This will be my last eKI (June 23) and tomorrow, June 24, will be my final Friday night Shabbat service at KI. Most of my efforts at this point are directed at moving into my new office across the hall in the former Gift Shop. I am glad I will...
It’s June, the final month of my work as Senior Rabbi of KI and all the big celebrations are behind us. We still have Confirmation (this Saturday night) and a number of Bnai Mitzvah and baby namings among other things. But the clock is running and sometime in the next...
Last Shabbat evening, the KI congregational family joined together for a joyous and moving tribute to Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, our retiring Rabbi. I conducted a special musical program presented by our sensational volunteer choir, Shir KI, professional vocal quartet, including Abbe Chapman, soprano; Jenifer Smith, mezzo; Steven VanName, Tenor;...
May 25, 2022 Dear Friends: As promised, below are several opportunities for KI members to meet Rabbi Benjamin David, our next rabbi, and for him to get to know us. Please read on, mark your calendars and join us. We are currently planning several small group gatherings throughout the summer...
We are obligated at Passover to see ourselves as if we too have escaped from slavery to freedom. So at our seder, past is always present. We relive the journey, the miracle as the Red sea suddenly opens. Then fear- having only moments to decide to chance crossing or stay...
Thank you for inviting me to pray with you this evening. I have been asked, as a Ukrainian-American and a child of immigrants, to talk a little about the situation that is taking place in my father’s homeland. Ukraine is a country in Europe that before this year many people...
Dear KI Congregants, In keeping up with the recent recommendations from the CDC, as well as the Montgomery County Office of Public Health, and in the spirit of Pikuach Nefesh, the Jewish value of safeguarding life, we are updating our Covid safety protocols. These changes do not apply to our...
Dear KI Congregants, Early in 2020, we determined that the national rise in anti-Semitism and hate crimes demanded an increase in our security measures. To protect our school children, staff, members and guests, the Board of Directors voted to engage armed security officers whenever our building was open. At that time...
The Purim Story is a new Megillah retold and introduced by Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, Ph.D., Senior Rabbi of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel (KI) in Elkins Park, PA published by Tablo Press (2021). Written for use at home or in the synagogue, The Purim Story features new, original artwork by Marlene D’Orazio Adler. Written as a...
It is with abounding pride and gratitude that I have agreed to become the next Senior Rabbi of Keneseth Israel In Elkins Park, PA. Founded In 1847, KI is a place of significant renown, a leader in and beyond the Reform movement for generations. The Jewish community of Philadelphia has...
