Congregation Rodeph Sholom

As we welcome Shabbat, we’re reflecting on a beautiful moment from last week’s Erev Shabbat service, when Rabbi Spratt invited our youngest students beginning their B'nai Mitzvah journeys and their families to the bimah for a special blessing. Rabbi Spratt reminded our students that they are already a blessing to our community and that the entire congregation walks alongside them as they grow, learn and discover their place in Jewish life. Shabbat Shalom!

We’re so proud to see “Facing the Sea,” the inaugural exhibition of our “Into the Light” Israeli art series, featured in The Jerusalem Post! Thank you to artist Daniel Tchetchik, HaGal Sheli, curator and CRS member Manon Slome and everyone who helped bring this meaningful exhibition to our community. Thank you to The Jerusalem Post (@thejerusalem_post) for sharing this powerful story of resilience and healing. Read the full article at the link in our bio.

As both an American and Israeli citizen, Rabbi Stein (@rabbiariellestein) is traveling to Israel to participate in the October 27 election. Follow her journey and reflections from Israel exclusively on MyCRS through the link in our bio. Have questions for Rabbi Stein? Leave them in the comments below!

As we welcome Shabbat, we reflect on a moving moment from our October 7 Commemoration Erev Shabbat service, when Senior Cantor De Lowe (@sunraepv) sang “We Will Sing." A reminder that even in times of darkness and sorrow, we can find strength in one another, hold onto hope and continue to seek the light. Shabbat Shalom. 💙

During our October 7 Commemoration Erev Shabbat service, Rabbi Stein (@rabbiariellestein) reflected on the power of art to express grief, trauma and hope when words fail us. Drawing inspiration from our "Facing the Sea" exhibition, featuring portraits of people directly affected by October 7 and its aftermath, Rabbi Stein reminds us that art can help us bear witness, connect with one another and find meaning in even the most difficult experiences.

“Grief carries no deadline.” In a sermon delivered during our October 7 Commemoration Erev Shabbat service, Rabbi Spratt (@rabbibenspratt) reflected on the Jewish teaching that the gates of tears are never closed, and the importance of making room for grief while helping one another rise. His words remind us that remembrance extends beyond a single day, and that our responsibility to care for one another continues.

As part of our October 7 Memorial Erev Shabbat service, CRS was honored to welcome Speaker of the New York City Council Julie Menin (@julmenin). Her words offered honesty, care, and support on this evening of prayer and reflection.