From Melanie - The Quarrel

Dear New Shul Members and Friends:

I'm thrilled to be producing this wonderful play at the DR2 this September...I hope you can join me, Amy, Niles, Dan and other members from The New Shul on Monday, September 8!

Please invite your friends and pass-along the code for discounted tickets.

a href="http://www.broadwayoffers.com/go.aspx?MD=2001&MC=QUSYNTX">Special Discount for Foundation for The New Shul!

Click here for $30 tickets to The Quarrel (regular price $40).

If experiencing a problem with the link, please visit http://www.broadwayoffers.com/ and insert code QUSYNTX, or call (212) 947-8844.

B'Shalom, Melanie

Click for larger image

Leonard Nimoy and Jewish ritual

We had an interesting discussion prior to our final Summer Shul film - Superman - this past tuesday evening in Bryant Park. In addition to discussing Superman's possible Jewish identity - the conscious or subconscious Jewish associations used by his creators, Jerry Siegal and Joe Shuster - we also talked about Jewish involvement in comic books and science fiction in general. However, alas, we didn't quite make it all the way to Lost and J.J. Abrams (although I do have this great video of him discussing his childhood, which i'll post when I feel there's been a sufficient lull in the science fiction content on this blog... so it could be a while).

During our discussion, we talked about Leonard Nimoy and the origin of his Star Trek character's native greeting, which he, admittedly, appropriated from Jewish ritual. I mentioned that there was a wonderful youtube where Nimoy talks about his Jewish upbringing in Boston, how he came to find resonance in this ancient ritual and how it eventually made it's way onto the show.

As promised:

Summer Shul - Superman the Movie

Join The New Shul, this monday (the 18th) in Bryant Park for our final Summer Shul Film of the summer:

Superman the Movie

This classic 1978 film stars Christopher Reeve as the superhero originally created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Although it is hard to question Superman's role in American mythology, some suggest that Siegel and Shuster's character also represents a Jewish* or Moses figure. Indeed, his birth name (given before he was placed in a basket and sent to earth) is - Kal-El - a name that may have Hebrew or Biblical roots.

Here is Rabbi Simcha Weinstein, author of the book "Up Up and Oye Vey!" making the case for a Jewish Superman on CNN:



Bring a picnic dinner and join us at 7pm for a pre-film discussion about Superman's Jewish roots. Movie begins at dusk.

When? Monday, August 18, 2008 at 7:00pm

Where? Bryant Park, 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues (Free)

To RSVP - email rabbidan@gmail.com - or just show up!

Look for our Balloons!!

Summer Shul - Manhattan

Join The New Shul this Tuesday the 12th @ Movie Nights on the Elevated Acre for:

Woody Allen's Manhattan

Towards the end of Woody's classic film, he poses the following question to himself:

"Why is life worth living?"

His answer: Groucho Marx, Willie Mays, the 2nd movement of the Jupiter Symphony, Louie Armstrong's recording of Potatohead Blues, Swedish movies, Sentimental Education by Flaubert, Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, those incredible apples and pears by Cezanne, the crabs at Sam Wo's, Tracy's face...



Click to watch the opening scene with Woody and Gershwin.

Where? Movie Nights at the Elevated Acre, 55 Water St in Battery Park

When? Bring a picnic dinner and join us at 7pm for a pre-film discussion about Woody's question and share some answers of your own.

Movie begins at dusk. (Free)

In Memory of Owen Gerson

Here is a beautiful song, written by two students from Little Red, in memory of Owen Gerson, who passed away last week at the age of 8.



Minyan Tonight

We have been overwhelmed by the messages of support, condolences and sadness over the loss of our beloved Owen. To provide space to pray, talk and reflect on this tragedy, The New Shul will be gathering for a minyan at the Ross Family home tonight, August 4th at 7pm.

The Gerson family will be mourning at their home in Woodstock.

For more information call 212-284-6773

The Owen Gerson Memorial Fund

A fund honoring Owen has been set up at The Jewish Communal Fund. Interested friends can visit http://www.jewishcommunalfund.org/ to donate.

A blog has been created to remember Owen. The address is -

http://owengerson.blogspot.com/

Make Waves with The New Shul!

Join The New Shul for a Hamptons Shabbat on the Beach

The New Shul is the independent, sometimes traditional, sometimes experimental, always engaging, welcoming to all, "come as you are," community in Greenwich Village.

We'll be holding a sunset service on the beach with music, prayer, discussion and song.

Friday, August 15 in Amagansett, Long Island

Please call 212-284-6773 for details