E-KI

July 16, 2004         Issue 28

 

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027   215.887.8700    

 

Torah Time Online

Parashat Matot-Masei

Numbers 30:2

Jeremiah 2:4

 

ISRAEL’S BOUNDARIES

 

This week’s double portion brings the Exodus to the steppes of Moab, its last location before crossing into the Promised Land.  In Numbers 34,  a description of idealized boundaries of the new Israelite state are given in great detail from the “wilderness of Zin” in the south to “Zedad” (Syria) in the north.  The discussion of where Israel’s borders should be remains a controversial topic to this very day.

Indeed, during the last week we have heard two very different court-based opinions about where the boundaries of the Jewish State should be.  First, in a remarkable display of democratic strength and judicial sensitivity,  the Israeli Supreme Court determined that placement of Israel’s security fence needed to be adjusted in accordance with law and the human rights of the Palestinians.  By contrast, an advisory court sponsored by the UN, with complete disregard for any Israeli security needs,  ruled the entire “fence” illegal and handed the Arabs a major propaganda victory.  The borders of Israel, so it seems, remain an eternal struggle between the real, the ideal and the surreal.

In just under two weeks, I will be traveling to Israel to participate in a summer institute focusing on the teaching of Israel in North American Jewish communities.  Part of our trip will be an exploration of borders, not only the more familiar border issue in the Golan, but also the vexing problems of the “fence” near Gaza.   In order to teach effectively about Israel and advocate politically for Israel it is first necessary to be familiar with HaMatza,  “the situation,” as it currently exists on the ground in the Middle East.  I look forward to sharing my report with you when I return.

Meanwhile, as a congregation we will have an opportunity to explore Israel and the boundaries of Jewish life this December.  Under the sponsorship of the Kehillah of Old York Road,  I will be leading a family trip to Israel along with my colleagues from AJ and Beth Am.   The trip is scheduled to run from December 22 to January 2.  So as you read this week’s Torah portion and its geographic description of the land of Israel, try to envision yourself on the map and on the ground in Jerusalem, Eilat and Tel Aviv.

 

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, Ph.D.

 

P.S.  Do you enjoy reading Torah Time?  Consider coming to the Torah Study Havurah - a weekly Torah discussion held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning in the Library.  It is informal, all levels of Torah students are welcome, and you can come once or on a regular basis.  No RSVP needed, The Havurah meets every single week of the year, so join us! 

 

 

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES AT KI

 

Worship & Study Opportunities

This Week, Friday, July 16—Shabbat evening services at 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel.  Welcome our new Cantor, Amy Lefko. Rabbi Peter Rigler is speaking – The Power of Words.  Saturday, July 17– Torah Study Havurah at 9:00 a.m. in the Library – Rabbi Rigler will lead the discussion; Shabbat morning service at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel;  Shabbat service at 2:00 p.m. at Rydal Park with Rabbi Peter Rigler.

In the Week Ahead, Friday, July 23 – Sizzling Shabbat barbecue dinner and Family Service at 6:30 p.m.  (See below for details.) Welcome our new Cantor, Amy Lefko, this Friday at the 8:00 p.m. service and throughout July and August.  Saturday, July 24 – Torah Study Havurah at 9:00 a.m. in the Library – Rabbi Sussman will lead the discussion; Shabbat morning service at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel.

Summer Service Schedule – Through Labor Day, Friday evening services at 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel and Saturday morning services at 10:30 a.m., also in the Chapel.  Torah Study Havurah will also continue on Saturday mornings in the Library at 9:00 a.m.  The next Upstairs Minyan is on Saturday, August 7, at 10:30 a.m. in the Library.

Sizzling Shabbat Barbecue— Come join us for a family-style barbecue Shabbat dinner, followed by a Family Shabbat service on Friday evening, July 23, at 6:30 p.m.  This event, sponsored by the KI Membership Committee, is a great time to invite prospective members to get to know our KI community.  Dinner is $8 per person or $20 per family.  Bring a prospective member and dinner is free!  Weather permitting, we will barbeque and eat outside.  [Note: There will also be an 8:00 p.m. service in the Chapel.]

Upstairs Minyan -- following Torah Study Havurah on Saturday, August 7, the Upstairs Minyan will join the regular service at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel.  The service will be led by members of the Upstairs Minyan:  Sallie Olson, Allen Britton, David Goldstein, Caryl Levin, and Edythe Weiss.  They will be joined by Rabbi Peter Rigler and Cantor Amy Lefko.  A Shabbat brunch will follow.

Havdalah Down the Shore -- Special Havdalah service on Saturday, August 14, in Margate.  Watch for more details.

Selichot —We will explore with our clergy Hassidic texts about prayer and our relationship with God, all interspersed with rich Hassidic melodies.  The reception begins at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 11 in the Krauskopf-Ginsburg Auditorium, followed by the Study Session, and then Selichot services in the Sanctuary.

High Holy days --Rosh Hashanah begins on Wednesday evening, September 15.  Yom Kippur begins on Friday evening, September 24, with Kol Nidre services.

 

Cultural Opportunities

Save the Date—Jonathan Tobin, Executive Editor of Jewish Exponent, will speak on “Israel and the Media: A journalist looks at how his profession covers the Jewish state and the conflict in the Middle East” on Sunday, September 19, at 10:00 a.m.  Brunch and discussion.  Watch for more details.

Kehillah Trip to Israel—Family trip to Israel from December 22, 2004, to January 2, 2005, led by Rabbi Sussman, Rabbi Seymour Rosenbloom of Adath Jeshurun, and Rabbi Robert Leib of Beth Am.  Visit Jerusalem, Eilat, Netivot and Tel Aviv, with opportunities for B’nai Mitzvah at Masada.  Approximate cost is $2,900 per person, double occupancy — family discounts available.  Sponsored by the Kehillah of Old York Road.  Arrangements by Ayelet Tours.  Information (800) 237-1517 or ayelet@ayelet.com.  For reservations:  Congregation Adath Jeshurun (215) 635-6611.

Cultural Council 60+ - next program in September.

Preschool and Religious School

Reading and Arts & Crafts Program—Jewish folktales for preschoolers through 3rd graders (with their parents) on Wednesday, August 11 at 11:00 a.m. in the Meyers Library.

Senior KIFTY Thousand-Bracelet Project—in memory of the victims of terror in Israel.  Bracelets available for $5 each in the Religious School Office.

Social Action Opportunities

Are you Blood Type “O?” -- Our area blood bank is running low.  If anyone you know is "O", please contact them about donating blood.  Pikuach Nefesh- it's a mitzvah.  Call 1-800-448-4543 to schedule an appointment.

Do your part—register AND vote.  Pennsylvania Voter Registration and Montgomery County Absentee Ballot forms now available in the Administrative Office during regular business hours.

Social Action Committee— Do you care about social justice?  Join the Social Action Committee and help shape KI’s action in the community around us. If you have ideas on how we at KI can make a difference contact Rabbi Peter Rigler in the Clergy Office at 215-887-8702 or rabbipcr@kenesethisrael.org  

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 during regular business hours. 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 KI family. We can’t do it without your help! It’s a great chance to share your love of KI with prospective members and meet current members as well. Contact Leza Raffel at (215) 884-6499 for further details.

KI 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 KI 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 KI’s Celebration Fund underwrite our beautiful Oneg Shabbat.  Contact the Administrative Office, (215) 887-8700, for further details.

Sisterhood Gift Shop—Summer hours by appointment only.   Call Joan Kamen (215) 947-5926 or Shirley Sivitz (215) 884-3774.