News

We have been horrified by the recent rise of anti-Semitic attacks against Orthodox Jews in Crown Heights, Monsey and elsewhere. Central has shown our support and solidarity through security advice, financial donations and presence at the recent No Hate No Fear rally. We will continue to fight for all Jews against this alarming rise of anti-Semtism coming from many directions, through education, coalition building and advocacy. Read more

Last week, a delegation of more than 20 staff and congregants from Central Synagogue joined with 5,000 fellow Reform Jews at the URJ’s biennial conference in Chicago. Central was well represented at this important event, with Rabbi Auerbach leading several sessions on small groups and adult engagement, Rabbinic Intern Rena Singer leading a session on Millennials, and our own Cantor Dan Mutlu leading an incredibly uplifting and moving service to thousands at Friday night services with Rabbi Jill Maderer. A few of the participants shared some thoughts after attending: Read more

A new CORE group called Let's Elevate Female Founders Together (LEFFT) is looking to bring female entrepreneurs together to discuss, advise, and support each other by sharing ideas and experiences. They hope to not only enhance their businesses, but through our experiences together, they will also help forge new connections and find fresh perspectives. Read more

On Thursday evening November 21st, under the leadership of Central member Miriam Herman, along with Suzanne Maltz, Paul Aronoff, and Rich Ostroff, a group of volunteers had the pleasure of leading Central’s 8th Annual Pre-Thanksgiving dinner at PS 188. This event, the result of an ongoing partnership with the Educational Alliance, is always a special day on our calendar. Read more

Central Synagogue and New York's leading churches and synagogues launched a campaign for their members to monitor courthouses on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. We aim to reduce the number of people sent to jail, advocate for racial justice, and monitor how prosecutors and courts in New York City will implement the pretrial criminal law reform legislation enacted last Spring that will be go into effect on January 1, 2020. Read more

Last weekend, alongside Rabbis Angela Buchdahl, Nicole Auerbach, and Lori Koffman, 70 women came together for a special full-day retreat in the Flatiron district and enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating Shabbat experience. Central member Jane Ginns provides a meaningful reflection on her experience. Read more

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 asked a few of our members to reflect upon one of these commandments. They did so in front of our community just after we chanted from the Torah. We are grateful for their personal and moving insights which are shared below:

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On Yom Kippur, Rabbi Hilly Haber moderated a panel discussion between Terrance Coffie, Topeka K. Sam, and Kempis “Ghani” Songster whose lives have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system, and who have dedicated themselves to creating social and political change in America. Read more