E-KI

August 5, 2004         Issue 31

 

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027   215.887.8700    

 

Torah Time Online

Parashat Ekev

Deuteronomy 7:12

Isaiah 49:14

In this week's Torah portion we read, "You will eat and be satisfied, and thank God" (Deut. 8:10). The Talmud (Brachot 48a) derives from this the birkat hamazon – the grace after meals. This is one of only two blessings (the other being the morning blessing said before Torah study) that are Biblically mandated. The other blessings we make on food and on commandments are post-biblical and rabbinical in nature.

 

What is the purpose of a bracha, a blessing? When we recite a blessing, we are recognizing that there is something bigger than us – we are recognizing God. When we acknowledge God as the ultimate source, we open ourselves to receive what we are requesting, be it food, health, or livelihood. This elevates a physical act, such as eating, from mundane to sacred; it is an opportunity to make a connection with God.

 

What is so unique about the blessing after food that it is Biblically mandated? When, logically, does a person ask God for his personal needs? When he doesn’t have them. In this case, it is a natural reaction if one has been without food and then sees a table with a full meal to be thankful. The Biblical mandate to make a bracha before eating is not necessary, only logical.

 

However, it is much more difficult to be thankful after one has been sated.

 

Therefore, it is at this moment when we are required to do so. Precisely when we are most likely not to appreciate the food that we ate, we are asked by our tradition to acknowledge it. This is true of all bounty. Are we as quick to be thankful for prosperity as we are to ask for help when we need it? Are we as quick to be thankful of good health as we are to pray when we are sick?

 

On this Shabbat let us remember to be thankful when we are full and satisfied with our lives.

 

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 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, 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).

In the Week Ahead, Friday, August 13 – Tot Shabbat service begins at 6:00 p.m., followed by an Oneg Shabbat (no dinner).; Shabbat evening service at 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel.  Saturday, August 14 – 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. 

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

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.