E-KI

April 22, 2004         Issue 16

 Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027   215.887.8700    

 

Torah Time Online

Tazria/Metzora

Leviticus: 13:1-23

 

For those of you that like bloody, gory movies this is your week!  The double portions of Tazria/Metzora focus on all sorts of bodily discharge, especially blood.  Blood is a powerful force in the descriptions of the Temple in the book of Leviticus.  In the previous Torah portions we read about blood being used to purify the altar.  Blood is dashed against all sides of the altar in order to cleanse it.  When Moses ordained the priests, he placed blood on their earlobes, hands and feet, on his garments and their garments, in order to sanctify them.    In these examples and throughout the book of Leviticus, blood is used to make something ritually pure or appropriate for use in the Temple.

            In Leviticus 12 we read about a woman’s state of ritual purity with regard to female discharge in menstruation and childbirth.  All of the blood surrounding these natural occasions deems a woman “impure” and unable to go to the Temple.  This impurity of blood stands in stark contrast to the blood used to purify the altar and the priests.  The reason lies in the ability to control the blood.  Blood that is not understood or not able to be controlled is seen as scary and therefore is to be restricted.  However, when harnessed and contained, blood represents the ultimate power of life and holiness.  It is our life source. 

            These chapters of Leviticus negotiate the distance between what we can control and what we can not control.  Israelites who lived in the times of the Temple, both men and women, were constantly going between states of ritual purity and impurity.  When they became impure there were rituals and laws which governed what they should do to become pure again, and able to visit the temple.  The words of the text this week may seem very distant to us, but their message is still pertinent.  We too live lives where we move between times when we feel close to God or far away from God.  And we have rituals that help us make transformations from times of great distance to times of nearness.  May we recognize the moments that we feel distant to God and try to understand them and seek to seize upon them, to act and transform them into sacred and holy times. 

 

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Stacy Eskovitz Rigler

 

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES AT KI

 

Worship Opportunities

Services This Week, Friday, April 23 —Shabbat evening services at 8:00 p.m. in the  Sanctuary.  Guest Cantor, Melvin Luterman, will participate in the service.  Rabbi Maslin will speak: Shhh, They Might Call You a Liberal!  Saturday, April 24—Shabbat morning services at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel (please note special time this week only), when we will celebrate the Bat Mitzvah of Jessica Nicole Gordon, daughter of Karin and Mitchell Gordon.

Services In the Week Ahead, Friday, April 30 —Shabbat evening services at 8:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.  Brotherhood Shabbat, Scholar-in-Residence– Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna—The Emergence of American Judaism.  Saturday, May 1—Torah Study Havurah at 9:00 a.m. led by Dr. Sarna; Shabbat morning services at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel, when we will celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Drew Alexander Lewis, son of  Leslie and Paul Lewis.

Sisterhood Shabbat—Friday, May 14, at 8:00 p.m.  Guest speaker:  Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell, Regional Director, PA Council, Union for Reform Judaism, Women's Wisdom and the Transformation of Traditions.  Cantor Mel Luterman will also participate.  Special Oneg Shabbat to follow.

Upcoming Holidays

Celebrate Israel’s 56th Birthday — Tuesday, April 27 noon to 2:00 p.m., Rittenhouse Square, sponsored by the Israel and Overseas Center, Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.

Dance, Sing, Shop, Jump for Israel—Join your community and The Kehillah of Old York Road Tuesday, April 27, 5:30-9:00 p.m. at Perelman Jewish Day School, Forman Center to Celebrate Israel’s 56^th Anniversary.  Dance with Rak/Dan, Sing with Neshamah, Kosher food for sale, Kids Moon Bounce & Inflatable Slide and Products “Made in Israel” available for purchase.  Suggested minimum donation $18.

Cultural Opportunities

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, and Mira Nakashima, renowned wood crafter and daughter of George Nakashima. 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). New addition to the weekend—Slide presentation by master furniture maker Robert C. Whitley on Sunday, April 25, at 9:00 a.m. before the show opens.  Continental breakfast available.

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 .

Mother’s Day Brunch & Program —Sponsored by the K.I. Brotherhood.  Sunday, May 9 catered brunch at 10:00 a.m. followed by a musical program with Ellen Bildersee & Evelyn Goldhammer at the piano and Fay Malissa singing.  Reservations by May 3^rd, $5.00 for mothers and $10.00 for all others.  RSVP to Art Silverman at 215-643-8531.

Teatime Cabaret—Sunday, May 16 at 3:00 p.m. at K.I.  “A Taste of Honey” with Cantorial Soloist Sherrie Rosenblum, accompanied by Patricia Wood, piano.  Discuss the lives and times, and sing the songs of famous Jewish composers: Arlen, Bernstein, Gershwin, Korngold, Sondheim and Weill.  This concert is sponsored by the Levins; for every dollar donated they will match that dollar, in honor of the birth of their granddaughter.

From Emigrant to Immigrant: Reflections on Coming and Becoming — Temple Judea Museum exhibition of original artwork and archival materials through June 30, 2004. 

Adult Education & Speakers

Adult Education – Varian Fry, Anne Edelman, on Tuesday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m.; Jewish Merchant Princes, Anne Edelman, on Thursday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m. Adult Education Brochure for more details

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— The 350^th Anniversary of Jewish Life in North America, Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna, Professor of  American Jewish History at Brandeis University.  Friday, April 30 through Sunday, May 2,.  Friday, April 30 at 8:00 p.m.— Brotherhood Shabbat, 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.

Cultural Council 60+ — Classical Music Composers of Jewish Descent, guest speaker Jill Pasternak, Host of Temple Classical Radio.  Thursday, May 13, 2004, lunch at 11:30 a.m.  Sponsored by the Rosenau Fund.  KI member luncheon fee is $7.00 with a timely reservation by May 6^th, $10.00 for guests and late reservations.  Contact Doris Parker, 215-886-9267.

B’nai B’rith Honors Rabbi Sussman—Tribute Brunch by York Road Wingate-Ben Gurion Unit No. 1988 on Sunday, May 16 at 10:00 a.m. at Melrose Country Club.  Invitations were mailed.

New Books in the Meyers Library—Lifecycles –Volume 2: Jewish Women on Biblical Themes in Contemporary Life, edited and with introduction by Rabbi Debra Orenstein & Rabbi Jane Rachel Litman. Did you ever want to explore the impact biblical texts have on our lives?; Secret Origins of the Bible by Tim Callaham. Did you ever want a broader interpretation of the sacred texts than someone taking the verses out of context to support personal views?; With all my Heart, with all my Mind: Thirteen Stories about Growing Up Jewish, edited by Sandry Asher. “Benjy has nightmares about his upcoming Bar Mitzvah ceremony.  Rachel’s grief over Grandma Hannah’s illness turns her away from her temple.  Jaci wrestles with pressure by day and angels by night… well, growing up has never been easy.”

Preschool and Religious School

Breakfast with the Educator—Join Rabbi Stacy Eskovitz Rigler Sunday, May 16^th at 9:30 a.m. for an informal breakfast.  She will be available to listen to any ideas and suggestions for next year as well as answer any questions about this past year.  All religious school parents are welcome.  If you know in advance you can attend, please RSVP to Fran in the school office.

Preschool Mitzvah Crib—Please donate new baby and toddler supplies so we can help young families in need in our community.  Collection box in the preschool hallway through May 23 (Mitzvah Day).

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

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!

Reminder to Vote —Primary Election is April 27. The Social Action Committee wants to remind you to have your voices heard in our electoral process. 

Race for the Cure — Sunday, May 9.  The Social Action Committee and WRJ will have two buses to go downtown.  Bus to Survivors’ Breakfast leaves K.I. at 6:00 a.m.  Second bus leaves at 7:00 a.m. Both buses return by noon.  $5/person (bus only) Registration for the race itself or the Survivor’s Breakfast is done on your own. Questions can be directed to Chantal Feinberg (Social Action chair) 215-782-1483 or Michele Gusdorff (WRJ) 215-782-1446.

Build New Playground at Wall Park — Help fill 1500 volunteer shifts (8:30 a.m.-noon; 12:30-4:30 p.m.; 5:00-8:00 p.m.) from May 12 to 16.  Everyone welcome.  No skills required.  Childcare & meals provided. Just show up or call Nomi Saunders at 215-635-3806 to register for a shift or two. 

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.