E-KI

August 19, 2004         Issue 33

 

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027   215.887.8700    

 

Torah Time Online

Parashat Shoftim

Deuteronomy 16:18

Isaiah 51:12

 

“All Glory is Fleeting”

 

At the end of the movie “Patton,” the gravelly voice of the deceased general serves as a narrator offering a postscript to the epic film.  In his closing remarks,  Patton, a scholar of classic military history and a mystic himself,  recalls how the  Romans conducted their triumphal parades.  Following all the spoils of war, the Caesar rode in a golden chariot and with him was a slave who whispered in his ear that “all glory is fleeting.”  This haunting line brought the movie to a stunning and appropriately philosophical conclusion.

 

In a similar vein, this week’s Torah portion, Shoftim (“judges”) includes legislation limiting the power, and by extension, the ego, of the king’s of ancient Israel.  In Deut. 17:18-19,  the Torah states that when a King is on his throne he is required to keep a copy of the Torah with him so “that he may learn to fear the Lord his God …., keep the words of the Torah … and not lift up his heart above his brethren.”   Unlike any other king in the ancient world,  the ruler of Israel was fully subject to the Law of his kingdom and an equal to all of its inhabitants in the eyes of God.

 

The place and power of the chief executive officer of any society has been a topic of great interest to political theorists and concerned citizens since the dawn of history.   In his treatise on the subject of power,  The Prince (1532) Machiavelli maintained that a ruler is “not bound by traditional ethical norms  and should be concerned only with power and the rules that would lead to success in political actions.”  It is a frightening scenario and a strategy which has repeatedly plunged the world into war and mass destruction.

 

The responsible use of power, respect for the law, and need to maintain traditional ethical norms are not just theoretical themes for us to consider.  They are the essential parts of the political process which governs our lives in this country, in Israel and across the globe.  As we enter into the Jewish New Year and its call for deep reflection and as we ponder our own political preferences in the upcoming elections this Fall,  we would do well to test our conclusions against Shoftim’s words of caution about kings and their place in society and law. As history has repeatedly shown, the destiny of the world depends on how we balance these complex and often conflicting values.

 

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!

When 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 20 - Shabbat evening service at 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel – Rabbi Sussman will speak:  The Arrogance of Power. 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 . 

In the Week Ahead, Friday, August 27  – Shabbat evening service at 8:00 p.m. in the Chapel – Rabbi Peter Rigler will speak.  Saturday, August 28 – 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, when we will celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Max  Behar, son of Beatrice and Mori Behar.

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 Hasidic texts, interspersed with rich Hasidic 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 Tashlich 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 praise 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

WRJ Art Calendars—are now available for individual purchase.  Order forms are in the Administrative Office.

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:  Karen Kantor, Kehillah (215) 635-0557.

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

Gala Dessert Buffet Reception—welcoming Cantor Amy Lefko on Wednesday, September 22, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Rothschild Auditorium.  No charge.  RSVP by Sunday, September 19 to Joan Kamen (215) 947-5926. Sponsored by WRJ/Sisterhood, Brotherhood and KI Music Committee.

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.