E-KI

October 14, 2004         Issue 41

 

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027   215.887.8700

 

Torah Time Online

Shabbat Noah

Genesis 6:9

Isaiah 54

 

David S. Franks:  A Modern Day Noah

 

On Wednesday, October 13, I had the honor of participating in a special ceremony at the corner of 5th and Arch on Independence Mall in Philadelphia.  The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission was dedicating a new “blue and yellow.”  The marker’s inscription explained that the grave of David S. Franks, a Jewish hero of the American Revolution, had been “rediscovered” in the cemetery of Christ Church and was worthy of public attention. 

 

David S. Franks had seen combat as a Major in the Pennsylvania line in the failed American attack on Quebec. Following the liberation of Philadelphia from the British, he served as an officer on Benedict Arnold’s staff, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His association with Benedict Arnold got Franks into a great deal of trouble, although he was twice fully exonerated by the courts, decisions publicly supported by George Washington.  When Franks died in the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793, a non-Jewish friend arranged for him to be buried in a grave in the Cemetery of Christ Church instead of in a pauper’s grave in a Potters’ Field.  Although the original site of his burial is no longer known, a second marker in memory of Major Franks has been placed inside the cemetery just a few feet east of the grave of Benjamin Franklin.

 

In many ways, David S. Franks was a Noah-like person.  Of Noah, whose story we read this week, the Torah says that “he was a righteous man in his generation.”  For sure, Franks was righteous in his generation. Sadly, the Torah also reports that following the Flood, Noah suffered from something akin to a post-traumatic stress disorder and developed numerous personal problems from which he never recovered.   Similarly, Franks, too, was unable to return to a normal lifestyle after the war and as with Noah, controversies followed him to the grave.

 

Today, finally, David S. Franks, Revolutionary War hero, Jewish activist and diplomat in the service of the United States, rests in peace and has been properly recognized by his people and his nation.   No longer forgotten, David S. Franks will be remembered as “a righteous man in his generation” and in the annals of history.

 

Zichrono l’vracha, may his memory be for blessing.   Amen.

 

Shabbat Shalom.

 

Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, Ph.D.

 

Driving Alert!

When you are coming to KI, please be aware that Township Line Road is closed from Church Road to Old York Road.  Use the entrance to our parking lot off Meetinghouse Road at Old York Road.

 

UPCOMING ACTIVITIES AT KI

 

Worship & Study Opportunities

This Week, Friday, October 15 – Shabbat dinner at 6:00 p.m. by reservation only; Shabbat evening service and Installation of Cantor Amy E. Lefko at 8:00 p.m.   Guest Cantors Jonathan Comisar and Vadim Tunitsky.  Saturday, October 16 -- 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., when we will celebrate the Bat Mitzvah of Rachel Lee Dodies, daughter of Cathy and David Dodies; Shabbat service at 2:00 p.m. at Rydal Park Retirement Home; Havdalah service at 5:30 p.m., when we will celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Gregory Fredrick Leon, son of Jennifer and Stuart Leon.

In the Week Ahead – Friday, October 22 –Shabbat evening at 8:00 p.m.  in the Sanctuary.  Saturday, October 23 – Torah Toast & Tefillah --Torah Study Havurah at 9:00 a.m. in the Library;  light breakfast at 10:00 a.m.; participatory Shabbat morning service at 10:30 a.m in the Chapel.

Herman and Lilyan Feingold – Memorial plaques will be unveiled in the KI Chapel on Friday, October 22, following evening services.  Daughter Carolyn Kurtz invites friends and neighbors of her parents to join in the celebration of the Feingolds’ lives.

Special Shabbat Services for Kids – on October 30 Mini-Minyan at 9:30 a.m. and Junior Congregation at 10:30 a.m.  Family dinner and Shabbat service on Friday evening, November 5.  Tot Shabbat on Friday, November 12.  Blue Jeans Shabbat on November 19.

Sephardic Shabbat on November 12 – Mark your calendar!

Attention Singers!! – Ongoing rehearsals on Tuesday nights 7:30-9:00 p.m.  The group is now preparing for the Sephardic Shabbat on November 12.

Listen to Most recent Shabbat evening sermon – click on this link! http://www.kenesethisrael.org/Sermons/ShabbatService.htm  

Adult Education

Rabbi’s Fall Forum – Anti-Semitism in America – on Sunday, October 17, at 9:45 a.m. at KI – “One Nation Indivisible?  Anti-Semitism in America, 1880-1950.”  Lecture III on October 24.

Nutrition Balance—Learn nutrition basics from Kari DuBro, registered dietician, on Sunday, October 17, 11:00 a.m. to noon.  Registration fee $15.

Strengthening the Bonds: Interfaith Families at Home and in the Community – Conference for families, extended families and Jewish community leadership on Sunday, October 17, from noon to 6:00 p.m. at Steinhardt Hall, University of Pennsylvania (215 S. 39th St.)  Registration fee at the door: $36/person, $50/couple.  Sponsored by Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Greater Philadelphia and Faithways (Interfaith Family Support Network).  For more information, call 215-732-6634, or visit www.jfcsphil.org/faithways.

Lunch ‘n’ Learn – about the Torah portion of the week with Rabbi Sussman in Center City on Thursday, October 21, from noon to 1:30 p.m.  Call the Clergy Office  by noon on Wednesday, October 20 for reservations and information.

Jewish Basketball Players —Jim Rosin will talk about basketball players in Philadelphia and the SPHAS at a Brotherhood program on Sunday, November 7, at 10:00 a.m.  Light breakfast.  No charge.  RSVP to Art Silverman (215) 643-8531.

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 Opportunities

New Books and New Look in the Meyers Library – The Meyers Library has a whole new look thanks to a recent donation by the Meyers family. Come and enjoy our comfy chairs and beautiful reading tables.  Join us for the Library Re-dedication on Sunday, October 17, at 11:30 a.m.

Thoroughly Modern Millie – WRJ-KI Theatre Trip to the Merriam Theater (Philadelphia) on Sunday, November 21, beginning with a blintze brunch at 10:30 a.m. at KI.  Brunch, bus transportation and orchestra seats are $98/person.  Limited space is still available.  Call Barbara Bronstein for information and reservations:  (215) 673-1435.

Community Family Concert Series -- Time for Three – on Sunday, October 24, at 1:00 p.m. at KI – Nicolas Kendall & Zachary DePue, violins; Ranaan Meyer, double bass.  $15/adults, $5/12 & under.  Pizza or salad lunch  at noon available by reservation $5/person.

Preschool and Religious School

Junior KIFTY Hayride – on Saturday, October 16, from 5:30 to 11:00 p.m.

Annual Hat & Mitten Drive – Drop off items in Preschool hallway.  drive sponsored by the Preschool.

“December Dilemma” – Rabbi Sussman will speak at the Preschool PTA meeting on Monday, November 8, at 9:15 a.m.

Preschool Education Forum – “Promoting Potential in Young Children: The Power of Parents” on Sunday, November 14, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., for parents and preschool educators. Rabbi Sussman and Kathy Goldenberg are members of the discussion panel.  Event is open to the public.

Silent Auction – on Saturday, November 20, at 7:00 p.m. to raise money for our Preschool Playground.  $10/person includes admission and refreshments.  Cash bar.

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

ARMDI (American Red magen David for Israel) presents Joshua Nelson and the Jubilee Choir – in concert on Sunday, October 17, at 7:00 p.m. at Beth Sholom Congregation.  Nelson is a Grammy-nominated African-American, raised as an Orthodox Jew.  He and his choir perform “kosher gospel music.”  The concert will raise urgently needed funds  for emergency medical supplies and equipment for Magen David Adom in Israel.  Reserved seating $36.  General Admission $25.  Children under 13 $18.  Information: 215-947-7007.

Attention, Genuardi’s Shoppers – Thank you for your past participation in the Community Cash Back program, administered by eScrip.  It is now time to renew your commitment to KI by renewing your membership in this program.  Simply go to eScrip.com and follow the instructions for re-registering your Genuardi’s card number, or you can call e-Scrip at 1-800-801-4973 (have your Genuardi’s card number handy).   If you are joining the program for the first time, you can complete a form at Genuardi’s, register at eScrip.com, or use one of the forms from the information stand in the KI Lobby.  Remember, our Group name is Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, and our Group ID# is 1002448.

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.    Information:  Gladys Segal (215) 635-5815. 

VOTE on November 2 -- Montgomery County Absentee Ballot forms available in the Administrative Office during regular business hours.  Rides to the polls are available.  Contact Rabbi Peter Rigler for information  (215) 887-8702.

Ways To Get Involved

Annual Congregational Hanukkah Bazaar and Book Fair – on Sunday, November 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Do you know a vendor who would like to participate?  Contact Carol Levy (215) 641-1204.

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.

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— will be open on Sunday mornings during Religious School hours.  Other days by appointment only.   Call Joan Kamen (215) 947-5926 or Shirley Sivitz (215) 884-3774.