Stephen Wise Free Synagogue
SWFS
The language of the ancient Israelites, Hebrew ceased to be spoken between 200–400 CE, in the aftermath of the Third Jewish Revolt against the Roman Empire — but its use continued in Jewish literature and liturgy for centuries. Much like the miracle of the modern state of Israel, Hebrew is one of the only true […]
After the synagogue she leads was vandalized, Rabbi Diana Fersko — our member and former associate rabbi — made it her mission to speak out about antisemitism. In her new book, "We Need to Talk About Antisemitism," Rabbi Fersko provides readers of all ages the tools to understand and combat modern antisemitism through solidarity and hope. Since its release […]
Sadly, the topic of antisemitism is even more relevant than it was a year ago. Join Cantor Bruce Ruben in a two-session class to explore primary sources together and consider the historical context for the events we are living through today. Soup will be provided. The Holocaust and the "New Antisemitism": The Holocaust was the […]
Spend the afternoon playing maj with friends old and new! All levels welcome — whether you're a pro, need to sharpen your skills, or are just learning to play, there's a table waiting for you! Co-sponsored by Community Connections and the Women's Organization of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue. Stephen Wise members are welcome to join […]
Read and discuss the Torah, Tanakh and Talmud. No Hebrew knowledge or prior study is necessary. For any questions, contact David Richter at dhenryrichter@gmail.com. RSVP Zoom meeting information will be automatically provided upon RSVP.
Explore classic and contemporary Jewish literature at this monthly group meeting. This month, we're reading "The Red Balcony" by Jonathan Wilson. RSVP
The language of the ancient Israelites, Hebrew ceased to be spoken between 200–400 CE, in the aftermath of the Third Jewish Revolt against the Roman Empire — but its use continued in Jewish literature and liturgy for centuries. Much like the miracle of the modern state of Israel, Hebrew is one of the only true […]
Purim is a story of heroes and villains. We know the villain is Haman, but who is the real hero or heroine? Esther for saving her people, Mordechai for saving the king, Vashti for standing up for herself? Learn about the different kinds of heroic acts — and maybe discover your own inner hero — […]
Spend the afternoon playing maj with friends old and new! All levels welcome — whether you're a pro, need to sharpen your skills, or are just learning to play, there's a table waiting for you! Co-sponsored by Community Connections and the Women's Organization of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue. Stephen Wise members are welcome to join […]
Join us to read about the most pressing issues facing the Jewish people today. For this meeting, we will be reading "Jewish Priorities: Sixty-Five Proposals for the Future of Our People" edited by David Hazony (featuring a chapter by our Rabbi Ammi Hirsch). The book can be purchased online here or from your local bookstore. […]
Read and discuss the Torah, Tanakh and Talmud. No Hebrew knowledge or prior study is necessary. For any questions, contact David Richter at dhenryrichter@gmail.com. RSVP Zoom meeting information will be automatically provided upon RSVP.
Join Rabbi Samantha Natov for an in-person deep dive into the Shabbat morning service. Investigate the meanings of prayers, where they fall in the morning service and how different musical settings affect the way we understand them. A great intro to Shabbat liturgy and enriching for more experienced worshippers! RSVP
Join the Women's Organization for a warm and inviting Havdalah service commemorating Women’s History Month at one of our fellow congregants’ homes on the West Side. Led by Cantor Dan Singer and special visiting guest Rabbi Talia Avnon-Benveniste, director of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion's rabbinic program in Israel. Refreshments will be served. Space […]
Marking the 150 days that Israeli hostages have been held in Gaza, the Hostage and Missing Families Forum of New York will be leading a gathering at Naumburg Bandshell at Central Park (near 72nd street), featuring Rabbis, elected officials, former hostages, and the families of the hostages. Join us in continuing to remind the world […]
The language of the ancient Israelites, Hebrew ceased to be spoken between 200–400 CE, in the aftermath of the Third Jewish Revolt against the Roman Empire — but its use continued in Jewish literature and liturgy for centuries. Much like the miracle of the modern state of Israel, Hebrew is one of the only true […]
Join the Women's Organization of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue to learn about women's reproductive healthcare and rights! Aviva Zadoff, director of advocacy and volunteer engagement for the National Council of Jewish Women New York, will be discussing her reproductive justice work and how NCJW is activating Jews and Jewish leaders to speak out for abortion […]
Spend the afternoon playing maj with friends old and new! All levels welcome — whether you're a pro, need to sharpen your skills, or are just learning to play, there's a table waiting for you! Co-sponsored by Community Connections and the Women's Organization of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue. Stephen Wise members are welcome to join […]
Welcoming Shabbat should be one of the most joyous parts of the week — but even veteran service-goers can find the all-Hebrew service difficult to break into. Join Cantor Dan Singer for a very musical introduction to the Shabbat evening service: from the Psalms and hymns that welcome Shabbat to the d'var Torah (sermon) to […]
Read and discuss the Torah, Tanakh and Talmud. No Hebrew knowledge or prior study is necessary. For any questions, contact David Richter at dhenryrichter@gmail.com. RSVP Zoom meeting information will be automatically provided upon RSVP.
Join the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue community as we help feed our hungry neighbors by making sandwiches and packaging meals to fill NYC Community Fridges. Ingredients will be provided. RSVP We are looking for volunteers to help drive meals to NYC Community Fridges. If you are interested in driving, please email socialjustice@swfs.org.
The language of the ancient Israelites, Hebrew ceased to be spoken between 200–400 CE, in the aftermath of the Third Jewish Revolt against the Roman Empire — but its use continued in Jewish literature and liturgy for centuries. Much like the miracle of the modern state of Israel, Hebrew is one of the only true […]
Get into the festive holiday mood with song and community! Join Cantor Dan Singer for a Purim sing-along, where he'll lead us through a medley of all our favorite Purim tunes. RSVP
Are you curious about Judaism and eager to learn the basics? Join Judaism 101 with Rabbi Dalia Samansky to expand your knowledge! Designed for those who are new to Judaism or interested in joining the fold, this introductory class covers Jewish holidays, rituals, theology, sacred texts and more — all in an inclusive and welcoming […]
Spend the afternoon playing maj with friends old and new! All levels welcome — whether you're a pro, need to sharpen your skills, or are just learning to play, there's a table waiting for you! Co-sponsored by Community Connections and the Women's Organization of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue. Stephen Wise members are welcome to join […]
Welcoming Shabbat should be one of the most joyous parts of the week — but even veteran service-goers can find the all-Hebrew service difficult to break into. Join Cantor Dan Singer for a very musical introduction to the Shabbat evening service: from the Psalms and hymns that welcome Shabbat to the d'var Torah (sermon) to […]
Join our monthly Short Story Group on Zoom, where we discuss Jewish-themed material. This month we're reading “The Golem” by Avram Davidson, “Prospects” by Anthony Hecht, “D: An Alphabetical Prose Experiment” by Sheila Heti, “Throwdown at the Playground” by Etgar Keret, and “Purim Night” by Edith Pearlman. Sponsored by Community Connections. For more information or […]
"Shushan Night Live: Divas Rule!" premiering on Erev Purim, March 23, blends the classic Purim story with SNL's iconic late-night-comedic style and features music by exclusively female recording stars, including BeyoncĂ©, Aretha Franklin, Lady Gaga, Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, Tina Turner, Barbra Streisand and more! Preceded by our annual interactive Megillah reading and a costume parade […]
Read and discuss the Torah, Tanakh and Talmud. No Hebrew knowledge or prior study is necessary. For any questions, contact David Richter at dhenryrichter@gmail.com. RSVP Zoom meeting information will be automatically provided upon RSVP.
Share the Shabbat morning service in a meditative style with friends and fellow congregants. Rabbi Dalia Samansky will lead this service, which includes music and responsive readings in both Hebrew and English.
The language of the ancient Israelites, Hebrew ceased to be spoken between 200–400 CE, in the aftermath of the Third Jewish Revolt against the Roman Empire — but its use continued in Jewish literature and liturgy for centuries. Much like the miracle of the modern state of Israel, Hebrew is one of the only true […]
Join Rabbi Dalia Samansky and Father James DiLuzio for an enlightening Jewish-Catholic dialogue focusing on the diversity within our religions. Together, we'll explore the concept of "denominationalism" — from Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and even Ashkenazi and Sephardic Judaism to the wide-ranging denominations within Catholicism, each with its unique theology and practices. Soup will be served! […]
Technology has facilitated the spread of antisemitism, but it also offers new and innovative ways to fight the age-old hatred. Join us on March 26 to hear Scott Richman, ADL's regional director for New York and New Jersey, and Morielle Lotan, the founder and CEO of the ADIR challenge, an organization named in honor of […]
Are you curious about Judaism and eager to learn the basics? Join Judaism 101 with Rabbi Dalia Samansky to expand your knowledge! Designed for those who are new to Judaism or interested in joining the fold, this introductory class covers Jewish holidays, rituals, theology, sacred texts and more — all in an inclusive and welcoming […]
Spend the afternoon playing maj with friends old and new! All levels welcome — whether you're a pro, need to sharpen your skills, or are just learning to play, there's a table waiting for you! Co-sponsored by Community Connections and the Women's Organization of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue. Stephen Wise members are welcome to join […]
Learn about women in the Passover story with Rabbi Marla Feldman, WRJ North America executive director emerita and author of "Biblical Women Speak." Over Zoom, we will read between the lines of Torah and re-discover the biblical story of Passover from a female point of view, providing insights beyond how ancient male scholars viewed them. […]
Read and discuss the Torah, Tanakh and Talmud. No Hebrew knowledge or prior study is necessary. For any questions, contact David Richter at dhenryrichter@gmail.com. RSVP Zoom meeting information will be automatically provided upon RSVP.
The language of the ancient Israelites, Hebrew ceased to be spoken between 200–400 CE, in the aftermath of the Third Jewish Revolt against the Roman Empire — but its use continued in Jewish literature and liturgy for centuries. Much like the miracle of the modern state of Israel, Hebrew is one of the only true […]
At the Passover Seder, we read about four symbolic children – the wise, the wicked, the simple and the one who does not know how to ask – and consider how each of us asks questions about our history and tradition. Join Rabbi Rena Rifkin as we explore visual representations of these children and discover […]
In accordance with the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Constitution, the Nominating Committee invites all members in good standing to propose names and information for the board of trustees slate for the fiscal year 2024–25. If you wish to propose any congregant for consideration by the Nominating Committee, please join our open meeting on Tuesday, April […]
When it comes to Israel, it seems like everyone has a passionate opinion — but not everyone has the historical, theological and geopolitical context to backup their arguments and positions... And with anti-Israel rhetoric and activity on the rise — in our streets, in our workplaces and in our children's classrooms — it's more important […]
Spend the afternoon playing maj with friends old and new! All levels welcome — whether you're a pro, need to sharpen your skills, or are just learning to play, there's a table waiting for you! Co-sponsored by Community Connections and the Women's Organization of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue. Stephen Wise members are welcome to join […]
The Women's Organization of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue invites you to join us for a special women's Seder! Over a light supper, we'll use our own Haggadot and songs, expressing our commitment to our community and women’s rights. RSVP Tickets to this event are $36 per person and are free for children under 12. Registration […]
Read and discuss the Torah, Tanakh and Talmud. No Hebrew knowledge or prior study is necessary. For any questions, contact David Richter at dhenryrichter@gmail.com. RSVP Zoom meeting information will be automatically provided upon RSVP.
Join Rabbis Samantha Natov and Dalia Samansky for an in-person deep dive into the Shabbat morning service. Investigate the meanings of prayers, where they fall in the morning service and how different musical settings affect the way we understand them. A great intro to Shabbat liturgy and enriching for more experienced worshippers! RSVP
Explore classic and contemporary Jewish literature at this monthly group meeting. This month, we're reading "The Oppermans" by Lion Feuchtwanger. RSVP
30 West 68th St
New York, NY 10023
(212) 877-4050
info@swfs.org
