Dear PSJC,
After three incredibly intense, challenging and inspiring days, I and my colleagues have returned from a whirlwind mission of support to Israel, organized by UJA-Federation of NY. While skeptical at first, unsure of the value of American rabbis showing up in Israel during this time of war, I soon realized the critical importance of our presence, a reminder of the bond between the Jewish diaspora and Israel and its people. I was amazed at the expressions of deep appreciation from Israeli after Israeli who received our efforts with hugs and tears. In the midst of these horrible days, we were able to show them that they were not alone. We sat with refugees, families of hostages, people who have lost loved ones, soldiers and their families, and people stepping forward in every way possible to help Israel and to help those who have already lost so much. The pain and the resilience of this society was palpable. Being in Israel this week was, in so many ways, both horrifying and deeply inspiring, and I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you about this experience, on Friday with Lena at Lev Tahor and on Wednesday evening at 5:00PM.
As you may know, we are about to reach the shloshim (the 30-day mark) since the horrific attack on October 7th. I hope you will join us in what has become a series of moments to gather and mark this moment—to honor those who lost their lives in this most brutal of ways. We do this by coming together, as a Brooklyn community, as a city, as the Jewish people world-wide, to remember and to mourn and to honor their memories. If I learned one thing this week in Israel, it was that we desperately need one another, and that our presence truly does bring comfort to those who mourn and those who are frightened. May we each take advantage of these opportunities to come together, to support one another here, and to show our support for those across the sea who need us now.
With prayers of peace for Israelis, Palestinians, and for us all,
Rabbi Carie Carter Park Slope Jewish Center
Rabbinic Reflections: Join us for a conversation featuring Brooklyn rabbis who were on our UJA Solidarity mission in Israel. Friday, November 3, 2023 | 1:00PM on Zoom Closed captioning available The rabbis, who represent our diverse Jewish community, are lending support and solidarity to the people of Israel during these immensely challenging times. They’ll share with us their experiences being on the ground, and we will hear how we can support Israel even if we can’t physically be there. Rabbi Carie Carter, Park Slope Jewish Center Rabbi Michelle Dardashti, Kane Street Synagogue Rabbi Serge Lippe, Brooklyn Heights Synagogue REGISTER NOW
Sharing Thoughts about the Current Situation in Israel and Anti-Semitism in America Speaker Lena Katsnelson, along with Rabbi Carie Friday, November 3 | 6:30 PM at PSJC and on Zoom Come join Lev Tahor, PSJC's all-sung, lay-led Kabbalat Shabbat service. Do what Jews do in times of celebration and times of confusion: sing, shmooze, have something to eat, and join a lively conversation with friends familiar and new. Lev Tahor services include a dairy/pareve pot luck; all voices warmly welcome. Many at PSJC know Lena as an active member and community leader (not to mention, challah baker extraordinaire). Many may not know that in her non-PSJC life, Lena is the Director of both the Lawyers Division and the Russian Division at UJA-Federation, giving her a unique vantage point to share with us as we mark another week since October 7. She will be joined by Rabbi Carie Carter, who just returned from a UJA Solidarity Mission to Israel and will reflect on her experiences on the trip.
International Memorial Ceremony Sunday, November 5 | 12:00 PM at PSJC Please join us at PSJC for an international memorial service for the 1400 people who were killed in the October 7th terrorist attack. The main ceremony will be held in Jerusalem and live streamed on Facebook; we will display the ceremony on the screen in the PSJC Sanctuary. During the ceremony they will also live stream communities taking part in the ceremony from all around the world, including PSJC. *Hebrew School parents who plan to be in attendance should let Aileen know and can plan to pick their child up from downstairs following the ceremony or ask to have their child join them.
Marking 30 Days Since October 7th Monday, November 6 | 5:30 PM (gates open at 4:00PM) Central Park West from 83rd-85th On October 7, the worldwide Jewish community changed forever as a result of the terror wrought by Hamas. One month later, we come together to mark this moment, united in heartbreak and solidarity as we stand as one for Israel.
Marking 30 Days Since October 7th Monday, November 6 | 7PM Kane Street Synagogue November 6th is the 22 of Heshvan, exactly one month on the Jewish calendar since Hamas attacked southern Israel. We will come together with friends from PSJC, Flatbush Jewish Center, Kane Street, Lab/Shul, and more to observe shloshim (30 days) since the tragic losses incurred that day and since. We will join in music, community, and comfort. RSVP link to follow soon.
That's How The Light Gets In: A Tribute Concert To Leonard Cohen Tuesday, November 7 at 7:00 PM Union Temple House of CBE - 17 Eastern Parkway An evening to honor the life and music of the iconic modern-day prophet Leonard Cohen, whose timeless body of work as a songwriter, performer, and poet spans more than 50 years and explores religion, politics, isolation, love, and mortality. To commemorate his 7th yahrzeit, as well as 30 days since the outbreak of war in Israel and Gaza, cantors and ritual artists from across Brooklyn join guitarist Dan Nadel, vocalist Shira Averbuch, and an ensemble of world-class musicians. Together they lift up Cohen's most timely and relevant melodies alongside classic Israeli songs of comfort, resilience and hope. This event is sponsored by the Center for New Jewish Culture in partnership with Brooklyn Heights Synagogue, Brooklyn Jews, Congregation Beth Elohim, Kolot Chayeinu/Voices Of Our Lives, East Midwood Jewish Center, Park Slope Jewish Center, Romemu Brooklyn, and Kane Street Synagogue. Tickets / More Information A portion of proceeds will aid the community of K’far Aza.
Reflections from Israel with Rabbi Carie Wednesday, November 8th | 5:00PM (PSJC and Zoom) Join Rabbi Carter for a chance to hear her reflections on her time in Israel as part of a UJA Solidarity mission to Israel. *Hebrew School parents who plan to attend should let Aileen know and we will bring those students to the sanctuary at dismissal.