The RTFH Music Fund and Piano Fund have been renamed the Charlie Shereff Memorial Music Fund, in loving memory of our dear choir member, reflecting Charlie’s deep commitment to the Adult Choir and ensuring that his passion will continue to influence our temple community.
Be part of the new Men’s Group at RTFH for all adult men! To kick things off, we’re throwing a Games Night led by Temple member Barry Joseph, drawing from his new book, Matching Minds With Sondheim. Optional pizza dinner ($5 cash) will be served.
RTFH celebrated the sixth night of Chanukah with our family-friendly Chanukah Shabbat service, followed by a fun dinner night filled with brisket, latkes, hot chocolate, donut decorating…and of course, sufganiyot!
Community Menorah Lighting
Several RTFH groups and congregant families were honored to light our outdoor menorah throughout our Chanukah observances. We look forward to several fun and festive Chanukah celebrations throughout the week!
Enjoy some friendly competition with mahjong or bring a game to share. All are welcome!
Movie Screening
In November, we joined Director Daniel Solé and producers Adam Chitayat and Marlena Skrobe for a screening and discussion about their compelling short film, Say As I Say, which tackles the issue of Antisemitism and synagogues, and used our Temple as a filming location!
Forest Hills Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
In November, RTFH hosted this annual community gathering of neighbors and friends. A reception followed the service and attendees brought a non-perishable food item to donate to our neighbors in need.
A Festival of Lights
Each year, our Religious School community gathers to see our children shine as we celebrate the miracle of Chanukah through songs old and new, accompanied by our Adult and Junior Choirs.
Midnight Run
Our annual drive to donate, sort, and/or distribute food and supplies for the unhoused in Manhattan was an opportunity to build and give back to our community and tzedakah.
The first concert in Season Five of our elite Chamber Music Series highlighted the versatility of the string trio and the three distinct duo combinations it offers. Our season resumes again on:
In November, RTFH hosted an Israeli-style holiday Market with 40 talented artisans, crafters, jewelers, authors, and specialty sellers! Over 400 people attended this joyful community event of light, love, and shopping.
Enjoy some friendly competition with mahjong or bring a game to share. All are welcome!
Selichot
In September, we met to watch and discuss the powerful film noir, Crossfire (1947), one of the first movies to discuss antisemitism and nominated for 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Our special family-friendly services, which do not require tickets, were an enjoyable way for children to engage with Judaism during the High Holy Days. We celebrated Rosh Hashanah, performed Tashlich together at the park, and observed Yom Kippur with services that were accessible for young families.
RTFH Religious School is the place to be for every Jewish kid, from Pre-K through the 7th grade! We also offer classes for grades 8-12 on Wednesday evenings, including a Confirmation program.
Summer Mitzvah Day
In July, RTFH members celebrated the joy of doing mitzvot together.
Congregants were able to participate in many initiatives that positively impacted our local community.
Religious School
Year-End Picnic
In May, RTFH religious school students and families celebrated the end of our school year with a picnic at Cunningham Park, featuring grade-specific ceremonies, field games, and a BBQ lunch!
Each year, all RTFH members are welcome to cast their votes and receive updates on the many ongoing projects, plans, and committees in our thriving Temple community.
In June, our community gathered to watch this powerful film at RTFH, which explored the emergence of anti-Semitism on college campuses, social media, and on the streets since the October 7th attacks.
Torah Scribe Day
In May, we concluded our Torah scribing sessions. RTFH commissioned our very own Torah and ensured a strong, vibrant future for our Temple community.
30th Anniversary Concert
In April, RTFH celebrated with songs selections from musical theater; Yiddish, Sephardic and Mizrachi traditions; and contemporary choral repertoire; accompanied by Nitzan Gavrieli and our house musicians.
Vote for Reform Judaism!
We encourage all Jews to vote for a democratic and secure Israel and the rights of Reform Jews.
In March, we defied gravity and defined popular in this year’s pop culture RTFH Purim production of the Book of Esther, followed by our annual Purim Carnival.
The Whole Megillah!
During Purim, RTFH congregants found inspiration and joy together from Esther and Mordecai’s story of dark times and personal bravery at our annual Purim Megillah reading.
Purim Bingo Night
In March, we brought the RTFH ballroom back to the heyday of the 60s and 70s game show era, with fun night of games and prizes! Over 100 people attended this event.
Torah Scribe Day Two
With joy dozens of Temple families joined in celebration of Torah and RTFH’s 30th anniversary! Working with our scribe, each family group wrote a letter in our new Torah.
Torah Scribe Day One
Our inaugural Torah writing days produced some meaningful moments and incredible visuals.
RTFH welcomed guest speaker, Rabbi Leah Berkowitz, to share how the stories of our tradition enable us to connect with Judaism, with each other, and with ourselves.