As we prepare for the last days of Yom Tov and Yizkor, I'd like to remind of an initiative I wrote about earlier in the year. We always react to tragedy by turning, to the best of our ability, every setback into something positive and every stumbling block into a stepping stone. We as a community are committed to remember the tragedy of the 11 Jews in Pittsburgh who were murdered in Shul on Shabbos morning. Our brothers and sisters around the world sought many ways to memorialize them. I am asking again that everyone join in a program called "11 for 11" - meaning we invite one person to our tables corresponding to each person that was lost. Alternatively, we should take upon ourselves to perform one act of kindness corresponding to each victim.
Please contact me if you would like to take part in this exceptional way to remember our dear departed at Yizkor this week.
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Starting Monday, April 29, 2019 the Early Mincha/Maariv Minyan will meet at 7:00pm, Mondays - Fridays, and will continue throughout the Summer.
On Shabbat, May 4, Parshat Achrei Mot, OZ will join communities around North America welcoming guest speakers coordinated with Religious Zionists of America / Mizrachi in honor of Yom Ha'Atzmaut. OZ is proud to welcome Rabbi Amir Edrei, Headmaster of Ulpanat Pnei Bnai Akiva Tzfirah - one of the largest and most respected girl's high schools in Israel. Rabbi Edrei Lives in Nof Ayalon & teaches overseas & Israeli students at Yeshiva Sha’alavim.
Shabbat Morning - "The Changing Meaning of Zionism: The Bible, 1948, and Today"
Shabbat Afternoon - "May the 4th Be With You - The Bereishit Rocket and Learning from Failure"
Seudah Shlishit - "The Power of Speech and the Power of Listening: VeAhavata LeReicha KaMocha"
More details will soon be published about a "Strength to Strength" Young Professionals Dinner and "May the 4th Be With Youth" Dept. Luncheon that Shabbat.
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On Wednesday, May 1, at 7:00pm, we welcome Ann Kirschner author of "Sala's Gift: My Mother's Holocaust Story" for a special Yom HaShoah Presentation.
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Reminder that during Nissan we have the opportunity to recite Birchat HaIlanot on fruit-bearing trees. Click HERE for a guide published by the OU.
There is an apple bloom in front of the 1st townhouse after the parking garage right off 88th Street & Columbus on the north side of the Street.
There are also pear blossoms in front of a townhouse on the south side of the corner of 75th and Riverside Drive).
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During Chol HaMoed, many companies across the USA celebrated "Administrative Professionals Day." With many of us away for the holiday, on your behalf I thank our office and maintenance staff for the hard work they do on behalf of our shul.
Wishing you a Chag Kasher v'Sameach!
Rabbi Allen Schwartz 212-749-5150 x200 ras@ozny.org
Congregation Ohab Zedek 118 West 95th Street New York, NY 10025
