E-KI February 11, 2005 Vol. II No. 6
Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027 215.887.8700
Torah Time Online Shabbat Terumah – Exodus 25:1 – I Kings 5:26 A British Kiddush We made it! Liz, myself, all our kids, my mother, sister, an aunt and one nephew successfully converged in Birmingham, England last weekend for the wedding of our oldest son, Benjamin. Although it never stopped raining, we never stopped smiling. The ceremony itself was held in the Office of the Register to help meet the legal requirements for Benji to obtain a marriage visa so he can remain in the UK until Kelly finishes her graduate education. We then went to the “Function Room” of the local Jewish Golf Club for a party. A religious ceremony is being planned for a State-side celebration although no date has been set just yet. I remember from years ago how my perception of a Bar Mitzvah changed after I started experiencing one from a parent’s vantage point. Now, I have the additional advantage of seeing a wedding, not only from a rabbinic viewpoint, but from the perspective of the father of the groom. I must tell you, it felt very good to know that my oldest child has found a very fine partner for life. So many of the old worrisome questions about his future simply melted away in the steady English rain. They have been replaced with new hopes, dreams and expectations. I’ve always liked the song “Sunrise, Sunset.” Now I know how very quickly “fly the days.” Having a child live in England presents all types of new challenges and opportunities, the least of which for me is to learn as much as possible about English Jewish life in short order. I spent much of my trans-Atlantic flight reading about the arrival of the first Jews in England, their expulsion in 1290 and their restoration in 1655. Like Jews everywhere, the Jews of the UK, too, have loyally followed this week’s Torah portion, Terumah, “to build Me a sanctuary so I may dwell among you” and have built synagogues across the land, including several congregations in Birmingham. Although their community is small compared to ours, British Jewry has enjoyed a rich communal experience for the last 350 years. Like Jewish life here in America, British Jewish life today seems to be a complex mix of losses and striking renewal. You can be sure that for my Adult Education course at KI this fall I will be reporting on how the British make Kiddush! It is a truly intriguing story which is now of personal significance. I’m not sure I can say it myself, but I know I like the way “L’chaim” sounds with a British accent! Shabbat Shalom! Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, Ph.D.
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES AT KI
Worship & Study Opportunities This Week – Friday, February 11 – Tot Shabbat at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel ; Our Cantorial Legacy— a musical Shabbat service at 8:00 p.m. Our Adult Choir and Professional Quartet will sing choral arrangements of favorite melodies by great Jewish cantors and composers: Sulzer, Lewandoski and Gerowitch. Cantor Lefko will present the sermon-in-song. Saturday, February 12 – Torah Toast & Tefillah – Torah Study Havurah at 9:00 a.m. in the Library; Light Breakfast at 10:00 a.m. in the Lobby; Shabbat Havurah Service at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel. In the Week Ahead – Friday, February 18 – Blue Jeans Shabbat at 7:00 p.m. in the Youth Lounge; Shabbat Evening Service at 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel – Rabbi Sussman will speak – The Eternal Light of Judaism. Saturday, February 19 - Torah Toast & Tefillah – Torah Study Havurah at 9:00 a.m. in the Library; Light Breakfast at 10:00 a.m. in the Lobby; Shabbat Havurah Service at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel; Shabbat service at 2:00 p.m. at Rydal Park. Coming Up – Saturday, February 26 – Junior Congregation at 10:30 a.m. in the Youth Lounge. Friday, March 4 – Shabbat Across America – Shabbat Evening Services begin at 7:15 p.m. Friday, March 18 – Westminster Conservatory Youth Chorale will join us for Shabbat Evening Services at 8:00 p.m. The program includes the premiere of If Then. . . a composition by Cantor Jonathan Comisar, commisioned by KI. Purim Spiel – Interested in helping Cantor Lefko create a skit to celebrate Purim? (Purim is Thursday evening, March 24.) Call the Clergy Office (215) 887-8702 or e-mail Cantor Lefko at CantorAEL@kenesethisrael.org. Dayenu! A Family Seder—on Sunday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m. in K/G—complete Passover Seder led by Rabbi Lance Sussman. Four-course traditional kosher meal—vegetarian available. $45/adult, $25/children 14 and under. Reservations must be received by April 10. checks payable to KI Brotherhood. Listen to Most recent Shabbat evening sermon – click on this link! http://www.kenesethisrael.org/Sermons/ShabbatService.htm Adult Education News from the Meyers Library— Library hours are: Sunday 9:30-12:15, Tuesday 4:30-6, Wednesday 10-3:30, and Friday before 8:00 p.m. services. (You can also visit the bookcarts at the Oneg.) Adult Ed Classes Advanced Beginners’ Hebrew with Rabbi Rav Soloff on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., from January 13 to February 24; Book Discussion on Wednesday, February 23, at 2:00 p.m. —In the Image by Dana Horn, led by Rabbi Peter Rigler. Jewish Genealogy Society of Greater Philadelphia—open meeting on Sunday, February 13, at KI. Refreshments at 1:00 p.m. Panel discussion at 1:30 p.m—Obtaining Documents from Ancestral Countries. Lunch ‘n’ Learn – about the Torah portion of the week with Rabbi Sussman on Thursday, February 17, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Call the Clergy Office by noon on Wednesday, February 16, for reservations and information. If you would like to receive e-mail reminders about Lunch ‘n’ Learn, call the Clergy Office (215) 887-8702. Book Review with Rabbi Lance Sussman – Rabbi Sussman will review Philip Roth’s The Plot Against America on Thursday, February 24, at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. $3 per person. Admission for WRJ members is free. Reservations by February 15: Joan Kamen (215) 947-5926. Sponsored by WRJ/Sisterhood. Relentless: The Struggle for Peace in the Middle East—One-hour documentary film about the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on Sunday, February 27, at 2:00 p.m. at KI. Admission is free. To assure seating, RSVP to Administrative Office (215) 887-8700. Sponsored by KI’s Israel Committee and Adult Education Committee. Embracing Adoption: Building Jewish Families – Conference on adoption and Jewish life – Sunday, March 6 from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at the Perelman Jewish Day School (Kaiserman JCC), City Avenue and Haverford Road, Wynnewood. Keynote speaker: Adam Pertman, author of Adoption Nation: How the Adoption Revolution is Transforming America. Rabbi Sussman is participating in a panel discussion – “Adoption Issues in the Jewish Community.” Discounted pre-registration and information: www.jewishadoption.org. For families considering adoption. Ask the Rabbi – Bagels and conversation on Sunday, March 6, at 10:00 a.m. in K/G. Film: Mixed Blessings: The Challenges of Raising Children in a Jewish-Christian Family. Discussion led by Rabbi Peter Rigler and special guest, Merle Berman, LSW. Sponsored by the KI Outreach Committee. Cultural Council 60+ - Cheltenham High School Touring Ensemble – Cinemusic: Songs from the Silver Screen. – Thursday, March 10 Lunch at 11:30 a.m. KI member luncheon fee is $8.00 with a reservation by March 2, $10.00 for guests and member reservations after February 2. Send checks to KI, Attn: Cultural Council. Information: Doris Parker, 215-886-9267. Sponsored by the Rosenau Fund. Free Career Counseling and Job Placement – program for Jewish women up to age 55, who are unemployed or under-employed and live in the Delaware Valley. Contact Jewish Educational & Vocational Service Career Strategies cs@jevs.org or (215) 854-1874. Cultural Opportunities Israeli Folk Dancing -- with Don Schillinger, RAK-DAN Israeli Dancing, on Mondays from 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm. in the Rothschild Auditorium. Program runs through May 23. $7/adult and $4/student (under 21) per session. [Note: no sessions on February 21, March 21, April 25, or May 30.] Multifaith Seniors’ Brunch – Wednesday, February 23, at 11:30 a.m. at KI. Reflecting on the Vision of the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia - Keynote Speaker: Abby Stamelman Hocky. $5 includes dairy brunch. RSVP (215) 887-8700. Rhoda Cohen, Brunch Coordinator. Participation by local clergy. Please bring non-perishable food contribution for Philabundance. Co-sponsored by the Cheltenham Area Multifaith Council and the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Philadelphia's KI-AJ Senior Adult Club. Jewish Food Festival – Sunday, February 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Admission $4/adult, $2/student; children under three are free. Bring your friends and prospective members to share a “taste” of KI. Sponsored by KI’s Outreach Committee. Temple Judea Museum – Exhibitions opening on Sunday, February 27 - “Boris Schatz (1866-1932): His Circle and the Beginning of the Bezalel Art School” and “Ephraim Moses Lilien: Printmaker.” 3:00 p.m. Reception. 4:00 p.m. “An Artists’ Utopia in a New Land: The Bezalel School” – Linda Nesvisky. Exhibitions run through April 29. ¥Tango! - on Saturday, March 5. Dinner 6:00 p.m. Program at 8:00 p.m. $35 ($25 program only) Reservations required. In cooperation with Astral Artistic Services. Cooking with Andrew Schloss – Monday, March 28, at 7:00 p.m. in the K/G Kitchen. Learn how to cook like a pro! Space is limited. Advance reservations are a MUST. Send $15/person (payable to KI Sisterhood) to KI, Attn: Michele Gusdorff, 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027. RSVP by March 21 and include your phone number. WRJ Theater Trip – Movin’ Out at the Merriam Theater on Sunday, May 22. This dance musical, which won a Tony in 2003, is choreographed by Twyla Tharp and features 24 of Billy Joel’s classics. $128/person includes brunch (at KI at 10:30 a.m.), transportation (bus leaves at noon) and a seat in the orchestra for the 1:00 p.m. show. Send checks payable to WRJ (with WRJ Theater Trip on the memo line and envelope) to KI. Deadline: March 15. Questions: Barbara Bronstein (215) 673-1435.
***Our Religious School
closing number is 324***
KI Skis Blue Mountain – Congregational ski trip on Sunday, February 20. Leave KI at 8:00 a.m. Bagels, hot chocolate & coffee at 7:30 a.m. Returns at 6:30 p.m. Cost depends on package you choose. Forms in the KI Lobby or http://www.kenesethisrael.org/youth.html and follow the directions. Information – call Janet Luterman (215) 887-8704 x133. Preschool Open House and Family Fun Day Rescheduled—Sunday, March 6, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Visit the Preschool, meet the staff, Rabbis and the KI puppets. Learn about our programs and our special community. Andi Joseph (the Musical Mommy), activities and snacks for families looking for a wonderful preschool experience. Invite your friends!
Social Action Opportunities Volunteers are needed to help feed hungry Jews in the Northeast! Volunteers are needed to deliver Shabbat packages from the Mitzvah Food Pantry at Congregation Beth Sholom on the first and third Thursday of each month. The packages can be picked up between 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m Please contact Jessica Charmont jcharmont@philafederation.org (215) 832-0855. Cook for Sharing Is Caring –Help assemble meals in the K/G kitchen for clients at Newman Senior Center (Klein Branch JCC) from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on February 22 (last Tuesday of the month). Information: Gladys Segal (215) 635-5815. GreenSunday Phone-a-Thon – Jewish National Fund’s annual event on Sunday, February 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Volunteers needed to make calls on 2-hour shifts in Trevose, PA. Information/registration: Scott Blacker (sblacker@jnf.org) or 215-832-0690.
Bone Marrow Registration and Blood
Drive –
on Monday, February 28, from 1:30 to
7:30 p.m. at Beth Sholom
Congregation, 8231 Old York Road,
Elkins Park. Unique opportunity to
join NMDP (National Marrow Donor
Program) Registry and/or donate
blood in one visit. For information
or to sign up: For the Consultation of Conscience – Join Jewish leaders and advocates from across the nation in Washington, DC, March 13-15, to hear from key policy and government leaders about the issues that shape our lives and to explore the connection between ancient Jewish texts and current events. Conference sponsored by URJ’s Religious Action Center. Information: Clergy Office (215) 887-8702. Ways To Get Involved Calling All Cooks! Masters of Matzoh, Queens of Kugel! The Food Festival wants YOU to prepare your specialty and share it on Sunday, February 27th at the 12th Annual Jewish Food Festival. Please call Joanie Reinheimer (215/885-7676) or Miriam Finkel (215/242-0339) for details. Attention, Genuardi’s Shoppers – If your card is already registered with eScrip, you will now automatically be renewed and your contributions will continue to KI. Any questions? Ruth Schoenberg (215) 677-0326. Shabbat Pulpit Flowers --You can now sponsor the Shabbat pulpit flowers in honor of a birthday, anniversary, baby naming, safe travel, recovery from illness, or any other happy occasion. You can also sponsor the flowers in memory of a recent passing or a Yahrzeit anniversary. An acknowledgement will be listed in the weekly Shabbat folder recognizing your generosity. Please make your check for $45.00 payable to: "WRJ Sisterhood," and mail to, Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, Attn: WRJ/Sisterhood-Pulpit Flowers. Questions: Michele Gusdorff (215) 782-1446. Your information must be received at least one week in advance to be listed in the Shabbat folder. Membership News—KI’s Membership Committee is looking for current members to partner with our new members and help them become integrated into the KI family. This is a great chance to discuss with new members all the cultural, religious and social action opportunities available at KI. If you are interested in participating, or just want to join the Membership Committee to share your love of KI with prospective members, please call Andy Brookman at (215) 887-0777. Sharing Our Simchas – Share your happiness with our congregational family. Consider underwriting our beautiful Oneg Shabbat. Contact the Administrative Office, (215) 887-8700, for further details. Sisterhood Gift Shop – will be open on Sunday mornings during Religious School hours and by appointment. Call Joan Kamen (215) 947-5926 or Administrative Office (215) 887-8700.
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