Stephen Wise Free Synagogue

“Judaism has never been about sitting back and waiting for things to happen,” says Rabbi Dalia Samansky. Reflecting on the Israeli and American elections, she connects voting to our Jewish responsibility to purse justice and seek the welfare of the communities we live in. After years of teaching her daughter the importance of voting, she watched with pride as her daughter cast her first ballot. “The more people who participate in democracy, the more protected democracy becomes.” Watch Rabbi Samansky's sermon at the link in bio.

Tue, Nov 10: Join Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, @ujafedny, @the.dupree, and @jcrcny for the Unite. Lead. Fight. Tour featuring Ron Dermer, Israel’s former ambassador to the U.S. and minister of strategic affairs. From negotiating the historic Abraham Accords to serving in Israel’s war cabinet and leading hostage negotiation efforts, Ambassador Dermer brings unmatched, first-hand insight into the critical challenges facing the Jewish community today. Ambassador Dermer will be joined in conversation with David L. Moore, JCRC president, to discuss antisemitism, leadership, and what this pivotal moment in Jewish history demands of us all. Program at 7:45 p.m., doors open at 7:15 p.m.—bring the family, get informed, and be inspired! Link in bio.

The Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (@isgapinternational) claims to have uncovered $100 billion in dark money that has flowed into U.S. universities over the past 50 years. Dr. Charles Asher Small has the receipts, and he connects billions in undocumented Qatari and Muslim Brotherhood-linked funding to the explosion of antisemitism on campuses after October 7th. Watch or listen at the link in bio. #charlesashersmall #isgap

Presenting a series featuring the words and work of our Religious School students -- as expressed through their B'nai Mitzvah Divrei Torah. Each of our students has a unique perspective on their Torah portion and what brought them to their special day,. We couldn't be prouder of them. Our series continues with Connor G., whose Bar Mitzvah took place on October 24. At Stephen Wise, we help children build Jewish lives they'll claim as their own — and carry into college and adulthood.

Enhance your week with a vital question, a Jewish concept, and a Jewish melody. Every Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m., “Shabbat Torah & Tefilah with Rabbi Josh Scharff" explores what it means to become a person, a Jew, and a community. Together we wrestle with diverse text interpretations, anchoring learning in our own lives while letting Torah lead naturally into prayer. No prior experience is needed. Fresh bagels, muffins, and delicious coffee will be served. Register at the link in bio.

Presenting a series featuring the words and work of our Religious School students -- as expressed through their B'nai Mitzvah Divrei Torah. Each of our students has a unique perspective on what brought them to their special day, and we couldn't be prouder of them. Our series continues with Oliver F., whose Bat Mitzvah took place this past Saturday, October 24. At Stephen Wise, we help children build Jewish lives they'll claim as their own — and carry into college and adulthood.

Friday evening: As the leaves change and the evenings grow cooler, join us this Friday for Kabbalat Shabbat services at 6:00 p.m., followed by a special autumn oneg! Catch up with friends and get to know someone new over apple cider, apple cider donuts, and butternut squash soup. Mini pumpkins and fall leaves will brighten our tables — and we hope you’ll join us around them!

Explore Jewish joy in this year's Tuesday evening classes with our clergy! First up: Jewish Joy Through Tanakh with Rabbi Samantha Natov, via Zoom on Nov 10 and in person on Nov 24. Laughter, song, dancing, feasting, love — the Tanakh is full of joy. What does an ancient sacred text have to teach us about the art and obligation of rejoicing? Join Rabbi Natov for a close look at joy in the biblical tradition: where it appears, what it means, and why it matters. No Hebrew required. Sign up at the link in bio.

On Nov. 9–10, 1938, the Nazi regime orchestrated a wave of pogroms throughout Germany, annexed Austria and the Sudetenland. Hundreds of synagogues were burned, thousands of Jewish-owned shops were vandalized or destroyed, and tens of thousands of Jewish men were arrested and sent to concentration camps. These attacks became known as Kristallnacht, or "Night of Broken Glass," named for the shards of broken glass that littered streets and sidewalks. On the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, join Stephen Wise Free Synagogue for a special concert featuring European cantorial music, popular Israeli melodies, and thoughtful readings. Performing and presenting will be Cantor Dan Singer and Rabbi Sam Natov, with German liturgical music expert Dr. Ralph Selig accompanying on the organ. Light refreshments will follow. Link in bio.

Kicking off Sunday, November 1st, WHY ISRAEL? is a three-session class for 10-12th graders and the adults in their lives to study the historical Jewish connections to Israel, the purpose and definition of Zionism, and what makes Israel unique — and not-so-special — among nations. Here, Rabbi Tracy Kaplowitz explains how it works: we explore primary sources — such as maps, videos, archaeology and articles — and engage with common criticisms of Israel and Zionism in order to build foundations upon which to layer your personal connections and convictions about Israel. Come check it out! Link in bio.

Tue, Nov 10: Join Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, @ujafedny, @the.dupree, and @jcrcny for the Unite. Lead. Fight. Tour featuring Ron Dermer, Israel’s former ambassador to the U.S. and minister of strategic affairs. From negotiating the historic Abraham Accords to serving in Israel’s war cabinet and leading hostage negotiation efforts, Ambassador Dermer brings unmatched, first-hand insight into the critical challenges facing the Jewish community today. Ambassador Dermer will be joined in conversation with David L. Moore, JCRC president, to discuss antisemitism, leadership, and what this pivotal moment in Jewish history demands of us all. Program at 7:45 p.m., doors open at 7:15 p.m.—bring the family, get informed, and be inspired! Link in bio.

In his reflection on Lech Lecha, Rabbi Ammi Hirsch explores how small moments alter history, noting that Abraham’s choice to leave Haran birthed ethical monotheism, human free will, and our partnership with God. Emphasizing that “Ein mazal le’Yisrael – the Sages boldly proclaimed – there is no constellation for the Jewish people,” he stresses that we forge our own paths through choice rather than fatalism. Because moral progress is never guaranteed and backsliding is a constant risk, Rabbi Hirsch warns—quoting Albert Camus—that “All the rest – health, integrity, purity – is a product of the human will, of a vigilance that must never falter.” Listen to or watch the sermon at the link in bio.