Putting a Face to a Frame
Posted May 8, 2019
On the walls of the stairs leading from the Sanctuary to the Pavilion are the pictures of Central Synagogue’s leadership. Down one stairwell are the pictures of Central’s senior rabbis and cantors. On the other stairwell are pictures of Central’s Presidents. Together, they show centuries of Jewish service and leadership.
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Consider Donating a Kidney to a Central Congregant
Posted May 3, 2019
Recently two members of Central, Howard Cowan and Gerry Kane informed us that they are in various stages of renal failure and in need of a kidney. Due to the miracles of modern-day medicine, both are candidates for a kidney transplant which would both save and dramatically improve their quality of life. Equally miraculous, healthy individuals can become living donors who are able to live completely healthy, normal lives with minimal risk and no change in life-expectancy.
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Criminal Justice Reform Passes in NY State
Posted April 19, 2019
We are thrilled to share that the NY State Governor, Senate, and Assembly have enacted historical criminal justice reform in our next State budget. Central Synagogue was proud to be part of a group of NY's largest faith communities that worked to bring the first meaningful reform to criminal justice legislation in 50 years. Click to read our interfaith statement about the reform. Read more
Students Draw Connections Between Civil Rights and Judaism
Posted April 16, 2019
Cantor Julia Cadrain and LCLJ led 8th and 9th graders on a Civil Rights Journey from April 12–14 through Montgomery, Selma, Birmingham, and Atlanta. The students reflected on each day of the trip. Read more
Reflection is Central
Posted April 4, 2019
This month, we launch Reflection is Central, our latest theme in our Joy is Central series. We encourage you to take a moment to reflect. Think of your proudest moments, your moments of doubt, and your moments of joy. It's a chance to take stock of whether you are living the life you want to live.
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Special Support Available to Seniors by DOROT Social Worker Jackie Pykon, LCSW
Posted April 3, 2019
DOROT social worker Jackie Pykon, LCSW brings special expertise in geriatric care to our Central members. Whether congregants are dealing with an illness or injury, or struggling with loneliness or isolation, Jackie is available to offer advice and recommend agencies that can help. She and Rabbi Lori Koffman also lead several bereavement and support groups for those who have lost a spouse or partner, for those who have lost children, or those who are caring for loved ones. Click below to read more about Jackie and the services she provides.
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We Stand with our Muslim Neighbors
Posted March 28, 2019
Our Torah commands: “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18). Moreover, our tradition teaches us that all of us are created in the image of God. Jews have so often been the target of discrimination and violence. For this reason, we are all the more sensitive to the pain of other communities when they are targeted. Just as we fight for freedoms and values important to our community, we honor and stand up for others who have been attacked. Read more
What to Make of The Book of Esther in 2019?
Posted March 14, 2019
The Biblical Book of Esther turns out to be a surprising read. Its rapid narrative is remarkably complex, hilarious, and accessible, especially considering it was authored 2,400 years ago. Esther, in more ways than I wish were true, addresses timeless themes which very much apply to our world. Read more
Mentors Matter: Helping Underserved High School Seniors with Central Congregants
Posted March 14, 2019
400 high school seniors and only 1 college advisor. That’s what these wonderful, talented students are facing just a couple blocks away from our synagogue, at the High School of Art & Design, an extraordinary, state-of-the-art middle school/high school for kids with artistic talents who major in architecture, painting, drawing, cartooning, film, fashion, graphic design, set design.
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Relationships are Central
Posted March 8, 2019
With the arrival of the Hebrew month of Adar, we aim to increase our joy. Continuing our monthly series, we invite you to find greater joy by investing in relationships. Rabbi Ari Lorge explains in the video below, that all relationships exist on a spectrum. Some bring happiness and others may be detrimental. With that in mind, we challenge you to reflect on your relationships. Invest time and care to those that bring you happiness and fulfillment, and know there are resources to help if you find yourself in relationships that harm. This month, Relationships are Central, Joy is Central.
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