In these tragic and scary times we stand with all those victimized by senseless hatred and fanaticism, at home, in Israel, and abroad. We pray for safety, healing, and peace.
We wish a Mazal Tov to our friends, Daniela Sassoon and Eli Schildkraut, on their recent wedding.
We are grateful to our downtown Yoetzet Halacha Shiffy Friedman, for her informative presentation this past Monday on the Top 10 Myths & Misconceptions about Toharat HaMishpacha, to Annie Watman for all her help in arranging the class, and to Adina Frank for sponsoring.
Tot Shabbat This Shabbat: Children and their parents are invited to Tot Shabbat this week, Parshat Mishpatim, February 2nd, featuring our newly hired Early Childhood Educator, Leat Klingman. Please join us for open play in the Beit Medrash at 10 AM, followed by the formal Tot Shabbat program promptly at 10:45 AM. Parent participation and feedback helps us create a nurturing and educational environment for our youngest members--so join us on February 2nd!
Sixth Street Parents Committee: Our Sixth Street parents committee is planning a number of events for our youngest members and the larger community, and we want you to know about them! The Sixth Street Parents Google group is where events are publicized, meetings are called, and babysitters' contacts are shared. If you'd like to be added to the group, please email Jeremy.
Torah Readers: We are looking for men who can prepare to read at Shabbat Mincha (and possibly at Shacharit during the week as well) throughout the year. A schedule of readers is being maintained. If you can commit to any dates, please contact Rabbi Bellino. We are grateful to Neil Kitainik who will read this week. The next available Mincha leining is on February 9th (the afternoon reading is Tetzaveh). We are also looking for women to prepare aliyot for a Women’s Torah Reading in the near future. Rabbi Bellino is happy to help anyone learn how to prepare a reading.
Please continue to assist our weekday morning Minyan. Consider increasing your commitment to community and synagogue by attending.
Our plentiful and delicious Kiddushes on Sixth Street greatly enhance our synagogue and community. To sponsor or to co-sponsor a Friday night Kiddush, a Shabbat Kiddush, a Shabbocktail, our Shabbat Shabeer supply, or a Seudah Shelishit, contact Rabbi Bellino. The next available Shabbat Kiddush for sponsorship is February 23rd, (Shabbat Ki Tisa).
Events
February 2nd - CholentFest VI
Join us for Shabbat Kiddush on February 2nd, and taste a wide variety of delicious and unique cholents. This is NOT a cholent eating contest. Prizes will be given to Best Cholent (Judged), Best Cholent (People's Choice), Best Decorations (Judged), Best Nontraditional Cholent (Judged).
February 7th - "Esther’s Day: Purim in Art", with Richard McBee
In this illustrated lecture, which spans Dura Europos, Michelangelo, Veronese, illuminated Megillot, as well as contemporary Graphic Novels and McBee paintings, Richard McBee shows us that Purim is a treasure of Jewish art.
SAVE THE DATES
February 2 - CholentFest VI
February 7 - McBee on the Art of Purim
March 20 - Megillah/Purim Party
March 27 - Annual Dinner
Classes
FOUNDATIONS OF JUDAISM: A sensitive and sophisticated introduction to Judaism, intended for beginners, and focusing on many of the ritual, legal, linguistic, and philosophical basics of our faith. Wednesdays 6:30-8:00 PM.
RABBINIC STORY TELLING: A literary analysis of the stories told by the Rabbis of the Talmud. Wednesdays 8:00-9:00 PM.
SHACHARIT: Miriam Kaplan on Shacharit, the daily morning prayer. Shabbat, following Kiddush.
Downtown Community
We are thrilled to have Shifra Friedman as the Yoetzet Halacha for the downtown community. Yoetzet Shifra is available to answer questions related to Toharat HaMishpacha and may be reached by phone at (646) 598-1080 and by email. Click here to read our recent e-mail about her appointment.
There are several Kosher options in our neighborhood including:
Bagel Boss at 263 First Avenue
Hummus Vish at 59 East 8th Street
Mocha Burger at 496 Laguardia Place
Sushi Tokyo at 121 West 19th Street
Falafix at 96 Stanton
We are proud to be a member synagogue of The Downtown Va'ad, an Orthodox rabbinic network intended to advance the welfare and flourishing of the Downtown community. Check out the Va'ad on Facebook for more information.
Feedback
We encourage your participation and insight. Feedback to Elie Yudewitz, Rabbi Bellino or the Shul Office would be most appreciated. Please contact us with any suggestions and/or concerns, or most importantly, to volunteer. You can also make suggestions here.
We like to have fun and be creative on social media. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram for much much more!
