E-KI

October 28, 2004         Issue 43

 

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027   215.887.8700

 

Torah Time Online

Shabbat Vayerah – Genesis 18:1

II Kings 4:1

With the election just days away we are all debating whom we would choose to lead our country. Our Torah portion reminds us that leaders like Abraham offer a model even for today. First, a good leader is willing to take an educated risk. While the decision to leave his homeland was chancy, he was willing to take a risk for a better world and life for his future generations. Next, it is key to note that leaders are not perfect. Quickly, Abraham seems to question God, as he feels it necessary to lie to the Pharaoh. Further, he allows his wife to be placed in a precarious situation to save himself from danger. But Abraham is not a man who is without conviction or loyalty. Instead, he willingly defends Lot against the native kings, and later he is seen begging God to spare the people of Sodom and Gomorrah. Both instances serve as examples of his great ability to act in a manner not limited by tribal considerations. His is a universal concept of justice.  In sacrificing the comfort of his homeland and the security of settlement, Abraham embodies vision in leadership. As the story progress Abraham’s faith grows and he becomes committed to protecting all people, not just his own kind.

We do not expect our leaders to be perfect beings, but rather we hope that they, like Abraham, have the foresight to understand the long-range effects of their decisions. Further following Abraham’s example of universal protection, today’s leaders must take into account the implications of their actions upon the entire world. Through such an approach, we hope that our leaders may soon find meaningful success with long-term peace.

As we reflect on the leadership model of Abraham, we also take time during this week to mark nine years since the assassination of former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin by an extremist Jew opposed to his peace efforts.

Whoever your choice may be to lead our country, please remember to vote on November 2nd!

 

Shabbat Shalom.

 

Rabbi Peter 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 29 –Shabbat evening service at 8:00 p.m.  in the Sanctuary.  Saturday, October 30 – 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 – Judy Greenberg and Renee Greenberg will read from the Torah, Sallie Olson will give the D’var Torah, and David Goldstein and Mickie Levin will be the service leaders .  Havdalah service at 5:30 p.m. in the Chapel, when we will celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Andrew William Schlesinger, son of Kathy and Robert Schlesinger.

In the Week Ahead – Friday, November 5 – Congregational Shabbat dinner on Friday, November 5, at 6:00 p.m.  $7/child and $11/adult before October 29 (RSVP to Fran in the School Office (215) 887-8704.)  Family Shabbat service at 7:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary, led by the 6^th Grade.  Saturday, November 6 – Torah Study Havurah at 9:00 a.m. in the Library; Upstairs Minyan at 10:30 a.m. in the Library; Shabbat morning service at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary, when we will celebrate the Bat Mitzvah of Jessica Helen Warren, daughter of Ellen and Brett Warren.

Special Shabbat Services for Kids –Tot Shabbat on Friday, November 12, welcoming Bayt Yeladeem.  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.

High Holy Day Sermons 2004  – can now be viewed on our website.

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 9:30-12:15,  Tuesday 4:30-6,  Wednesday 10-3:30, and Friday before 8:00 p.m. services. (You can also visit the bookcarts at the Oneg.) Annual Book Fair will be part of the WRJ Hanukkah Bazaar on Sunday, November 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Cash and check orders only.  Preview Jewish books of all kinds for children and adults after the Oneg on Friday, November 12. 

Cultural Council 60+ - Rabbi Lance Sussman – Salaam: An Introduction to  Islam – on Thursday, November 11, lunch at 11:30 a.m.    KI member luncheon fee is $8.00 with a reservation by November 3, $10.00 for guests and reservations after November 3.  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

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.  See above for information on Book Fair.

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 6:30 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 -- Rides to the polls can be arranged.  Contact Rabbi Peter Rigler for information  (215) 887-8702.  Call by Monday, November 1, at noon to arrange time.

For the Consultation of Conscience – Join Jewish leaders and advocates from across the nation in Washington, DC, to hear from key policy and government leaders about the issues that shape our lives. To explore the connection between ancient Jewish texts and current events.  Information:  Clergy Office (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.