E-KI February 24, 2005 Vol. II No. 8
Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027 215.887.8700
Torah Time Online Shabbat Ki Tissa – Exodus 30:11 I Kings 18:1 This week’s Torah portion narrates the incident in the desert of Israel and the Golden Calf. How did human beings who had experienced godly revelation at Sinai revert to worshipping a Golden Calf just a few short weeks later? What happened to "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" to cause this terrible reversal? Perhaps an even more difficult question is what was the sin of the Golden Calf? We always assume that the sin was the building of a calf itself. It was a very common practice among peoples of the time to make graven images and our people knew no different. Moses had not yet come down from the mountain to instruct them about God’s commandments. So perhaps the building of the calf was not their sin. Perhaps their sin was one which we all commit from time to time. They lost faith. And worse, they allowed their fears to overtake them and lead them to rash actions. They did not build the Golden Calf because they no longer believed in Adonai. Rather, they did so because they felt their leader Moses had abandoned them. He had been gone 40 days and nights, and they started to get worried. When they became restless no one stood up and said, “Let’s have faith, let’s remember that Moses will not abandon us. We should not do this.” Rather, mass rejection overtook the camp. What a powerful lesson for us today. How often do we act hastily because we get nervous and feel alone? How often do those actions, performed with the best intentions, wind up creating even bigger problems? After Moses finds out about the sin of the Golden Calf he asks God to destroy the people. God does not. Rather God forgives the people. Moses cries out (EXCLAIMS?) that God is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. This week may we all be reminded of this lesson, to be more like our Creator, slow to anger, patient and forgiving. Shabbat Shalom! Rabbi Stacy Eskovitz Rigler
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES AT KI
Worship & Study Opportunities This Week – 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. In the Week Ahead –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 Wednesday, March 2 at noon.] Special explanatory Shabbat Service at 7:15 p.m. Jews and non-Jews alike who want to learn more about our Sabbath worship. Saturday, March 5 – Torah Study Havurah at 9:00 a.m. in the Library; Shabbat Havurah Service at 10:30 a.m. in the Library; Shabbat Morning Service at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel, when we will celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Zachary Scott Bunsick, son of Faye and Raymond Bunsick. Coming Up –Friday, March 11 – Tot Shabbat – Learn about Purim. 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, commissioned 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 Rabbi Sussman’s Book Review for Tonight has been postponed due to the weather. Watch for new date! 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 Classes - Thursday, March 3, at 7:30 p.m. - Jewish Musicians: Gershwin Brothers with Zeke Berlin; Tuesday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m. - Job, the Story of a Simple Man with Beverly Cohen. 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 March 2. Send checks to KI, Attn: Cultural Council. Information: Doris Parker, 215-886-9267. Sponsored by the Rosenau Fund. [Mark April 14 on your calendar – guest speaker will be Trudy Rubin of The Philadelphia Inquirer. 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. Lunch and Learn for Senior Adults –on Thursday, March 24, from noon to 2:00 p.m., at KI. Catered kosher lunch. Welcoming remarks by Rabbi Sussman. Transportation available. New monthly program of Jewish Family & Children’s Service STAR/NORC – Services to Area Residents/a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community Program. No charge but reservations are required by March 16. Information/reservations – Michele Kramer (215) 673-7741 x227. A Capitol Art Ramble – Some seats available for April 7 bus trip to Harrisburg, tour of the Governor’s Mansion, Capitol Building, and John Harris Mansion. $90/person (Friends of the Temple Judea Museum) or $100 (guests and non-members of Friends). Mail checks (payable to KI, attn: A Capitol Art Ramble) to KI, 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027. Information: (215) 887-2027. 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 March 21, April 25, or May 30.] 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/Sisterhood Annual Interfaith Luncheon – Sounds and Songs of Our Heritage on Tuesday, April 12. Cantor Lefko will present a musical dialogue at 11:00 a.m. followed by question and answer session. Complimentary luncheon at 12:30 p.m. All neighboring churches, synagogues and KI members are invited. Reservations – Mickie Levin (2150 698-0314. 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 25th 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. Cantor Amy Lefko is the guest vocalist.
***Our Religious School
closing number is 324***
6th Grade family Education Session – on Saturday, February 26, after Shabbat services. We will learn about the Torah and Torah portions. POSTPONED - 5th Grade Parent Bar/Bat Mitzvah Meeting – on Sunday, February 27, at 10:30 a.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. 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: 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. 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 March 29 (last Tuesday of the month). Information: Gladys Segal (215) 635-5815.
Ways To Get Involved 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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