Wandering Jews of Astoria

Early March 2021 Newsletter

3/2/2021

See below for the Early March announcements!

Featured in today's newsletter:
WJOA Board Openings
Virtual Card Making Workshop for Dorot: 3/3
WJOA Happy Hour: 3/10
Shabbats: 3/19, 4/23
Schmooze News

WJOA Board Openings

Interested in getting more involved with this group? The Wandering Jews of Astoria has openings for board positions. A small amount of time can help us plan events and strengthen the Jewish community in Western Queens. To learn more, contact us!

Virtual Card Making Workshop for Dorot

Wednesday, Mar. 3, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Join Jennifer as she leads a handmade card making workshop where the cards are made by YOU! The cards will then be given to Dorot, a non profit organization that provides many different services for older adults living on the Upper West Side. One way to volunteer is by making cards that Dorot distributes for birthdays and holidays.

For more info about Dorot and their Cardmaking program, you can click the link here.

To find out more info and the materials list go to the Facebook event page.

RSVP to Jennifer with any questions and for the Zoom link.

WJOA Virtual Happy Hour

Wednesday, Mar. 10, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Let's get together on Zoom and schmooze! We are having a virtual Happy Hour in the weeks before Passover. Either work on what's in your cupboard or get a meal to go by supporting some local Astoria businesses. We've listed some top choices for you to try below. Selected from the BOAST: Best of Astoria website. Be sure to check out the 2020 winners in the EAT, DRINK and DO & SEE sections on the site. Oh, and don't forget a cocktail too! RSVP to Jennifer for the Zoom link. Here is the Facebook event page.

Best Bakery: Cerasella

Best Bar for Beer/Best Sandwich: Astoria Bier & Cheese

Best Vegetarian: Jujube Tree

Best Bar for Cocktails: Sweet Afton

Best Pizza: Tufino Pizzeria

Join Us for Virtual Shabbat!

Friday, Mar. 19, 7 p.m.

Link to register here – Facebook event here

Friday, Apr. 23, 7 p.m.

Link to register here – Facebook event here

Schmooze News

Central Synagogue's 20s and 30s First Fridays

Join Central Synagogue's 20s and 30s group in welcoming Shabbat on the first Fridays of the month. To get the link, RSVP to Rabbi Dan.

Save the dates for First Friday Shabbats for the rest of the year:

Friday, March 5
Friday, April 9 (special Second Friday!)
Friday, May 7
Friday, June 4

Combat Food Insecurity in Our City!

Mayor Bill de Blasio estimates that over 2 million people — roughly a quarter of the city — could be food insecure, according to a recent article by Eater New York, linked here. This article also details a number of ways that you can get involved with local groups to help combat hunger! Check it out and get involved!

One of our favorite local groups is Astoria Fridges, community fridges that provide free, accessible food to the Astoria community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have an excess of food, donate some to an Astoria Fridge near you (click here for a map of locations).

Have an event you'd like to organize or share? As always, please don't hesitate to send them our way! Stay safe and well during these trying times!

—The WJOA Team

Mid-February 2021 Newsletter

2/17/2021

See below for the Mid-February announcements!

Featured in today's newsletter:
WJOA Board Openings
Pre-Purim 2021 Purim Spiel: 2/20
Book Club: 2/28
Shabbats: 3/19, 4/23
Schmooze News

WJOA Board Openings

Pre-Purim 2021 Purim Spiel

Saturday, Feb. 20, 8 p.m.

On the Saturday before Purim, we are going to try out the new medium of Zoom performance. Come and watch your fellow Wandering Jews perform in our annual Purim spiel. The event also includes a costume contest and special performance by Michelle Slonim Rosenfeld and Ben Rosenfeld. RSVP to Brian for the link. Here is the Facebook event.

Virtual Book Club

Sunday, Feb. 28, noon

Grab your favorite brunch food and join us as we eat, chat, and discuss the book "My Year of Rest and Relaxation" by Ottessa Moshfegh (304 pages). If you have any topics or discussion questions you would like covered, email Jonah. Also email him to get the Zoom link. Here is the link to buy the book at Astoria Bookshop. Here is the Facebook event.