How would you define the KI community? Is it just our members? It is those individuals who come but don't yet belong, or those who have resigned their membership but still think of KI as their synagogue? Does it include the people who park their cars in our parking lot, or attend meetings regularly in our building? What about the UPS man who delivers packages each week, the pizza delivery, John our guard, or the bakery who bakes for the Oneg?

This week the Torah portion is entitled "Vayakheil." The word, meaning "gathered," has the same Hebrew root as the word Kehillah. We generally use this Hebrew word to mean community. In the portion the Israelites are finally actually doing what Moses has been instructing them in the last few portions; they are building the Tabernacle. Vayakheil begins with Moses asking "anyone whose hearts moved them" to bring gifts. We are told they brought more than enough. Others actually did the building and designing The idea was that each person could participate as he or she saw fit.

One of the things that I love most about this community is that I believe KI really offers something for everyone. While other congregations may limit a non-Jewish spouse or parent's involvement or may seek to encourage a "one-size-fits-all" approach to worship, we have tried and will continue to try to appeal to as many people as we can.

In recent discussions we have discovered that not everyone knows how much we, the clergy, value each and every member of the synagogue. Everyone has a place here, and everyone has something to offer. I know as the Educational Director I am always appreciative when a parent takes the time to call and offer some advice or concern about a specific issue in the school. Without that feedback I cannot continue making sure that we have the best program in the area. It seems that not every member knows that non- Jews are included in every aspect of a family's life cycle event, and we as clergy often do not even remember which of the parents is the non-Jewish one. Recently our staff meetings have been devoted to issues that only one or two congregants have brought up, but if it matters to those individuals we think it must matter to many others.

Without your gifts, we can not continue to be the community we all know and love. With them, our community can be, like the Tabernacle, overflowing with gifts from each of its members.

Everyone who walks into our building is a member of this kehillah. Everyone who drives through our parking lot is a member of this holy community. Each one gives something, and hopefully each member is also able to receive part of the blessings that our community shares.

Shabbat Shalom!

FAMILY SEDER HOSTED BY KI BROTHERHOOD - Sunday, April 20. Not too early to plan. Click here for details.

ADD YOUR NAME & SHABBAT WISHES TO KI'S SHABBAT TABLECLOTH -Wish everyone at the Oneg Shabbat a Shabbat Shalom. Have your name embroidered on the cloth! One line - $25. For information call Babe Hernes (215) 379- 5438 or Doris Parker (215) 886-9267.

KEEP KI ON THE AIR - WNWR 1540 A M - every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. Work is underway to create an endowment to fund the broadcasts for the future. In the meantime, we need your immediate help to continue this vital service to thousands of area residents, many of whom are senior citizens and shut-ins! Please send your donation to KI. Many thanks for KEEPING KI ON THE AIR!

OUR TORAH JOURNEY: Inscribing Our Future

The Torah Project continues. . .
Celebrate every occasion with a dedication in KI's beautiful new Torah! Choose a portion to honor anniversaries; birth of your children and/or grandchildren. Make a gift to a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrant with their name on their Torah portion. Remember your loved ones with a dedication to them in our Torah!

Call the Rabbinic Office, (215)887-8702, for details on how to choose a portion that will be a permanent honor or memorial for you, your family and friends.

PURIM CARNIVAL - Sunday, March 9, from 11:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Celebrate Purim with lots of fun!

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT - KI Confirmation Class offers babysitting at KI on Saturday, March 29. Click here for other dates and registration information.

KI'S NEW INFANT CENTER - is now open, and there is room for another infant or two! Contact Beth Berman for more information.

OVERNIGHT CAMP INCENTIVE PROGRAM - For the summer of 2008, 150 first-time campers can receive $1,250 toward an overnight Jewish camp experience through this program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. More information, guidelines, and an application.

COLLEGE PREP PROGRAM - Tutoring, College Admission & Financial Aid Guidance for 11th graders who meet financial eligibility requirements. Click here for details.

FREE 10-DAY ISRAEL EXPERIENCE - The Union for Reform Judaism offers a free 10-day trip to Israel for all Jewish 18-26 year olds. The URJ Kesher Birthright Trip provides young adults with the opportunity to travel with new friends, to connect with Israel, and to return home enriched. Apply for the URJ Kesher FREE 10-Day Birthright Experience at their website. Registration begins on February 12, 2008 for Spring and Summer 2008 programs. Register early, space is limited.

DID YOU OR YOUR CHILDREN GO TO KI PRESCHOOL? Did you or your child go to KI's preschool? We are trying to compile lists of the classes as well as class photos with names. If you can help by adding your name please email Beth Berman!

PRESCHOOL 50 EVENTS - Were you a preschool PTA president? E-mail Beth Berman the names of any preschool PTA presidents you remember (including yourself!) so we can recognize you on April 12th at our Gala celebration.

PENNSYLVANIA BALLET COMES TO KI - Sunday, March 2 - open class and rehearsal; pizza/salad lunch at noon; program at 1:00 p.m. Click here for details.

LIFE, FAITH AND CANCER - What happens when a rabbi or cantor has cancer? What happens when any of us has cancer? Rabbi Douglas Kohn will discuss his book on Saturday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m. at KI. The book, which includes Rabbi Kohn's story and those of 18 other Jewish leaders, will be available for purchase and signing.

WORTH THE RIDE: MY JOURNEY WITH DUCHENNE MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY - Book signing by KI's own Josh Winheld on Sunday, March 9, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at KI. ***All proceeds from book sales are being donated to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1994 by parents of children with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. This organization is dedicated to helping improve the treatment, quality of life, and outlook for the individuals affected by this disease. Worth the Ride: My Journey with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy retails for $14.95 per copy. Your purchase is tax-deductible. Acceptable methods of payment: Cash, Personal Check, VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover. Please RSVP to Josh.

CULTURAL COUNCIL 60+ - "A DEDICATED JEWISH LIFE" - Thursday, March 13, at 11:30 a.m. Illustrated lecture by photographer and writer Alvin Gilens. Reservations before March 5: $10 KI members, $12 nonmembers. Reservations after March 5: $12 for KI members and guests. All admissions at the door $14. Co-sponsored by the Temple Judea Museum and the Rosenau Fund. Send checks to KI. Information: (215) 887-8700 or Doris Parker: (215) 886-9267.

NEED A SITTER? See "Parents' Night Out" in previous section.

ARTISTS CONSIDER THE JEWISH BOOK - Exhibition at Temple Judea Museum. Click here for a list of books mentioned at the February 3rd program with Rabbi Sussman and Carlin Romano.

FIRST ANNUAL SISTERHOOD CHINESE AUCTION - Wednesday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m. Details.

VISIT THE KI/WRJ GIFT SHOP - Serving dishes & platters now 20% off. We accept VISA and MasterCard. Free Gift Wrapping! Monday through Friday from noon to 2:00 p.m.;Tuesday, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday 9:30 a.m.-1.00 p.m. Call (215) 673-1695 and ask about gift shop appointments.

PHOTOS OF TEL AVIV? - The Temple Judea Museum is looking for family snap shots, formal photographs and other memories of trips to Israel SPECIFICALLY centered around Tel-Aviv in conjunction with a TJMuseum exhibition scheduled for 2009 in celebration of Tel-Aviv's centennial. Photographs will be scanned and returned to the owners immediately. Please contact Rita Rosen Poley, museum director: (215)887-2027.

SEARCH THE WEB AND HELP KI - Just Point and Click! KI Sisterhood has become a member charity of Goodsearch.com, a search engine similar to Yahoo or Google. The advantage to using Goodsearch is that for every search you do, a donation is made to our own KI Sisterhood. Go to their website and enter Keneseth Israel Sisterhood into the space marked "Who do you Goodsearch for?" For each and every search you do, a donation will be made to KI Sisterhood! How much easier can it get? Please pass the word to every one you know. Anyone can donate this way, not just congregants. Sisterhood thanks you in advance for your support!

"CLIMATE CRISIS SOLUTION: Put on a Sweater" The social benefits of wearing a sweater are obvious - fame, hiding your spare tire, wealth, covering up your tummy. But what about the environment benefits? By wearing a sweater and lowering your thermostat 2 degrees, you can save up to 4% on your energy bill and prevent 500 pounds of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere over the course of one year.

JEWISH FAMILY & CHILDREN'S SERVICE - Volunteer training and opportunities, including possible mitzvah projects.

COOK FOR SHARING IS CARING - Help assemble meals in the K/G kitchen for Newman Senior Center from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25. Information: Gladys Segal (215) 635-5815.

GENUARDI SHOPPERS - You've earned several thousand dollars for KI by signing up for e- Scrip! If you have never registered your card, please consider doing so. Sign-up slips may be found on the information table in the main lobby. Register on-line, or fill one out and return it to the Administrative Office. Questions, call Ruth at (215) 741-4180.

LUNCH AND LEARN - in Center City with Rabbi Sussman on Thursday, March 20, at noon. RSVP to Clergy Office (215-887-8702) by noon on Wednesday, March 19.

GRATZ COLLEGE SPEAKER SERIES - "American Jews: Red or Blue" on Monday, March 31; "Freakonomics: A Jewish Perspective" on Monday, May 5; "Israel at 60: Peace at What Cost?" on Monday, June 2. Click here for more information.

PUBLIC LECTURE SERIES FROM CENTER FOR ADVANCED JUDAIC STUDIES - Note that the April 7th lecture is at KI. Click here for details.

NEW ADULT ED PROGRAMS - SAVE THE DATES - Sunday, April 13, at 3:00 p.m. - Opera Lecture by Joan Cohen - "Marvelous Mozart Moments." Thursday, May 29, at 7:30 p.m. "Jewish Stereotypes of the Broadway Musical Stage" - Dr. Bruce Bogdanoff. Sunday, June 22, at 7:30 p.m. Theatre at KI - "Address Unknown."

NEWS FROM THE MEYERS LIBRARY

New expanded library hours: Tuesday 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Sunday 9:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.; Friday before and after services. (You can also visit the bookcarts at the Oneg.) For a complete list of new books, click here. Note: To reserve a copy of the latest contemporary fiction/non-fiction, please see a library staff member or call 215-887- 8700, Ext. 122.

Take a look at an article by Rabbi Sussman in the latest issue of The American Jewish Archives Journal (pp. 29-52) entitled: "The Myth of the Trefa Banquet: American Culinary Culture and the Radicalization of Food Policy in American Reform Judaism." Despite the complicated title, it's a fascinating look at the class banquet served for the first graduating class of HUC. Rabbi Sussman discusses the banquet in terms of its time in American history and the customs and traditions of that era. The Meyers Library has several copies of the article available for you to read.

KEHILLAH NIGHT OF JEWISH LEARNING - Sunday, March 2, at Gratz. Reservations/information.

WORKSHOPS HELPING YOU TO COPE WITH LIFE'S CHALLENGES - Sponsored by Jewish Family & Children's Service. Click here for details.

BE "HELP-WISE" - THE MACULA VISION HELPER - PEOPLE-THINGS-TIPS - Monday, March 17, 10:00 a.m. at KI. Speaker - Michele Jaffe, MSW, LCSW. Click here for March details.

JEWISH GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY - Monday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. Jon Entine, author of Abraham's Children: Race, Identity and the DNA of the Jewish People, explores history, medicine, and anthropology through the lens of DNA. Free for members of JGSGP and a charge of $2.00 for non-members.

MVRF SUPPORTSIGHT SEMINAR - Sunday, March 30, at 2:00 p.m. at KI. "Macular Degeneration - Newest Information on Treatments and Research" - Allen Ho, M.D. "Macular Degeneration - Diagnosis, Depression and Rising Above It"- Mary Betty Roeder.

JEWISH ATHLETES WANTED - The JCC Maccabi Games® are an Olympic style international sporting events held each summer in North America for teens ages 13-16. Over 3000 teens from around the world will gather this summer for the Games and participate in sporting competitions, opening ceremonies, community service projects, home hospitality, evening social events and Jewish camaraderie. This is the largest gathering of Jewish teens in the world! Team Philadelphia comprised of Jewish athletes from all over Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs will be holding tryouts beginning in March. Try out for your spot on Team Philly. Click here here for complete brochure. For more information call The Maccabi Games office at 610-896-7770 ext 107.

CAMP SIMCHA - 2nd Annual Family Camp for Children with Special Needs - August 7 until August 10 in Bruceville, TX. Click here for more information.

UNEMPLOYED OR UNDEREMPLOYED? Helping Hands helps Jewish individuals under 65 living in the Delaware Valley to find appropriate employment. Click here for an application form. Call (215) 854-1834 to learn more. Funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.