Block Center for
Jewish Exploration
& Education
It is with profound gratitude that we acknowledge our long time SPS congregant and benefactor Gilda Block, who bequeathed a portion of her estate to SPS for the creation of the Henry and Gilda Block Educational Fund out of which the Block Center for Jewish Exploration and Education was created. Rabbi Dave Levy is the Inaugural Director. As the Center will house SPS University and other programs that advance the mission and goals of SPS, Rabbi Dave will work to inspire, educate and engage new cohorts of people into the SPS community and to help transform SPS from a local synagogue into an institution at the core of the larger New York City area Jewish community.
Check out photos from our past Block Parties:
A Workshop for Engaged or Newly Married Couples
Give your relationship the intentional start it deserves. Over five weeks in this supportive, small-group workshop, couples explore topics that matter most in building a strong, lasting partnership—roles and expectations, communication and conflict, intimacy, money, family, spirituality. Through guided conversations rooted in Jewish values and psychological best practices, you’ll strengthen your sense of self, deepen your connection, and develop tools to navigate challenges with confidence and compassion. Couples will also get one individual meeting with Dr. RBF.
All couples are welcome, regardless of age, religious background, sexual orientation, gender, or prior marital experience.
Groups will be held at Sutton Place Synagogue, 7-8:30 pm on February 4, February 11, February 25, March 4, and March 11. Cost is $600 for the entire program ($500 for Sutton Place Synagogue Members).
The group will be restricted to 8 couples, so register soon as space is limited.
Facilitator: Rachel Barbanel-Fried, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and Executive Leadership Coach specializing in helping couples prepare for marriage and enrich their partnerships. Email info@drrbf.com to learn more and to register.
