Roosevelt Island jewish congregation

ROOSEVELT ISLAND JEWISH CONGREGATION

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

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Acts of Antisemitism have no place here or anywhere.  We continue to pray for Peace for Jews and for everyone everywhere. We continue to monitor the dangerous situation between Israel & Iran.  We are keeping our relatives & friends front of mind over these very tense days.

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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

Summer is here, and many of us are out of town. I would love to hear from you on your travels, send me an email! I look forward to connecting with you in September.

 

In the Jewish calendar, there are two fast days during this period; 17 Tammuz and 9 Av. 

17 Tammuz (this year, Sunday July 13 from dawn to dusk) commemorates the breaching of the walls of Jerusalem before the destruction of the Second Temple. This is followed by three weeks of semi-mourning (some refrain from haircuts, weddings, etc). 9 Av (this year, Saturday night August 2 through Sunday evening August 3) commemorates many terrible things that have happened throughout Jewish history on this date, including the destruction of both Temples, and expulsions from England and Spain. 

 

For those who are able to do so, it is customary to refrain on fast days from eating and drinking, wearing leather (as a display of wealth), anointing oneself with perfume, and sexual relations. However, we were given these commandments to live by, NOT to die by; there is no shame in observing fast days with modifications in accordance with your needs. Check out A Mitzvah to Eat, and please take care of yourself.

 

It's not all mourning; Shabbat August 8-9 is Tu B'av! That's the Jewish equivalent of Valentine's Day, celebrating love. 

 

As the summer comes to a close, we shift towards reflection, with the beginning of the month of Elul on Saturday evening August 23. High Holy Days will be here before we know it!

 

​​​SHABBAT SERVICES

The RIJC will be on a Summer Break. Shabbat Services will resume Friday September 5.

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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

Amber Levanon Seligson’s Song Circles will resume on Monday, October 20. 

Thank You to Amber & to all who participated.   

Additional information coming after the High Holy Days.

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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