E-KI

October 21, 2004         Issue 42

 

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027   215.887.8700

 

Torah Time Online

Shabbat Lech Lecha – Genesis 12:1

Isaiah 40:27

 

This week we read from parashat Lech Lecha.  Made famous by the Debbie Friedman song, Lech Lecha describes Abraham’s journey from his native land of Ur to Canaan.  Included in this Torah portion are stories of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael and finally the birth of Isaac.  The portion focuses on Abram’s decision to become a Jew and God’s promise to bless Abram, to make his descendants numerous, to make them a great people and give them a holy land. 

This week the First Grade will be studying the Torah portion by asking, “What does it mean to be a Jew?”  Educational theory teaches that certain essential questions apply to any unit of study.  This question must be one of those.  We will explain to the first graders that a Jew is someone who celebrates Jewish holidays, attends a synagogue, and has Jewish life cycle events.  The Ninth Grade is studying comparative Judaism, and they too asked the question,  “What does it mean to be a Jew?”  There the debate began – if you are born to a Jewish mother does that automatically make you Jewish?  Do you have to do something to activate your Judaism?  What if we extended the question to adulthood – if  you were raised Jewish are you automatically a Jewish adult or do you have to do something to maintain your status?  This question has become a major issue for sociologists involved with the national Jewish population study. 

So, as we read parashat Lech Lecha, I ask you, “What makes you Jewish?”  Is it because you support a synagogue?  It is that you celebrate Jewish holidays?  Do you do mitzvot such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, or visiting the sick?  Do you activate your Judaism daily?  weekly?  yearly?  Or is it imbedded in everything you do? 

The words “lech lecha” can be translated as “Go forth” –  God asked Abram to go forth, or journey, from his native land.  They can also be translated as “Go into yourself.”  As we read this Torah portion, take the opportunity to journey into yourself and think about what makes you a Jew. 

Shabbat Shalom.

 

Rabbi Stacy Eskovitz Rigler

 

 

Driving Alert!

When you are coming to KI, please be aware that Township Line Road is closed from Church Road to Old York Road.  Meetinghouse Road may also be closed again at Township Line. 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 22 –Shabbat evening service 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.  Havdalah service at 5:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary, when Freddie Brouse will become a Bar Mitzvah.

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.

In the Week Ahead – Friday, October 29 – Shabbat evening service at 8:00 p.m. in the chapel.  Saturday, October 30 – Torah Study Havurah at 9:00 a.m. in the Library; Mini-Minyan at 9:30 a.m. in the Youth Lounge; Junior Congregation at 10:30 a.m. in the Youth Lounge; Shabbat morning service at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel – Judy Greenberg will read from the Torah; Havdalah service at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel, when Andrew Schlesinger will become a Bar Mitzvah.

Coming Up – Congregational Shabbat dinner on Friday, November 5, at 6:00 p.m.  RSVP to Fran in the School Office (215) 887-8704.

Special Shabbat Services for Kids –Family Shabbat service, led by the Sixth Grade of our Religious School on Friday evening, November 5.  Tot Shabbat on Friday, November 12.  Blue Jeans Shabbat on November 19 at 7:00 p.m.

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

News from the Meyers Library— Please come and visit our beautiful, newly refurbished Meyers Library on the second floor of the synagogue. Our hours are: Sunday 9-12,  Tuesday 4-6,  and Wednesday 10-2 and 4-6. We house a large and very fine collection of reference books, Judaica, and contemporary literature, as well as a "Kid's Corner" with more than 600 Jewish children's books for preschoolers through young adults.   New Books.  We thank the Brotherhood for making these acquisitions possible.   For adults:  My Losing Season, by Pat Conroy;  Benjamin Franklin, by Walter Isaacson; Courting Trouble, by Lisa Scottoline; The Ladies Auxiliary,  by Tova Mirvis; Miriam's Kitchen, by Elizabeth Ehrlich; The  33rd Hour, by Mitchell Chefitz.  For Children:  The 11th Commandment – Wisdom from our children by the children  of America, a lovely book of ethical thoughts; Jerusalem of Gold, by Howard Schwartz; God's Story:  How God Made Mankind, by Jan Mark ; A Coat for the Moon, and other Jewish Tales, by Howard Schwartz and Barbara Rush;  The Kid's Catalog of Bible Treasures, by Chaya M. Burstein 

Rabbi’s Fall Forum – Anti-Semitism in America – on Sunday, October 24, at 9:45 a.m. at KI – “Is IT Back?  Anti-Semitism in America, 1950-2004.” 

Cultural Council 60+ - Rabbi Lance Sussman – Salaam: An Introduction to  Islam – on Thursday, November 11, lunch at 11:30 a.m.    Sponsored by the Rosenau Fund.  KI member luncheon fee is $8.00 with a reservation by October 29, $10.00 for guests and reservations after October 1.  Send checks to K.I., Attn: Cultural Council.  Information:  Doris Parker, 215-886-9267.

Lunch ‘n’ Learn – about the Torah portion of the week with Rabbi Sussman in Center City on Thursday, November 18, from noon to 1:30 p.m.  Call the Clergy Office  by noon on Wednesday, November 17, for reservations and information.  If you would like to receive e-mail reminders about Lunch ‘n’ Learn, call the Clergy Office (215) 887-8702.

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

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.

Kristallnacht- An Evening of Dedication—on the 66th anniversary of Kristallnacht, Monday, November 8. Reception at 7:00 p.m.  Musical program and dedication of Holocaust Memorial Sculpture, In the Darkest Moments Is a Glimmer of Hope, by British artist Mila Tanya Griebel at 8:00 p.m. in memory of Samuel and Ida Rosen.  

Annual Congregational Hanukkah Bazaar and Book Fair – on Sunday, November 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Contact Carol Levy (215) 641-1204.

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.

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.

Israeli Folk Dancing --   with Don Schillinger, RAK-DAN Israeli Dancing, on Mondays from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm. in the Rothschild Auditorium.  This NEW program will start right after Thanksgiving weekend, on November 29, and run through May 23.  $7/adult and $4/student (under 21) per session.  [Note: no sessions on December 27, January 17, February 21, April 25, or May 30.]

 
Preschool and Religious School

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.  Auction items include:  4 box seats for 76’ers game on February 6; dinner cooked at your home by Rabbis Peter and Stacy Rigler; sports memorabilia; dinner for two at Le Bec-Fin, and many opportunities for a night on the town!  $10/person in advance ($15/person at the door) includes admission and food.  Cash bar.  Live jazz!

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

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 October 26 (last Tuesday of the 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 can be arranged.  Contact Rabbi Peter Rigler for information  (215) 887-8702.

Ways To Get Involved

Shabbat Pulpit Flowers --You can now sponsor the Shabbat pulpit flowers in honor of a birthday, anniversary, baby naming, safe travel, recovery from illness, or any other happy occasion. You can also sponsor the flowers in memory of a recent passing or a Yahrzeit anniversary.  An acknowledgement will be listed in the weekly Shabbat folder recognizing your generosity. Please make your check for $45.00 payable to: "WRJ Sisterhood," and mail to, Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, Attn: WRJ/Sisterhood-Pulpit Flowers.  Questions: Michele Gusdorff (215) 782-1446. Your information must be received at least one week in advance to be listed in the Shabbat folder.

Membership News—KI’s Membership Committee is looking for current members to partner with our new members and help them become integrated into the KI family. This is a great chance to discuss with new members all the cultural, religious and social action opportunities available at KI. If you are interested in participating, or just want to join the Membership Committee to share your love of KI with prospective members, please call Andy Brookman at (215) 887-0777.

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.