Mission Statement
At Congregation Tehillah, we search for meaningful and just expressions of our Judaism in today's world. We invite you to come as you are, bringing your unique story. We are a Jewish community where music, learning and spirituality come together. We are committed to an environment in which all are welcome wherever they or their families find themselves on their Jewish journey, inclusive of any age, race, orientation, gender identity, ability, and economic status.
We are pleased to let the community know that Tehillah has been asked to be part of a leadership development program with Keshet.
Keshet works for the full equality of all LGBTQ Jews and our families in Jewish life. We strengthen Jewish communities.
We equip Jewish organizations with the skills and knowledge to build LGBTQ-affirming communities,
create spaces in which all queer Jewish youth feel seen and valued, and advance LGBTQ rights nationwide.
Happy Hanukkah
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Weekly Message
December 3, 2021
29 Kislev 5782
Parashat Miketz
Genesis 41:1 - 44:17
Dear Friends,
Every night of Chanukah we add a light, be it a candle or oil. On the first night the light is quite meager -- thank goodness for the shamash!
Without the shamash there to kindle the light, the light would be singular -- alone. Each night, as we add another light, the power of the light grows. It has the capacity to fill us with hope and possibility, and also with the recognition that there is indeed strength in numbers.
At Tehillah we have images of brightly lit tables filled with every manner of Channukiah with a diverse community gathering strength from the light and from one another. Although, we cannot all gather together in the same way, the light and hope we share with one another makes all of the difference. The underpinning of it all is love. “And you shall love your fellow man as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18 -- Robert Alter translation)
Sometimes the most difficult part of the journey is to truly love ourselves, to care for ourselves, and to accept who we are with all of our strengths and weaknesses. When we are able to do that, our ability to give and be there for others in a meaningful way increases. It is transformative.
Mitzvah of the Week
In this season where bringing in the light is core to so many communities beyond our own, it seems appropriate to think beyond a weekly mitzvah or daily mitzvah but to one we can embrace in a more long -term manner.
With that in mind let’s come together to create a list of all that each of you is doing. So many of you are engaged in ongoing projects of Tikkun Olam that the rest of us may not know about.
Let’s turn this space into one where we share our stories and the work that matters to each of us. Last week we highlighted Chris Tokar’s ongoing project of collecting small donations to create a shelter for women in Omaha Nebraska. Give us an opportunity to share in the work that matters to you.
There is a great deal that needs doing, but it is so much easier to do it alongside others.
Central to that list is caring for those within our Tehillah community. Please continue to keep us apprised to those who need to go on and hopefully come off the refuah shlemah list. We thank all of you who are able for your continued financial support to our community.
We look forward to hearing about what you are working on and why it matters to you. Let us shed some light into the world together.
Hebrew School
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Covid Protocols
If you would like to join us in person at RYSEC, these are their current protocols that we must follow:
- Vaccination records will be checked at the door
- Wear a mask and respect social distance when indoors
- Use hand sanitizer upon entering the building
- Chairs will be set up 3 feet apart from each other. Family units may move their chairs closer together.
- A family at a time when using the restroom
- No food allowed indoors at this time; we will make Kiddush on the Patio
- Children age 3 and up are permitted with masks
- Maximum capacity – 30 people
Reservations are required. Please email Susan susansara1@aol.com or Kathy kathyjny@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
We look forward to seeing you whether in person or on-line.
Hearing Our Children
“Hearing Our Children” is Tehillah’s COVID Time Capsule Program, a grant-funded project to help young students reflect on their experiences from the past year. Together we have discussed new challenges and fears that have arisen in our lives and how we would like to overcome them. We have considered the changes to each of our daily routines and schooling. Each student has presented on an object that has represented their year, worked on an individual pandemic documentation packet, and will soon put together a video reflection. We are proud to share this project with you.
Giving
We appreciate your support now more than ever. For more information please email us at rabbilindasc@congregationtehillah.org
Podcast
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"Going Forth to a New Place" (ep. 30)We explore transitions as we discuss: - What it's like to enter a new place "Why be grateful?" (ep. 31)We discuss the connection between: - Prayer |
Our teens make us proud -- share our pride!Tehillah Talks is now available on Apple Podcasts.Send this link to two friends. |
Hebrew School
מַה טּוֹבוּ אֹהָלֶיךָ יַעֲקֹב מִשְׁכְּנֹתֶיךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל
Hebrew School Registration
Worship
Join us ONLINE every Friday evening and for Kabbalat Shabbat to sing, pray and enjoy each other's company.
Check the calendar for innovative morning Shabbat services: Tot Shabbat for families with young children, meditative walk and learning service.
Tikkun Olam
TEHILLAH IN THE WORLD is our commitment to social action through:
Bend the Arc
Circle of Support
Interfaith Connections
Riverdale Jewish Unity
Working closely with refugees.
Resources for Giving Food
- Friendly Fridge is in front of The Last Stop at 5983 Broadway (242nd Street) Click HERE for more information
- The Neighborhood Fridge. This fridge is maintained by Riverdale Neighborhood House and is located at the corner of 256th Street and Mosholu Avenue.
- Riverdale Y Senior Meals Program.Click HERE to donate directly to this program.
- Northwest Bronx Food Justice Coalition (Riverdale Senior Services). Click HERE to find out how you can help.
- Part of the Solution (POTS). Click HERE to donate.
- North Bronx Collective Food Pantry at the Church of the Mediator. Click HERE to donate.
