Media coverage of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue has included feature articles and highlights in the many local, national and international news outlets. Below is some select coverage that highlight the synagogue.
Press inquiries may be directed to Communications Director Ryan Greiss at rgreiss@swfs.org or (212) 877-4050, ext. 267.
Tablet: We Defeat Helplessness by Helping
Oct 6, 2022
“What can one person do to impact on the many challenges facing our world?” writes Rabbi Ammi Hirsch in Tablet Magazine, reflecting on the war in Ukraine and our synagogue’s humanitarian mission to Poland and the Ukrainian border. “We overcome despair by countering despair — one day at a time, one place at a time, one person at a time… We defeat helplessness by helping.”
Times of Israel: The future of American Jews on campus
Oct 3, 2022
“This is the irony: the struggle against Israel waged by some American Jews, is not really about Israel at all,” writes our Rabbi Ammi Hirsch in The Times of Israel. “Israel will survive and prosper with or without them. It is about you. It is about the future of American Judaism. We cannot survive separated from the vast majority of our people. Jews who tell you otherwise are deluded.”
JNS: With bigger crowds expected for High Holidays, rabbis have a lot to speak about
Sep 21, 2022
Our Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch gave JNS a preview of his upcoming High Holy Days sermons. He said he will recap his trip to the Ukraine-Poland border, where his congregation donated $250,000 in aid as well as supplies. He will also talk about how some don’t give Israel a fair shake.
Forward: Her great-grandfather led Israel. She’ll be leading a congregation
Jun 28, 2022
Inbal Sharett-Singer, who was mentored by her brother-in-law — our Cantor Dan Singer — and who has led services on our bimah here at Stephen Wise, will be taking over as the senior cantor at Temple Israel in Minneapolis.
Sapir Conversations: A Conversation with Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch and Editor-in-Chief Bret Stephens
Jun 13, 2022
In this episode of SAPIR: Journal of Jewish Conversations, Editor-in-Chief Bret Stephens invites Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch to discuss his article on how “Judaism and Zionism Are Inseparable.”
Times of Israel: From Refugees to Guests
May 23, 2022
In April, 23 members of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue arrived in Poland on a mission –– to distribute 86 blue duffel bags stuffed with a ton of most-needed supplies for Ukrainian refugees. The congregants’ objective: Not just to bring essential goods and funds, but also to offer compassion and understanding, and to bear witness and learn what message to bring home.
NY1: Interview with Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch
May 5, 2022
After returning from Poland, Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch speaks about Stephen Wise Free Synagogue’s boots-on-the-ground effort to help Ukrainian refugees there.
People of the Pod Podcast: Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch on How Support for Israel is Key to the Future of Reform Judaism
May 5, 2022
Our Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch sat down with American Jewish Committee’s Laura Shaw Frank to discuss the danger of waning commitment to Israel among some Reform Jews, a recent delegation to the Poland-Ukraine border, and how being #JewishAndProud is as important to him as breathing.
Sapir Journal: Judaism and Zionism Are Inseparable
May 4, 2022
“The Torah establishes two foundational principles: nationhood and national territory,” writes our Rabbi Ammiel Hirsch in Sapir Journal. “Loyalty to the Jewish people absent concern for all the families of the earth is a distortion of Judaism. And tikkun olam divorced from Jewish peoplehood is not Jewish universalism; it is just universalism.”
The Jerusalem Post: NYC synagogue sends delegation with humanitarian aid to Ukraine
Apr 30, 2022
When Russia invaded Ukraine, our synagogue had to act. Our mission to the Poland-Ukraine border spoke with The Jerusalem Post about our humanitarian relief efforts and the Jewish values that compelled us to help.