Dear Congregants,

I must admit that being a Congregational President during this pandemic has been challenging; but staying masked and working around Covid-19 has not stopped me from keeping in touch with what is happening at KI. I thought you might appreciate a glimpse of the meetings and programs I personally attended in December of 2020. (Of course, I saw many of you there, so thanks for all of your support! May you be inspired to stay involved and make a difference in the year ahead!)

• 4 Weekly Senior Staff Meetings – Zoom planning time
• 4 Shabbat Services – Watched on Facebook Live
• 1 Confirmation Service – Congratulations Confirmands!
• 1 Sisterhood Zoom Shabbat – Don’t (Ever) Let the Lights Go Out! 
• 3 Bar Mitzvah Celebrations – Mazel Tov and Presentation of Gifts!
• 4 Weekly Torah Study Sessions – The  Book of Genesis
• 3 Zonegs with Cantor Amy Levy –Mazel Tov to Ellen Tilman on her retirement, Klezmas music with Ken Ulansey, and a tribute to Educator & Sisterhood member Fran Nodiff, of blessed memory
• 2 Board of Directors Meetings – Keeping KI strong!
• 1 Board of Trustees Meeting – Planning for the future!
• 1 BINGO Fundraiser – Led by Ross M. Levy & Cantor Amy Levy for Sisterhood
• 1 KI Library Program with former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren, author of The Night Archer; and Other Stories (great stories, somewhat provocative & highly recommended)
• 3 Adult Education programs – From a one act play on Eleanor Roosevelt, to Critical Thinking & Alexander the Great – with thanks to Caryl Levin!
• 5 Wednesday Rabbi “Rewind” Talks – Zoom Watch Party for Beethoven in Beijing, Jews and Music & Fran Schwartz live on the piano, The Exodus Story, and guest speakers
• 8 Nights of Community Hanukkah Candle Lighting! (160 Zoom participants tuned in for the first night with Rabbi Sussman and Liz Sussman!)
• 2 Federation Philadelphia Webinars – Covid-19 Community Updates
• 1 Zoom Breakfast with President’s from other Reform Congregations in the Philadelphia Suburbs
• 1 Social Justice Policy Committee meeting and discussion of Ibram X. Kendi’s ideas on How To Be an Anti-Racist
• 1 Jewish Art Salon Program – featuring the art of our own Joan Myerson Shrager
• 1 Gratz College 125th Anniversary Celebration honoring CNN Anchor, and Chief Whitehouse Correspondent, Jake Tapper
• 1 Tired KI President!