Roosevelt Island jewish congregation

ROOSEVELT ISLAND JEWISH CONGREGATION

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

​

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. 

​

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.

​

A MESSAGE FROM CANTOR MYERSON

Welcome to Roosevelt Island Jewish Congregation!

 

This week’s Torah portion, Naso, includes the Sotah ritual, which inspired 32 double pages of Talmud! There’s much more to learn than what we could discuss in the context of our Shavu’ot “10 of the Commandments” study session. I recommend this source sheet and this song as starting points if you’re interested. 

Speaking of source sheets, here’s one I made about the curious phrasing of Numbers 5:3, “From male until female shall you send them out; outside of the camp shall you send them; that they not make impure their camps in whose midst I dwell.” 

The verse is about quarantining the ill, but it strikes me as an example of a biblical verse that points to gender being a spectrum rather than a binary. This inspired me to make a sign reading “The Bible says: Gender is a Spectrum,” which I have carried proudly to protests as a conversation starter. It also led to the creation of a Hebrew micrography that you can see at the RIVAA Pride and Prejudice art exhibition this month! 

I’m out of town this weekend, so I’m sorry to miss Je’Jae’s Queer Shabbat gallery tour and potluck dinner, but I look forward to our Pride Shabbat Friday June 13. Shabbat shalom!

​

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.

​

​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.​

​​

SONG CIRCLES

The next Circle meets Monday, June 16, from 7:30 - 8:30 PM. We will learn 3 new melodies & the stories behind them, with the exact subject to be announced.  All are welcome! No singing experience is necessary!  Please contact Amber at  alseligson@gmail.com  for location & additional information.  

​

​​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.

​

​​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. 

​

Suggestions & Questions always welcome & appreciated.

Looking Forward...

​

Nina

ninalublin1@gmail.com

​

Cantor Myerson
cantor.sarah.myerson@gmail.com