EVENTS AT TCS/NT
Fear No Pharaoh -- Author Talk with Richard Kreitner
Sunday, December 7
11:00 am -- Lox and bagel brunch 
11:30 am -- Discussion with the author
The Chatham Synagogue
At a time when slavery tore America apart, American Jews faced a wrenching question: Should they speak out against oppression—or stay quiet to protect themselves in a hostile world?
Join us for brunch with Beacon author Richard Kreitner as he discusses his new book Fear No Pharaoh: American Jews, the Civil War, and the Fight to End Slavery.
Kreitner brings to life six American Jews who made dramatically different choices: a rabbi who defended slavery as biblical; his rival, who gave such fiery abolitionist sermons that a mob threatened his life; a Polish immigrant who fought alongside John Brown; and a Jewish lawyer who became Jefferson Davis's most trusted advisor.
“Kreitner has produced the best book I have ever read about the Jews in nineteenth-century America.” —Benjamin Moser, New York Times Book Review
Free and open to the community. The Chatham Synagogue, 1536 County Route 28, Valatie, NY.
This event is partially funded by the Jewish Federation of Northeastern NY.
Toy Drive and Gift Wrapping Party
Brought to you by the Social Action Committee at TCS, supporting the children of The Starting Place. Bring Joy to a Child this Holiday Season!
The Starting Place is the only full-service special education preschool in Columbia County, sponsored by COARC. Many of these children come from families who rely on the community for extra support during the holidays.
How to participate in the Toy Drive:
1. Select an item (or items) you'd like to donate from the Amazon Gift List, prepared by The Starting Place Director
2. IMPORTANT: When checking out, please ship to:
Barbara Kranz
43 Bowman Road
Chatham, NY 12037
Please place your order by December 10 to ensure delivery before the gift-wrapping party.
Gift Wrapping Party
Wednesday, December 17 | 1:00-4:00 PM at The Chatham Synagogue
Join us for a festive afternoon wrapping the gifts purchased from the Amazon Gift List for these special children at The Starting Place. All are welcome. Coffee and cake will be served.
Please bring scissors—all other wrapping supplies provided. RSVP to kranzbarbara35@gmail.com if you plan to attend.
Kabbalat Shabbat with the TCS Band
January 16th at 5:30 pm
February 13th at 5:30 pm
March 6th at 5:50 pm
The TCS Band will also be playing at the following Saturday morning services:
January 31st at 10:00 am
February 28th at 10:00 am
March 14th at 10:00 am
Women's Hanukkah Party
Sunday, December 21, 2025 • 1 Tevet 5786
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at The Chatham Synagogue
Tai Chi Classes
with Fran Snyder
Thursdays at 5:30 pm -- 6:30 pm
Beginner Level Class
12-week session at the Synagogue: January 29, February 5, February 12, February 19, February 26, March 5, March 12, March 19, March 26, April 9, April 16, April 23
Tuition: $240 | TCS Members $210
TCS member and certified Tai Chi Instructor, Fran Snyder, is offering Tai Chi classes. Click here to contact Fran for registration and payment info.
Women's Group
Meeting at TCS on the 1st Friday of each month at noon
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Men's Group
The 3rd Friday of every month from noon to 1:30 pm.
Upcoming Meetings: Nov. 21st and Dec. 19th
As we move into cooler weather and, in service of deepening our community, TCS member Joel Kriesberg is forming a Men's Group to gather monthly for inquiry and discussion. After sharing lunch (please bring a dish to share), there will be a facilitated conversation based on topics to be chosen by participants.
If you are interested in attending or getting more information, please email Joel at joel.kreisberg@gmail.com. Drop-ins are also welcome.
This is not meant to replace the Men's Lunch Group, which meets occasionally throughout the summer.
Second Sunday Gatherings for Families & Children 
When: Second Sunday of (almost) every month, 10:00-11:00 am
Upcoming Dates: December 14, January 11, February 8, March 8, April 12, May 10, and June 14
Join us for our monthly Second Sunday gatherings with Bracha Louz! Each session features music, stories, crafts, and Jewish culture for children and families of all ages.
Bracha is a children's musician and educator specializing in Jewish and secular children's music. Many of you enjoyed her performances at our 25th Anniversary Party, Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah kids programs, and our Purim celebration. She has led children's music and movement programs in New York City and the Capital District for the past 10 years.
Don't miss this wonderful hour of music and fun!
Virtual Sit/Stand/Breathe Exercise
Every Monday, 10:00 am - 10:50 am
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Virtual Yoga with Jamie Stiller
Every Friday, at 9:30am
Our weekly Yoga classes are resuming, virtually. TCS/NT member, and dancer, choreographer, physician-assistant, Jamie Stiller, will be leading the classes. There is a $10 donation per class. Email Jamie and arrange payment (Venmo, checks, etc.).