What they reported doing
- #1 primary $17KCBI hosted multiple events to promote the synagogue both online and in person.
- #2 $4KCBI raised funds and distributed cash to needy individuals helped by the congregation. It also supports other charitable organizations.
What they call their work
What they do
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Jewish Holiday and Shabbat Community Events 4 activities
- Interactive and Inquiry-Based Prayer ServicesHosts Shabbat services designed as communal learning experiences that encourage congregants to ask questions about prayer, Torah, and Jewish practice during the service.
- Monthly and Annual Shabbat-Based Community EventsHosts recurring community-building events including a monthly Shabbat with communal meals and Torah discussion led by Rabbi Jason Herman, an annual Hanukkah latke jam party with live music, an annual Purim seudah prepared by Rabbi Herman, and a singles weekend event called “Shabbos Nachamu on the Highline.”
- Seasonal Holiday Observances and RitualsConstructs and operates a sukkah in a neighboring parking lot on West 34th Street each year during Sukkot for communal use by members and visitors.
- Weekly Shabbat Services and MealsConducts regular Shabbat services including Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday evenings, Shacharit on Saturday mornings, and Seudah shlishit on Saturday afternoons, followed by communal Kiddush meals. Services are held weekly with consistent timing, such as 6:00 PM on Fridays and 9:30 AM on Saturdays.
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Structured Jewish Text Study Programs 2 activities
- Regular Educational Classes and LecturesOffers structured Jewish learning through weekly and ongoing classes in Chumash, Halacha, and special lectures for individuals of all ages.
- Weekly Torah and Talmud Study ProgramsFacilitates ongoing Jewish learning through weekly study sessions, including Torah portion discussions on Saturday afternoons, Beginner’s and Advanced Daf Yomi, Pirkei Avot, and Talmudic text study.
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Event Venue Rental Services 1 activity
- Facility Rentals for Private and Commercial EventsProvides rental space for private celebrations and commercial events in Midtown Manhattan.
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Membership Program Administration 1 activity
- Sliding-Scale and Tiered Membership ProgramOffers tiered annual membership options for families, individuals, and commuters, with discounted rates available upon request for those unable to afford standard fees.
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Who runs it
- Brett Firfer — Trustee
- Joanne Borts — Trustee
- Rachel Friedman — Trustee
- Shaya Lesches — Trustee
Who they work with
- AIPAC Partner — Rabbi Jason Herman has advised and been involved with AIPAC.
- American Jewish Committee Partner — Rabbi Jason Herman has advised and been involved with the American Jewish Committee.
- Hudson Yards Synagogue Partner — Shares space and programming with Congregation Beth Israel for Shabbat observance.
- International Rabbinic Fellowship Partner — Rabbi Jason Herman serves as Executive Director of the International Rabbinic Fellowship, a professional organization of Orthodox Rabbis.
- JOFA Partner — Rabbi Jason Herman has advised and been involved with JOFA.
- New York Board of Rabbis Partner — Rabbi Jason Herman serves as an officer in the New York Board of Rabbis and leads its Jewish-Muslim dialogue group.
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Communal Learning Combined with Shared Mealsmethodology: communal_learning_through_mealsBy combining communal meals with guided Torah discussion, we foster deeper engagement and learning because shared experiences in a welcoming setting strengthen personal and communal connections to Jewish tradition.
- Equitable Access Through Flexible Membership Pricingmethodology: sliding_scale_pricingBy using sliding-scale pricing for membership, we ensure broader participation because reducing financial barriers enables inclusion across socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Inclusive Spiritual Engagement Through Interactive Practicemethodology: interactive_learningBy offering interactive, question-driven services and accessible study sessions, we strengthen individual relationships with Judaism because participatory formats increase personal relevance and spiritual connection across diverse levels of observance.