Givat Haviva's Through Other’s Eyes
Givat Haviva's Through Other’s Eyes
September 4, 6:30pm
Chappaqua Performing Arts Center
Givat Haviva's Through Other’s Eyes (T.O.E.) tour is coming to Northern Westchester during the first week of September. T.O.E. uses photography as a lens to build relationships across differences. It will be co-sponsored by the Pleasantville Community Synagogue and four other Northern Westchester synagogues. The T.O.E. event will take place on Thursday evening, September 4th at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center. It will feature the work of - and presentations by - four young photographers, two Israeli Jewish and two Israeli Arab teens who have been T.O.E. participants in Israel.
PCS members and friends are welcome to register for the event through the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center when the event is open for signing up.
There may be an earlier event late that afternoon, just for teens to meet with the T.O.E. teens!
Rosen Movement Class
Rosen Movement Class
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, @ PCS
4:00 - 5:00PM
Please join us for this unique approach to low impact movement. Feel yourself move from the inside out… move all your joints and muscles, free your natural breathing, create more space for yourself and stand taller! Find ease in a supportive, nurturing, peaceful and playful environment. Set to music, these unhurried movements are simple, practical, and profound. They are done individually, in a circle and with partners. Most of all, we have fun!
Rosen Method Movement as taught by Adrienne Stone, PCS member, physical therapist, Rosen Movement and Bodywork Practitioner, Senior Rosen Movement Trainer. Involved with this type of movement for nearly 30 years. Contact Adrienne to RSVP arstonept@gmail.com or with questions. Be prepared to bring a mat/blanket, and being able to get up and down from the floor is preferable.
In Person Meditation @ PCS
IN PERSON MEDITATION @ PCS
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Once a month in person meditation session
7:00 - 8:15pm
Join us for a peaceful and welcoming meditation gathering at Pleasantville Community Synagogue. We’ll begin with brief meditation instruction and a short reading, followed by two 15-minute silent sitting meditations, separated by a 15-minute walking meditation (with guidance for those new to the practice). We’ll conclude with a brief teaching and discussion.
Please bring a meditation cushion if you have one - chairs will be provided. Open to all; PCS membership is not required.
For questions or suggestions, contact Rabbi Ben Newman at rabbibennewman@gmail.com or Daniel Blake at dblake2881@gmail.com.
Slichot Service
Slichot Service:
A Journey of Reflection and Renewal
Saturday, September 13,
@ PCS and on Zoom
Through a combination of powerful music, reflective journaling, and shared moments of introspection, we will create a space for authentic self-examination. We invite you to journal, using prompts to explore where you seek forgiveness, how you wish to transform, and what you hope for in the year ahead. Afterward, we gather to share our reflections, fostering a sense of community and collective healing. This intimate gathering is a chance to reflect honestly, express our vulnerabilities, and prepare our hearts for the transformative journey of the High Holy Days.
Hebrew School Open House and First Day of School
FIRST DAY of HEBREW SCHOOL & OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, September 14
Hebrew School 9:00 - 11:00am
Open House 10:00 - 11:00am
Time to register for Hebrew School. Click here to register.
Contact pcshebrewschool@gmail.com with any questions.
Potluck Picnic in the Park with PCS
Potluck Picnic in the Park with PCS
Sunday, August 24,
Jewish Art and Music Festival @ Kenisco Park
49th Annual Jewish Music & Arts Festival
Sunday, August 17, 2025 12-6 PM
Kensico Dam Plaza - free and open to all
PCS will be hosting a table under a tent at the Festival. If you would be able to volunteer for one hour or more at the Festival, please contact Michelle Falkenstein @ mfalkenstein@shalompcs.com
We are excited to announce our headliner -
TLV
Your Passport to Live Israeli Music in North America
Tisha B'av Service
Tisha b’Av:
A Day of Collective Grief
Saturday, August 2, 7:00 - 9:00pm
At PCS and on Zoom
The period of three weeks of mourning the many periods of destruction in our shared history culminates in Tisha b’Av. This year we will hold a grief circle which will include a balance of private time for reflection and shared time for connection through music and the chanting of Eicha, Lamentations.
In Person Meditation @ PCS
IN PERSON MEDITATION @ PCS
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Once a month in person meditation session
7:00 - 8:15pm
Join us for a peaceful and welcoming meditation gathering at Pleasantville Community Synagogue. We’ll begin with brief meditation instruction and a short reading, followed by two 15-minute silent sitting meditations, separated by a 15-minute walking meditation (with guidance for those new to the practice). We’ll conclude with a brief teaching and discussion.
Please bring a meditation cushion if you have one - chairs will be provided. Open to all; PCS membership is not required.
For questions or suggestions, contact Rabbi Ben Newman at rabbibennewman@gmail.com or Daniel Blake at dblake2881@gmail.com.
ADULT EDUCATION: Spiritual Tools for Navigating Turbulent Times : Building Your Jewish Spiritual Toolkit (Copy) (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)
Join us for an eight-session journey led by Rabbi Ben Newman and Rabbi Shosh Leis, designed to equip you with a diverse array of Jewish spiritual tools for strength and resilience in an ever-changing world. Explore Rabbinic teachings, Kabbalistic practices, mindfulness, chanting, and contemporary approaches to sacred imagination, spiritual resilience, and radical amazement. Learn to integrate these practices into activism and face societal challenges with grace and courage. June 17.
PRIDE SHABBAT MUSICAL SERVICE AND DINNER
JOIN US FOR PRIDE SHABBAT, FRIDAY, JUNE 13
Shalom Shabbat Children's Event
Shabbat Dinner
Musical Pride Shabbat Service
Friday, June 13,
5:30 - 6:00pm Shalom Shabbat Children's Event
6:00 Appetizers and Dinner.
7:00 Musically enhanced Shabbat Service and Pride Event with Rabbi Shosh, Rabbi Ben and the Band.
Dinner for PCS members is $19.95 per person,
Member's children ages 10-18: $10.00 each, under 10 @ no charge.
Dinner for non members is $25 per adult, children 10-18 are $18.00 each, under 10: $5.00 each.
RSVPs are REQUIRED by June 11, as we are limiting food waste.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THIS EVENT: PLEASE CONTACT RABBI SHOSH @ rabbishosh@shalompcs.com or LESLIE MACK @ lesrn3259@aol.com
Shalom Shabbat
EVERYONE IS WELCOME FOR SHALOM SHABBAT @ PCS, FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 5:30 - 6:00PM
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
PCS CONGREGATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING
IN PERSON AND ON ZOOM
MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE INFORMATION BY AND THROUGH EMAIL.
Book Club @ PCS
PCS Book Club
Monday, June 9, 7:00pm @ PCS
SONGS FOR THE BROKEN HEARTED
by Ayelet Tsabari
All are welcome to join The Book Club.
"It's not just about the books!"
Join us to discuss this month's selection, or sit back and enjoy the conversation, have a nosh, and take this opportunity to get to know your fellow congregants.
Contact April Lasher Sanders at avivalasher@gmail.com to RSVP
or call PCS, 914-769-2672.
Pleasantville Pride Event
PLEASANTVILLE PRIDE EVENT
Sunday, June 8, 2:00 - 5:00pm
197 Manville Road, Pleasantville, NY Emanuel Lutheran Church Parking Lot
Join us for a family-friendly block party filled with food trucks, a kid zone, music, and more! This celebration is all about bringing Pleasantville’s LGBTQIA+ community and allies together in the spirit of joy, inclusivity, and support during Pride Month.
No matter the weather, we’re bringing the Pride!
Pleasantville Pride is rain or shine—unless it’s unsafe, in which case we’ll keep you posted right here.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THIS EVENT: PLEASE CONTACT RABBI SHOSH @ rabbishosh@shalompcs.com or LESLIE MACK @ lesrn3259@aol.com
Bat Mitzvah of Morgan Serebin
SHABBAT MORNING SERVICE
Bat Mitzvah of Morgan Serebin
Saturday, June 7, 9:30am
Service led by Rabbi Ben Newman
Friday Night Service and Dinner in Honor of Bat Mitzvah Morgan Serebin
Sunset in Israel
Friday, June 6,
Shabbat Service and Dinner @ PCS
In celebration of Morgan Serebin becoming a Bat Mitzvah, the Friday night Service on June 6th will start with a Shabbat dinner.
5:30pm Dinner
7:00pm Shabbat Service led by Rabbi Shosh and Rabbi Ben
The dinner has been graciously sponsored by the Serebin Family.
The theme is Mediterranean and will be gluten free.
Please RSVP HERE
Due to an anticipated full seating capacity for dinner, reservations must be made; we will not be able to accommodate drop-ins for this event.
Shavuot Evening of Prayer and Learning
Celebrating Receiving Torah as a Community
A Shavuot Evening of Prayer & Learning
Sunday, June 1
Date & Time
Sunday evening, June 1, 2025 – the first night of Shavuot.
• 7:30 PM – Festival Ma’ariv (evening) service
•8:00 PM– Late‑night learning (Tikkun Leil Shavuot) kicks off
What’s on the Table
It isn’t Shavuot without cheesecake, but we’ll also have non‑dairy treats and protein‑rich options (think hummus & veggies) so everyone can nosh happily through the evening.
RSVP
To help us plan food (and coffee!), please register in advance with the link below.
Come for the prayer, stay for the learning, and greet the dawn of Shavuot together with friends old and new. All are welcome—bring an open heart and your favorite Torah insight!
ADULT EDUCATION: Spiritual Tools for Navigating Turbulent Times : Building Your Jewish Spiritual Toolkit (Copy) (Copy)
Join us for an eight-session journey led by Rabbi Ben Newman and Rabbi Shosh Leis, designed to equip you with a diverse array of Jewish spiritual tools for strength and resilience in an ever-changing world. Explore Rabbinic teachings, Kabbalistic practices, mindfulness, chanting, and contemporary approaches to sacred imagination, spiritual resilience, and radical amazement. Learn to integrate these practices into activism and face societal challenges with grace and courage. May 20, June 6 and 17.
Shalom Shabbat, Dinner and Musical Shabbat Service
May 16, Musical Celebration @ PCS
5:30 - 6:00pm Musical Shalom Shabbat Children's Service.
6:00 Appetizers and Dinner. This month we are celebrating Jews in France and Dinner will reflect Juif’s en France.
7:00 Musically enhanced Shabbat Service with Rabbis' Shosh and the Band.
(Dinner for PCS members is $19.95per person, Member's children ages 10-18: $10.00 each, under 10, no charge.)
Dinner for non members is $25 per adult, children 10-18 are $18.00 each, under 10: $5.00 each.
RSVPs are REQUIRED as we are limiting food waste.
In Person Meditation
IN PERSON MEDITATION WITH RABBI BEN
Join us for a community led in-person meditation group
All are welcome
Thursday, May 15, @ PCS
7:00 - 8:15pm
ADULT EDUCATION: Spiritual Tools for Navigating Turbulent Times : Building Your Jewish Spiritual Toolkit (Copy)
Join us for an eight-session journey led by Rabbi Ben Newman and Rabbi Shosh Leis, designed to equip you with a diverse array of Jewish spiritual tools for strength and resilience in an ever-changing world. Explore Rabbinic teachings, Kabbalistic practices, mindfulness, chanting, and contemporary approaches to sacred imagination, spiritual resilience, and radical amazement. Learn to integrate these practices into activism and face societal challenges with grace and courage. May 6 and 20, June 3 and 17.
Celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut. Israel Independence Day!
Celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut with PCS at Falafel Taco!
Wednesday, April 30, 6:30pm
Falafel Taco, Pleasantville
Join us for an evening of music, community, and celebration as we gather to honor Yom HaAtzmaut—Israel’s Independence Day. Hosted by Pleasantville Community Synagogue at Falafel Taco, this joyful gathering will feature live music and a vibrant atmosphere. Rabbi Shoshana Leis will be there to share in the festivities. All are welcome!
Food available for purchase from Falafel Taco.
Come connect, celebrate, and enjoy!
The Book Club @ PCS
BOOK CLUB @ PCS
& on Zoom
Monday, April 28, 7:00pm
The Last Dekrepitzer
by
Howard Langer
All are welcome to join PCS's Book Group Meeting. It's not just about the books!
Come and discuss or sit back and enjoy the conversation, have a nosh, and take pleasure in getting to know your fellow congregants.
Deepening in our Purpose: A Journey of Reflection, Connection and Growth
Deepening in our Purpose: A Journey of Reflection, Connection and Growth
Sunday, April 27, 7:00pm
Join us for an exploration of purpose and practice, guided by the wisdom of the Jewish calendar. Through reflection, dialogue and community deepen your understanding of how you want to show up in the world and bring your purpose to life.
Co-facilitated by Rabbi Shosh and PCS Member Laurie Hirsch Schulz of LHS Coaching. This group offers a space to clarify your purpose and explore how to live it with greater intention. Each month, we will use Jewish holidays and seasonal themes as inspiration, engaging in facilitated dialogue and reflective exercises to connect our inner growth with the cycles of the year.
This program requires a three month commitment.
Sundays (monthly), April 27, May 18, June 8, 7:00 - 8:30pm at PCS. Minimum of 7 participants required to launch.
Key Benefits:
Develop a personal compass to guide your life's direction.
Explore how to live your purpose with greater clarity and intention
Gain a deeper connection to Jewish cycles and holidays as a source of meaning.
Build strong, supportive relationships with community members and like-minded seekers
Learn practical frameworks and engage in regular practices to support self-discovery and action.
MUSICAL SHABBAT SERVICE WITH DESSERT ONEG
Join us for a Musical Friday Night Shabbat Service featuring Rabbi Shosh Leis, Rabbi Ben Newman and the band, which will include recognizing upcoming Bat Mitzvah Millie Russin. In lieu of Dinner this month, there will be a Dessert Oneg after Services in the Community Room.
SHALOM SHABBAT
SHALOM SHABBAT @ PCS
Friday, April 25, 5:30 - 6:00pm
Shabbat Songs for little ones and their families!
Message from the Rabbis: Week Two of the Omer
MESSAGE FROM THE RABBIS
As we journey through the Omer, counting the days between Passover and Shavuot, each week invites us to reflect on a different spiritual quality. This week is dedicated to gevurah—strength, boundaries, discipline, and discernment.
In honor of this week’s theme, we’re sharing a poem by Rabbi Ben about gevurah.
With love,
Rabbis Shoshana and Ben
Week Two of the Omer – Gevurah/Din: The Grace in Boundaries
This is the week of holding.
Of shaping.
Of strength—not the kind that dominates,
but the kind that cradles.
The kind that says:
Here is the edge. And it is holy.
We often think of judgment, of din,
as cold or cruel—
but what if it is a container?
A vessel that keeps the water from spilling,
a womb that holds new life
until it is ready to breathe on its own.
Gevurah is the boundary
that makes beauty possible.
A blossom is beautiful
because it opens slowly,
because its petals know when to stop.
Spring is beautiful
because it doesn’t last.
Because the bloom is held
in time’s gentle hands
before it fades.
We are beginning again,
in this week of April,
as the world reawakens.
And we are reminded:
to grow wild is not always to grow whole.
Discipline can be devotion.
Limits can be love.
So this week,
we honor the sacred edge.
We say yes to the quiet strength of saying no.
We practice being held
so we can know how to hold others—
not to contain them,
but to make space
for what is becoming.
This is Gevurah:
Not a wall, but a form.
Not punishment, but presence.
Not fear, but clarity.
It teaches us that everything passes,
but not before it fully becomes itself.
And that is beautiful.
And that is enough.
Yom Hashoah Service with speaker Dennis Schoen
Yom Hashoah Service
with speaker Dennis Schoen
Wednesday, April 23, 7:00pm @ PCS and by Zoom.
Richard Schoen survived Kristallnacht and Dachau before emigrating to the United States where he
raised his loving family. Although he escaped the horrors of the holocaust, he was forever traumatized with survivor's guilt as both his parents and siblings were murdered.
Richard’s story will be presented by his son Dennis.
Shabbat, Yizkor and Seventh Day Passover
Shabbat, Yizkor and Seventh Day Passover
Saturday, April 19, 10:00am
(crossing the sea!) led by Rabbi Ben
Services will be followed by light luncheon refreshments for Kiddush and Torah study.
Musical Community Passover Potluck Seder
Location: Parish Hall @Trinity (Grace), 7 South Highland Ave. Ossining, NY
We look forward to coming together to celebrate the rebirth of spring, reflect on our collective history and gain strength and joy from each other in these challenging times. The Seder will be led by Rabbi Shosh and Rabbi Ben and will include youth programming, community-building exercises as well as engaged adult learning and dialogue.
Food will be kosher for Passover by ingredients. Please provide ingredient list with your offering. Sign-up genius will be shared with all who register.
Register here: https://bit.ly/communitymusicalseder
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