Preparation takes work. As I get ready to return to school- yes, Organic Chemistry, I’ve been reflecting on how much energy, organization, and intention it truly takes to step into something new. The beginning of a school year can feel full of promise or overwhelming, depending on what support is...
This week’s Torah portion, Eikev, teaches us that gratitude is meant to overflow into blessing and song—You shall eat, be satisfied, and bless” (Deut. 8:10). Jewish life teaches that when our bellies and hearts are full, we sing! Yesterday KI was filled with song, and the heart of our community...
A few years ago, I filled out a simple volunteer form for the Women’s Center of Montgomery County, an organization that helps free victims of domestic violence and other forms of abuse. I checked the box that said “occasional help.” I thought I’d maybe help out here and there, but...
It is with great joy and excitement that we welcome Alyssa (Lys) Davidson as the new Director of Choral Arts at Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, following in the footsteps of our beloved Hazzan David Tilman, who retired this past year. Lys brings a rich and dynamic background in music education...
This week we read Parashat Kedoshim, which begins with the commandment: “You shall be holy, for I, the Eternal your God, am holy.” These words remind us that holiness is not just a state of being, but a way of living in relationship with one another. Holiness is found in...
As Passover approaches, I am running a lot of recipe trials in my kitchen at home. I love rehearsing- whether it is preparing for Seder, a Service, a Concert, or even a tough conversation. Rehearsing is an opportunity to test an outcome. Some things in life need more rehearsing than...
On this Friday, March 28th, we will gather to honor Hazzan David Tilman and Ellen Tilman as they prepare to move closer to family. After 14 magnificent years as Director of Shir KI, Hazzan Tilman is retiring, having brought unparalleled beauty, professionalism, and warmth to our sacred music. Ellen Tilman,...
This Shabbat, Friday, March 7, 2025 at 7:00 p.m., Congregations Shaare Shamayim and Keneseth Israel will join together for Hadassah Shabbat Across the Regions. Many of our members’ support Hadassah, an organization established on February 24, 1912, that supports Israel through its world-renowned hospitals, providing critical medical care, expanding surgical...
This coming Shabbat at KI we will celebrate our February’s Jewish Disability, Awareness and Inclusion Month. We will share this evening with our friends at AADD (Association for Adults with Developmental Disabilities) and JCHAI (Judith Creed Horizons for Achieving Independence). AADD is an organization that provides social, educational, and support...
This week’s Torah portion, Vayechi, reminds us that blessings are often buried in places we don’t always think to look. Jacob, at the end of his life, gathers his family to share words of blessing. Within these words, we find hopes for the future along with prayers for peace. One of...
