Wandering Jews of Astoria

WJOA Trivia, Board Games and Chanukah Events

11/18/2025

See below for the WJOA mid-November announcements!

Featured in today's newsletter:
Trivia Night: 11/19
Shabbat: 12/5
Board Games at Bohemian Beer Garden: 12/7
Pre-Chanukah Oil Tasting and Torah Study: 12/11
Multi-generational Chanukah Gathering: 12/14
Schmooze News

Trivia Night

Wednesday, November 19, 7pm–9:30pm
Finback LIC (29-37 41st Ave, LIC)

Please RSVP to Laura so she can save seats. The WJOA Trivia team will return to Finback LIC on Wednesday, November 19 to celebrate past victories! Arrive at 7pm to help save seats, catch up, and grab a drink and/or snacks before trivia begins at 7:30pm. We hope to see you there! Here is the Facebook event.

RSVP to Laura

Shabbat

Friday, December 5, 7pm
Eric W's place in Astoria

Join us for the next Wandering Jews Shabbat, as Eric W. hosts us at his place. We'll have a Shabbat service followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner. Please RSVP by Wednesday, December 3 to Eric. (Note that space is limited, so RSVP early to reserve a spot.) He'll send you the address and a spreadsheet so you can tell us what vegetarian dishes you will bring for dinner. Here is the Facebook event.

RSVP to Eric W

Board Games at Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden

Sunday, December 7, 3pm–6pm
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden (29-19 24th Ave, Astoria)

Please RSVP to Laura by Friday, December 5 so that she can save seats (required) and to sign up to bring a board game (optional). Join the Wandering Jews for Board Games at Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden! Come by any time between 3pm and 6pm, but please let Laura know if you are coming after 3 so that she can make sure to have a seat ready when you do. Here is the Facebook event.

(You can stop by the Astoria Holiday Market in the Bohemian Hall before board games, and see WJOA member Ilana selling her artwork. The Market is open noon to 6pm. See Schmooze News below for more info.)

RSVP to Laura

Save the Date: Pre-Chanukah Oil Tasting and Torah Study with Adamah NY and ACI

Thursday evening, December 11
Astoria Center of Israel (27-35 Crescent St, Astoria)

Join WJOA as we partner with Adamah NY and ACI for a pre-Chanukah evening of oil tasting complete with cheese, bread, wine and text study.

Save the Date: Sharing the Light–An Intergenerational Chanukah Gathering in Western Queens

Sunday, December 14, 4pm–6pm
Renew Queens (47-20 11th St, LIC)

All ages are invited to join WJOA as we partner with Malkhut, PJ Library and Adamah NY for some Chanukah fun! There will be Chanukah-themed games, crafts and singing. We'll light our chanukiot (Chanukah menorahs) and enjoy a special olive oil tasting and delicious fried food. We will also be making Chanukah cards for those who feel isolated this season.

Schmooze News

Astoria Holiday Market at Bohemian Hall
- Sunday, December 7, noon–6pm
- Long-time WJOA member Ilana Siegel is participating in the Astoria Holiday Market at Bohemian Hall. Stop by to pick up some Chanukah cards, and other holiday gifts. Check out Ilana's artwork in advance here.
Central 30s/40s
- 30s/40s Shabbat is Friday, Nov. 21, 6pm in the Central main sanctuary
- After services, we have a small area reserved at Draught 55 at 7:30pm. You're always welcome to meet us directly there!
- Real-time updates will be shared in WhatsApp
- Please RSVP here if you plan to attend so Alison can get a head count for the bar!
- You can sign up here to get on the email list, and the WhatsApp group is linked here.
WJOA member Eli Steier has a YouTube series of two-minute videos called Whole Heart Torah Fundamentals. You can check it out here.
- These short clips are designed to introduce and deepen key Torah concepts such as the significance of the unity of Hashem, Hashem's love for us, and the importance of being wholehearted.
Donate to Aid in the Israel-Gaza Crisis
- We are heartbroken and devastated by the Israel/Gaza war. You can contribute to GlobalGiving's Israel-Palestine Crisis Relief Fund, which provides emergency relief and long-term support to people in need.
Donate to Aid in the Ukraine Crisis
- In February 2023, WJOA board member Jonah Schrogin volunteered at JCC Krakow, where he packed and sorted food for Ukrainian refugees. If you'd like to contribute to JCC Krakow's Ukraine relief program, here is their Ukraine Appeal. JCC Krakow is a 501(c)(3) organization, so any donations made are tax-deductible. Please write “Ukraine donation via Jonah Schrogin, int vol” in the comment box.
- Jonah has another fundraiser, this one benefitting GlobalGiving's Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. This supports more than 80 non-profit organizations on the ground in Ukraine and in the surrounding areas providing humanitarian aid, such as shelter, medical care, food, and clean water. Contribute here, and you can get more information by emailing Jonah, including seeing a recorded presentation.

Have an event you'd like to organize or share? As always, please don't hesitate to send them our way!

—The WJOA Team

WJOA Friendsgiving Shabbat, Book Club, and Tree Care. Also, Vote!

11/5/2025

Today is Election Day. Be sure to vote! See below for the WJOA early November announcements.

Featured in today's newsletter:
Friendsgiving Shabbat: 11/7
Book Club Brunch and Discussion: 11/9
Street Tree Care: 11/9
Happy Hour in LIC: 11/11
Trivia Night: 11/19
Board Games at Bohemian Beer Garden: 12/7
Schmooze News

Friendsgiving Shabbat

Friday, November 7, 6:30pm
Astoria Center of Israel (27-35 Crescent St, Astoria)

RSVP through this form by Wednesday, November 5, to get the sign-up sheet. Join us for a Friendsgiving Shabbat hosted at the Astoria Center of Israel synagogue. Mark your calendar for Friday, November 7, as we gather for our usual Shabbat services and a special autumnal vegetarian potluck dinner.

6:30–7:30pm – Erev Shabbat service
7:30–end – Kiddush and vegetarian potluck dinner

Here is the Facebook event.

RSVP here

Book Club Brunch and Discussion

Sunday, November 9, 11am–1pm
Location TBD

The next Book Club book will be Rabbis of the Garden State by Daniel Meltz (304 pages). We'll meet for a discussion and brunch potluck at location TBD. Come with a question or two if you'd like. We'll be joined virtually by the author! Here is the link to the book at Astoria Bookshop. RSVP to Jonah by Thursday, November 6 if you can make it, and he'll send you the address and potluck signup form. Here is the Facebook event.

RSVP to Jonah

Adamah NY Street Tree Care with WJOA, Malkhut and Big Reuse

Sunday, November 9, 2pm–4pm
LIC/Astoria border

Join Adamah NY, WJOA, Malkhut and Big Reuse to tend to our local street trees! Together we will weed, aerate and mulch tree beds, offering them the best environment to thrive. Thank you to Council Member Julie Won for sponsoring this event! The location will be by the Astoria/LIC border. RSVP by Thursday, Nov. 6 to Jonah for the exact location. You can also register here. Here is the Facebook event.

RSVP to Jonah

Happy Hour in LIC

Tuesday, November 11, 6:30pm–8:30pm
Jackson's Eatery | Bar (10-37 Jackson Ave, LIC)

Join WJOA in Long Island City for Happy Hour this month at Jackson's Eatery | Bar. Jackson's menu is a Southern-inspired kitchen with many vegetarian and vegan choices as well. There are Happy Hour specials for select food, beer, wine and cocktail choices, 3–7pm. Check out their Happy Hour menu here. Please RSVP Jennifer so that she can save you a seat. Here is the Facebook event.

RSVP to Jennifer

Trivia Night

Wednesday, November 19, 7pm–9:30pm
Finback LIC (29-37 41st Ave, LIC)

RSVP to Laura

Board Games at Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden

Sunday, December 7, 3pm–6pm
Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden (29-19 24th Ave, Astoria)

RSVP to Laura

Schmooze News

Central 30s/40s
- Mahjong Lesson and Dinner with Ready Set Mah Jong
  Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5:45pm–8:30pm
  PJR Chapel, 123 E 55th St
  RSVP here and buy tickets here (starting at $18)
WJOA member Eli Steier has a YouTube series of two-minute videos called Whole Heart Torah Fundamentals. You can check it out here.
- These short clips are designed to introduce and deepen key Torah concepts such as the significance of the unity of Hashem, Hashem's love for us, and the importance of being wholehearted.
Central 30s & 40s
- Central Synagogue now has a group for those in their 30s and 40s. The group goes to Shabbat services at Central on the third Friday of the month, followed by a bar nearby to schmooze. (They also have other events.) You can sign up here to get on the email list, and the WhatsApp group is linked here.
Donate to Aid in the Israel-Gaza Crisis
- We are heartbroken and devastated by the Israel/Gaza war. You can contribute to GlobalGiving's Israel-Palestine Crisis Relief Fund, which provides emergency relief and long-term support to people in need.
Donate to Aid in the Ukraine Crisis
- In February 2023, WJOA board member Jonah Schrogin volunteered at JCC Krakow, where he packed and sorted food for Ukrainian refugees. If you'd like to contribute to JCC Krakow's Ukraine relief program, here is their Ukraine Appeal. JCC Krakow is a 501(c)(3) organization, so any donations made are tax-deductible. Please write “Ukraine donation via Jonah Schrogin, int vol” in the comment box.
- Jonah has another fundraiser, this one benefitting GlobalGiving's Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. This supports more than 80 non-profit organizations on the ground in Ukraine and in the surrounding areas providing humanitarian aid, such as shelter, medical care, food, and clean water. Contribute here, and you can get more information by emailing Jonah, including seeing a recorded presentation.

Have an event you'd like to organize or share? As always, please don't hesitate to send them our way!

—The WJOA Team

WJOA Happy Hour, Trivia Night and Friendsgiving Shabbat

10/22/2025

See below for the WJOA mid-October announcements!

Featured in today's newsletter:
Happy Hour: 10/21
Trivia Night: 10/22
Dungeons and Dragons: 11/2
Friendsgiving Shabbat: 11/7
Book Club Brunch and Discussion: 11/9
Schmooze News

Happy Hour

Tuesday, October 21, 7pm–9pm
The Rabbit Hole Astoria (38-04 Broadway, Astoria)

Join WJOA in hanging out for Happy Hour this month at The Rabbit Hole Astoria. Check out the Food and Drink menu here. They have an excellent Happy Hour. On Tuesdays, from 5pm–8pm, there is Half off Burgers and Steaks and $5 to $8 on Beers, Wine, Cocktails, Mocktails, and Frozen Drinks. Please RSVP to Jennifer, so that she can save you a seat. Here is the Facebook event.

RSVP to Jennifer

Trivia Night

Wednesday, October 22, 7pm–9:30pm
Finback LIC (29-37 41st Ave, LIC)

Please RSVP to Laura so she can save seats. The WJOA Trivia team will return to Finback LIC on Wednesday, October 22 to celebrate summer victories! Arrive at 7pm to help save seats, catch up, and grab a drink and/or snacks before trivia begins at 7:30pm. We hope to see you there! Here is the Facebook event.

RSVP to Laura

WJOA and CSI play Dungeons and Dragons

Sunday, November 2, 2pm
Congregation Sons of Israel (33-21 Crescent St, Astoria)

The Wandering Jews of Astoria will join Congregation Sons of Israel (CSI) for a spooky, Jewish-themed, one off Dungeons and Dragons campaign. Doors open at 2pm and we'll start playing around 2:15pm. Absolutely no experience is necessary—all are welcome. Kosher snacks will be provided; CSI asks for a $10 donation for the snacks. Please RSVP to Laura by Friday, October 31 to reserve your seat. Here is the Facebook event.

RSVP to Laura

Friendsgiving Shabbat

RSVP here

Book Club Brunch and Discussion

Sunday, November 9, noon to 2pm
Location TBD

RSVP to Jonah

Schmooze News

Shabbat Sandwich Making at Central
- Friday, October 24
  5:00–5:30pm | Lese Lobby
  Make sandwiches for the Upper East Side Community Fridge before Shabbat services on the second and fourth Friday of every month. Separate registration is required for each volunteer session. Register
Central 20s & 30s Spooky Sabbath: Shabbat with a Twist
- Friday, October 31
  6:30pm–9:15pm | Hebrew Union College
  Light the candles, raise your spirits, and step into a Spook-tacular Shabbat! Join us for a music-filled, soulful service followed by a delicious dinner with Halloween flair—think festive vibes, sweet treats (yes, candy!), and plenty of community warmth. Costumes encouraged. Good energy required. Register
WJOA member Eli Steier has a YouTube series of two-minute videos called Whole Heart Torah Fundamentals. You can check it out here.
- These short clips are designed to introduce and deepen key Torah concepts such as the significance of the unity of Hashem, Hashem's love for us, and the importance of being wholehearted.
Central 30s & 40s
- Central Synagogue now has a group for those in their 30s and 40s. The group goes to Shabbat services at Central on the third Friday of the month, followed by a bar nearby to schmooze. (They also have other events.) You can sign up here to get on the email list, and the WhatsApp group is linked here.
Donate to Aid in the Israel-Gaza Crisis
- We are heartbroken and devastated by the Israel/Gaza war. You can contribute to GlobalGiving's Israel-Palestine Crisis Relief Fund, which provides emergency relief and long-term support to people in need.
Donate to Aid in the Ukraine Crisis
- In February 2023, WJOA board member Jonah Schrogin volunteered at JCC Krakow, where he packed and sorted food for Ukrainian refugees. If you'd like to contribute to JCC Krakow's Ukraine relief program, here is their Ukraine Appeal. JCC Krakow is a 501(c)(3) organization, so any donations made are tax-deductible. Please write “Ukraine donation via Jonah Schrogin, int vol” in the comment box.
- Jonah has another fundraiser, this one benefitting GlobalGiving's Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. This supports more than 80 non-profit organizations on the ground in Ukraine and in the surrounding areas providing humanitarian aid, such as shelter, medical care, food, and clean water. Contribute here, and you can get more information by emailing Jonah, including seeing a recorded presentation.

Have an event you'd like to organize or share? As always, please don't hesitate to send them our way!

—The WJOA Team

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WJOA Trivia, Board Games and Chanukah Events

Trivia Night

Shabbat

Board Games at Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden

Save the Date: Pre-Chanukah Oil Tasting and Torah Study with Adamah NY and ACI

Save the Date: Sharing the Light–An Intergenerational Chanukah Gathering in Western Queens

Schmooze News

WJOA Friendsgiving Shabbat, Book Club, and Tree Care. Also, Vote!

Friendsgiving Shabbat

Book Club Brunch and Discussion

Adamah NY Street Tree Care with WJOA, Malkhut and Big Reuse

Happy Hour in LIC

Trivia Night

Board Games at Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden

Schmooze News

WJOA Happy Hour, Trivia Night and Friendsgiving Shabbat

Happy Hour

Trivia Night

WJOA and CSI play Dungeons and Dragons

Friendsgiving Shabbat

Book Club Brunch and Discussion

Schmooze News

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