E-KI

March 25, 2004         Issue 12

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027   215.887.8700    

 

Torah Time Online

VAYIKRA

          Last week we completed the Book of Exodus with the description of the construction and completion of the Tabernacle.  
        This week we begin reading the third book of the Bible, Leviticus or, in Hebrew, Sefer Vayikra. 
        Leviticus deals primarily with the laws of sacrifices that were to be brought in the Tabernacle in the desert and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. 
        The Torah portion this week begins, "And God called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying, 'Speak to the Israelite people…'" What follows is an enumeration of the required rituals and sacrificial offerings in the newly built Tabernacle and extending to all phases of life.
        This communication becomes the next major section of the Torah.  It is interesting to note that the aleph at the end of "vayikra" is traditionally written much smaller than all the other letters.  Why does the tradition demand that we use this format? What is the significance of the small aleph?  Of course, commentators throughout our history have offered many suggestions.  One of my favorite interpretations is that the small aleph actually reflects the paradigmatic modesty of Moses.
        Let me explain with a Midrash, an interpretive story.  According to legend, Moses, when writing the Torah, actually wanted to write "vayikar" (without an aleph).  vayikar would imply that God  "chanced" upon Moses.   But the story goes on to say that God instructed Moses to write "vayikra," as a testament to His higher relationship with Moses.  Moses relented, but in his modesty wrote vayikra with a small aleph.
        Rav Bunim of Psischa, a Hasidic commentator, said that Moses thought of himself as just a normal person standing on a high roof.  He was not any higher in spirituality than the rest of the children of Israel, but he was elevated to a higher position.  He did not see himself as a "big aleph" but rather as a small one.  It was precisely because Moses was a humble leader that he was capable of achieving so much.  When we see ourselves as a "small aleph," or as one of many other letters, we open ourselves up to true cooperation and mutual support, as we learn and grow together.

 

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Peter Rigler

 

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES AT KI

 

Worship Opportunities

Services This Week, Friday, March 26 - Social Action Shabbat service at 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel.   Guest speaker;  Mark Pelavin, Associate Director of the Religious Action Center of the Reform Judaism will speak on the separation of church and state. Saturday, March 27 - Torah Study Havurah at 9:00 a.m. in the Library;  Mini-Minyan at 9:30 a.m. in the Youth Lounge; Shabbat morning service at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel; Junior Congregation at 10:30 a.m. in the Youth Lounge.

Services In the Week Ahead, Friday, April 2 - Family Shabbat Service at 7:15 p.m. in the Chapel.    Saturday, April 3 - Torah Study Havurah at 9:00 a.m. in the Library;  Shabbat morning service at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel.   Monday, April 5—Seder at home; Tuesday, April 6—Passover service at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel; Community Seder at 6:00 p.m. in the Krauskopf/Ginsburg Auditorium.

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

Shabbat Together with Temple Beth Am — Friday, April 16, at 8:00 p.m. at K.I.  Prayers and music in anticipation of Yom HaShoah (Sunday, April 18) will be included in this joint service.  Rabbi Leib of Beth Am will give the sermon; and both Cantor Elena Zarkh and Cantorial Soloist Sherrie Rosenblum will participate in the service, along with the combined adult choirs from both congregations.  Greetings will be offered by Karen Sirota and Steven Pollack, Presidents of KI and Beth Am, respectively.  Join us for an evening of song, prayer and unity at KI.

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

Upcoming holidays

Super Get-Ready-for-Passover Day—Passover workshop on Sunday, March 28, from 9:30 a.m. to noon.  Religious School students report to class from 9:30-10:15 while parents have a session with Rabbi Peter Rigler in the Chapel “Have a Family-Friendly Seder.”  From 10:15-Noon attend your choice of two workshops  for the whole family to learn and make crafts or play a game.  Sponsored by the K.I. Outreach Committee, Religious School and Preschool.  Enrich your knowledge and enjoyment of the Passover holiday!  As part of this program, stop by the Sisterhood Gift Shop for all of your Passover needs including wine, Haggadas, Seder plates, candlesticks and Kiddush Cups.

Congregational Seder—sponsored by the K.I. Brotherhood—Tuesday, April 6, promptly at 6:00 p.m.—$45/adult  $21/children 14 and under.  For reservations contact Rick Gusdorff at 215-782-1446 by March 29.

Cultural Opportunities

From Emigrant to Immigrant: Reflections on Coming and Becoming — Temple Judea Museum exhibition of original artwork and archival materials March 28 through June 30, 2004.  The opening day, Sunday, March 28 begins with the Artisans’ Festival—Old World and New World Crafts, noon-3:00 p.m.  An opportunity for the entire family to create personal craft objects and explore the traditions of our heritage.  $9.00 for first child; $6.00 each additional child; kosher lunch will be available.  The day continues with an Artists’ Reception from 3:00-5:00 p.m. including an Artists’ Panel: Reflections—The What and Why Behind the Artwork at 4:00 p.m.  This exhibition and crafts festival are part of TJMuseum’s yearlong celebration of the 350^th anniversary of the arrival of Jews in America.

Cook for MasterWorks Preview Party— with Wendy Ward and Joan Shore in K.I.’s kitchen! We need your help to make thousands of hors d’oeuvres and pastries.  April 18-23 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come one or come every day for some cooking fun!  Call Joan to sign up (215) 887-1763.

Chocolate Cooking Program—with Andrew Schloss, Monday, March 29, at 7:00 p.m., in the Krauskopf/Ginsburg kitchen.  Reservations required.  Space is limited.  $14/person.  Mail checks (payable to K.I. Sisterhood) to Michelle Gusdorff, 210 Waring Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027.

MasterWorks Is Coming!  Crafts and Antiques Festival —  contemporary crafts, designer furniture, antiques, clothing, and jewelry.  Preview Party on Saturday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m. Special guest Robert Whitley, master craftsman. Hors d’oeuvres, pastries, and wine.  $25 ticket for Preview also 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.  General admission is $8 ($6 with coupon in flyer or K.I. Bulletin).

Volunteer at MasterWorks—Teens and adults needed to work the admissions desk, cook and serve hors d’oeuvres and desserts, pour wine at the bar, and welcome guests to KI.  Information and sign-up: Lois Singer at (215) 947-5173 .

K.I. Sisterhood Returns to Broadway! Wonderful Town, Sunday, May 23. Continental breakfast at 9:30 a.m. at K.I.  Bus leaves at 10:00 a.m.; returns by 7:30 p.m.  $128/person.  Lunch not included.  Send check (payable to WRJ Sisterhood) to K.I., Attn:  Broadway, 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA   19027.

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 on Sunday, April 4, at 9:45 a.m. with “The New Reform Judaism.”

Adult Education -- Address Unknown, Bev Cohen, Thursday, April 1, 7:30 p.m.;  Do You Have to Believe in God to be Jewish?, Rabbi Ruth Sandberg, Thursday, April 15, 7:30 p.m.;  Book Discussion—The Far Euphrates, Wednesday, April 21, 2:00 p.m. See Adult Education Brochure for more details.

Cultural Council 60+ — “Why Christian Fundamentalists Love Israel,” Nathan Field, Thursday, April 8, at 11:30 a.m.  Lunch—K.I. members $7 by April 1; $10 for members after April 1; guests are $10.  Send checks (payable to K.I.) to Doris Parker, 1250 Greenwood Avenue, #308, Jenkintown, PA   19046.

Techines: Women’s Personal Prayers— created over hundreds of years and still used today.  Study session with Rabbi Stacy Rigler on Tuesday, April 27, at 7 p.m. in the Krauskopf/Ginsburg Auditorium.  Refreshments.  Admission is free.  Sponsored by WRJ/Sisterhood.  RSVP to Joan Kamen (215) 947-5926 by April 21.

Distinguished Scholar in Residence—Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna, Professor of  American Jewish History at Brandeis University, Friday, April 30 through Sunday, May 2, “The 350^th Anniversary of Jewish Life in North America.”  Friday, April 30 at 8:00 p.m.—“The Emergence of American Judaism;” Saturday, May 1 at 9:00 a.m. Torah Study Havurah; Sunday, May 2 at 10:00 a.m. Brunch  ($6/person with reservation only) and at 10:30 a.m. free lecture “American Judaism in the 21^st Century.”  Dr. Sarna’s visit has been made possible by a generous grant from Eve Mennies in memory of Bernard Mennies.

Book Review — Good Harbor by Anita Diamant, reviewed by Dr. Irene Reiter, on Monday, May 10, at 7:00 p.m.  Dessert buffet.  Free to Sisterhood members.  $3 for guests.  RSVP to Joan Kamen (215) 947-5926 by Monday, May 3.

Preschool and Religious School

Senior KIFTY Thousand-Bracelet Project—in memory 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.  For more information contact  Nicole Wilson Spiro (215) 887-8704.

Annual Interfaith Luncheon - Women, Named and Unnamed, in the Pentateuch, Rabbi Stacy Eskovitz Rigler, on Tuesday, April 20, at 11:00 a.m. at K.I.  Sponsored by the Interfaith Committee of WRJ/KI.  Community is invited.  Information & reservations:  Mickie Levin (215) 698-0314.

March for Women's Lives - Sunday, April 25 in Washington D.C.  Join the KI delegation and support freedom of choice. Strengthen the voice of the Reform Movement at this crucial time. Bus leaves KI at 6:30 a.m.  Bus leaves D.C. at 4:30 p.m. for return home.  The cost is $30.00 per person.  Contact Chantal Feinberg, Social Action Chairman, for information and reservation at 215-782-1483 or CLF7441@aol.com Register now—bus is filling up quickly!

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.

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.

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.  For extra Passover hours, call (215) 887-8700.