Stephen Wise Free Synagogue

08/21/2026

“Sometimes being visibly Jewish can come with real risks,” says Rabbi Dalia Samansky. Reflecting on the recent disruption of Shabbat services at Central Synagogue, she draws inspiration from its clergy and congregants, who relit the candles and continued praying. This week’s parashah begins with “when you go out” — not “if”—teaching us that fear must not keep us from moving forward or living by our values. "Even when being Jewish might be scary and hard,” Rabbi Samansky says, "we will not be deterred.”

08/21/2026

Stephen Wise Free Synagogue Livestream

08/13/2026

Welcome to our Elul Values Exploration!

Jewish tradition understands Elul — the final month of the Jewish New Year — as a season of preparation before Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It’s a month to slow down and take an honest look at ourselves: to celebrate what's going well, to acknowledge where we've fallen short, and to begin the sacred work of teshuvah — of returning to the people we were created to be.

Over the course of the coming month, we’ll be exploring one middah per day— one Jewish character trait or spiritual quality that our tradition invites us to cultivate. This year, every middah will be paired with an Israeli song. Each one includes a Spotify link and a short note on why that song and that value belong together — something to carry with you at your desk, on the subway or on a quiet walk.

Sign up at swfs.org/values to get these daily musings and songs directly to your inbox!

08/12/2026

With the High Holy Days approaching, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue welcomes you to join our community! If you're looking for a year-round Jewish home, we offer entry points to Jewish life for every age and stage: an ECC with classes for kids as young as 3 months, Religious School with offerings through 12th grade, adult study, concerts, social action and more. As our director of member engagement puts it: "There's something here for everyone!"

Upper West Siders seeking a year-round Jewish community explore membership at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue.

08/07/2026

“Have you ever been so focused on one thing that you completely miss other things happening around you?” asks Rabbi Dalia Samansky. This week’s parashah begins with the imperative “see”: “See this day I set before you, blessing and curse.” Rabbi Samansky reminds us that how we experience the world depends on where we choose to focus our attention — and that Judaism gives us the gift of Shabbat to slow down and truly see the world around us.

08/06/2026

The High Holy Days are just around the corner — and our doors are open! If you're looking for a community this year, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue is excited to welcome you as a new member. We offer entry points to Jewish life for every age and stage: an ECC with classes for kids as young 3 months, Religious School with offerings through 12th grade, adult study, concerts, social action and more. As our director of member engagement puts it: "There's something here for everyone!"

Upper West Side News

08/05/2026

This spring, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue's Early Childhood Center Leevloov class opened the Blossom Cafe. What began as a snack-time question became a child-built restaurant, complete with a working sink, recycled-material decor and a pre-opening health inspection. On opening day, 4- and 5-year-olds cooked, served and hosted — then decided together to donate every dollar they earned to tzedakah.

This spring, Stephen Wise Free Synagogue's Early Childhood Center L...