November 9, 2023 | General News

As rabbi-educators at large synagogues in New York, Rabbi Rebecca Rosenthal (Central Synagogue) and Rabbi Rena Rifkin (Stephen Wise Free Synagogue) have received feedback from parents expressing their frustration with their schools’ responses to the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel. After speaking with multiple families, both rabbis shared their advice and best practices that can help support other parents as they work with their schools in the coming weeks and beyond.

October 25, 2023 | General News | Repairing the World

Two years ago, Central community member Ava Weiner made Aliyah to Israel. Reeling from Hamas' brutal terrorist attack on October 7, Ava shares a powerful reflection on her love for Israel and Judaism — and the importance of the sacred bond between Israelis and the global Jewish community.

October 9, 2023 | General News | Messages From Leadership | Repairing the World

In times of crisis, it is essential to provide children with a safe space to understand complex events unfolding around the world. The ongoing crisis in Israel has undoubtedly captured the attention of many, prompting parents and educators to seek guidance on how to approach this sensitive topic with children. Read this note from our Director of Youth and Family Education, Rabbi Rebecca Rosenthal, for insights and strategies to engage in meaningful conversations, fostering empathy, understanding, and a sense of connection with the situation in Israel.

October 7, 2023 | Messages From Leadership

We are devastated by the news from Israel this Shabbat and Simchat Torah morning. Exactly 50 years and a day from the surprise attack of the Yom Kippur War, Israel was once again taken by surprise by a wide scale attack by Hamas and possibly other terrorist forces. As Jews, we value life above all, and we pray for this violence to end quickly. Cantor Mutlu recorded this sung prayer, Acheinu (Our Brothers and Sisters) this morning, with Israel in his heart.  

September 26, 2023 | General News | Worship and High Holidays

On Yom Kippur afternoon we read a section of the Torah known as the holiness code. This section, found in chapter 19 of Leviticus, is at the heart of the Torah and contains some of the most moving commandments within our tradition. We ask our members of community to reflect upon one of these commandments. We are grateful for their personal and moving insights which we are pleased to share.