Pleasantville Community Synagogue
Upcoming Events
Our year together, 5787 · 2026–2027
For times and locations, get in touch and we’ll send you the details.
Get times + locationsChanukah at PCS
Light, music, and community. Save the dates, December 4 – 11.
Ongoing at PCS
Every Saturday · 10:00 am
Shabbat Services + Torah Study
Led by our rabbis and by members of the community, followed by Kiddush and then Torah study at around 11:30 am. Services begin at 9:30 when there’s a B’nai Mitzvah.
Monthly · Friday evenings
Musical Shabbat
Once a month we welcome Shabbat with the band. Shalom Shabbat for ages 0 to 10 at 5:30, dinner for all at 6:00, then the musical service at 7:00 with both rabbis and the band.
Monthly · Friday evenings · 7:15 – 8:00 pm
Contemplative Shabbat
Candle lighting and meditation, in the Community Room or on Zoom. Gentle Shabbat melodies, guided mindfulness, sacred silence, and candles lit together by everyone in the room and on the screen. If you’re joining from home, bring your own candles.
Every Thursday morning · on Zoom
Zoom Meditation
Sit with Rabbi Ben to start the day. Thursday mornings at 8:00, wherever you are. Get in touch for the link.
Monthly · in person
Pleasantville Community Sangha
In-person meditation, once a month. Open to anyone who wants to sit, whatever your practice or background. Next up is Wednesday, October 28.
Monthly · last Tuesday, 6:30–8:30 pm
Mahjong
Come play, come learn, come sit and talk. No experience needed. Next up is Tuesday, October 27.
Weekly · Wednesdays, 9–10 am on Zoom
The Week & the Wisdom
Morning Coffee with the Rabbi. Bring your coffee and join the Rabbis for current events and life’s questions through the lens of Jewish wisdom. For community members 50+; no Hebrew or prior study needed. Begins Wednesday, November 4. Email rabbibennewman@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
Roughly monthly · in members’ homes
Yavneh
A text-based salon on what it means to be a person and a Jew at this moment. Transcending polarization, living with AI, a post-truth world, climate grief. This series is currently full; for future Yavneh offerings, email Shari Cohen.
Starting soon · every other week
Torah in Third Spaces
Two ways in: Coffee, Conversation & Torah for PCS parents, and Parsha at Home with Rabbi Shosh. A conversation on the week’s Torah portion for adults 18+, in cafés and living rooms. No experience needed.
First Thursday of the month
Death Cafe
All curious souls welcome to discuss your mortal and postmortal concerns without being judged, analyzed, or sold a product. Not a grief group — a space to talk about what dying teaches us about living. Co-facilitated by Phyllis Solar and Peter Schaffer.
Throughout the year
Adult Education
Classes run through the year on text, practice, and Jewish life. See what’s being offered and what’s coming next.
Families with young children
Shabbat Songs & Playground Fun
Singing, playground, and Shabbat together. Built for the under-six crowd and whoever brought them. RSVP here.
October 2026
Tishrei · Cheshvan 5787Thu, Oct 1
Death Café in the Sukkah
An open conversation about death and dying, held in the sukkah. No agenda and nothing to prepare.Adult Learning
Thu, Oct 1
Mahjong in the Sukkah
Come play in the sukkah. All levels welcome.
Sat, Oct 3
Shabbat Morning · Shabbat Shemini Atzeret with Yizkor
10:00 am.
Sat, Oct 3
Simchat Torah Celebration
Shalom Simchat Torah for PreK families at 5:30 pm, dinner at 6:00, then dancing with the Torahs at 6:30 as we unroll the scroll and begin again.
Sat, Oct 10
Shabbat Morning · Bar Mitzvah
Services begin at 9:30 am, with Rabbi Shosh and Rabbi Ben.
Fri, Oct 16
Contemplative Shabbat
7:15 to 8:00 pm, in the Community Room or on Zoom. Candle lighting, gentle melodies, and guided meditation. Get in touch for the Zoom link.
Mon, Oct 19
PCS Book Club
At PCS and on Zoom. Joheved, Book 1 of Rashi’s Daughters by Maggie Anton. Come discuss, or sit back and enjoy the conversation. Contact April Lasher.Adult Learning
Fri, Oct 23
Once a month we welcome Shabbat with the band. We sing, chant, and sometimes even dance, moving from the pulls of the week toward something calmer and more centered. Shalom Shabbat for ages 0 to 10 and their grownups at 5:30 pm, Shabbat dinner for all at 6:00 (RSVP through the monthly newsletter), and the musical service with Rabbi Ben, Rabbi Shosh, and the band at 7:00.
Tue, Oct 27
Mahjong
6:30–8:30 pm. Monthly, on the last Tuesday evening. Come play, come learn, come sit and talk. No experience needed.
Wed, Oct 28
Pleasantville Community Sangha
Monthly in-person meditation. Open to anyone who wants to sit, whatever your practice or background.
Thu, Oct 29
PCS Movie Club
Watch the new documentary You Can See Everything on your own, then join Rabbi Ben and President Ben for an in-person discussion at Falafel Taco. The film follows Elizabeth Holmes, the disgraced founder of Theranos, in the weeks before her prison sentence — a look at truth, deception, manipulation, and how we tell reality from perception. Come ready to share your thoughts and questions.
November 2026
Cheshvan · Kislev 5787Sun, Nov 1
Torah in Third Spaces for PCS parents, with Rabbi Shosh, at Falafel Taco. Coffee, open conversation, and some Torah. Meeting monthly. For more info, text PCS parent Alli Holtman at (860) 830-4052.Adult Learning
Wed, Nov 4
9–10 am on Zoom. Morning Coffee with the Rabbi, led by the Rabbis, for community members 50+. First session: The Israeli Elections: What Comes Next? No Hebrew or prior study needed. Email rabbibennewman@gmail.com for the Zoom link.Adult Learning
Fri–Sun, Nov 6–8
Grief, Presence, and Fierce Love
A retreat led by Rabbi Ben at the Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing in Cragsmoor, NY, open to anyone living with loss of any kind — bereavement, relationship transitions, health changes, or shifts in work and identity. Not a PCS event, but one our community may want to know about. Registration is through Dharmakaya.Adult Learning
Tue, Nov 10
Rabbi Ben leads Institute for Jewish Spirituality Daily Sit
12:30 to 1:00 pm on Zoom. Thirty minutes of guided meditation, open to anyone. Not a PCS event, but one our community may want to join. Register with IJS for the Zoom link.
Wed, Nov 11
9–10 am on Zoom. Morning Coffee with the Rabbi, led by the Rabbis, for community members 50+. This week: Disagreeing Without Losing Each Other. Email rabbibennewman@gmail.com for the Zoom link.Adult Learning
Fri, Nov 13
Contemplative Shabbat
7:15 to 8:00 pm, in the Community Room or on Zoom. Candle lighting, gentle melodies, and guided meditation. Get in touch for the Zoom link.
Sat, Nov 14
Shabbat Morning · 6th/7th Grade Service & Sharing
10:00 am. Our 6th and 7th graders help lead the Shabbat morning service and share reflections from their first unit of the year.Hebrew School
Sun, Nov 15
Shalom & Play
During Hebrew School.Hebrew School
Tue, Nov 17
Everything You’ve Wanted to Ask About AI, Part 2
7:00 to 8:15 pm on Zoom. A community open session on AI that gets things done, with Rabbi Ben. Register here.
Wed, Nov 18
9–10 am on Zoom. Morning Coffee with the Rabbi, led by the Rabbis, for community members 50+. This week: What We Pass On: Writing an Ethical Will. Email rabbibennewman@gmail.com for the Zoom link.Adult Learning
Fri, Nov 20
Thanksgiving theme. Once a month we welcome Shabbat with the band. We sing, chant, and sometimes even dance, moving from the pulls of the week toward something calmer and more centered. Shalom Shabbat for ages 0 to 10 and their grownups at 5:30 pm, Shabbat dinner for all at 6:00 (RSVP through the monthly newsletter), and the musical service with Rabbi Ben, Rabbi Shosh, and the band at 7:00.
Sat, Nov 21
Shabbat Morning
10:00 am.
Tue, Nov 24
Mahjong
6:30–8:30 pm. Monthly, on the last Tuesday evening. Come play, come learn, come sit and talk. No experience needed.
Wed, Nov 25
9–10 am on Zoom. Morning Coffee with the Rabbi, led by the Rabbis, for community members 50+. This week: Gratitude in Complicated Times. Email rabbibennewman@gmail.com for the Zoom link.Adult Learning
December 2026
Kislev · Tevet 5787Thu, Dec 3
PCS Movie Club
Hershey or Bitter Christmas — we’ll pick the film closer to the date. Watch it on your own beforehand, then join Rabbi Ben and President Ben for an in-person discussion.
Fri, Dec 4
Erev Chanukah
Sat, Dec 5
Public Menorah Lighting
Open to the whole village.
Sun, Dec 6
Chanukah Program
During Hebrew School.Hebrew School
Fri, Dec 11
Chanukah theme. Once a month we welcome Shabbat with the band. We sing, chant, and sometimes even dance, moving from the pulls of the week toward something calmer and more centered. Shalom Shabbat for ages 0 to 10 and their grownups at 5:30 pm, Shabbat dinner for all at 6:00 (RSVP through the monthly newsletter), and the musical service with Rabbi Ben, Rabbi Shosh, and the band at 7:00.
Fri, Dec 18
Contemplative Shabbat
7:15 to 8:00 pm, in the Community Room or on Zoom. Candle lighting, gentle melodies, and guided meditation. Get in touch for the Zoom link.
Tue, Dec 29
Mahjong
6:30–8:30 pm. Monthly, on the last Tuesday evening. Come play, come learn, come sit and talk. No experience needed.
January – February 2027
Tevet · Adar 5787Fri, Jan 15
MLK theme. Our monthly musical Shabbat with the band, this time in Ossining. Location TBD.
Fri, Jan 22
Contemplative Shabbat
7:15 to 8:00 pm, in the Community Room or on Zoom. Candle lighting, gentle melodies, and guided meditation. Get in touch for the Zoom link.
Tue, Jan 26
Mahjong
6:30–8:30 pm. Monthly, on the last Tuesday evening. Come play, come learn, come sit and talk. No experience needed.
Tue, Feb 23
Mahjong
6:30–8:30 pm. Monthly, on the last Tuesday evening. Come play, come learn, come sit and talk. No experience needed.
Fri, Feb 26
Once a month we welcome Shabbat with the band. We sing, chant, and sometimes even dance, moving from the pulls of the week toward something calmer and more centered. Shalom Shabbat for ages 0 to 10 and their grownups at 5:30 pm, Shabbat dinner for all at 6:00 (RSVP through the monthly newsletter), and the musical service with Rabbi Ben, Rabbi Shosh, and the band at 7:00.
March 2027
Adar · Nisan 5787Fri, Mar 12
Once a month we welcome Shabbat with the band. We sing, chant, and sometimes even dance, moving from the pulls of the week toward something calmer and more centered. Shalom Shabbat for ages 0 to 10 and their grownups at 5:30 pm, Shabbat dinner for all at 6:00 (RSVP through the monthly newsletter), and the musical service with Rabbi Ben, Rabbi Shosh, and the band at 7:00.
Sun, Mar 14
Shalom & Play Purim Celebration
For our youngest families.
Mon, Mar 22
Purim Celebration
Costumes, megillah, and pizza.Date to confirm
Tue, Mar 30
Mahjong
6:30–8:30 pm. Monthly, on the last Tuesday evening. Come play, come learn, come sit and talk. No experience needed.
April 2027
Nisan · Iyar 5787Fri, Apr 9
Once a month we welcome Shabbat with the band. We sing, chant, and sometimes even dance, moving from the pulls of the week toward something calmer and more centered. Shalom Shabbat for ages 0 to 10 and their grownups at 5:30 pm, Shabbat dinner for all at 6:00 (RSVP through the monthly newsletter), and the musical service with Rabbi Ben, Rabbi Shosh, and the band at 7:00.
Sun, Apr 11
Model Seder
Kindergarten through 4th grade.Hebrew School
Sat, Apr 17
Matzah & Bookfest
Sun, Apr 18
Model Seder
5th through 7th grade.Hebrew School
Wed–Fri, Apr 21–23
Passover
Erev Pesach on the 21st, with a Community Seder to follow.Seder to confirm
Tue, Apr 27
Mahjong
6:30–8:30 pm. Monthly, on the last Tuesday evening. Come play, come learn, come sit and talk. No experience needed.
May – June 2027
Iyar · Sivan 5787Sat, May 8
Hebrew School Shabbat
Our students lead, with a B’nai Mitzvah celebration.Hebrew School
Fri, May 14
Once a month we welcome Shabbat with the band. We sing, chant, and sometimes even dance, moving from the pulls of the week toward something calmer and more centered. Shalom Shabbat for ages 0 to 10 and their grownups at 5:30 pm, Shabbat dinner for all at 6:00 (RSVP through the monthly newsletter), and the musical service with Rabbi Ben, Rabbi Shosh, and the band at 7:00.
Sun, May 16
Last Day of Hebrew School + Open House
Curious about our school? This is the day to come see it.Hebrew School
Tue, May 25
Mahjong
6:30–8:30 pm. Monthly, on the last Tuesday evening. Come play, come learn, come sit and talk. No experience needed.
Thu–Sat, Jun 10–12
Shavuot
Erev Shavuot program, morning service, and Yizkor.
Fri, Jun 18
Musical Shabbat, and one of our favorite nights of the year. Shalom Shabbat for ages 0 to 10 and their grownups at 5:30 pm, Shabbat dinner for all at 6:00 (RSVP through the monthly newsletter), and the musical service with Rabbi Ben, Rabbi Shosh, and the band at 7:00.
Tue, Jun 29
Mahjong
6:30–8:30 pm. Monthly, on the last Tuesday evening. Come play, come learn, come sit and talk. No experience needed.
Through the holidays
High Holiday Food Drive
We’re collecting non-perishable food — canned fruit, vegetables and fish, pasta, rice, beans, cereal — for distribution by the Upper Westchester Muslim Center. The green donation box is in the Community Room.
Lend a hand
This place runs on people who show up
Every service, every holiday, every oneg happens because someone set up the chairs, greeted a stranger at the door, or stayed to wash the cups. If you have an hour here and there, we can use it — and it’s one of the fastest ways to actually get to know people here.
Greet + usher
Welcome people in at services and events.
Set up + clean up
Chairs, tables, food, and the part nobody sees.
Feed people
Oneg, Kiddush, and holiday meals.
Bring a skill
Music, tech, teaching, driving, or something we haven’t thought of.
Not sure where you’d fit? Sign up anyway, or call (914) 769-2672.
Come to any of it
Members and guests alike. Get in touch for the time and place of anything on this page, and we’ll send you what you need.
Pleasantville Community Synagogue