E-KI

February 17, 2005         Vol. II No. 7

 

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027   215.887.8700

 

Torah Time Online

Shabbat Tetzaveh – Exodus 27:20

Ezekiel 43:10

In the very first verse of this week's Torah portion, Tetzaveh, we learn "You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives to cause a lamp to burn continually. . ." Clear olive oil, pure to the highest degree – that which fuels the menorah must be pure, uncontaminated by jealousy, selfishness, pride or greed. It is from this instruction that the rabbis introduce the symbol of the Ner Tamid, the Eternal Light that hangs above the ark.

When we see it, we are supposed to be reminded of God's presence. In the best case we should also think of what is needed to feel God's presence and how we can seek His presence through our human endeavors. Olive trees mature slowly, and only old olive trees give us olives from which the best oil can be extracted. It is a long-term project. There must be stability in the land for the olive groves to prosper and the oil produced to be of a quality that it can bring the light of God's presence. Perhaps that is why the olive branch became a symbol of peace. It does not grow overnight, it needs to be tended with care for long periods, generations interacting with the land and the tree. It is easy to destroy, to uproot; it takes ages to build up and grow deep. When we see the Eternal Light we are reminded of this stability and support in our own lives.

We are taught by our tradition that we should be a light to the nations. Like the oil in the Eternal Light, we should represent stability and offer rays of hope. Please join us on February 25th for Social Action Shabbat as we discuss the crisis in Darfur, Sudan. We will be sharing images, information and things we can do to make a difference, as well as ways to bring light where it is so desperately needed.

 Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Peter Rigler

 

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES AT KI

 

Worship & Study Opportunities

This Week – 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; Rabbi Sussman and Shir Joy lead Shabbat services at 2:00 p.m. at Rydal Park.

In the Week Ahead – Friday, February 25 – Social Action Shabbat Service at 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel – Rabbi Peter Rigler will speak on the devastation in the Sudan.  Saturday, February 26 – Junior Congregation at 10:30 a.m. in the Youth Lounge; 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; Havdalah service at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel, when we will celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Michael Charles Feldman, son of Marilyn Frank and David Feldman.

Coming Up

Shabbat Across America and Outreach Shabbat Service on Friday, March 4  - 6:00 p.m. dinner [$11/adult, $7/child before February 28.  After February 28, $12.75/adult and $8.75/child.  Reservations guaranteed if payment is received by noon on Wednesday, March 2.]  Special explanatory Shabbat Service at 7:15 p.m.  Jews and non-Jews alike who want to learn more about our Sabbath worship. 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.  Friday, April 22 – Brotherhood Shabbat at 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. 

Dayenu! A Family Seder—on Sunday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m. in K/G—complete Passover Seder led by Rabbi Lance Sussman and Cantor Amy Lefko.  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.) For adults: Alan Dershowitz, Supreme Injustice: How the Supreme Court Hijacked Election 2000; Andrew Kaufman, Cardozo; Aharon Appelfeld, The Healer (a story about European Jews on the eve of WWII); Rabbi Daniel Lapin, America's Real War; Neil K. Gillman, The Death of Death: Resurrection and Immortality in Jewish Thought; Ari Elon, From Jerusalem to the Edge of Heaven: Meditations on the Soul of Israel; Naomi Ragen, Covenant.  For children: Appel is Forever : A Child's Memoir by Suzanne M. Whiteley; God's Story: How God Made Mankind, by Jan Mark; Chronicles: News of the Past (an innovative approach to Biblical history in newspaper format), by Israel Eldad and Moshe Auman; The Story of Esther,  by Ruth F. Brin, illus. by H. Hechtkopf; Make Noise, Make Merry: The Story and Meaning of Purim," by Miriam Chaikin, illus by Demi; Esther,  by Miriam Chaikin, illus. by Vera Rosenberry.

Adult Ed Book Discussion - on Wednesday, February 23, at 2:00 p.m. —In the Image by Dana Horn, led by Rabbi Peter Rigler.

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.

Mixed Blessings – 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.

Lunch ‘n’ Learn – about the Torah portion of the week with Rabbi Sussman on Thursday, March 17, from noon to 1:30 p.m.  Call the Clergy Office  by noon on Wednesday, March 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.

Cultural Opportunities

Israeli Folk Dancing – NO SESSION FEBRUARY 21.

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.

Save the Dates for Silver Simcha – Celebrate the 25^th anniversary of Rabbi Sussman’s ordination and the occasion of his receiving an honorary doctorate from HUC-JIR in New York with a special Shabbat Evening Service on Friday, April 8, and a festive evening progrm on Sunday, April 10.

Save the Date for Mother’s Day Brunch – sponsored by the Brotherhood on Mother’s Day, May 8.

Preschool and Religious School

Reminder – No Religious School on Sunday, February 20.  No Confirmation Academy on Monday, February 21.   Building closed for Presidents’ Day.

6^th Grade family Education Session – on Saturday, February 26, after Shabbat services.  We will learn about the Torah and torah portions.

5^th Grade Parent Bar/Bat Mitzvah Meeting – on Sunday, February 27, at 10:30 .m.

Community time – on Sunday, February 27, at 11:30 a.m.  Please join us as we  sing songs and hear stories.

Preschool Purim Havurah – Sunday, March 6, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. – Pizza dinner and Purim activities.  Join the fun!

Help Set Up for the Purim Carnival – Saturday, March 12, from 12:30 p.m. until we’re done!!  Stay for an hour or all day!  RSVP to Fran (215) 887-8704.

Purim Carnival – Sunday, March 13, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come and have lots of fun!

 

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 at 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: 
(215) 517-6663.

Want to learn more about what’s going on in Washington? – 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.