E-KI

August 12, 2004         Issue 32

 

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027   215.887.8700    

 

Torah Time Online

Parashat Re’eh

Deuteronomy 11:26

Isaiah 54:11

The use of the word "see" at the beginning of Parashat Re'eh is about something other than the physical act of seeing. Of the more than four hundred times in which the verb "see" is used in the Tanakh, this is one of the few times in which it has special significance.  The use of "re'eh"- "to see" is God's way of telling us " to believe."

Others include the following: In Genesis 27, Isaac, whose "eyes were too dim to see" (27:1), smells the clothes that he thinks are Esau's and says, "Re'eh, the smell of my son is like the smell of the fields that Adonai has blessed" (27:27). In Genesis 41:41, Pharaoh says to Joseph, "Re'eh, I put you in charge of all the land of Egypt" after Joseph has proposed his plan to save Egypt from famine. When Moses has doubts about whether Pharaoh is listening to him, God replies: "Re'eh, I place you in the role of God to Pharaoh" (Exodus 7:1).  In the examples above, the speaker is announcing something that will have an impact on the future and certainly takes faith to act on God's command.  We often use the imperative form when we want to get people's attention. For example, when we are trying to make an important point, we say, "Look, this is what I want you to understand" or "Do you see what I mean?"

The word Re'eh is a way of drawing attention to what is happening or what is about to happen, focusing on its importance, and recognizing that the future will be different based on the choice that is about to be made. Whether or not you can see the blessings or the curses in front of you, you have to believe that you can, and then you have to believe that God has given you the ability to do what is right as an individual and as a member of the Jewish community.

[Excerpted from Torat Chayim by Rabbi Stephen Karol]

Shabbat Shalom!

 

Cantor Amy Lefko

 

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 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 – Rabbi Sussman will speak:  Everything You Read Is Not Everything That’s Going On: Report on My Recent Trip to Israel.  Saturday, August 14 – 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, August 20  – Shabbat evening service at 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel – Rabbi Sussman will speak.  Saturday, August 21 – 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 ; Shabbat service at 2:00 p.m. at Rydal Park.

Selichot —“Exploring the Days of Awe: Focusing on our Relationship with God.” Join our clergy on Saturday, September 11, at 8:00 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.  See complete list of services in your High Holy Day Information mailing.

Tashlich – on Thursday, September 16, at 4:00 p.m. (after the Rosh Hashanah Family Service at KI) at Wall Park. Brief Tashlish ceremony in which we symbolically cast our sins into the water, followed by an Oneg.  Join us and invite your friends for fun and food.  Sponsored by the Preschool and Religious School PTA’s.

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

The Temple Judea Museum is looking for family photographs to include as part of its upcoming exhibition, Treasures of American Judaica.  The photographs should be contemporary, hopefully, taken in the last few years and typical snapshot size. If originals are submitted we will color copy them and return ASAP (please include return information.) We appreciate copies or digital prints that do not have to be returned. Photos can be left in the KI Administrative Office in an envelope marked for the TJMuseum. All photos should be received by September 10th.  The exhibition opens early September through early November.

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+ - Robert Seltzer – 350 Years of Jewish Settlement in America – on Thursday, September 9, lunch at 11:30 a.m.    Sponsored by the Rosenau Fund.  KI member luncheon fee is $7.00 with a reservation by September 2, $10.00 for guests and reservations after September 2.  Send checks to K.I., Attn: Cultural Council.  Information:  Doris Parker, 215-886-9267.

Preschool and Religious School

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, now a second-grader in our religious school, 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.