A Reconstructionist Community
COVID Policy Update: Dear Mishkan Ha’am, We are writing to update you about our new COVID-19 policy, which was discussed and voted on at November’s Steering Committee meeting. Over the last 18 months, we have met either on zoom or outdoors to ensure the safety of our community. The landscape is evolving, with lower case numbers and increasing evidence of …
Mishkan Ha’am welcomes everyone who wants to share in what we offer, including people of any age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity, as individuals or in families of all configurations. Full participation is open to members of interfaith households, those with longstanding Jewish practice or no previous Jewish affiliation, and those certain of, questioning, or disbelieving in the …
She’arim/Gateways is a fun, community-based Jewish School experience for learners in grades K-7. Forms Curriculum Special Programs Shabbatapalooza More than a traditional “Hebrew School,” it is community-building for young people and their families. She’arim is the Jewish education that feels like summer camp all year long. Our “Hebrew School” is so different we don’t even like to call it Hebrew …
Book group discussion on Dear Zealots, by Amos Oz was held on Sunday, November 3rd. The book is about the Israeli / Palestinian conflict. Both the Riverdale and Westchester libraries have copies and it also can be obtained through amazon. Oz begins by describing Judaism as a culture rather than a religion or nationality. He speaks about the ability of …
By Joyce Bressler When Solomon asked me to write a reflection for the High Holy days I thought I was too busy and not up to the challenge. But after awhile I realized what an honor it is. I have been connected to Mishkan Ha’am for the past few years. Although I live in Stony Point, NY, which sometimes feels …
Building relationships at Mishkan Ha’am Would you like to get to know MH’ers of different generations better? This year we hope to do just that with a new initiative to bring people of different ages together in small groups in members’ homes. First up is a program leading into Simchat Torah. We will match up members in groups of 2-3 …
What brings you here in this moment? Take a look around you. Some faces might be familiar, while others are new. Whether you’re here for the first time, or you’re well acquainted with this tent, we are all seeking to draw on the power of experiencing this sacred moment in community. One of the core themes of the High Holidays …
The Mishkan Ha’am communal Break-Fast follows immediately after Neilah on Yom Kippur at the Park Hill Racquet Club. The dairy menu includes bagels, lox, cream cheese, whitefish, kugel, cheeses, nuts, gefilte fish, herring as well as cakes and sweet treats, fresh fruit, flavored yogurts, coffee, tea, juice, lemonade, milk, and other delicious surprises. Gluten-free and vegan options available upon request. In …
Rosh HaShana, the Jewish New Year, focuses on God’s judgment and ultimately on a new beginning for humanity: hayom harat olam—the day the world is born anew. The major themes of Rosh Hashana are the creation of the world, the sovereignty of God, divine judgment and remembrance. These themes present an opportunity to identify the creativity that persists every day—the …
Our Rabbinic Leader Solomon Hoffman says he didn’t choose Reconstructionist Judaism — Reconstructionist Judaism chose him! “I grew up at the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the North Shore and my parents enrolled me in the Nursery School there from age 2,” Student Rabbi Hoffman says. “From a young age, I valued Reconstructionism’s emphasis on social action as a core value of …