WJOA Virtual 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 ([email protected]) for the Zoom link. The book is available for purchase at the Astoria Bookshop. Here is the Facebook Event.

WJOA Virtual Pool Party Happy Hour
​Tuesday, August 18, 7–9 p.m.

Wandering Jews of Astoria is having a pool party from the comfort of your own home. Join us for a Zoom Happy Hour. We can chat, laugh and have summer cocktails together. So bring your favorite summer cocktail to the party and a pool/beach accessory to show off. Please RSVP to Jennifer at [email protected] for the Zoom link. See you there! Here is the Facebook Event.

WJOA Virtual Shabbat
​Friday, August 28, 7 p.m.

Log in and join your favorite Wandering Jews for Shabbat services and dinner. All you need to do is e-mail Marc ([email protected]). He'll send you a Zoom link for the evening's festivities. If you are interested in leading a *very small* portion of Kabbalat Shabbat, there will be an opportunity to do that. But join us either way! 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 [email protected], 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 [email protected] if you're interested.

Emily Herzlin will also facilitate three weekly live online group sessions where we will practice meditation and explore how we are engaging with the inner work of preparing for the High Holidays. These sessions will take place on three Thursdays: August 20th and 27th and September 3rd, from 7–8 p.m. For more information and to RSVP for the sessions, go HERE.

​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 [email protected].

​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 ([email protected]) 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 ([email protected]) 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].

​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.