E-KI

February 26, 2004         Issue 8

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027   215.887.8700    

Torah Time Online
Exodus 25:1, Terumah, "Build Me a Sanctuary"

Both the Torah portion this week, Terumah  ("An Offering") beginning with Exodus 25:1 and the Haftarah (I Kings 5:26) focus on the construction of holy places.  The Torah portion describes how the portable sanctuary in the desert was to be built by our ancestors during the Exodus, and the Haftarah announces the completion of Solomon's Temple several centuries later in Jerusalem.   In both cases the text supplies us with lavish details about the foundational shrines of our heritage.

But building and maintaining a sacred place is not just another construction project, no matter how complicated.   Building a temple or a synagogue or a shrine of any sort is not just a matter of bricks and boards.  First and foremost it is about the construction of sacred community.   Sacred space strives to be symbolically larger than its actual square footage.  It cannot house the infinite, nothing can, but it can become a place where the finite transcends itself through design, decoration and association.  "Build me a sanctuary," God instructs Israel in the desert, "so that I may dwell among you," my people.  A sanctuary, the Torah teaches, is a venue for the divine in our midst.

How can we bring the sacred into our sanctuaries and synagogues?  Again, our Torah has sound advice.  "Take for Me an offering," the text tells us, from anyone "whose heart is willing!"  What turns stone, glass and steel into a sanctuary?  Not its design!  Not its colors!  Not its impressiveness nor its quaintness!  Rather, it is the simple willingness of the hearts of those who gather and worship there which transforms a building into a sanctuary. 

In short, the most important "offering" any of us can make when we enter our synagogue is a "willingness of heart."  The desire to be part of a community, the urge to do service for others, a sense of responsibility to maintain the ways of our families and ancestors, these are the building blocks of a sanctuary of the heart.   If you bring a prayer, a mitzvah, a kind thought with you as you enter our synagogue, then the foundations of our temple will be reinforced and the presence of God will dwell among us.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, Ph.D.

 

 

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES AT KI

 

Note:  Announcements for the next Shabbat folder must be submitted to the Rabbis’ Office by thursday, March 4, at 10:00 a.m.

Worship Opportunities

Services This Week, Friday, February 27 - Shabbat evening service at 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel.  Rabbi Sussman will speak on  “The Passion and Jewish-Christian Relations.”  He will also review the movie at services Friday, March 19.  Saturday, February 28 - Torah Study Havurah at 9:00 a.m. in the Library;  Mini-Minyan at 9:30 a.m. in the Youth Lounge; Junior Congregation at 10:30 a.m. in the Youth Lounge; Shabbat morning service at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel, when we will celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Benjamin Daniel Staples, son of Debra and Robert Staples.

Services In the Week Ahead, Friday, Friday, March 5 - Shabbat evening service at 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.  Korn Memorial Service commemorating Rabbi Korn’s 25^th Yahrzeit featuring the U.S. Naval Academy Choir and Cantor Mel Luterman.  Babysitting available, call the Rabbinic Office: 215-887-8702;  Saturday, March 6 - Torah Study Havurah at 9:00 a.m. in the Library;  Shabbat morning service at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel; Purim Shpeil and Megillah reading at 7:00 p.m.

Mini-Minyan & Junior Congregation Services—Saturday, February 28 at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Tot Shabbat—Friday, March 12, at 6:00 p.m.

Blue Jean Shabbat—Friday, March 19, at 7:00 p.m.

Mini-Minyan & Junior Congregation—Saturday, March 27 at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.

Family Shabbat Service—Friday, April 2, at 7:15 p.m.

Cantor Luterman — January appearance; rescheduled for Friday, April 23.

Healing Service--Wednesday, April 28 at 6:15 p.m.

Upcoming holidays

Purim Brown Bag Dinner, Shpeil and Megillah Reading—Saturday, March 6, at 6:00 p.m. We will provide drinks and dessert, come in costume.  During dinner craft your own grogger and make Mishloach Manot (gifts for friends and those in need); Purim Shpeil “Fiddler on the Repaired Roof” at 7:00 p.m. follwed by the Megillah Reading.

Purim Carnival—Sunday, March 7.  Special Purim Community Time at 10:45 a.m. during Religious School including costume parade.  Carnival 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Lunch, games, prizes and much more (including a preschool corner w/games and crafts). Tickets available at the door, 10 for $5 (12 for $5 in advance).

Super Get-Ready-for-Passover Day—Passover workshop on Sunday, March 28, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.  Sponsored by the K.I. Outreach Committee, Religious School and Preschool.

Congregational Seder—sponsored by the K.I. Brotherhood—Tuesday, April 6, promptly at 6:00 p.m.—$45/adult  $21/children 14 and under.  Watch for more info.

Cultural Opportunities

Yoga—Sundays, February 29, March 14 and 21,  from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Open to the congregation and community.  $5/session.  Reservations:  Religious School (215) 887-8704.

Cabaret!—“Some Enchanted Evening,” four singers from The Curtis Institute perform music from Broadway, light opera, jazz and more, on Saturday, March 20.  Dinner at 6:30 p.m.  Dinner and program: $25/adult, $10/child.

Masterworks Is Coming!  Crafts and Antiques Festival — Preview Party on Saturday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. $25 ticket includes admission on Sunday, April 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Monday, April 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Art Display—Art from Social Action Committee Contest by children in our Religious School is now on display at Barnes & Noble in Jenkintown (window facing Walgreen’s). 

Adult Education & Speakers

Rabbi’s K.I. Spring Forum—Reform Judaism:  A History continues Sunday, February 29, with “Rationalizing Reform Judiasm.” Details

Nowhere in Africa, Bella Friesel (discussion leader), Sunday, February 29, at 3:00 p.m.  See Adult Education Brochure for more details.

Cultural Council 60+ — “Autumn Sun: The Bright Side of Aging,” guest speaker Genevieve Whitford, author and poetess, Thursday, March 11, at 11:30 a.m.  Lunch—K.I. members $7 by March 4; $10 for members after March 4; guests are $10.  Send checks (payable to K.I.) to Doris Parker, 1250 Greenwood Avenue, #308, Jenkintown, PA   19046.

Preschool and Religious School

Preschool Open House & Family Fun Day—Purim themed crafts and activities featuring Andi Joseph, “The Musical Mommy,”  on Sunday, February 29, 2-4 p.m. Spread the word if you know anyone interested in Preschool for the summer and next year.  For more information call the Preschool at 215-885-2425.

Senior KIFTY Thousand-Bracelet Project—in memory of one of the victims of terror in Israel.  Bracelets available for $5 each at KIFTY Kafe and KIFTY Canteen.

Social Action Opportunities

Social Action Shabbat—Friday, March 26, at 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.  Mark Pelavin, Associate Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, will speak on separation of church and state.  Doris Parker and Jules Kay will be honored for their contributions to the community.  Information:  Nicole Wilson Spiro (215) 887-8704.

March for Women’s Lives—Sunday, April 25, Washington D.C.  Bus leaves from K.I.  Contact Chantal Feinberg, Social Action Chairman, for information.  215-782-1483 or CLF7441@aol.com.

Greeting Cards Benefit Sefer Project – Need to send a greeting card?  Isabel Hirshberg, a first grader in our religious school, has won the Social Action Art Contest and designed a greeting card, available for $5 in the Administrative Office (Religious School Office on Sunday). Each card purchased represents a donation of one new book to the Sefer (Book) Project, which provides books to children in need.   You can also help the Sefer Project by donating new and gently used children’s books.

Hat & Mitten Drive— Ongoing.  Please help support this drive!  Drop-off basket in Preschool hallway.

Congregational Trips

Retreat—Weekend at Camp Harlam with Rabbis Sussman and Peter Rigler, from Friday, March 19 to Sunday, March 21.  Sponsored by K.I. Brotherhood. Contact Art Silverman for information:  (215) 643-8531.

Heritage Trip to Italy – “Torah, Art and Opera” in Rome, Florence and Venice, July, 2004.   For more information, call Fayway Travel at (215) 676-3525.

Congregational Trip to Israel—Spring 2004.   Interested?  Call (215) 887-8702.

Ways To Get Involved

We Need You - The membership committee is embarking on an ambitious quest to recruit new members to join our K.I. family. We can’t do it without your help! It’s a great chance to share your love of K.I. with prospective members and meet current members as well. Contact Leza Raffel at (215) 884-6499 for further details.

EKI—If you want to receive these announcements by e-mail every week, please call Anne Newman in the Administrative Office with your e-mail address (215) 887-8700.

K.I. Outreach Committee – Are you part of an interfaith couple?  Are you a Jew-by-choice?  Are you a Jew-by-birth interested in relearning Jewish traditions?  The K.I. Outreach Committee is interested in your participation and/or your input.  Contact Sharon Buckingham (215) 885-9429.

Shabbat Shalom Tablecloth – Join our growing list of congregants who have already added their names to our beautiful name-embroidered tablecloth.  ($25/one-line name).  For information, contact Babe Hernes (215) 379-5438 or Doris Parker (215) 886-9267.

Celebration Fund – Is there a special occasion occurring in the near future for you or a loved one?  A milestone birthday?  A special anniversary?  Birth of a child or grandchild?  Share your happiness with our congregational family.  Contributions to K.I.’s Celebration Fund underwrite our beautiful Oneg Shabbat.  Contact the Administrative Office, (215) 887-8700, for further details.

Sisterhood Gift Shop – Gift Certificates now available!  Gift Shop is open  Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday during Religious School hours and by appointment.  Please call Mickie Levin (215) 698-0314 or Joan Kamen (215) 947-5926.