Rosh Pinah Chavurah of the Rivertowns is a member-led Jewish religious congregation. Services, in the Conservative, egalitarian tradition, are held every Shabbat morning and periodically on Friday evenings. We read the full weekly Torah portion and use the original Sim Shalom siddur. We formed the Chavurah to create a fellowship of Jews who wish to daven (pray) and congregate in an atmosphere of respect, joy, warmth, camaraderie, and trust. The Chavurah invites anyone interested to join us for services. We welcome individuals and families of all ages and of all levels of Jewish knowledge.
Chavurah services are entirely member-led. Chavurah members serve as shaliach tzibur (cantor) and as gabbayim (service 'helpers'), leyn (read Torah), chant haftorah, and prepare the drash (Torah commentary or sermon). Anyone who would like to perform any of these roles is welcome to volunteer.
All parts of our High Holidays services are led by members of Rosh Pinah. Our Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services are held at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown. Rooms are available for those who do not drive on the Holiday. Rosh Pinah, since our founding, has been pleased to make our High Holidays services open to the public. No membership or tickets are needed but we ask for an RSVP for those who plan to attend.
Rosh Pinah holds morning services for Sukkot, Pesach, and Shavuot. In addition on Sukkot we have a party in a sukkah. On Shavuot we have a Tikkun Leil Shavuot (study session) on the eve of the holiday. A leader is chosen and material is distributed to members who each prepare a part of the study session. We celebrate Purim with a full megilla reading and maariv service and with costumes, skits, and hamentashen. We have an annual Chanukah celebration. Services for Tisha B'Av are also held.
WANTED: TORAH READERS, HAFTARAH READERS, DAVENERS, AND MEMBERS TO PREPARE A DVAR TORAH. As a member-led Chavurah, we are always in need of volunteers to fulfill all of these roles. Do not feel intimidated! Preparing a Dvar Torah, reading Torah or Haftarah, and even public davening are uplifting experiences; just ask anyone who has volunteered. We will provide tapes, resources, help, and guidance. Please volunteer!
Our regular Shabbat morning services are at 9:00AM at Temple Beth Shalom, 740 Broadway in Hastings and are held either in the main sanctuary on the second floor or in a large classroom on the first floor,
depending on availability.
The Torah that we use every Shabbat morning is graciously made available to us by Rabbi Eddie Schecter. The beautiful symbolism of the mantle represents ma'avdut l'cherut,
from slavery to freedom. The bottom stripe is black and represents the holocaust. The top consists of three stripes representing the flag of the state of Israel. The Torah is dedicated to Rabbi Schecter's parents, Louis and Sarah Schecter.
