December 21, 2014

Rabbi Buchdahl was invited to the Obama family's White House Chanukah Party on December 17, 2014, to recite the blessings during the chanukiyah lighting.

December 17, 2014 | General News

We are so used to the comforting view of our Friday evening Shabbat Service being nearly full to capacity weekly, it is hard to think of this service as an innovation at Central Synagogue. Nearly 100 years ago, the idea of celebrating Shabbat’s arrival with a synagogue service on Friday evening was just a thought, duly noted in the October 6, 1915 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees. As most people would go home on Friday evening to Shabbat dinner with family and friends, then come to synagogue on Saturday morning for a formal Shabbat service, the change was something to be further considered.

November 18, 2014 | General News

We are devastated by yesterday’s terrorist attack at the the Kehilat Bnei Torah synagogue in Jerusalem.

We at Central, along with the whole House of Israel, mourn the deaths of Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Goldberg, Aryeh Kupinsky, Rabbi Kalman Levine, Rabbi Moshe Twersky, and police officer Zidan Saif. Our hearts are with the families who have lost their loved ones and we pray that those who were injured in the attack find healing.

It seems especially painful that terrorists attacked just as worshipers were offering their prayers for peace. But they cannot silence our prayers.

During Shabbat services this Friday, we will take time to offer a prayer for peace and direct our hearts toward Jerusalem, in solidarity with Israel.

Zichronam livracha, may their memories be a blessing.

November 13, 2014 | General News

The seasonal pleasures of enjoying the aroma of the etrog (citrus fruit) and lulav bouquet in a sukkah are one of the special holiday memories of many
Jews.

Rabbi Sheldon Zimmerman and Cantor Richard Botton bring this experience to all of us in a photo from about 35 years ago.

October 28, 2014 | General News

Central Synagogue has various arks in which to keep its many Torahs.

There are two arks in the main Sanctuary Building (consecrated in 1872): one in the main sanctuary and one in the Pavilion on the lower level, and there
are three are in the Community House (consecrated in 1966): Beir Chapel on the lower level, the Peter J. Rubinstein Chapel, Mona Glickman Ark, on the 5^th floor, and Room 903 (Meeting Room).