July 24, 2014 | General News

The foreign prophet Balaam, sent to curse Israel, ended up blessing Israel instead: “Behold it is a people that dwells alone, not reckoned among the nations.” (Numbers 23:9)

As the conflict continues in Gaza, Balaam’s words feel eerily prophetic—and more curse than blessing.

July 8, 2014 | General News

Dear Fellow Congregants,

I wanted to remind you that last week, on July 1, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl became our Senior Rabbi! This is an historic and joyful time for our congregation and I know that all of us join together to wish Rabbi Buchdahl all good things as she takes on this awesome responsibility.

June 29, 2014 | General News

For those who missed it, you will want to watch Rabbi Rubinstein bless Rabbi Buchdahl during Friday night services on June 27. It was a magical and moving moment in a season full of wonderful celebrations and tributes.

June 15, 2014 | General News | Worship and High Holidays

Thousands of congregants gathered for Shabbat worship on Friday, June 13 to honor Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein, Central Synagogue's departing senior rabbi. Highlights of the evening included a joyous Hakafah; a tribute video prepared by Rabbi Rubinstein's friends, family, and colleagues; presentations of Words of Faith, Hope, and Character, a book of the rabbi's sermons, the Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein Fund for the Renaissance of Reform Judaism, and the naming Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein Chapel in the Community House; a "flash mob" of students singing and dancing to Rabbi Buchdahl's rendition of “Higher Love,” and concentric circles of Rabbi Rubinstein's family, clergy colleagues from Central and beyond, and all of the congregation joining hands in "concentric circles" in blessing.

June 15, 2014 | General News

This mosaic border is in the Royal Chapel (Capella Palantina) of the Kingdom of Sicily, built in 1132.

Plant motifs have been used to represent life and seasonal awareness since very early times.

At Central Synagogue, this same motif encircle the tops of the two towers of our synagogue building. They call attention to the continuum of life and our congregation.