E-KI

July 29, 2004         Issue 30

 

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027   215.887.8700    

 

Torah Time Online

Parashat Va’etchanan

Deuteronomy 3:23

Isaiah 40:1

 

“Please Rise for the Shema!”

 

This week’s Torah portion, Va’etchanan, includes the text of the Shema (Deut. 6:4).  In many ways, the Shema has functioned as Judaism’s creed.  It is a summary of our basic religious and ethnic commitments.  Difficult to translate and easy to recite, the Shema has long occupied a central place both in public and private devotion in the Jewish tradition.  Even the way it is printed or handwritten is tightly controlled by tradition in order to preserve its meaning, internal emphases and larger purposes.

 

The exact meaning of the Shema, however, is not so easy to determine.  Viewed in the context of the religious culture of the ancient Near East, it is most likely an attempt to distinguish the uniqueness of the God of Israel and thereby advanced the ultimate development of monotheism.  Later,  in the midrashic analysis of the rabbis, it became a kind of statement of Jewish loyalty attributed to the sons of Jacob standing at their father’s deathbed.  Both of these values, religious and ethnic, remain at the very center of continuing power of the Shema.

 

A century ago, the prevailing understanding of the Shema in liberal Jewish religious circles viewed it as a statement of “ethical monotheism.”   “Israel” in this context was understood as the “chosen people” whose mission was to be “a light to the nations.”  Furthermore, the uniqueness or oneness of God in the Shema was linked to the notion that the God of Israel primarily demanded ethical behavior of us.   Judaism, according to Leo Baeck and others,  was a universal, ethical monotheism.

 

While both components of the Shema’s message remain valid today,  the ideas of Israel and God have shifted to a more ethnic and a more spiritualized understanding.  “Israel” has come to mean “Jewish” and particular.  God is  generally understood to be more a spiritual presence than a demanding  ethical voice in our lives.   On the other hand, the Shema remains as central as ever in all forms of worship.

 

Whatever your understanding of the Shema may be,  it is important to reflect on its meaning and its place in our lives.  It is the first “prayer” we teach our children.  It is the last statement we utter on earth.  In between,  let us learn to live our lives in response to its deepest meaning and guiding power.

 

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! 

 

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 may be blocked at Township Line, so you might not be able to 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 30 – Shabbat Evening service at 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel.   Rabbi Rigler will speak – Tisha B’Av:  Mourning and Comfort.  Welcome our new Cantor, Amy Lefko, this Friday and throughout July and August. 

Saturday, July 31 – 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.

In the Week Ahead, Friday, August 6 –Shabbat evening service at 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel.  Saturday, August 7 – 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 .  Members of the Upstairs Minyan will participate (see below).

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. 

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.  Members of the Upstairs Minyan will participate in the service:  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—Tot Shabbat service begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 13.  It will be followed by an Oneg Shabbat (no dinner).

Selichot —“Exploring the Days of Awe: Focusing on our Relationship with God.” Join our clergy on Saturday, September 11, at 8 p.m., as together we explore a variety of Hassidic texts, interspersed with rich Hassidic melodies. The evening will begin with dessert, followed by our Study Session, and conclude with our annual Selichot service. Please note that this year we will also be taking time during our Selichot prayers to mark the 3rd Anniversary of September 11th.  Usher in the Days of Awe in study, prayer and song with your friends at KI.

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

Attention Singers!!  If you love to sing, come use your voice to priase God and make our High Holy Day services meaningful and beautiful.  Rehearsals for the High Holy Day Choir begin on Tuesday, August 17, with a Dessert Reception at 7:00 p.m.  Rehearsals will be at 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday night until the Holy Days!!  Info:  Cantor Amy Lefko  (215) 887-8702    See you there!  J

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.  Admission is $5.  Please join us!

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+ - Save the date:  Thursday, September 9, at 11:30 a.m.  Robert Selzer – 350 Years of Jewish Settlement in America.  Sponsored by the Rosenau Fund.

Preschool and Religious School

Preschool Mitzvah Bake Sale – Tuesday, August 3, from 9 a.m. to noon – proceeds go to preschool summer mitzvah project: buying school supplies for elementary school students.

Library Summer Reading Event— for children 2-8 years old and their parents on Tuesday, August 10 at 7:00 p.m. on the new story rug in the Meyers Library.  Program of Jewish folktales and folksongs with Cantor Amy Lefko, followed by refreshments.

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.

KI COLLEGE CONNECTION would like to maintain contact with all KI member undergraduate college students. We will send the KI Bulletin, birthday cards, e-mail greetings, connection to URJ College KESHER Network and holiday gift packages.  Contact Chris Smith at cesmith@comcast.net with your college student's address.

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.

Sharing Our Simchas – Share your happiness with our congregational family.  Consider underwriting 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.