E-KI

November 4, 2004         Issue 44

 

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027   215.887.8700

 

Torah Time Online

Shabbat Chaye Sarah – Genesis 23:1

I Kings 1:1

Reconciliation - this might be the theme of the week.  This week we saw the end of a bitterly divided electoral season.  This week we observe the ninth year since Yitzhak Rabin was murdered.  And this week we learn that Arafat has slipped into a coma.  It never ceases to amaze me how our ancient words can shed light on such modern events.

In this week’s Torah portion entitled “Chaye Sarah,” or “the life of Sarah,” we read about the deaths of our patriarchs - Abraham and Sarah.  First Sarah dies.  Abraham buries her, going to great lengths to buy the land and ensure it is rightfully his.  He then sends his servant Eliezar to secure a wife for Isaac.  We read about the qualities of Rebekkah, her kindness, her hospitality, all of which attract Eliezar to her.   After negotiations, Rebekkah and Isaac marry.  Abraham meanwhile remarries and has more children.  However it is his death that is particularly striking.  We read that Isaac and Ishmael gather tgether at their father’s grave.

Rabbi Norman Cohen, provost of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, writes in his book Self, Struggle and Change:  Family conflict stories in Genesis about their reconciliation.  He imagines the scene, “Two brothers who knew the trauma of being  a son of Abraham finally come together, and we wonder what they can possibly say to one another at that moment.” 

Rabbi Cohen asks, “Can the wounds of the past be healed as the memories of struggle for position and power fade?  While we know he is speaking of Isaac and Ishmael, I can’t help but wonder if the wounds of our country can be healed.  Certainly Kerry had the best interests of the country in mind yesterday when he conceded the election and spoke of the need for healing.

Rabbi Cohen also asks, “Can the children of Abraham embrace as they stand in the fields near Hebron?”  What impact might the death of Arafat have on the region?  Is this cause for a renewed hope for peace?

Finally he asks, “Can brothers or sisters come together after years of separation and realize how much time has been lost and how they still love each other?”  Certainly each of these portions raises both communal and personal questions.  I could not leave the discussion of Isaac and Ishmael only in the political realm when for so many of us this essential question is so deeply personal.

We do not know what Isaac and Ishmael do at the grave.  Rabbi Cohen thinks they might embrace.  I envision them more extending a hand across the space, each reaching out in the hopes of filling the void. 

 

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, November 5 – 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.  Torah Reader - Louis Wolf, D’var Torah - Sam Glantz, Service Leaders-Stephen Hecht (English), Sallie Olson (Hebrew); 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.

In the Week Ahead – Friday, November 12 – Tot Shabbat at 6:00 p.m. in the Chapel; Dinner welcoming Bayt Yeladeem School to KI at 6:30 p.m. in the Rothschild Auditorium; Sephardic Shabbat Sservice (music of the Jews of Spain and North Africa) at 8:00 p.m. with the Adult Choir --Rabbi Maslin will speak:  Can a Schlemeil Be a Patriarch?  Isaac Reconsidered.  Saturday, November 13 – Torah Study Havurah at 9:00 a.m. in the Library; Shabbat morning service at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary, when we will celebrate the Bat Mitzvah of Marly Lisa Siegal, daughter of Lori and Howard Siegal; Shabbat service at 2:00 p.m. at Rydal Park.

Special Shabbat Services Coming Up–Blue Jeans Shabbat on November 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel.   Junior Congregation on November 20 at 10:30 a.m. in the Youth Lounge.  Torah, Toast and Tefillah on November 20:  Torah Study Havurah at 9:00 a.m., Toast (light breakfast) at 10:00 a.m., Tefillah (Shabbat morning service) at 10:30 a.m.  Torah Reader – David Goldstein; D’var Torah – Norman Olson; Service Leaders – David Smith (English), Irv Matusow (Hebrew).

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.) New Books:  The Mitzvah of Healing, Hara Person; The Jewish 100, Michael Shapiro; Loon Lake, E.L. Doctorow; Heir to the Glittering World, Cynthia Ozick; The American Axis: Henry Ford, Charles Lindbergh, and the Rise of the Third Reich, Max Wallace.  For children:  D is for Dreidle, Tanya Lee Stone; Chanukah on the Prairie, Burt E. Schuman;  The Peddlar’s Gift, Maxine Rose; Jews in America, a cartoon history, David Gantz; Tasty Bible Stories: a menu of tales and matching recipes, Tami Lehman-Wilzig. 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.    Luncheon fee $10.00.  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 at Joan Jaffe’s office 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.

WRJ Raffle—Winners will be drawn at Hanukkah Bazaar.  $1,000 1st prize—$500 2nd prize — $250 3rd prize.  You don’t have to be present to win.  Tickets $10 or  $25 for three.  Available in Administrative Office during regular business hours.  Raffle Benefits KI Youth Activities. 

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

Hebrew Eagles Tees— 100% cotton long-sleeve tees with Eagles logo in Hebrew and English.  $18 either dark green with white print OR white with bright green print. Order by December 1. Proceeds benefit KIFTY. Information: Janet Luterman (215) 887-8700 x133. 

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 November 26; tea for two at the Four Seasons; sports memorabilia; dinner for two at Le Bec-Fin, and many opportunities for a night on the town!  For complete list: http://www.kenesethisrael.org/PreSchool/Auction-1.htm  $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 November 30 (last Tuesday of the month).    Information:  Gladys Segal (215) 635-5815. 

For the Consultation of Conscience – Join Jewish leaders and advocates from across the nation in Washington, DC, in March, 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.