​How to Lead Friday Night Shabbat Services Workshop
Tuesday, August 4, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Never led Friday night Shabbat services before and want to learn how? Or maybe you're a seasoned leader who'd like to add more tools to your toolbox? No matter where you're coming from, all are welcome! WJOA Board member Meredith Nicholson will break down the service's components, review some common tunes and best preparation practices, plus provide you with resources to help you live your best lay leader life. Following the workshop, there will be future opportunities, if desired, to work 1:1 with Meredith or another WJOAer to boost your confidence to lead Kabbalat Shabbat, Maariv, or both, at future gatherings! However, those outside of Astoria are more than welcome, too.

Please RSVP here to receive the Zoom link 1–2 days before the event.
Here is the Facebook Event. Please note that you have to click on "see more" below the description box to retrieve the full URL to RSVP.

Shabbat in Astoria Park
​Friday, August 8, 6:30 p.m.

Friends, we're going to attempt an in-person Shabbat dinner in Astoria Park. We'll meet on Friday, August 7, at 6:30 p.m. for services and dinner. We'd love to see all of our fellow Wandering Jews, but we must follow public health guidelines. Please read the following rules before you decide to come:

1. If you have tested positive for the coronavirus or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive, please stay home.
2. If you're feeling even slightly sick, please stay home. 
3. Bring your own blanket. 
4. Bring your own food and drinks. This is not a potluck.
5. Our blankets will be spaced so that we're all at least six feet apart from one another (this shouldn't be too difficult). 
6. During services, the prayer leader will not be required to wear a mask (so we can hear them). Others are encouraged to wear masks during services, but we'll position the leader at a reasonable social distance to make things safe but spiritual. (Note: We might skip services altogether. Stay tuned!)
7. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Marc (bailes.marc@gmail.com) directly. Please RSVP as well, so we know how many to expect.
8. When you arrive at 6:30 p.m., enter the park at 19th Street and 23rd Road. Look straight ahead and to your right. I'll be the one wearing a kippah, but you can text me if there are any issues finding us.

Here is the Facebook Event.

Book Club
​Sunday, August 16, noon

The WJOA Book Club is reading "A Gentleman in Moscow" by Amor Towles (462 pages). We'll meet virtually on Sunday, August 16 at noon for brunch and a discussion. Please RSVP to Jonah (jonah.schrogin@gmail.com) for the Zoom link. The book is available for purchase at the Astoria Bookshop. Here is the Facebook Event.

High Holy Days with Malkhut
​September 18–28

WJOA is again partnering with Malkhut and a few other organizations for the High Holy Days this year. But, because this year is different from other years, it has been decided for all High Holy Days services, study sessions and activities leading up to the holidays and throughout will be held virtually on Zoom. For more information about the schedule of services and who is co-sponsoring click on this link.Since everything will be held on Zoom, the goal is to make sure everyone is comfortable and confident in the "know-how" when signing on to Zoom and performing basic Zoom functions. Prior to the Rosh Hashanah evening service we are looking for volunteers to be partnered with older adults, mostly from Kehillat Tikvah, who would need a Zoom practice session. If you are interested in doing a Mitzvah, please email Jennifer at geny117@aol.com by August 6, so that we can get a feel for who's interested.
In addition to Zoom help prior to the services, we are also looking for volunteers to be tech support during the services. You would need to be available to let people in from the "waiting room" and answer general questions. Again, please email Jennifer at geny117@aol.com if you're interested.
​
Shofar blowers wanted!
If you are a shofar blower, you have your own shofar, and you're interested in participating in the Rosh Hashanah service, please email Jennifer at geny117@aol.com by August 6.

Shabbat on WJOA Instagram
​On the WJOA Instagram page, we would like to connect back to our community. Take a photo of your next shabbat and send it to us. We will select a photo each Shabbat to post on the WJOA Instagram page. Send photos to Jennifer at geny117@aol.com.

​Schmooze News
​Malkhut, a congregation in Jackson Heights who we often collaborate with, is hiring a part time Children's Learning Program Educator. More information and how to apply here.

After 40 years of wandering in the desert, the Wandering Jews of Astoria will wander to Rebecca and Andrew's backyard for our second annual Shabbos in the sukkah! Mark your calendar for Friday, October 18 at 7pm. And if you're tired of wandering, there will be plenty of seats, as we gather for abbreviated Shabbat services and an unabbreviated vegetarian potluck dinner. Is there a better way to ring in the new year? Just e-mail them at helleralkon@gmail.com for their address and the sign-up sheet.

 Join us on Tuesday, October 22 at 8pm at Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden (29-19 24th Ave) as we ring in the new year with our first happy hour of 5780. We'll be joined by our new neighbors at Moishe House Long Island City and Queens Jewish Project! Join old friends and welcome our new ones to the neighborhood. RSVP to Courtney, and we'll save you a seat. L'chaim