News

As the High Holy Days approach, the Unetanetokef liturgy comes unsettlingly to life…. “Who by fire, who by water.” We will do our part to show up for those who have lost everything.

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Recently, Central Synagogue's confirmation class took a trip to Spain, exploring its rich and often tragic Jewish history. At the end of each day, a question was posed to our teens and they were asked to record their reflections. Here's what they had to say.

Rabbi Buchdahl joined Dean Obeidallah on his radio show to discuss the recently launched Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council, our moral obligation to stand up for those most vulnerable, and how we as Americans can find connection in a time of deepening discord.

What does quality of life mean to you? Have you communicated those wishes to loved ones? Who will speak for you when you are no longer able to speak for yourself? Read Rabbi Rubinstein's remarks from his Caring Conversations talk on Tuesday, January 31 where he shared his wisdom and provided meaningful Jewish context for this conversation that is important and relevant to every adult, at every stage of life.

One of the more familiar passages of the Mishnah enumerates good deeds that cannot be done too often, among them honoring parents, engaging in deeds of loving kindness, visiting the sick, making peace among people. And it concludes, "the study of Torah encompasses them all." If so, then a milestone reached this past December 14 by the 26 congregants enrolled in Bible and Bagels – completion of the reading of the entire Torah – marks a singular accomplishment and the most meaningful connection to our faith.

We are delighted to share that Daniel Mutlu, one of the foremost cantorial voices in this country, will be joining Central Synagogue's clergy team as Senior Cantor, effective July 1, 2017. Cantor Mutlu will work with our gifted Cantor Julia Cadrain, and together they will continue to elevate our musical leadership, weekly Shabbat worship, holiday celebrations, and b'nei mitzvah preparation for children and adults.

My Mussar group has been an incredible gift and journey. I cannot express enough gratitude to the group and to Central Synagogue for giving me the opportunity to discover things about myself and others, and to engage more deeply in a pure way with many people, from loved ones to total strangers. If we all consider each other as truly being “betzellim elohim,” in the image of God, it will allow us to look at people in a very different way and therefore, treat each other in a very different way. The Mussar practice and my interactions with my Mussar group have been so eye-opening. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to learn and grow from this wonderful practice with these extraordinary people.

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (November 29), it serves as an opportunity for people to pledge to give their time and resources to their communities.

We're a lively bunch and this morning is no different except that the conversation extends past us to the eclectic group of people we're serving. There's David from London, who came here by way of New Jersey, and Aton who used to be in the military and likes his hot chocolate so sweet that it looks like sludge. There's Jay, who's incredibly quiet and always wears a Yankee's hat. And, there's the gentleman I like to call "Mr. Hot Chocolate," because he always asks for more refills than anyone else. Many of these guys are regulars at the program and I've gotten to know them a little better each time I volunteer.