NASHIM

NASHIM is the women’s group of Shaaray Tefila. We gather for study, discussion, and kehilah (community). We offer programs from a Jewish perspective that stimulate the minds and nourish the bodies and souls of our female congregants. There are no fees and no reservations required (except for our annual Seder). Refreshments are always served. Please join us for any and/or all of our events. 

Susan Stein will lead us on a journey through the laws and customs pertaining to Jewish women’s purity and modesty. The topic has been in both the Israeli and US press following the assault in Beit Shemesh of an eight-year-old Orthodox girl by men who felt she had violated the laws of tzniyut -- her long skirt wasn’t long enough and her fully-sleeved shoulders not covered enough. Come learn from one of our most stimulating teachers.

READINGS FROM THE RUSSIAN WRITER'S DAUGHTER WITH AUTHOR LYDIA ROSNER
Monday, October 15
7:30 pm

The Russian Writer’s Daughter is a collection of lively autobiographical stories by Dr. Lydia S. Rosner about growing up in a Russian-American Jewish household in the stifling political atmosphere of the Red Scare. Dr. Rosner will read selections from her book and discuss her family's story. Dr. Rosner is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York.

How do we find the path into our own Jewish spirituality? Dr. Deborah P. Bloch will share the highlights of her own journey from Jewish atheist through student of Jewish spirituality and adult Bat Mitzvah to author of Jewish spiritual poetry. Through discussion and meditation she will inspire each of us to set out on our individual journeys.

I AM FORBIDDEN WITH GUEST AUTHOR ANOUK MARKOVITS
Monday, December 10
7:30 pm

Guest author Anouk Markovits was raised a Hasidic Jew in France, but at 19 she fled her community to avoid an arranged marriage. She received a master's degree in architecture and a PhD in romance studies. I Am Forbidden, her first novel in English, centers on two Hasidic sisters: one who leaves, and one who stays, shunning modernity. The author details the most difficult-to-grasp practices of the Satmar sect and shows how even the most fervent believers struggle with letter-of-the-law observance. 

SANDWICH SATURDAY & HAVDALAH
Saturday, December 15
3:00-4:00 pm

Roll up your sleeves and share in the mitzvah of ma'achil r'evim - feeding the hungry. Rewarding and fun, the women of NASHIM will help prepare hundreds of bagged lunches for hungry New Yorkers. When the work is done, we’ll join for Havdalah, the sweet ceremony that bids farewell to Shabbat and welcomes the new week.

Join Rabbi Hirsch as she examines and expounds upon Hannah -- one of the more interesting and less known biblical women. Originally barren, with God’s help, Hannah  gives birth to a major force in Jewish history. Did Hannah’s name foreshadow her motherly role? Was her infertility part of God’s plan? How did Hannah’s life mirror the Matriarchs? Come learn, discuss, and be inspired. 

Save the date for a joint program via Skype with your NASHIM friends and the women of Ohel Avraham (our sister congregation) in Haifa. Details to be announced!

NASHIM 14^th ANNUAL WOMEN'S SEDER
Monday, March 11
6:00-9:00 pm  

Bring your moms, grandmothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, and girlfriends for a unique Passover experience. Our women's seder always delights the attendees who come to sing, dance, pray, and of course . . . eat! Join Rabbi Hirsch and Cantor Dubinsky along with Carole Rivel on keyboard and percussionist Shoshana Jedwab for an inspirational and fun evening. Reservations are a must! Download our flyer.

ANNUAL NASHIM FILM NIGHT
Monday, April 8
Time to be announced  

Each year NASHIM features a film focused on Jewish women’s issues. Although the film has not yet been selected, we assure you it will be both thought-provoking and informative!

PROGRAM TO BE ANNOUNCED
Monday, May 20 

Save the date for NASHIM’s final program of the year. Details to come!