Over the last several weeks, we have all tried to keep pace with the rapidly changing conditions related to COVID-19. The FTJC Officers and Rabbi Guy Austrian have given a great deal of thought to how we might respond, with the goals of preserving the health of our congregation, protecting our community’s most vulnerable members, being conscious of an overburdened medical community, and assuring that we are present to support one another.
Shabbat services and other in-person events continue to be SUSPENDED. We will continue to revisit this decision on an ongoing basis according to guidance from medical and public health authorities. As of August 15, 2020, FTJC began limited, registration-only outdoor services on Shabbat mornings. More information here.
These difficult decisions are made with deep respect for our community and our neighbors, and the need to stay healthy, save lives, and support our overburdened medical professionals. Our relationships are our greatest strength, and there is much we can do to stay present for one another and to remain in community during the coming weeks.
Our community continues to gather and support one another virtually. Our daily and weekly online gatherings are listed on our calendar.
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City and local neighborhood resources are compiled here, including public health information, social services, and end of life planning.
An independent traditional egalitarian community in Northern Manhattan
As an independent congregation that has long been an anchor of the Jewish community in Washington Heights and Inwood, we have thrived by evolving with our neighborhood and our membership. Today, the congregation is a diverse mix of families and individuals from many backgrounds. Our egalitarian services and our traditional ritual — spiritual, tuneful and participatory — attract people of all levels of observance.
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Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah
The fragility and vulnerability of the structures we rely upon has rarely been so apparent as in this pandemic year. But so is the joy of resting in the Divine Presence and being guided by Torah. We can connect to some of that joy this year, even in different forms, because the Source is the same.
Although we will so much miss being together with great numbers and vibrant song, this year offers us a High Holidays experience that will be quieter and more personal, reflective and contemplative, and certainly memorable. FTJC has many resources and celebrations to help us stay supported, connected, and ready to begin the blessings of the New Year!
Elul: Getting Ready for the High Holidays
In the month of Elul, we have 29 days until Rosh Hashanah to start reconnecting with our inner life and realigning with God and with those around us. FTJC offers multiple ways in to this fertile period of time. With High Holiday services inaccessible or limited because of the pandemic, Elul can help us to have a powerful experience of this year's High Holidays, no matter where we are or who we're with.
FTJC marked Juneteenth with a statement that Black Lives Matter and commitments to action on behalf of racial justice and Jews of Color.
Rimonim: A Family Learning Community at the Fort Tryon Jewish Center
Join Us Online!
Family Kabbalat Shabbat; Fridays 4:00-4:30 Join us on Zoom as we we welcome Shabbat together in community. All ages welcome!
For links and information about any of the above programming, please email Mira Kessler, our Youth and Family Educator and Community Organizer.
