News : Central Synagogue

Congregation Trip to Israel

Posted October 27, 2012

Central Synagogue sponsored a trip Israel designed for first-time visitors. The group toured Israel, visited Yad Vashem, floated in the Dead Sea, explored archaeology at Masada, hiked through the Tel Dan Nature Reserve, shopped in Tel Aviv, celebrated Shabbat on the beach, and sipped wine in the Judean Hills. View more photos on our Facebook page.

A Look at Our History: October 2012

Posted October 17, 2012

The ark and its torahs are a focal point of every Jewish sanctuary. The ark interior of Central Synagogue has had several color schemes over the years.

In this photo from the 1950s our ark’s background curtains were primarily white and the torah mantels were white with multicolor embroidery. One torah had a darker color mantel, also with an embroidered motif.

The ark décors reflect the taste and times of our synagogue community and are not limited to any particular formula or duration.

These monthly historical briefs are prepared by Amy Goldberger, Chair of the Archives Committee and Anne Mininberg, Archivist

Beacon School Freshmen Visit Central Synagogue

Posted October 17, 2012

This morning, our youth director Zach Rolf spoke to more than three hundred high school freshmen from The Beacon School about Judaism. They learned about Reform Judaism, its beliefs, and the role that Central Synagogue plays in the community. We even took out a Torah for them to look at!

Festive Erev Sukkot Worship

Posted October 10, 2012

Our congregation spent a beautiful Erev Sukkot in upstate New York at Stonewall Farm, the home of congregants Barry and Sheryl Schwartz.

Adults and children alike enjoyed apple picking and hayrides early in the afternoon. Although we were rained out of our outdoor sukkah—a display of nature appropriate to the holiday!—the worship service in the barn was just as meaningful and festive.

Record Live Streaming for Rosh HaShanah

Posted September 19, 2012

Nearly 3,000 people joined us via live stream for Rosh HaShanah.

Our Rosh HaShanah services were live streamed and watched by nearly 3,000 people around the world. Viewers wrote to us expressing gratitude from as nearby as Manhattan and as far away as Aruba, Australia, Brazil, China, Denmark, France, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Micronesia, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam!

Tashlich with Our Neighbors

Posted September 18, 2012

For the first time, Central Synagogue held a joint Tashlich ceremony with our neighbors from the East 55th Street Conservative Synagogue at the East River. Read more

Congregation Installs Assistant Cantor Julia Katz

Posted September 17, 2012

Our clergy with Rabbi David Ellenson, president of HUC-JIR

Our congregation, joined by Rabbi David Ellenson, president of HUC-JIR, gathered to install our new Assistant Cantor Julia Katz on September 14.

Preparing for Our Future

Posted September 16, 2012

Preparing for Our Future: A New Model for a New Age

Sermon for Rosh HaShanah, 2012, by Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein

As you know I believe our history is uniquely miraculous. So we are compelled to do everything that furthers the existence of our people. I believe we matter. We the Jewish people have both a mission and the imagination to change this world. Not an insignificant goal.

It all begins in synagogues and, most especially for me, with this congregation.

Religious School Stationery, 1933

Posted September 11, 2012

1933 Archival Image

Religious School students arriving each fall received a welcome letter. This 1933 Central Synagogue Religious School stationery letterhead epitomizes the warm and attentive atmosphere always present in our schools. Note the address on the stationery is that of our former Community House building.