E-KI

July 22, 2004         Issue 29

 

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027   215.887.8700    

 

Torah Time Online

Parashat Devarim

Deuteronomy 1:1

Isaiah 1:1

This week we begin the last book of the Torah, Devarim.  The name, which means “things” or ‘words,”  is derived from the second word of the book. The English name “Deuteronomy,” comes from the Greek word which literally means “the second law,” because the book repeats many of the commandments discussed in previous books and reviews the events of the past forty years of wandering in the Sinai desert. This book could easily be named "The Long Goodbye."  We read about  Moses, who will not enter the Promised Land with the people, as he gives one last public speech.

In this week’s Torah portion, Moses recounts the events of the book of Exodus, from the giving of the second set of tablets at Sinai through to the incident of the 12 spies.   During the journey the burden of judging the people day and night has become too great and, taking the advice of his father-in-law Jethro, Moses appointed a series of judges over the people. Recounting that  incident he says, "Now I said to you at that time saying, I am not able, I alone, to carry you; to your God – and here you are today like the stars in the heaven for a multitude." (Devarim 1:9-10)

At the end of this portion, Joshua, who will assume the role of leadership after Moses, is assured that, just as God led Israel to victory in the wilderness, so too God will lead Israel in battle when they cross into the Land.

We meet Joshua fairly early in the story of Moses. He was a commander of the army when the Israelites fought against the Amalekites in the wilderness. He waited part way up Mount Sinai when God was giving the Law to Moses further up the mountain. He was one of the spies Moses sent into the Promised Land while Israel still waited in the wilderness, and he was one of only two men (the other was Caleb) who left Egypt as adults and survived to enter the Promised Land. So, at a minimum, Joshua played second fiddle to Moses for forty years in the wilderness before God elevated him to leader of Israel. Clearly God used the time of waiting as a time of training. Joshua worked closely with Moses as his assistant for many years and saw how Moses handled the rebellion of the Israelites, how he trusted God to perform miracles like parting the Red Sea and opening a rock to give water. He saw that Moses spent time alone with God in prayer, how he interceded for the people, and how he delegated responsibility to others.

We also learn from Joshua's life that it takes time to grow and truly fulfill new roles. We grow impatient. But look at how long Joshua served as an apprentice. We need to be patient and appreciate the miracles and joys around us every day.

 

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Peter Rigler

 

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! 

 

Driving Alert!

If you are coming to KI, please be aware that Township Line Road is closed during the day from Church Road to Old York Road.  Meetinghouse Road is blocked at Township Line, so you cannot cross Township Line on Meetinghouse.  Use the entrance to our parking lot off Meetinghouse Road at Old York Road.

 

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES AT KI

 

Worship & Study Opportunities

This Week, Friday, July 23 – Sizzling Shabbat Barbecue— Come join us for a family-style barbecue Shabbat dinner 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.  Shabbat service (more informal than usual) at 8:00 p.m. in the Krauskopf/Ginsburg Auditorium. Welcome our new Cantor, Amy Lefko, this Friday 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.

In the Week Ahead, Friday, July 30 –Welcome our new Cantor, Amy Lefko, this Friday at the 8:00 p.m. service and throughout July and August.  Saturday, July 31 – Torah Study Havurah at 9:00 a.m. in the Library – Rabbi Peter Rigler 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.

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.

Tot Shabbat & Welcome to Bayt Yeladeem—Tot Shabbat service begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 13.  Extended Oneg to follow.  Regular Shabbat evening service at 8:00 p.m.

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.

Introduction to Pilates – six-week Wednesday morning class taught by Carol* Rachel Shore of “It’s Pilates!, Inc. sm.”  Sponsored by the preschool.  All are welcome, and 100% of the proceeds goes to the Playground Fund.  Registration will begin on September 8th – don’t delay – class size is limited!  Information:  Kathy Goldenberg (215) 885-2425.

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

Cook for Sharing Is Caring – Help assemble meals in the K/G kitchen for clients at Newman Senior Center (Klein Branch JCC) from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the last Tuesday of each month, starting August 31.    Information:  Gladys Segal (215) 635-5815.  Please let Gladys know if you are coming.

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.