neighbors at the Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation’s High Holiday services.

At the RIJC, the oldest and longest-serving Jewish congregation on the Island, you will find members of all generations worshipping as a progressive, egalitarian and friendly community. Our spiritual leader, Rabbi Leana Moritt, has established a special warmth and, after 10 years here, knows every member and their family.

Erev Rosh Hashanah services will be held on Wednesday evening, September 20th at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary at 548 Main Street, down the stairs marked Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance. Access via elevator is also available through the breezeway at 556 Main Street.

Morning services will be held on Thursday, September 21 at 9:15 am, followed by tashlich at 1:30 pm; we will gather to symbolically relieve ourselves of the past and toss bread into the East River.

Child care is available for children ages two to ten. There will be a children’s service on Thursday, September 21 at 11:00 am.

Second day services will be held on Friday, September 22 at 9:15 am.

As part of Selichot and the preparation for the High Holy Days, Rabbi Moritt dedicated the new white Torah mantles and Ark curtain, which were donated by three congregant families.

 Image From Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation

(Donors of White Torah Mantles and Ark Curtain. Left to right: Steve and Rita Meed, Rabbi Leana Moritt, Jamie Silverstein, Aviva Diamant and Steve Kaufman.)

For more information about the High Holidays and Yom Kippur services on Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30, worship services and programs throughout the year, please visit RIJC.org for details. You may call Nina Lublin, RIJC president, at 212-688-0003.

We look forward to seeing you for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Shanah tovah u’metukah.

More information available at the RIJC web site.

UPDATE - The Maccabeats 2017 Rosh Hashana video.