Gratitude is Central
Posted December 11, 2018
Continuing our Joy is Central series, this December Gratitude is Central. Jewish tradition encourages us to pause and give thanks multiple times every day. Research now shows what Jews have known for millenia: expressing gratitude can bring us joy.
Read moreGiving is Central
Posted November 21, 2018
We continue to discover month-by-month the ways our tradition helps us find the essential religious element of joy in our lives. This month, we explore the practice of Tzedakah. Jewish tradition commands us to give to those in need, and science shows that doing so brings us joy.
Read moreFood is Central
Posted October 24, 2018
The first of our Joy is Central events focused on the Jewish emphasis on joy through eating and food. As King Solomon reminded us: “So I recommend rejoicing in life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and rejoice.” (Ecclesiastes 8:15)
Read moreMemorial Scroll
Posted October 11, 2018
In 1967 Central Synagogue welcomed a surviving Sefer Torah rescued from the Holocaust. A dedication ceremony was held for the scroll whose origins reside in Lipnik, Czechoslovakia.
Read moreReflections on Trip to Montreal
Posted October 10, 2018
Earlier this year, the Confirmation class at Central Synagogue asked for more opportunities to travel, learn, and experience Jewish faith and tradition beyond New York City. The 11th graders traveled to Montreal to explore the city and see how Jewish life compares to life at home.
Read moreJoy is Central
Posted September 30, 2018
Rabbi Buchdahl’s Yom Kippur sermon reflected on the Torah’s commandment to be joyful, and inspired our year-long Joy is Central campaign. Watch Rabbi Buchdahl's Yom Kippur sermon.
Read moreThe Holiness Code: Torah Reflections from Central Members
Posted September 26, 2018
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 six 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:
Read moreRemarks from the 2018 Annual Meeting
Posted May 25, 2018
Watch Senior Rabbi Angela Buchdahl and synagogue president Abigail Pogrebin deliver their remarks at our 2018 Annual Congregational Meeting, held on Thursday, May 24.
Read moreReflections on Trip to New Orleans
Posted April 17, 2018
Last weekend, 32 8th and 9th-grade students traveled down south to New Orleans for a social justice trip.
Read moreReflections on Board Trip to Israel
Posted March 9, 2018
Our board recently returned from a trip to Israel. After an amazing week exploring the country, Vice President Jeremy Fielding shared his thoughts on the incredible experience.
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