Rebbe Magic

Rabbi Dan took a break from the papers, the video and the questioning to do a little magic at our last Rebbe Table. For more info on Sunday's conversation, read here. He did the "Rubber Hand Illusion" which is a brain-body trick whereby you convince the person participating that the rubber hand is actually their own. "These findings show that the conscious sense of our physical self, and the physiological regulation of our physical self, are linked," write a team of researchers led by Oxford University’s G. Lorimer Mosely and Charles Spence.

For more information, check out this article in Wired. Our next Rebbe's table is on Sunday, November 22nd at City Winery's Klezmer Brunch, starting at 10am. Stay tuned for more details!

Our Teacher the Designer

Meet one of our new amazing Rishonim and B'nai Mitzvah Academy teachers: Yael Magnes. Yael is part of a trio called the Magnes Sisters. The story is told that a Russian artist prophesied the careers of her three Israeli granddaughters, Dina, Yael, and Tamar. While Dina is gifted in fashion design, Yael in jewelry design, and Tamar with graphic design, the Magnes Sisters have brought their individual creative talents together with their sleek and stylish collection of handbags. In finding constant inspiration from both their grandmother and modern Manhattan, the sisters work uniquely utilitarian elements into each of their city-chic styles, making them bags you’ll never want to let go of.

Check out Yael and her sisters' website here and don't forget to sign up for their email list to receive information on exclusive sales and events lined up for the holiday season.

You might remember Yael's sister Tamar from the class she led at BMA called "Even Prophets Need Handbags."

A Spiritual Woodstock!

Join Rabbi Dan this Thursday night at a Jewish "Spiritual Woodstock" at the Center for Jewish History, celebrating the release of Jay Michaelson's new book "Everything is God: The Radical Path of Nondual Judaism."

(click image for more info)

Everything is God:
A Jewish "Spiritual Woodstock"
Thursday, October 29, 2009; 6-9pm
YIVO Institute for Jewish Research
Center for Jewish History, 15 West 16th Street, New York
(between 5th&6th aves - subway: 123FLVNRQW456 to 14th st)
$5 in advance/$7 at door

Rescuers: Portraits of Moral Courage in the Holocaust

Please join us for a special presentation with new member Gay Block, mother of Alison Gerson, who will be speaking about her book Rescuers: Portraits of Moral Courage in the Holocaust. We will be discussing who the rescuers were and why they risked everything - even their lives and those of their families - to save Jews marked for death during the Holocaust. We will conclude the evening by talking about the role of the rescuers acts in our lives today. This is the first time we are hearing a speaker talk about the rescuers and it will be a truly unique experience for everyone who attends.

When: Monday, November 2nd at 6:30pm
Where: VCS cafeteria (272 W 10th St. b/w Greenwich and Washington Sts)
Cost: Free

The Holocaust Social Action Teen group is invited to join us for dinner starting at 6pm.

Spa Shabbat Weekend is Here

Despite the rain, the Yankee loss, and the sun setting so early, we can't wait for this weekend. Join us for Spa Shabbat and Rebbe's Table.

Friday, October 23 (Yamuna, 132 Perry Street)

Movement as Prayer, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm – Free
This class uses Yamuna balls to take participants systematically through the entire body, elongating muscles, releasing the spine, improving alignment, deepening breathing and increasing relaxation response.

Body and Improv for Kids, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm – Free
Drawing on the Gaga Dance Technique, developed by Ohad Naharin of the world-renown Bat Sheva Dance Company of Israel, this class lets kids move and groove and let loose. Taught by Alona Mor, a certified dance teacher and dedicated yoga practitioner.

Shabbat Shal-OM, 7 pm to 8:15 pm – Free
Rabbi Dan Ain and meditation instructor Susan Finley weave meditation exercises with mystical readings from the Jewish meditation tradition. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Please bring a “heart offering,” which can be a donation to charity or something that has personal meaning.

MediDANSion for Kids, 7 pm to 8 pm – Free
This class, taught by Alona Mor, let's kids do what they do best: express themselves in motion. They'll even do a little stretching and meditation. "Look Ma! I'm medidtating!" Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

Saturday, October 24 (Village Community School, 272 W. 10th Street)

Check-in and registration will begin at 11 am

Multi-Level Yoga, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Naomi Jaffe will teach an open-level vinyasa yoga class that brings the joy of yoga practice to the observance of Shabbat. In the vinyasa style, poses flow in sequences linked by the breath. All levels are welcome. Poses will be modified according to practitioners' needs. The class will include meditation and deep relaxation.

Transitions, 11:30am to 1 pm
A major theme in the Bible and of the Jewish people, transitions have the potential to affect intimate relationships and highlight growth areas. We change jobs, deal with health issues and face empty nests. This workshop, led by Charlotte Wolovsky, LCSW explores ways transitions can produce positive emotional shifts.

Lunch will be served from 1-2 pm.

Chinese Medicine, 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Ziki Dekel, director of Galapagos Acupuncture, and Rabbi Dan Ain will discuss the concept of the Five Elements in Chinese medicine and philosophy and how they relate to similar concepts in Jewish philosophy and thought. Ziki will also conduct ear acupuncture (for those interested), which traditionally is performed in a community setting with patients sitting together quietly.

Imagery, 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Rabbi Joyce Reinitz, ACSW will use guided imagery exercises to help participants release mental stress. Experience how the themes of Shabbat are a personal lens through which spiritual development and connection to the soul’s story come into focus.
A healthy snack will be served from 3:15-3:45pm.

Jewromatherapy, 4 pm to 5:30 pm
Aromatherapy expert Cathy Gins and Rabbi Dan Ain combine Jewish mystical teachings on the power of scent with an experiential journey through a range of fragrances and aromas that can renew, replenish and help heal souls.

Torah Yoga for Kids, 4 pm to 5:30 pm – Free
Children explore how the combination of Yoga for the body and Torah for the mind can be inspirational, educational and cool. Peace. Love. Judaism.

Havdalah, 5:45 pm to 7 pm – Free
Send the Sabbath off in a grand way with the help of Yolanda Shoshana and Ellen Gould. This experiential ritual will be a time to relax, relate and revive.

All events are open to the public. A Spa Pass for all Friday and Saturday workshops, lunch and snacks is $20 ($15 for New Shul members). Individual Workshop tickets are available for $15 ($10 for New Shul members).

Then join us for the final part of Spa Shabbat and the first Rebbe's Table of the year this Sunday, October 25th at 10am at City Winery (155 Varick at Vandam).

Rabbi Dan will hold court with an eclectic group of artists and thinkers, tackling hard questions, including:

- What does the Jewish idea of life after death, and the resurrection of the body, have to teach us about our connection to our bodies and our identity?
- Will 21st century technology force us to rethink some of these basic religious notions of self and the possibility of life beyond the body?

Watch a video to learn more about the discussion here.

New Shul Members $12/Non-Members $15
(includes a seat at The Rebbe's Table, music cover charge, coffee/tea and juice; brunch is a la carte)

Rise and Shine and...

give God Your Glorly (children of the Lord)! Children at Rishonim sing about Noah, this weekend's Torah portion. We leave you with the words to the song and guarantee you'll be singing it all weekend! Shabbat Shalom!

The Lord said to Noah:
There's gonna be a floody, floody
The Lord said to Noah:
There's gonna be a floody, floody
Get those children out of the muddy, muddy
Children of the Lord

Rise and shine
And give God the glory, glory
Rise and shine
And give God the glory, glory
Rise and shine
And give God the glory, glory
Children of the Lord

The Lord told Noah
To build him an arky, arky
The Lord told Noah
To build him an arky, arky
Build it out of gopher barky, barky
Children of the Lord

Rise and shine...

He called for the animals,
They came in by twosie, twosies
He called for the animals,
They came in by twosie, twosies
Elephants and kangaroosie, roosies
Children of the Lord

Rise and shine...

It rained and it poured
For forty daysie, daysies
It rained and it poured
For forty daysie, daysies
Almost drove those animals crazy, crazies,
Children of the Lord

Rise and shine...

Then Noah he sent out
He sent out a dovey dovey
Noah he sent out
He sent out a dovey dovey
Dovey said "There's clear skies abovey-bovey"
Children of the Lord

Rise and shine...

The sun came out and
It dried up the landy landy
The sun came out and
It dried up the landy landy
Everything was fine and dandy, dandy
Children of the Lord

Rise and shine...

The animals they came off
They came off by three-sies three-sies
Animals they came off
They came off by three-sies three-sies
Grizzly bears and chimpanzee-sies zee-sies
Children of the Lord

Rise and shine...

That is the end of,
The end of my story, story
That is the end of,
The end of my story, story
Everything is hunky dory, dory
Children of the Lord

Rise and shine...

Community Event - Don Juan: Everyone's Favorite Bad Boy

Join member Esther Perel, a leading sexologist, on October 27, 2009 at 7:00pm and New York City Opera's own Don Juan (bass-baritone Daniel Okulitch) for an intimate, provocative exchange on the Don Juan legend. They'll explore history versus myth, the Don's changing image, how Mozart's Don Juan relates to the composer's own lusty sexuality, City Opera's new interpretation, and Don Juan in the 21st century.

Tickets: $10
Date: October 27, 2009
Time: 7:00-8:30pm
Location: The Museum of Sex

To purchase tickets please call 212.689.6337 x115 or email events@museumofsex.com

Community Shabbat Dinner for Young Adults

Join The New Shul, 92Y Tribeca and other downtown organizations for a community Shabbat. At this welcoming evening, we will enjoy inventive drinks and a delicious meal prepared by 92YTribeca's executive chef.

This dinner is open to the entire community. Everyone is welcome to attend! Space is limited, so please purchase tickets in advance here.

Date: Friday, November 13
Time: 7:45pm
Location: 92YTribeca, 200 Hudson Street, b/w Vestey and Canal

Rebbe's Table at City Winery - This Sunday

Join us for the final part of Spa Shabbat and the first Rebbe's Table of the year this Sunday, October 25th at 10am at City Winery (155 Varick at Vandam).

Rabbi Dan will hold court with an eclectic group of artists and thinkers, tackling hard questions, including:

- What does the Jewish idea of life after death, and the resurrection of the body, have to teach us about our connection to our bodies and our identity?
- Will 21st century technology force us to rethink some of these basic religious notions of self and the possibility of life beyond the body?

The below video shows how our brain adapts to new technology. Rabbi Dan will discuss this video on Sunday when arguing that these technologies will change the way that we understand our identity and how we understand our (natural) bodies.



Discussing this after participating in Spa Shabbat is very 21st century and provocative. Add an amazing roster of Klezmer musicians to this mix, not to mention one of the best brunches around, and you've got a Sunday morning that's worth getting out of bed for!

For reservations or more information call 212-284-6773

New Shul Members $12/Non-Members $15
(includes a seat at The Rebbe's Table, music cover charge, coffee/tea and juice; brunch is a la carte)


This event is presented in partnership with Nextbook Inc., as part of Jewish Body Week - a series of events in New York City and elsewhere exploring the subjects raised in Melvin Konner's 2009 book, The Jewish Body. Nextbook Inc. is a nonprofit organization promoting Jewish culture through its public programs, its Jewish Encounters book series (including The Jewish Body) published by Nextbook Press/Schocken, and Tablet Magazine, Nextbook's new daily online publication. For more information about Nextbook, please visit www.nextbook.com. To see a full schedule of Jewish Body Week events, please visit www.Jewishbodyweek.com.

Tefillin Unbound - Not Just For Men

On Tuesday morning a group of us met with Rabbi Dan to experience putting on Tefillin at the first Tefillin Unbound. Most present, both men and women, never had the experience before.

Dan spent some time explaining the purpose and meaning of beginning the day by this both concrete and symbolic act in integrating mind, heart and hand. Several sets of Tefillin were provided and explanations and careful instruction were given. Then we began the challenge of working with the intricate knots holding the leather straps.

The image of our group standing in our circle wearing Tallitot and Tefillin, saying the shema, was a sight to behold. In participating in this, it did not only connect heart, mind and hand, it connected us to our ancient roots and the incredible survival of our faith and its practice.

Editor's note: Tefillin Tuesday meets the second Tuesday of every month. Please join us for the next one on Tuesday, November 10th at 7:45am (14 Horatio Street, b/w Greenwich and 8th Aves). Afterwords, we will go across the street to 'Snice for breakfast and conversation.

Shabbat on Tap is Back!

We're kicking off our second year of Shabbat on Tap on Friday, October 16th at 7pm at a new location: Honey (243 W. 14th St, b/w 7th-8th Aves). Meet us in the back room.

It's Friday night and the weekend has begun. So has Shabbat, the original way to "kiss the week goodbye!" If discussing the big questions over a cold one sounds like your kind of spiritual experience (pun intended), join us as we search for the Sabbath at a downtown bar in Manhattan. And the beer's on us!

To find out more call 212-284-6773 or just show up and experience it for yourself!

Women, Jewish Mysticism, and the Body

New member and friend, Rachel Katz along with Joanna Lindenbaum, will also be participating in Nextbook's Jewish Body Week.

Their event will take place on Tuesday, October 20th. During the evening, participants will investigate the rich connections between Jewish ritual, spirituality and the significance of the female body. Through an interactive workshop and art-making experience, you will be guided in connecting deeply to your inner wisdom to make discoveries about yourself and your body.

Concepts from Kabbalah to daily life traditions will be explored through creative process, visualization, ritual and discussion. Through this powerful and personal discovery process, you will create your own “Body Map” using fabric, paint, and a variety of materials inspired by the idea of charting/mapping the body within Jewish thought and mysticism.

We are really looking forward to their event - what a great way to get us ready for our own Spa Shabbat weekend.

New Shul members are able to participate at the discounted $12 rate. Advance tickets may be purchased here.

Turnip Apple Soup

Our amazing caterer, Lisa Teiger, continues to wow us. At our last event, the Sukkot Harvest Feastival, Lisa made a soup that was so good we begged her to tell us the secret ingredients. Here they are:

Organic Turnip and Honey Apple Soup

...Bhel Puri Organic Yukon Gold Potato with suffolk county farm grown onions, fresh cilantro, suffolk county farm grown stringbeans, cuisinetc housemade cilantro + tamarind dressing and crunchy Indian noodles.

To see the whole 100 mile menu and read more about the other fabulous ingredients, click here.

Trinity's Services and Food for the Homeless presents: DRAG BINGO NIGHT!

Our friends in the East Village are at it again! Back by popular demand, on Monday, October 19th from 7-10pm:

Drag Bingo Night

The event takes place at Superdive (200 Ave A, b/w 12th-13th). $20 grants admission for this madcap night of bingo, performances, prizes & more! All proceeds benefit Trinity's community-based soup kitchen, food pantry, legal services and more. This is the same soup kitchen that our community has worked with for the past two years. To learn more about Trinty's SAFH, read here.

The event is hosted by Wang Newton. Legend has it that Wang was born in Taiwan, Republic of China, as the bastard child of Connie Chung. Young Wang Chung never knew his mother but inherited her ambition along with that… je ne sais quoi. In his early teens, Wang was sent to America and adopted by the Newton family. Assuming that he must be related to Uncle Wayne Newton, Wang crafted his Vegas-style showmanship. And now… Wang Newton is fully assimilated – and ready to rock!!

Fight Hunger! Play Bingo!!

Spa Shabbat: A Weekend for the Body, Mind and Spirit

October 23-25, Event Part of Nextbook's Jewish Body Week

Spa Shabbat will feature three days of meditation, movement, prayer, wellness and discussion that aim to connect participants with Judaism’s original stress-free zone at several locations in downtown New York City.

All events are open to the public. A Spa Pass for all workshops, lunch and snacks is $20 ($15 for New Shul members). Individual Workshop tickets are available for $15 ($10 for New Shul members).

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, October 23 (Yamuna, 132 Perry Street)

Movement as Prayer, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm – Free
This class uses Yamuna balls to take participants systematically through the entire body, elongating muscles, releasing the spine, improving alignment, deepening breathing and increasing relaxation response.

Body and Improv for Kids, 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm – Free
Drawing on the Gaga Dance Technique, developed by Ohad Naharin of the world-renown Bat Sheva Dance Company of Israel, this class lets kids move and groove and let loose. Taught by Alona Mor, a certified dance teacher and dedicated yoga practitioner.

Shabbat Shal-OM, 7 pm to 8:15 pm – Free
Rabbi Dan Ain and meditation instructor Susan Finley weave meditation exercises with mystical readings from the Jewish meditation tradition. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Please bring a “heart offering,” which can be a donation to charity or something that has personal meaning.

MediDANSion for Kids, 7 pm to 8 pm – Free
This class, taught by Alona Mor, let's kids do what they do best: express themselves in motion. They'll even do a little stretching and meditation. "Look Ma! I'm medidtating!" Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

Saturday, October 24 (Village Community School, 272 W. 10th Street)

Check-in and registration will begin at 11 am

Multi-Level Yoga, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm
Naomi Jaffe will teach an open-level vinyasa yoga class that brings the joy of yoga practice to the observance of Shabbat. In the vinyasa style, poses flow in sequences linked by the breath. All levels are welcome. Poses will be modified according to practitioners' needs. The class will include meditation and deep relaxation.

Transitions, 11:30am to 1 pm
A major theme in the Bible and of the Jewish people, transitions have the potential to affect intimate relationships and highlight growth areas. We change jobs, deal with health issues and face empty nests. This workshop, led by Charlotte Wolovsky, LCSW explores ways transitions can produce positive emotional shifts.

Lunch will be served from 1-2 pm.

Chinese Medicine, 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Ziki Dekel, director of Galapagos Acupuncture, and Rabbi Dan Ain will discuss the concept of the Five Elements in Chinese medicine and philosophy and how they relate to similar concepts in Jewish philosophy and thought. Ziki will also conduct ear acupuncture (for those interested), which traditionally is performed in a community setting with patients sitting together quietly.

Imagery, 2 pm to 3:30 pm
Rabbi Joyce Reinitz, ACSW will use guided imagery exercises to help participants release mental stress. Experience how the themes of Shabbat are a personal lens through which spiritual development and connection to the soul’s story come into focus.
A healthy snack will be served from 3:15-3:45pm.

Jewromatherapy, 4 pm to 5:30 pm
Aromatherapy expert Cathy Gins and Rabbi Dan Ain combine Jewish mystical teachings on the power of scent with an experiential journey through a range of fragrances and aromas that can renew, replenish and help heal souls.

Torah Yoga for Kids, 4 pm to 5:30 pm – Free
Children explore how the combination of Yoga for the body and Torah for the mind can be inspirational, educational and cool. Peace. Love. Judaism.

Havdalah, 5:45 pm to 7 pm – Free
Send the Sabbath off in a grand way with the help of Yolanda Shoshana and Ellen Gould. This experiential ritual will be a time to relax, relate and revive.

Sunday, October 25 (City Winery, 155 Varick at Vandam)

The Rebbe's Table at City Winery's Klezmer Brunch, 10 am
Join Rabbi Dan Ain for discussion that tackles the hard questions in an easygoing setting, along with brunch and Klezmer music.

Finding the Glue

“In our super-connected lives, we have all these nifty gadgets and all this connectivity, yet we wonder how to make our way. In a spiritual community we find a framework for experiencing the amazing and the everyday. We find a framework for living in relation with our world and with each other. The lived relation, attachment and a framework – these are elements of community and, it seems, building blocks of our spirituality.”

The above excerpt is from member, Brian Browdie's D'var Torah, delivered on Yom Kippur afternoon. Read more...

Book Party with Rabbi Niles

WHEN: Sunday, November 8th at 6 pm

WHERE: Home of Marc Routh and Asher Remy Toledo

You are invited to join Rabbi Emeritus Niles Goldstein to celebrate the publication of his ninth and newest book, The Challenge of the Soul: A Guide for the Spiritual Warrior. Join us to reconnect and catch up with Niles, hang out with fellow members and friends, and eat and drink the evening away. Niles will offer a few words about his new book (which will be available), but mostly this will be an event that celebrates our community and our ongoing relationship with our founding rabbi. Come party with us!

Spa Shabbat - Not Just For Adults

Our Spa Shabbat is almost two weeks away! The weekend is filled with programming for people of all ages. For our youngest members and friends, join us on:

Friday night, October 24th, Free!
Body and Improv for Kids, 5:30-6:30pm
Drawing on the Gaga Dance Technique, developed by Ohad Naharin of the world-renown Bat Sheva Dance Company of Israel, this class lets kids move and groove and let loose.

MediDANSion for Kids, 7-8pm
This class let's kids do what they do best: express themselves in motion. They'll even do a little stretching and meditation. "Look Ma! I'm meditating!" Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

These classes will be taught by our fabulous Rishonim teacher, Alona Mor. Alona is a certified dance teacher and dedicated yoga practitioner.

Saturday, October 25th, Free!
Torah Yoga for Kids 4-5:30pm. Free.
Children explore how the combination of Yoga for the body and Torah for the mind can be inspirational, educational and cool. Peace. Love. Judaism.

This class will be led by Merav Ben Horin, founder of Loose Change Yoga. Merav received her yoga teaching certifications from YogaWorks and Karma Kids Yoga.

Stick around after this class for an inter-generational Havdalah experience starting at 5:45pm.

Space is limited so advance RSVP is recommend.

Editor's note: Due to so many RSVPs for Saturday's Spa Shabbat programming, we are moving the day's activities to VCS (272 West 10th Street).

We're on Jewcy

Rabbi Dan was interviewed by one of our Twitter friends, @punktorah (aka Patrick Aleph). Here is an excerpt from the interview:

Rabbi Ain is a rock star in the radical Jewish community. This guy leads one of, if not THE MOST, progressive congregations in the world. The New Shul is a model for what is possible when you combine creativity, a love for the Jewish lifestyle and a community filled with spirit.

I took a deep breath and suddenly it happened: the phone rang. It was Ain.

I put on my "poker voice". As chill as I could, I picked up the phone."

This is Patrick A, how may I help you?"

To continue reading the interview, click here. Thanks, PunkTorah! So great we connected and definitely come visit us when you're in NYC.

Sukkot Jewpardy

We're half way into the Holiday of Sukkot. How much do you really know about this holiday? Play our game of Jewpardy and find out!

Food

100…..a citron fruit of the hadar tree. According to midrash it is shaped like and is symbolic of the heart

200..…according to midrash, it is shaped like, and is symbolic of the spine

300….this is a round red fruit that grows in Israel, it is said to have 613 seeds in it

400….write lulav on the board in Hebrew

Traditions

100…..booth, the term refers to the temporary structures built for and used during the festival of Sukkot

200..…this is how many directions the lulav is waived

300….there must be this many walls, made of any material in the sukkah

400….sukkot comes 4 days after this holiday

Facts

100…..this American holiday resembles sukkot

200..…this is how many days we celebrate sukkot

300….there are three things every sukkah should have

400….this is the proper size for the sukkah

Vocabulary

100…..what the word sukkah means

200..…at the end of sukkot we celebrate this holiday, it’s initials are ST

300….the name of the stuff that goes on top of the sukkah, made up of branches and leaves

400….these are the four species and what they represent

Editor's note: We added the answers to the comment section. Don't cheat! Let us know how many you got right. Have fun.

Mazel Tov!

Mazel Tov to Kayla Miller on becoming a Bat Mitzvah this past weekend.

Please join us on Saturday, October 10 at 10:30am - Dustin Ross will become a Bar Mitzvah.
We will also be celebrating Simchat Torah.

More Sukkot Pictures!

Chag Semeach everyone!

100 mile menu! Amazing weather! A beautiful Sukkot!

Member Steven Judelson, designed and built the Sukkah. The fabrics were sewn together by Eva Philips and Nia Judelson. Decorations were made by our fabulous Rishonim students and teachers.

The finished Sukkah! Mission accomplished.

Michele Moses & Lilly Day pose for a picture after shaking the lulav & etrog.

Our fabulous chef Lisa Teiger hand dips apples into carmel and cuts up some of the best desserts we ever tasted. Everything Creative CuisinEtc cooked up today came from 100 miles or less! Plus, we are still using reusable silverware and plates thanks to Lisa and Andrew's help.

The New Shul on The Jewish Channel

We were so excited when the folks behind The Jewish Channel TJC called us about covering The House of Awe & Repentance Cafe. We loved meeting them in person and are happy to be included in their Week in Review: Sep. 25, 2009.

Watch the whole 7 minute video or to see coverage on The House of Awe & Repentance Cafe, start the clip starting at 6.20.

Girls Theater Project AUDITIONS! 10/25

From Melanie Sylvan:

AUDITIONS!

The Girls Theater Project at the 14th Street Y is seeking girls aged 11-16 to join the cast of a new play BECOMING about being a Jewish girl in NYC. We welcome Jewish girls from a variety of cultural, ethnic and racial backgrounds, affiliated and unaffiliated.

Requirements: Honesty and a sense of humor; interest in and willingness to explore your Jewish identity - whatever that means to you. Previous performance experience preferred.

Auditions are on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at the 14th Street Y (344 E 14th St) at 2pm. For further information, and to sign up for auditions, contact Melanie: melanie_sylvan@14streety.org.

Under a Fragile Thatched Roof

This poem was forwarded to us by member Mary Jo Berger. It is a Sukkot poem by Rabbi Simcha Raphael.

UNDER A FRAGILE THATCHED ROOF

Under a fragile thatched roof
Full-breasted mother moon
And a subtle glitter band
Of twinkling stars
Transparently peek through
From the heavenly

Feel free to leave a poem, a haiku, a thought or a message in the comment section! Chag Sukkot Sameach. See you Sunday!

Spa Shabbat is Back

An oasis for the body, mind and spirit
Friday, October 23 - Sunday, October 25

FRIDAY 10/23 at

Yamuna (132 Perry Street)
Movement as Prayer, 5:30-6:30pm
Using Yamuna balls this class takes you systematically through the entire body, elongating muscles, releasing your spine, improving alignment, deepening your breathing, and increasing your relaxation response. Experience remarkable changes in your body immediately.

Shabbat Shal-OM, 7-8:15pm. Free.
In a relaxed environment, Susan Finley (who studied with H.H. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, teacher of H.H. Dalai Lama) and Rabbi Dan interweave meditation exercises with mystical readings from the Jewish meditation tradition. Beginners welcome. Wear comfortable loose clothing. You are encouraged to bring a heart offering which we will place on a shrine - it can be a donation to a charity or something that has personal meaning to you.

SATURDAY 10/24 at Village Community School (272 W. 10th Street)
Check-in and registration will begin at 11am.

Multi-Level Yoga, 11:30-12:30pm
Come join us as we bring the joy of yoga practice to the observance of Shabbat. Naomi Jaffe will teach an open-level vinyasa yoga class. In the vinyasa style, poses flow in sequences linked by the breath. The class will be invigorating, restorative and fun. All levels welcome. Poses will be modified according to practitioners' needs. The class will include meditation and deep relaxation.

Transitions, 11:30am-1pm
A major theme in the Bible and of the Jewish people, transitions have the potential to affect our intimate relationships and highlight growth areas in ourselves. We change jobs, deal with health issues and face empty nests. This workshop, led by Charlotte Wolovsky, LCSW, explores ways transitions can produce positive emotional shifts that strengthen us.

Lunch will be served from 1-2pm.

Chinese Medicine, 2-3:30pm
Ziki Dekel, director of Galapagos Acupuncture, and Rabbi Dan will discuss the concept or the Five Elements in Chinese medicine and philosophy and how they relate to similar concepts in Jewish philosophy and thought. Ziki will also conduct ear acupuncture (for those interested), which traditionally is performed in a community setting with patients sitting together quietly.

Imagery, 2-3:30pm
Using unique guided imagery exercises, Rabbi Joyce Reinitz, ACSW, will help you release mental stress. Experience how the themes of Shabbat are a personal lens through which spiritual development and connection to your soul’s story comes into focus.

A healthy snack will be served from 3:30-4:00pm.

Jewromatherapy, 4-5:30pm
Aromatherapy expert Cathy Gins and Rabbi Dan combine Jewish mystical teachings on the power of scent with an experiential journey through a range of fragrances and aromas that can renew, replenish, and help heal our souls.

Havdalah, 5:45-7pm. Free.
Send the Sabbath Queen off in a grand way with the help of Yolanda Shoshana ("Shoshi") and Rabbi Dan. This experiential ritual will use your senses and will be a time to relax, relate, and revive.

Editor's note: Due to so many RSVPs for Saturday's Spa Shabbat programming, we moved the day's activities to VCS (272 West 10th Street).

SPA PASS (includes all workshops, snacks and lunch)
New Shul Members $20 / Non-Members $25

Individual Workshops (except free programs as noted)
New Shul Members $10 / Non-Members $15

SUNDAY 10/25 at City Winery (155 Varick Street)
Rebbe's Table and Klezmer Brunch 10-11am teaching, 11am music & brunch
Dedicated to the belief that there should be more to Sunday Brunch than Bagels and Lox. Join Rabbi Dan as he holds court with an eclectic group of artists and thinkers, tackling the hard questions in an easy-going setting.

$12 members/$15 non-members

Spa Shabbat isn't for adults only. Find out what children programs will be taking place here.


This event is presented in partnership with Nextbook Inc., as part of Jewish Body Week - a series of events in New York City and elsewhere exploring the subjects raised in Melvin Konner's 2009 book, The Jewish Body. Nextbook Inc. is a nonprofit organization promoting Jewish culture through its public programs, its Jewish Encounters book series (including The Jewish Body) published by Nextbook Press/Schocken, and Tablet Magazine, Nextbook's new daily online publication. For more information about Nextbook, please visit www.nextbook.com. To see a full schedule of Jewish Body Week events, please visit www.Jewishbodyweek.com.

Thank You!

A special thank you to all those that brought donations to our High Holy Day services for Ogo and his family who lost all their possessions to an unexpected flood.
Members of Miracle Corners of the World came by Rishonim yesterday to pick up the donations and were deeply touched.

Wishing you all a wonderful Shabbat and Chag Sukkot Sameach (Happy Sukkot!).

Sukkot Event is Happening Rain or Shine

Rishonimers spent the week helping prep decorations for our Sukkot Harvest Feastival.

We know it is crazy but we will be building and taking down the Sukkah all in one day - with a break to eat, dance, hang, and celebrate this great holiday as a community.

Join us whether the sun is shining or the rain is falling on Sunday, October 4th from 2-4pm. Sukkah building will begin at 1pm and then stick around at 4pm and help us take it all down.

For more info on the event, click here.

The End of Leviticus

This section is a single chapter in length. In this short chapter, we hear Moses's voice most clearly: as a leader, and as a person. It's not the voice of a prophet who orders the Israelites to obey God, but the request of a person who wants this more than anything.

Kayla Miller will become the first Bat Mitzvah of the new year tomorrow morning, Saturday, October 3rd at 10:30am. She will be chanting the last section of Leviticus and teaching us four mini D'var Torahs. Everyone is invited (272 2 10th Street (b/w Greenwich and Washington Sts).

Food from 100 Miles or Less

This Sunday's Sukkot Harvest Feastival will feature food from 100 miles or less. A special thank you to the Long Island North Fork Farms for their contributions of fresh organic and naturally grown produce and to our wonderful CuisinEtc caterers who are making this all possible.

The menu will revolve around fresh produce such as:

Suffolk Farm Yukon Gold Potatoes

LI Fresh Turnips + Local Pear Soup

NY State Apples Dipped in Caramel

Garden of Eve Broccoli - tossed with Thai Vinaigrette + fresh pepper rings

kid friendly offerings as well...

Join us this Sunday, October 4th from 2-4pm (help build the Sukkah starting at 1pm) and learn more about NYC CSA's (community supported agriculture). Get involved on the grassroots level in supporting these dedicated New York organic farms in their never ending quest to bring real food to the NY table!

Sukkot Starts Friday Night - Celebrate With Us On Sunday

Spirituality turns a shade of green Sunday, Oct. 4 at our Sukkot Harvest Feastival.

We will begin building our Sukkah at 1pm and the event will run from 2-4pm. Join us for the whole thing or stop by for a nosh.

We will be celebrating with delicious farm-to-table food from local North Fork Long Island farmers. All food will be cooked up by our talented caterers CuisinEtc.

Peter Danforth, who manages a school program at the Suffolk County Farm will be available to talk about summer camp programs, his connections to the local Long Island farmers and organic farming. Families will be able to sample foods made with produce grown within a hundred miles of their front door and will be sent home with some just-picked goodies and sample recipes. Sure to be an exciting experience for all!

Location: 272 W 10th Street (b/w Greenwich and Washington Sts)
Cost: $10/adult, members; $18 adult non-members; $5 kids