E-KI

April 29, 2004         Issue 17 

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027   215.887.8700    

  

Torah Time Online

Love Your Neighbor

Achrei Mot-Kedoshim

Leviticus: 16-20

This week we have a double portion from the Book of Leviticus called “Achrei Mot-Kedoshim.”  It includes what is widely known as the Golden Rule, “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself” from Leviticus 19:18.  The Golden Rule is embedded in one of the richest passages in all of world literature, which includes numerous ethical teachings, including “not cursing the deaf,”  instructions to judges to be impartial in their rulings, not slandering others or holding grudges.  This passage is appropriately referred to as the “Heart of the Torah” (Lev HaTorah) not only because of its location at the mathematical center of the Five Books of Moses, but also because of its essential message.

 

According to KI’s Bylaws, “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself” is also the official motto of our congregation.  Indeed, it is so important in terms of this synagogue’s philosophy that it appears on the great pillars on the front of our building along with the Shema! Indeed, if you combine the Shema and its affirmation of belief in one God, and the Golden Rule and its soaring universalism, you have summed up the worldview and purpose of our congregation.  

 

In keeping with the historic core of Reform Judaism’s teaching, KI endeavors to combine Jewish religious conviction with an enduring commitment to all of humanity. We do this best when we keep our own synagogue strong, support good causes for the benefit of all and treat one another in a kindly fashion.  Next time you drive by KI, take a look at the restored pillars and the enduring words inscribed upon them.  They are our message to our community, the world and ourselves.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, Ph.D.

 

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES AT KI

 

Worship Opportunities

Services This Week, 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.

Services In the Week Ahead, Friday, May 7 —Family Shabbat services at 7:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary, led by the 4th Grade in our Religious School.  Saturday, May 8—Shabbat morning services at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel, when we will celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Michael Lester Murray, son of Susan and Joseph Murray.  This service will be interpreted in sign for the hearing impaired.

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

Shavuot—Please join the congregation at Shavuot Services on Wednesday, May 26 at 10:30 a.m. as our 10^th grade students participate in Confirmation.

Cultural Opportunities

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.

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 10:00 a.m., Jewish-Christian Relations in the United States 1654-2004: a 350-Year Retrospective – Lecture is open to the public;

·         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)

·         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

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. 

Mitzvah Day—Sunday, May 23^rd, KI’s annual community day of service allowing our congregation to fulfill the Jewish ideal of gemilut hasadim, doing good deeds of loving kindness. You can sign up to help with Religious School projects, KI Kitchen, Local Clean Up, KI Garden, KI Mitzvah Corps, Jewish Relief Agency, Habitat for Humanity, HMS School for Cerebral Palsy, or KI Special Education.  See the KI May Bulletin for more details and sing up form.

Blood Drive—In the spirit of Tikkun Olam, KI will be sponsoring a Red Cross Blood Drive to alleviate a severe blood shortage on Mitzvah Day, Sunday, May 23.  Walk-ins are welcome.

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.