VCJC News & Notes 1/30/2026

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center

News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful!

Reminders

1. Shabbos schedule
   
   
   Because of the predicted cold temperatures, we will not hold services on this Shabbos morning.  Stay safe and stay warm!

   
   

   
   

   Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar.
   Here are the times you need:  
   Shabbos Candles Friday 1/30/26 @ 4:53 pm
   
   
   Shabbos Ends Saturday 1/31/26 @ 5:57 pm

   If you require an aliyah or would like to lead services, read from the torah or haftorah please speak to one of the gabbaim.

   
   

   This week’s kiddush would have been another wonderful time. Come join us for services and stay to enjoy the kiddush and the company when the weather cooperates.

   
   

2. Interested in learning torah with a group of fellow members of your community?

   Want more details?

   Contact the VCJC office at 718-884-6105 or info@vcjewishcenter.org

   Or you can speak to Stuart Harris or Matthew Hartstein after davening on Shabbat morning.

   
   

3. About our new kiddushim
   For the past several weeks, the VCJC has upgraded its kiddush after Shabbos services. Kiddush now takes place in the ballroom. There is a greater variety of food, which can be enjoyed while seated at covered tables. Our aim is to offer a more enjoyable and meaningful experience, and to encourage conversation and interaction among attendees. This is an evolving effort. It has received very positive reviews so far; we’d love to have your opinion as well. Please join us for services and kiddush, and let us know what you think!
   
   

4. Shabbos parsha

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Parashat Beshalach 5786 / פָּרָשַׁת בְּשַׁלַּח

   31 January 2026 / 13 Sh’vat 5786

   Parashat Beshalach is the 16th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading.

   Torah Portion: Exodus 13:17-17:16

   Beshalach (“When He Let Go”) describes the splitting of the Red Sea and the song the Israelites sing upon crossing through. In the desert, God sweetens bitter water and provides manna and quail. The portion ends recounting the victory of the Israelites against an attack by the Amalekites. [1]

   
   

5. Next Shabbos we will celebrate Tu B’Shevat - POSTPONED
   We will do this the next time we can have a safe Shabbos service. Join us then and enjoy a celebratory post-services kiddush!

6. You can do it! Give VCJC a boost!  Leave a (positive) review for us on Google
   You can do this!  We know you can!

   The VCJC is working to build and grow for its next century in Van Cortlandt Village.  If you have had a good experience with us or recognize our value to the community, please consider telling the world about it.  Go to our Google Business Profile and leave a review.  Thanks!
   

7. Save the date, Feb 22 for a Master Class "Finding a Haven Within"
   Sunday February 22, 12PM

   RSVP By 2/18/26: call the office (718) 884-6105 or email info@vcjewishcenter.org

   
   
   Suggested fee is $15.00. If you have a mat, bring it. If not, we have a few.
   
   
   In the swiftly moving, ever-changing world we live in today, you can find a quiet, safe, and secure haven in which there is peace, deep relaxation, and inner joy. This is what we offer you in an easy yoga-based stretching, soft meditation, and guided systematic deep relaxation class. The results can be more effective and dramatic than you might expect. Students have had a profound effect in the increased level of their grades.  

   It is based on Prof. Barbara Kitai's 37 years of teaching this system to college academics, corporate executives, athletes, students, children, and adults of all backgrounds.

   The class consists of an introduction explaining the purpose and theory, 15 minutes of easy yoga-based stretching, and a cool down, 15 minutes of breathing techniques, meditation, 20 minutes of excellent guided relaxation throughout the body & mind, and 10-15 minutes  (time allowing) for a creative writing of self-reflection and awareness.
   

8. Please help with information about buildings

   As part of rebuilding the membership and congregation, the Board of Trustees would like your help. There are a lot of either new or renovated buildings being put up in our catchment area. We would like to seek the cooperation of the owners / developers of those properties in publicizing these opportunities to live near an orthodox synagogue.  If you are aware of any of these buildings, please provide what information you can about them.  This could include the address, any contact information that might be posted, and any information about the building itself (size, type, etc.). Additionally, if you are aware of vacancies in existing buildings or of houses for sale, please let us know about that as well.

Our mailing address is:
Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
3880 Sedgwick Ave

Bronx, NY 10463