Roosevelt Island jewish congregation

ROOSEVELT ISLAND JEWISH CONGREGATION

Cantor Sarah Myerson, Spiritual Leader.  Nina Lublin, President.   

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We are horrified and devastated by the killing of two young Israeli Embassy workers late Wednesday night, May 21, outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC during a reception for the American Jewish Committee.  The heinous attack several days ago in Boulder CO, on adults, mostly older folks, served to make us more wary & worried about the safety of people of all ages, there & everywhere.  Acts of Antisemitism have no place here or anywhere.  We continue to pray for Peace for Jews and for everyone everywhere. 

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DEAR FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS, NEWCOMERS & LONG-TIMERS

The RIJC has been a strong community presence here on Roosevelt Island for over 40 years.  We are fortunate to have among our friends & members, people who have been here since the late 1970’s & early 1980’s, along with some of their children & 

grandchildren, as well as more recent arrivals with their multi-generational presence.  And we continue to welcome new Island neighbors & friends of all ages & backgrounds.  It is always a good time to join us for services & all of the RIJC events.

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A MESSAGE FROM CANTOR MYERSON

Welcome to Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation!

 

“Vayhi binso’a ha’aron, vayomer moshe” 

This verse we sing during the Torah service comes from this week’s parashah, Beha’alotekha! It’s the phrases Moses would say when the Ark set out in front of the community, and when it stopped. Nowadays, the Ark stays still, and the Torah scroll is paraded around the community. Our rituals change over time as we adapt to present circumstances.

 

Our music also changes over time. A century ago, the vast majority of synagogue services were led by men, and most synagogue music was composed by men. Over the past century, synagogue leadership has increasingly opened up to women, non-binary and queer folks (especially in non-orthodox communities like ours!). Today’s synagogue music reflects that diversity of identities. 

 

I’m excited to celebrate Pride Shabbat this Friday night June 13, highlighting the music and texts of LGBTQ+ Jewish composers and liturgists. Join me as we sing the prayers gifted us by Debbie Friedman z”l, Julie Silver, Cantor David Berger, Itai Gal, Batya Levine, Beth Styles, brin solomon, and Rabbi Shir Meira Feit.

 

Who are your favorite LGBTQ+ composers and liturgists? I’d love to incorporate them next year!

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Friday night June 13 at 7pm, highlighting liturgical settings by queer composers for Pride!

Friday night June 20 at 7pm.

We break for summer, resuming fall activities after Labor Day.

 

​​​SHABBAT SERVICES

​Our next Shabbat Services will be Friday, June 13 and June 20.  All services begin at 7:00 pm in our Sanctuary in the Cultural Center, unless otherwise noted via email.  Additional details and specifics coming via RIJC.org and by Email.

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​The RIJC encourages friends & neighbors to host Oneg Shabbats in their homes on those evenings after services.  If you would like to be graciously involved, please contact Nina to volunteer.​

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SONG CIRCLES

Please join Amber Levanon Seligson this Monday, June 16 from 7:30 to 8:30 pm for the final RIJC Song Circle of the year.  She will teach 3 melodies by Debra Sacks Mintz, Nava Tehila and Josh Warshawsky.  Then there will be a pause for the summer, and gather again in the Fall for the coming year of monthly song circles.  All are welcome.  No singing experience is necessary.  

Please contact Amber directly at  alseligson@gmail.com for exact location.

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​​SUNDAY MINYAN

Our RIJC Sunday Minyan continues, now in a new location.  Please contact Michal  at  michalmelamed@yahoo.com  for details & to make sure you are on the Reminder List.

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​​HEBREW SCHOOL

Hebrew School resumes in early September.  Dates, Times & Location to be announced.  For additional information & inquiries for your children, please contact Michal Melamed at  michalmelamed@yahoo.com. 

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Suggestions & Questions always welcome & appreciated.

Looking Forward...

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Nina

ninalublin1@gmail.com

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Cantor Myerson
cantor.sarah.myerson@gmail.com