February Shalom KI_with ads

VOLUME 124 NUMBER 6 ShalomFEBRUARY 2019 THE BULLETIN OF REFORM CONGREGATION KENESETH ISRAEL & THE MEYERS LIBRARY Celebrating Awareness & Inclusion Join us for Inclusion Shabbat, presented by KI’s Inclusion Committee in honor of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM). See Page 4 for details. Back by popular demand KI’s Pre-Oscar Party on Sunday, February 24 at 3:30 p.m. Fun, delicious food & great entertainment for all ages! See Page 7 for details!

From KI Leadership President’s KI By The Numbers We are not a wealthy synagogue; 42% of our Message members pay special dues and 10% of our We all know that numbers only tell part students receive scholarships. Donations and of any story. Let us take a quick look at KI by fundraising represent 5% of total income. the numbers. As of January 1, 2019, we are a congregation of 828 households, totaling KI has always engaged in Social Action and 2,033 individuals. Interestingly, 25% of the Social Justice, particularly in its stance against congregation joined in the last five years and slavery, programs for immigrants and the urban 25% have been members for over 35 years. poor, and activities supporting two World Yes, the number of households is important, Wars. Today is no different. We have over 20 but each member is more important in the life congregants who are volunteer tutors at Lowell of our synagogue. For example, 34.4% of us Elementary School, in the Olney section of are over 65. As we age, we frequently need the Philadelphia. attention of our clergy and volunteers. We know Evonne J. Kruger, that many of the 33% who are single are older, Our HaMotzi dinners serve about 120 people President and use our 60+ Adult Education programs as monthly. Our Cook for a Friend program and Hanukkah dinner for Federation Housing a means of learning and connecting. Our youth residents reach many more. The Women of KI are integral members of JQuest (112 in K-6th Garden supplies hundreds of pounds of food grade) and Quest Noar (52 in 7th-10th grade). to our HaMotzi dinners and Federation. The Ten of our teens hold regional or national Tzedek Center collects food and clothing for NFTY leadership positions. Regardless of age, we have members who are distribution. in pain from loss, personal and family health and life issues, as evidenced by the names on our Mi Shebeirach and recently laid to rest lists. In 2017, Cantor Amy Levy and 14 KI A quick look at the preschool reveals its importance. We have 130 members attended the URJ-RAC Consultation students; approximately 50% are Jewish. Founded in 1957, the preschool on Conscience to learn how to be more is an important feeder to JQuest and the congregation. Most of our 41 effective in our work, and 20 clergy, adults, and kindergarten, first and second graders entered JQuest B’Yachad via the youth participated in the URJ Biennial. Our preschool. confirmation class takes a RAC trip annually. In almost 173 years, we have had only nine senior rabbis. Rabbi Social Action is part of our students’ curriculum. Sussman celebrates his chai year this spring, but Rabbi Joseph Krauskopf Our Social Justice Policy Task Force and the was senior rabbi twice as long, 36 years. Our lay leadership has been KIGreenfaith Committee sponsor speakers equally stable. Evonne is only the 41st president. Sixty-five Trustees and panels on everything from global warming (including Directors) and 16 Directors currently lead KI. to immigrant rights, legislative updates, and Speaking of stability, we are only in our fifth building, making use election debates. of every one of our 100,000 square feet. Since 2012, we share space with Melrose B’nai Israel Emanu-El, and frequently rent other parts of Special programs offered by Adult Education, the building. Rentals contribute 4% of our operating income. Our 330 Music Arts, the Library, Women of KI, Rabbi parking spaces help make this possible, as does the 700+ seats in the Korn Sussman, Senior Moments, Temple Judea Sanctuary. Our generous spaces make us a major venue for Cheltenham Museum, Israel Committee, Brotherhood, and and Abington townships. others total well over 100 each year. We house 16 beautiful Torah scrolls. Our 12,553-book library provides books, student support and learning opportunities. Our Temple Judea KI may engage in meaningful programming Museum has an inventory of over 5,000 objects. We have over 100,900 and activities because of the vision and documents in the KI Archives. Our organ, built in 1960, has 2,860 pipes; leadership of our clergy, staff, and lay leaders, KI’s first organ was introduced 163 years ago. but it is the 29 boards, committees, and A major employer, KI employs 91 educators, clergy, administrative and affiliate organizations, composed of hundreds maintenance staff. of members, who provide the energy, countless Membership contributions only represent 34% of our income. The volunteer hours and funds to make KI happen. preschool and JQuest B’Yachad represent 40%. Like most nonprofits, we Behind every KI number, there are members, clergy and staff at work. Thank you for being an important part of our 2,033 congregants! depend upon the generosity of our members, rentals, and fundraising. 2 FEBRUARY 2019

From the Bimah Siding With Science: Reform Judaism, Evolution & the Environment Rabbi’s Message Rabbi Joseph Krauskopf (1858-1923) often time and dominated scientific thinking. It was said that he had two heroes – Abraham Lincoln not until the middle of the 18th century that (1809-1865) and English naturalist Charles theorists in France began to speculate about Darwin (1809-1882), and that both were born “modifications” in natural history. Drawing on February 12, 1809! The fact that a rabbi both on his own research and including admired Darwin, the best-known advocate of work by others - Lamarck, Malthus and most the theory of evolution, was big news in the 19th importantly, Alfred Russell Wallace - Darwin century. Krauskopf was in the first ordination published his groundbreaking Origin of the class of the Hebrew Union College (1883), Species in 1859. Darwin’s work proved to be a whose founding President and Krauskopf ’s turning point, not only in the history of science teacher was on record as being firmly against the but also in all human thought. Rejection of idea that ‘people are descended from monkeys.’ Darwin’s ideas was strongest in Protestant circles, Yet, just four years after ordination in 1887, and led directly to the rise of modern Biblical Rabbi Lance J. Krauskopf gave a series of lectures on Judaism literalism and religious fundamentalism. Sussman, Ph.D. and Evolution from his pulpit in Kansas City; Reaction in the Jewish community to the he supported Darwin and maintained that the theory of evolution during the last hundred theory of evolution was compatible with the years has been either muted or pro-Darwin, idea of a created universe, although not the including many leading, but not all, modern Bible’s creation story. Science, Krauskopf boldly Orthodox rabbis. Ultra-Orthodoxy has been Our Main asserted, leads the way in modern times, and its another story, with numerous leading rabbis Sanctuary and discoveries, when viewed broadly, do not conflict declaring Darwin’s theories to be heretical and Chapel are looped with the deeper, eternally valid aspects of Biblical incompatible with their branch of Judaism. for those who have  T-Coil enabled hearing aids or cochlear implant processors. Additionally, the FM theology. In 1961, the Lubavitcher Rebbe and leader system is also available. Interestingly, Krauskopf ’s later successor at of the Chabad movement, Menachem KI, Dr. William Fineshriber (1878-1968), “in Mendel Schneerson, wrote that the theory response to the attempt by William Jennings of evolution is “highly speculative and scientifically …[it] can capture Bryan and his followers to ban the teaching of the imagination of the uncritical, so much so that it is even offered as a evolution in universities and public schools [in scientific explanation of the mystery of Creation, despite the fact that Tennessee], devoted three Friday night sermons the theory of evolution itself has not been substantiated scientifically and in 1922 to discussing it at his synagogue in is devoid of any real scientific basis.” Memphis. He emphasized to packed audiences Today, resistance to scientific theories concerning the origins of the the ‘inalienable right of free thought and free universe, evolution and, most notably, global warming, is not limited speech, guaranteed by the Constitution of the to religious literalists: it extends to many different cohorts in society, United States,’ and argued that ‘the majority of including industries burning fossil fuels and political nationalists who thoughtful and liberal preachers of the world generally loathe international cooperation. Complicating the situation have found no difficulty in accepting the theory are the short-term costs of reducing human impact on the environment, of evolution without discarding their Bibles or which in part sparked the recent Yellow Vest demonstrations in France. their religion.’” Subsequently, Fineshriber and In my opinion, although the Reform movement in Judaism is Bryan directly debated evolution face to face. overwhelmingly aligned with modern science, it also maintains an Today, not only does the Reform movement in unwavering belief in a higher moral order in the universe, the human Judaism broadly support science, it also opposes need for the construction of a cosmos of meaning and the reality of pseudo-scientific theories like Creationism. personal spirituality. Simply put, science is the key to the physical The theory of evolution, the idea that “the universe, but as humans, we are more than the aggregate of our heritable characteristics of biological populations biological condition. Defining humanity’s place in the universe and change over successive generations by natural how we collectively respond to our finite existence is a different story, selection” can be traced back to as far as pre- including the possibility of metaphysical origins to realities of love, truth Socratics, but the opposite Aristotelian view of and justice, the emotional and philosophical building blocks of our unchanging biological “forms” won out over existence. S U P P O R T K I ! C a l l 2 1 5 - 8 8 7 - 8 7 0 0 o r v i s i t w w w . k e n e s e t h i s r a e l . o r g . T h a n k y o u !  SHALOM KI 3

From the Bimah Kehillah CORE VALUE Cantor’s Celebrate Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance & Inclusion Month Message February is Jewish Disability Awareness, We’ve invited members of AADD and their Acceptance & Inclusion Month (JDAIM), and families to a Shabbat buffet dinner, and have KI is so pleased to host our second annual asked members who are interested to participate Inclusion Shabbat on Friday, February 22 at in services. KI’s own Heather Michaelson, herself 8:00 p.m. when Rabbi Sussman will give a an AADD member, will be leading services with special sermon about inclusivity entitled, me. We are searching for volunteers to help “Rabbi, It’s Not My Problem.” By participating serve, host, and chat with our guests, so check in JDAIM’s Shabbat Across Philadelphia, we draw the flyer below for more information. attention to the importance of embracing our Hosting our first JDAIM Shabbat last year Jewish friends and neighbors with differences, inspired our member, Ellen Sklaroff, and I to and their families. This year will be particularly create KI’s Inclusion Committee. As committee special, as our Inclusion Committee has invited chair, Ellen is working to raise awareness around Cantor the Association for Adults with Developmen- inclusion of groups all too often overlooked or Amy E. Levy tal Disabilities (AADD) to join us for Shabbat excluded, in every corner of our community. dinner and services! JDAIM/Inclusion Shabbat is one part of KI’s AADD believes that social interaction is broader inclusion initiative that the committee at the heart of the human experience. Yet the is undertaking. In fact, on Sunday, March 10, day-to-day activities we often take for granted at 1:00 p.m., the Inclusion Committee will — riding the bus, going to the store, calling a co-sponsor the friend, dining at a restaurant — are significant screening of KI member Ross Schriftman’s accomplishments for men and women with movie, My Million Dollar Mom. Guest speaker developmental disabilities. Programs that bring Kevin Jameson, President of the Dementia the community together allow AADD’s mem- Society of America, will then lead a discussion bers to gain independence and build self-esteem, about the challenges of caring for a loved one and also to enhance their social and behavioral with dementia. skills. I am proud to say that AADD has hosted We have established an Inclusion Fund to programs weekly at KI for many years. support projects that will improve KI’s accessibil- ity for those with developmental disabilities. We are seeking sponsors to help underwrite February is… the dinner for our guests from AADD - please contact me at 215-887-8702 if you Jewish Disability Awareness, are interested. Acceptance & Inclusion Month We are so grateful for the ongoing support KI’s Inclusion Committee presents: of Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer, Director of Whole Inclusion Shabbat with AADD Community Inclusion at Jewish Learning (Association for Adults with Developmental Disabilities) Venture. Gabrielle helps those with special needs access a range of Jewish educational experiences, Friday, February 22, 2019 ~ 8pm from early childhood through the transition to Sermon by Rabbi Sussman: “Rabbi, It’s Not My Problem.” Volunteers Needed for Dinner! adulthood. Her vision is to help everyone, community-wide, to learn, connect and engage Come join us as we welcome the members with people with special needs and their families. and families of AADD to a wonderful Shabbat dinner and service. Please join us as we welcome AADD Help serve, host, and make our guests feel members to KI, practice the sacred work of welcome! opening our hearts and minds, and learn how we RSVP for Volunteering at Dinner: can all be more inclusive, both as individuals and Contact Naomi @ 215-887-8700 as a community. 4 FEBRUARY 2019

Worship T’fillot CORE VALUE SAVE THE DATE! February Worship Schedule SRpefroirmngCCongerleegbartiaontiKoenneWsetheIesrkaeeln’sd Friday, Feb. 1 April 11 – 13, 2019 Shabbat Mishpatim ~ Exodus 21:1 honoring 8:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, Ph.D. Saturday, Feb. 2 9:00 a.m. Torah Study Bringing ‫ חי‬to KI for 18 Years! 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service More details coming soon! Check eKI, Shalom KI and Welcome KI for updates! Friday, Feb. 8 Shabbat Terumah ~ An Art-Oriented Shabbat Exodus 25:1 6:00 p.m. Tot Shabbat Please join us on Friday, March 29th at 8:00 p.m. Service for a revealing Shabbat highlighting the growing 8:00 p.m. Shabbat collection of art in KI’s Neumann Chapel, and Evening Service introducing the new Chapel brochure. In his Saturday, Feb. 9 sermon \"Art Appreciation: Neumann ChapelStained Glass Windows, installed 1960 Window Photographs by Stan Singer 9:00 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Correspondence between Rabbi Bertram Korn of Keneseth Israel, and William Haley of the Rambusch Company early in Morning Service Friday, Feb. 15 the 1960s detail the design process for each window in the Neumann Chapel. Throughout the letters Rabbi Korn’s concern Shabbat Tetzaveh ~ Exodus 27:20 that design and artistry serve the greater issue of Judaic content is very clear. “This and all windows designed for the 6:30 Family Shabbat Service 101,\" Rabbi Sussman will examine the beautifulNeumann Chapel are to carry the double purpose of commemorating important historical personages and to Saturday, Feb. 16 inculcate spiritual teaching to our own generation.” 9:00 a.m. Torah Study 10:30 a.m. Shabbat (Left to right from the front of the chapel to the back) Morning Service First window: Justice, Justice Thou Shalt Pursue, Deuteronomy 16:20 2:00 p.m. Rydal Park paintings and special artifacts that help defineInlovingmemoryofHarryI.Stern,fromhisfamily Shabbat Second window: They Shall Beat Their Swords into Plowshares, Isaiah 2:4 Friday, Feb. 22 Given by the children of Keneseth Israel Shabbat Ki Tisa ~ Third window: Queen Esther A Woman of Valor, Proverbs 31 Exodus 30:11 8:00 p.m. Inclusion the character of this sacred space. A collaborativePresentedbytheKenesethIsraelSisterhood Shabbat with AADD Fourth window: Do Unto Others..., Talmud, Shabbat 31a Saturday, Feb. 23 In memory of Emma and Abraham Neumann and their son Sidney Neumann 9:00 a.m. Torah Study effort of Rabbi Sussman, Rita Rosen Poley, andFifth window: Proclaim Liberty..., Leviticus 25:10 10:30 a.m. Shabbat In memory of Rachel H. Jacobs and Frank D. Jacobs Morning Service MEZUZAH - DOVE OF PEACE, 1982 Silver and mahogany Shalom (peace) motif located on the doorpost of the Chapel. SHALOM KI 5 Mark Pitkow, the new brochure, essentially a guideSilverandGold Artist: Dr. Daniel Blumberg In loving memory of Ben and Miriam Goldenberg, our parents, grandparents and great-grandparents to the Neumann Chapel’s art, will be distributedTheGoldenbergFamily NEUMANN CHAPEL Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027 Art & Stained Glass Windows 215-887-8700 • www.kenesethisrael.org for the first time. Lance J. Sussman, Ph.D., Senior Rabbi ...at the corner of tradition and innovation For a 15% discount on tickets go to KimmelCenter.org and use the code OYR15 For bus information, contact Adath Jeshurun 215-635-6611 S U P P O R T K I ! C a l l 2 1 5 - 8 8 7 - 8 7 0 0 o r v i s i t w w w . k e n e s e t h i s r a e l . o r g . T h a n k y o u ! 

Youth and Education JQuest Our New Look modern spaces, where our students could learn B’Yachad in a space that reflects “21st Century Education Over winter break, JQuest’s first floor got Skills:” collaboration, innovation, technology Rabbi Stacy a new look! Generous donations from Bernie and individuation. All the furniture is moveable, Eskovitz Rigler, Liebowitz z”l, in memory of his wife Evelyn, Director of and from the Abt family made this makeover flexible, and Religious possible. As part of our very successful Hazak built for today’s Education Initiative, we now have The Evie Liebowitz kids. One of our Education Center and The Abt Youth Lounge. rooms features Preschool The new lounge, located in what were once softer seating News the education for multi-media office and my viewing and Liz Z. Sussman, office, involved more intimate M.Ed., Director of demolishing a learning. Another features high-top tables, a Early Childhood wall, laying new departure from traditional school settings, which Education flooring, painting allows for more creativity. Stools replace chairs, 6 FEBRUARY 2019 and creating new offering flexibility and movement for students storage. Now we who prefer this type of seating. have comfortable, flexible seating for 20 to 30 We can’t wait for everyone to see our new teens, as well as a dining area and kitchenette. look! We are proud of our students and their We couldn’t be more excited to have an dedication to Jewish learning, and so pleased accommodating space for our KI kids and teens. that we can help them learn, grow and thrive in Danielle Strauss and KIFTY representatives even this new space. We are incredibly grateful to our helped design the space’s look and feel. generous donors for making this possible: the Abt family, who has supported Jewish life at KI Last summer, our JQuest classrooms were for many years, and Bernie Liebowitz z”l, who painted, new carpet was laid, and new doors recently passed away after a long illness, but who were installed in our first floor hallway, creating wished to create a lasting legacy to honor his a designated space to serve in memoriam of KI beloved wife. member and dedicated educator, Evie Liebowitz z”l. This summer, we researched new educational furniture that would enable us to create upbeat, More Holiday Learning & Celebration Ahead at KI’s Preschool We were very busy this January celebrating Tu Our Preschoolers are super excited for Purim, BiShvat, the birthday of the trees, and collecting and we are looking forward to seeing the many blankets for The Linus Project in honor of wonderful and creative costumes, and of course, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We learned so much to eating Hamantaschen! about helping others and the environment, too! Having completed the first month of this New We will continue to play, learn, share Year, we are eagerly anticipating the many and enjoy being with friends together in our wonderful weeks ahead. We have witnessed preschool, with the hope that our efforts help the the completion of the first full month with our world become a better place. newest class, the Playful Pioneers, for which we created a whole new classroom. We have made Looking forward to a busy spring full of fun, improvements for our teachers by creating a celebration, and learning! new and freshly organized storage space for their many supplies. I would like to extend a massive “Thank You” to Morty Friedman for his help building the new shelves.

In Our Community Reel Fun: KI’s Pre-Oscar Party Returns Lights, camera…KI’s Pre- For the youngest among us, babysitting Membership Oscar Party is back! After a will be available so parents can enjoy a relaxing brief hiatus, this lively event afternoon. Afterwards, we will enjoy a delicious Jaimie Abt returns for its fifth year on dinner together catered by Sweet Lucy’s BBQ, Shmelzer, Sunday, February 24th and show the Oscars’ red carpet, live on TV. Membership at 3:30 p.m., prior to the Raffles will be drawn, and everyone will be home Engagement Academy Awards. If you in time to watch the show. This is an event not Director haven’t attended in the past, to be missed! let me fill you in. Back in the fall, KI hosted another successful This is an entertaining, event, an adults-only dance party featuring KI’s all-ages event for the entire own Stuart Leon and his band, Mas Tequila congregation. Even though Orchestra, attracting KI members and some of it’s casual, you still get their friends too. A wonderful, dedicated group to walk the “red carpet”. of people made this event happen, resulting in Popcorn and candy is great food, drinks and music -- an all-around available, while you browse great night! through the raffle baskets and fill out your Oscar predictions. Then the I look forward to working with more KI “reel” fun begins: four different movies will be members to plan other fun-filled events. We shown throughout the building to accommodate would love your help, so please contact me to various ages and preferences. volunteer, and be sure to come out for all of the engaging activities that KI has to offer! Gratitude From Lowell… Dear Members of Keneseth Israel: To the Congregation at Keneseth Israel, On behalf of the entire James R. Lowell I am truly sorry for the delay in acknowledging Elementary School Community, I would like to thank you for your passionate, caring the donations that your congregation has so gra- and generous donations for our students. The ciously provided to Lowell School. Please know that school and office supplies are greatly your generosity has been appreciated by myself and appreciated. Your volunteers come the students that have been the recipients. faithfully every week not just as tutors but also as mentors for many youths. Thanks to Toby for delivering the many boxes of clothing, underwear, and socks that will be used for The hats and gloves have kept many those students who may need them (for many little ones warm and loved. It was certainly different reasons). a pleasure to see 75 faces brighten when they received those beautifully wrapped gifts from As the school nurse I sometimes feel helpless when you. a student needs clothing that I do not have avail- able, Again, I want to express my heartfelt so this is quite a blessing for the Health Room. appreciation to you and all involved in making these donations possible along with Thank you so much for keeping our students in the willingness to help support the Lowell your thoughts and prepared for school! School Family. Sincerely yours, Cindy Munson RN, School Nurse David Lugo, Principal S U P P O R T K I ! C a l l 2 1 5 - 8 8 7 - 8 7 0 0 o r v i s i t w w w . k e n e s e t h i s r a e l . o r g . T h a n k y o u !  SHALOM KI 7

In Our Community Tikkun Olam CORE VALUE Immigration Experts Convey Grim Reality Jeff Sessions single-handedly altered immigration policies and enforcement, effectively bogging By Arlene Holtz, Social Justice Policy Task Force down the system. For instance, seeking to obtain A panel of immigration experts spoke at KI in December an H1-B visa, typically a six-month process, now about the hardships suffered by asylum requires up to 27 months. seekers, refugees, and those seeking visas Gansello added that the administration’s to enter the United States. KI member and immigration attorney, Joe Gordon, Esq., current position is that no protection be organized and led the program, which provided for victims seeking asylum for was sponsored by KI’s Social Justice Policy domestic violence. She said, “You can’t look Task Force. at people as a category. You have to look at people as individuals. The statute is clear. Panelists include (from left to right) Anyone who comes in, legally or not, is immigration attorney Jack Herzig, Esq.; entitled to claim asylum, and if they satisfy Ayodele Gansello, Esq., senior attorney the criteria, they can receive protection.” with HIAS PA; Peter Gottemoller, licensed However, according to Sessions, “These people don’t belong social worker at Bethany Christian Services Refugee Foster on our shores. They cannot claim asylum.” Care; Joseph Gordon, Esq., KI member and immigration Gansello said immigration judges’ authority is being attorney; Wendy Castor Hess, Esq., Chair of the Philadelphia curtailed by the administration because they are under the Bar Association’s Immigration Committee and Board member executive, not judicial, branch of government. Hess added of HIAS PA. that even in family reunification cases, judges begin with the presumption that the applicants’ claims are fraudulent. Herzig opened the discussion, confirming that many Gordon said, “One of the questions we need to ask is what lies currently characterize the immigration debate; the most do we do about what’s happening.” He invited people to come pernicious one is that individuals seeking to become migrants, with him to immigration court to witness the process, and to presenting themselves at our border, are committing a crime. write letters about the detention facility in Berks County for He explained that under U.S. law, any person is entitled to women and children that has been deemed “unsafe.” seek asylum if that person has a credible fear of returning to In concluding remarks, Rabbi Rigler encouraged attendees his or her country. He said there is no excuse for separating to take these suggested actions, and to consider other ways families, nor any justification for the death of one child in to welcome the stranger, such as volunteering, financially U.S. custody. supporting the work of agencies serving the immigrant community, and more directly, personally reaching out to Hess noted the incredible contributions that immigrants befriend the stranger. make to our economy, and the gaps in skilled professions that immigrants continue to fill, for example, in the ranks of physicians. However, she said, former U.S. Attorney General Congregant Spotlight: Robert Sirota By Donna Bleznak Keller missions to underserved communities be his guest on Seekers of Meaning, his Many of us at KI are familiar with internationally. A few months ago, Rob podcast about reinventing yourself after the dynamo that is Karen Sirota. travelled to Bolivia to screen sugarcane retirement. You can find the podcast However, you may not know her equally workers for kidney disease and assist at https://jewishsacredaging.com/som- dedicated husband of 48 years, with other medical issues. Last August, podcast-dr-robert-sirota-on-reinventing- Dr. Robert Sirota. Karen and Rob have he spent two weeks in Uganda, visiting in-retirement/ been active KI members for more than rural communities where resources 35 years. Rob built a distinguished career and qualified personnel are virtually in medicine, working in the Philadelphia nonexistent. While Rob says the work area for more than 36 years as a highly has been difficult, it has also been deeply respected physician, specializing in rewarding, as he uses his lifelong skills to nephrology (kidney disease). help “repair the world” in his own way. Since his retirement in 2018, Rob has Rabbi Richard Address, Founder and volunteered as a physician on medical Director of www.jewishsacredaging.com (and former KI student), invited Rob to 8 FEBRUARY 2019

In Our Community FNoornH-PaeMriosthzai bPlaenstNryeeded Women of KI Upcoming Events Women of Keneseth Israel By Sue Fried & Paulette Sterman-Soroko, HaMotzi Co-Chairs Stronger Together... The HaMotzi Committee extends a heartfelt Thank You to The Elias Sunday, March 10, 10:00 a.m. Family Foundation for sponsoring six HaMotzi Dinners! We greatly Board Meeting to plan for May events. appreciate their most generous support of this key Social Action initiative! Sunday, March 17, 10:00 a.m. We would also like to thank our monthly merchant-donors for Brunch with Lauren Sklaroff, Author of their support: Red-Hot Mama: The Life of Sophie Tucker • Daryl’s Pastries in Glenside The “First Lady of Show Business,” and • Fill a Bagel in Jenkintown and Oreland the “Last of the Red-Hot Mamas,” Sophie • Jules Thin Crust of Jenkintown Tucker was a star in vaudeville, radio, • M. Levin and Company of Phila. (Fruit) film, and television. A gutsy, song- • Panera of Jenkintown belting stage performer, she entertained Please patronize these socially minded businesses; their generosity allows KI audiences for 60 years and inspired a to continue our work in the community! host of younger women including Judy Help Keep the Garland, Carol Channing, and Bette HaMotzi Pantry Open! Midler. Further details TBA. RSVP by Please drop off non- 3/12/19 to Sue Fried, 215-327-8065. perishables in the Tzedek Monday, March 18, 6:00 p.m. Center (the designated area Designer Bag BINGO Come and have within the large coat closet the chance to “Win” a designer bag while off the lobby) each time you having fun playing BINGO. Snacks and visit KI. It is the only way refreshments will be served. Your check to keep the pantry stocked. to Women of KI is your reservation. Send Our guests depend on this to Elaine Pitkow at KI, 8339 Old York Road, food to help keep them KI Members Herschel Elias & Jenine Elkins Park, PA 19027 $35/person ~ After nourished. Colamussi funded six HaMotzi dinners 3/12/19 $40/person Thank you so much! through the Elias Family Foundation. Fridays, March 29 & April 5, 7:00 p.m. To Sponsor, Cook, Sunday, April 7, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and/or Volunteer at a dinner please contact: Passover Wine Display in Lobby Sue Fried ~ [email protected] or 215-327-8065 Sundays: 2/17, 3/24, 4/28 Paulette Sterman-Soroko ~ [email protected] or 215-287-1073 Upcoming HaMotzi Dinners Dinner begins at 5:00 p.m. Contact Sue December’s Adult Book Discussion Group held a Skype Fried at 215-327-8065 or simcha1818@ interview with Jillian Cantor, the author of The Hours Count. gmail.com or Paulette Sterman-Soroko at Everyone enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions about the 215-287-1073 or [email protected] book directly to its author. - Lynore Eisman, President WKI Join with us and become a part of “the nurturing soul of our KI Community.” SHALOM KI 9

Lifelong Learning Hiddur Mitzvah CORE VALUE Meyers Library Update book discussion and not a book review. Library Programs Participants are expected to share their insights, at a Glance By Ellen Tilman reactions, and comments with the other readers. Film: Loving Leah Genealogy Workshop – Beyond DNA Save the following dates for future Adult Book Tues., February 5 Discussions: March 12 (Promised Land by 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. On Sunday morning, February 10 at 9:30 Martin Fletcher); April 30 (The Plot Against Beyond DNA a.m. the Meyers Library and the KI Archives America by Philip Roth); and May 7 (Memento Sun., February 10 will sponsor another in our series of Genealogy Park by Mark Sarvas). All selections are available 9:30 a.m. Workshops. Jack Myers, our KI Archivist, will in the Meyers Library and on the library Kindles. introduce us to a variety of other sources for We meet at 12:30 for a brown bag lunch and Library Hours genealogical research and how to go beyond begin the book discussion at 1:00 p.m. DNA testing. One is Familysearch.org. This Two Author Events During the website is affiliated with the Church of Latter- academic year - Day Saints (the Mormons) and is very helpful On Sunday, March 17 at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday in finding information on European relatives. Lauren Sklaroff, the author of Red Hot Mama, & Wednesday: Please register for this FREE program in will visit KI, the synagogue where she was 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. advance. raised! This program is sponsored by the Meyers Thursday: Library Catalog Available at Home Library, Women of KI, and the Adult Education 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Department. The FREE program begins at 10:00 Tuesdays Our catalog of resources is now available a.m. and is followed by a light brunch hosted when JQuest online. Open the KI website and click on the by the Sklaroff Family, our author’s parents. is in session - link to the library catalog. I invite you to explore Red Hot Mama is an entertaining biography of until 6:00 p.m. the many books and DVDs that you can borrow. Sophie Tucker. It reveals how she became one of Sundays when Insert the name of your favorite author into the the most powerful women in show business. The there is a program search box, and books available in the library author is a professor of history at the University in the building - by that author will come up. Insert a topic of of South Carolina. 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. interest as a subject (i.e. Israel, Purim, Jewish To reserve a book, Art, etc.) up pops an illustrated list of the books. On Sunday, March 31 at 10:00 a.m. local please call As you explore the database, please let me know author Janet Falon will share her new book, In 215-887-8700 x122 if you find any mistakes. Our catalog is still a The Spirit of the Holidays, Readings to Enrich or email: work in progress! Every Jewish Holiday, with the KI community. library@ Jewish Film Series This book is collection of engaging personal kenesethisrael.org reflections in poetry about each Jewish holiday. The library holds both an evening and afternoon screening of each film in our Jewish If you would like to receive information Film Festival. Films are free for KI members and about projects, new acquisitions, library events we ask for a voluntary contribution from non- and updates, please send your email address to members. The next film in our series is Loving [email protected] and ask to be added Leah (2009), showing on Tuesday, February to the special Meyers Library email list. You may 5 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. In this Hallmark also call the library at 215-887-8700 x122 film, Leah, a young Orthodox Jewish woman is Coffee in the Library widowed. An old Jewish religious law dictates she must either denounce her husband’s younger Coffee Angels contribute $25 each to brother or marry him. The younger brother, sponsor FREE coffee for one month for KI Jake, is a successful, non-religious doctor. library patrons. We need more angels in order to continue this program. If you would like to Future Films are: The Counterfeiters (2007) become a Coffee Angel and enable us to provide on Tuesday, March 19 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 FREE coffee, please contact Ellen in the library. p.m.; Goodbye Columbus (1969) Wednesday, April 3 at 7:00 p.m. and Tuesday, April 9 The Meyers Library is a wireless computer at 1:00 p.m. zone. Bring your laptop; enjoy a cup of gourmet Adult Book Discussion Group coffee and explore the latest book arrivals in your KI home. Make the KI Library your home away The Meyers Library hosts a popular Adult from home. Book Discussion Group. This is a moderated 10 FEBRUARY 2019

Lifelong Learning An Unexpected Package, a Wealth of Recaptured History By Rita Rosen Poley exhibition was organized and overseen by the KI Archives When I came into the committee. Will Brown’s building this morning I stopped into the main photographs reveal the richness of the KI Archives as office. Naomi Godel, our a repository of our communal wonderful office manager, asked me to look at a package that had just come in history. In addition to an extensive and detailed timeline the mail. WOW! What a treasure! of each past decade, the The package contained photographs taken in 1997 by well-known installation also focused on “... the Sisterhood, Philadelphia photographer, Will Brown. Brotherhood, and PTA/ Will is recognized both for his work in the fine arts and for his commercial Community Council, the educational thrust of our photography. While cleaning out his Religious School, and our studio he came across an assignment he involvement in the immediate had carried out 21 community beyond years ago for KI/ TJM, to document our walls, as well as in service to our an exhibition country in time of installation that celebrated Keneseth need.” In addition to the Israel’s 150th surprise of receiving anniversary. Will’s gift is a previously the photographs, more surprises unknown photo awaited me within documentation of the 150th anniversary the images. Now I know why the exhibition that filled TJM Collection the Temple Judea Museum showcases, includes prints of early historic KI even overflowing into congregational the Tyson Foyer. There are 28 individual homes from the 19th century. They were reproduced for the 150th images in exquisite condition exhibition. I also know that the - with multiple prints of each. They lead us through a “virtual” KI Archives is a treasure of old photographs of everyday life at KI. tour of the exhibition as it told I particularly love a group of photos the story of our congregational community, starting in 1847, of a KI Fathers’ and Sons’ Night Out from the 1940s. They knew how to through images, texts, historic have fun. letters, photographs and objects. Therefore, it really is a useful So of course, many of you know how my “curatorial” mind works. My and valuable archive for us - next step is to figure out how I can recaptured history! In our own reference work with the KI Archives to revive this historic exhibition for a new collection, I found the Exhibit Guide that accompanied generation. Watch this space for developments. the exhibition. Now I can match image to story. The S U P P O R T K I ! C a l l 2 1 5 - 8 8 7 - 8 7 0 0 o r v i s i t w w w . k e n e s e t h i s r a e l . o r g . T h a n k y o u !  SHALOM KI 11

Life Cycles MSimazcahlaTsov. .t.o our congregants on their special Weddings Members in the News Jessica Becker and Joshua Goldenberg, Joshua is the son A Fitting, Meaningful Tribute of our members Nanci and David Goldenberg Joanne Smukler Borochaner, daughter of KI members Doris and Paul Schor, dedicated We mark with sorrow the passing of . . . a new machsan (storage room) for sports equipment to URJ Camp Harlam, to honor the Robert A. Katz, father of our member memory of her sister, Holly Smukler Walter Andrea (Adam) Denish z”l, who passed in 2016. The 10 summers Holly spent at Harlam, both as a camper and Edith Leon, our member an Athletics Counselor, greatly impacted Mickie Rosen, our member her life. “Holly’s Sports Hut,” created with the Jonathan Greengrass, son-in-law of our member help of friends and family, acknowledges her enduring love of both sports and camp. Richard Rake Kathryn “Kay” Brylawski, our member Anna Mae Greenberg, our member and mother of our members, William, Judy and Renee Greenberg Marion Grohsman, our member Son’s Tribute Becomes Award-Winning Film Inspiratioal Musings - On Aging KI member Ross Shriftman’s short film, My Million Dollar Mom, was nominated for seven When you see me sitting quietly, awards at the Tampa Bay Underground Like a sack left on the shelf, Film Festival, including one for Best Short Screenplay, written by Ross. His book by the Don’t think I need your chattering. same name and the film are the true story of I’m listening to myself. his experience caring for his mother, Shirley, whose health was failing due to Alzheimer’s. Hold! Stop! Don’t pity me! 12 FEBRUARY 2019 Hold! Stop your sympathy! Understanding if you got it, Otherwise I’ll do without it! When my bones are stiff and aching, And my feet won’t climb the stair, I will only ask one favor: Don’t bring me no rocking chair. When you see me walking, stumbling, Don’t study and get it wrong. ‘Cause tired don’t mean lazy And every goodbye ain’t gone. I’m the same person I was back then, A little less hair, a little less chin, A lot less lungs and much less wind. But ain’t I lucky I can still breathe in. - Maya Angelou from her book “And I Still Rise”

In Our Community Ahavat Israel CORE VALUE Israel Committee You’re Invited: “Sussman in the City” Indelible Memories of Israel “The Origins of the Synagogue” Wednesday, February 6, 2019, 7:30 p.m. By Bill Schur, KI Israel Committee at the home of Helen & David Braverman The year was 1988. I had just turned 50 and to celebrate, I wanted Our prayer book correctly proclaims that“the to take my wife, Judy and our two children (Roberta, 21 and Neil, 19) synagogue is the sanctuary of Israel.”But what do we to Israel, but the First Intifada had begun. People said, “There is always know about the origin of the synagogue? When did something happening in Israel. If you wait for the perfect time, you will it start? Where did it start? Who was in charge of the never go.” A few days later, we made our plans. early synagogue? Unlike many visitors to Israel, we were not part of a tour group. Space is limited. RSVP to Pam: Roberta had spent a semester at Tel Aviv University, so she was our [email protected] or call 215-887-8702 by guide. Neil had traveled to Israel with KI’s Confirmation Academy and February 1, 2019 shared his thoughts about sites he had visited. Also, we had relatives to visit in Haifa, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Buy A Seder Box for Needy Families in Israel Our first stop was Tel Aviv. Judy’s relative brought us to a friend’s Let’s help those in our birthday party where we knew no one, but were welcomed like family. twinning community, The lively, festive evening was a wonderful introduction to Eretz Yisrael! BIRKAT SHALOM, who Later, we made our way to our beachside hotel and enjoyed swimming cannot afford to in the Mediterranean and strolling on the promenade. After a couple celebrate Passover. of days there, we went to Haifa and stayed in a hotel close to the Seder Boxes will be apartment of Judy’s cousins, the Razons. They arranged for us to visit distributed to needy families in BIRKAT SHALOM a kibbutz that bordered Lebanon, where we got close enough to see KIBBUTZ by Rabbi Miri Gold. the watchtowers manned with armed guards, 24/7. While tranquil the Please support this campaign with your gift of day we visited, we learned that skirmishes and confrontations were not one or more Seder Boxes at $36.00 per box or any unknown. donation of your choice. Thank you on behalf of the Israel Cultural & Advocacy Committee of KI! We then visited a “newer” town, where we stayed in the condo of Please make check payable to: Keneseth another relative who lived in Argentina. It was an experience to live Israel Include: SEDER BOX on the memo like locals, shopping at the supermarket, seeing familiar brands like line of your check. Kellogg’s and Coca-Cola in packaging with Hebrew lettering. The town was near Masada, and we agreed to rise early the next day to watch KIGreenfaith Tip the sun rise over the Dead Sea. We awoke in pitch dark, ate a hasty breakfast, and piled into our rental car. As we approached the Snake Cut down on food Trail, we passed an encampment of nomads (perhaps Bedouins?) with packaging. Cook fresh and their camels sleeping alongside their tents in the quiet darkness. We from scratch to eliminate parked and proceeded on foot, joining other pilgrims headed for the buying food wrapped in ancient fortress. We made our way up the steep and aptly named trail, plastic and cardboard. Buy using our flashlights to guide us. When we reached the top, dawn was bulk items when possible. starting to break, bathing the age-old stronghold in its glow. Keep reusable containers with your reusable shopping bags for bulk items We then visited the artists’ colony of Tzfat, which was interesting, and deli purchases. A great deal of although a bit touristy. We hired a professional guide for only one energy is needed to dispose of food day - for our visit to the West Bank, including Bethlehem. With the packaging waste, and much of it ends Intifada in progress, we felt safer having a local guide with us. A friend up in the ocean. had recommended Moni, who was friendly, experienced and very knowledgeable. Our final stop and the highlight of our trip was Jerusalem! Seeing the iconic Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, Yad Vashem and the Knesset was both unforgettable and moving. It’s cliché, but true, to say that visiting Israel stirred our souls. We were thrilled to see in person sights we had seen only in photos. Having our children as guides sharing their personal insights enhanced the experience, and time with relatives added a special dimension. Israel represents our heritage, our tradition, and our people. We are Americans, but Israel is our country, too. S U P P O R T K I ! C a l l 2 1 5 - 8 8 7 - 8 7 0 0 o r v i s i t w w w . k e n e s e t h i s r a e l . o r g . T h a n k y o u !  SHALOM KI 13

February 2019 Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 8:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening 9:00 a.m. Torah Study Service 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9:15 a.m. JQuest 1:00 p.m. Library Film 7:30 p.m. Sussman in the City 6:00 p.m. Tot Shabbat Service 9:00 a.m. Torah Study 4:30 p.m. JQuest B’Yachad RSVP ONLY followed by dinner 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning 6:00 p.m. QN Homework Club 6:45 p.m. Quest Noar 8:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal Service 7:00 p.m. Library Film 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 9:15 a.m. JQuest 4:30 p.m. JQuest B’Yachad 7:00 p.m. Inclusion Meeting Preschool Closed – 9:00 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. Library & Archives 6:00 p.m. QN Homework Club 7:30 p.m. Religious Practices Inservice day 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning 6:45 p.m. Quest Noar Genealogy Workshop 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal Committee Mtg. 6:30 p.m. Family Shabbat Service Service 10:30 a.m. W of KI Board Mtg. 2:00 p.m. Rydal Park Shabbat 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 9:15 a.m. NO JQuest President’s Day 4:30 p.m. JQuest B’Yachad 8:00 p.m. Sing Halleulujah 7:00 p.m. Board of Directors Mtg. 8:00 p.m. Inclusion Shabbat 9:00 a.m. Torah Study 5:00 p.m. HaMotzi Dinner Preschool & Offices Closed 6:00 p.m. QN Homework Club Concert at Kimmel with AAADD 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning 6:45 p.m. Quest Noar 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal 27 Service 7:00 p.m. Social Justice Policy 24 25 28 Task Force Mtg. 9:15 a.m. JQuest 6:30 p.m. Brotherhood Mtg. 7:00 p.m. Board of 3:30 p.m. Pre-Oscar Movie Night 26 Trustees Mtg. 4:30 p.m. JQuest B’Yachad 6:00 p.m. QN Homework Club 6:45 p.m. Quest Noar 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal

March 2019 Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 8:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening 9:00 a.m. Torah Study Service 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service 8:00 p.m. C2C Event - RSVP ONLY 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 9:15 a.m. JQuest 4:30 p.m. JQuest B’Yachad 11:30 a.m. Adult Ed. Program 6:00 p.m. Tot Shabbat Service 9:00 a.m. Torah Study 9:30 a.m. 4th grade B’nai 6:00 p.m. QN Homework Club followed by dinner 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning 6:45 p.m. Quest Noar Mitzvah Parents Mtg 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal 8:00 p.m. Shabbat Evening Service 12:00 p.m. KIFTY Mtg. Service 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 9:15 a.m. JQuest 10:30 a.m. Adult Ed. Program 12:30 p.m. Adult Book Discussion 1:00 p.m. Israel Committee Mtg. 11:30 a.m. Adult Ed. Program 6:15 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat 9:00 a.m. Torah Study 10:00 a.m. W of KI Board Mtg. 4:30 p.m. JQuest B’Yachad 7:30 p.m. Religious Practices 6:30 p.m. Family Shabbat Service 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning 1:00 p.m. “My Million Dollar 6:00 p.m. QN Homework Club – led by 4th & 5th Grades 6:45 p.m. Quest Noar Commitee Mtg. Service Mom”Movie & 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal 2:00 p.m. Rydal Park Shabbat Discussion with Guest Speaker 17 18 19 20 21 22 Purim 23 9:15 a.m. JQuest 10:30 a.m. Adult Ed. Program 1:00 p.m. Library Film 6:30 p.m. Erev Purim Shpiel 11:30 a.m. Adult Ed. Program 6:00 p.m. Tot Shabbat Service 9:00 a.m. Torah Study 10:00 a.m. WKI, Library & Adult Ed. 6:00 p.m. W of KI Designer 4:30 p.m. JQuest B’Yachad & Service 7:00 p.m. Board of Directors Mtg. followed by dinner 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning 6:00 p.m. QN Homework Club Luncheon & Author Event Bag Bingo 6:45 p.m. Quest Noar 27 8:00 p.m. Heritage Shabbat Service TBD C2C Event - RSVP ONLY 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal Evening Service 7:00 p.m. Library Film 7:30 p.m. Library Program 24 25 7:00 p.m. Social Justice Policy 28 29 30 9:15 a.m. JQuest 10:30 a.m. Adult Ed. Program Taskforce 11:30 a.m. Adult Ed. Program 7:00 p.m. WKI Passover Wine 9:00 a.m. Torah Study 11:00 a.m. Purim Carnival 6:30 p.m. Brotherhood Mtg. Display 10:30 a.m. Shabbat Morning 5:00 p.m. HaMotzi Dinner 26 8:00 p.m. Shabbat Service w/ Service 319:15 a.m. JQuest B’Yachad 4:30 p.m. JQuest B’Yachad Rabbi Sussman’s 5:00 p.m. KIFTY event 6:00 p.m. QN Homework Club Special Sermon “Art 7:45 p.m. Music Arts Event 10:00 a.m. Library Program 6:45 p.m. Quest Noar Appreciation: Neumann 12:00 p.m. Club KIFTY event 7:00 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal Chapel 101”

Contributions All listings indicate donor first, followed by the honor or memorial. YAHRZEIT FUND Bess Joftis, Frank Joftis DONOR IN MEMORY OF Jules & Connie Kay, Martin T. Glass Richard & Marci Abt, Frances Rush Stefan & Donna Keller & Family, Jennie Denkin; James & Joanne Adler, Martha Snyder Howard Bleznak Lois Alexander, Newton Ford Debby Kendall, Richard Kendall Harriet Allan, Rose Freiman Janet Kerry, Nelson V. Haas Stuart & Elaine Baer, Pearl Baer Marvin & Louise Kleinman, Cathy Kleinman Barnett; Flora L. Becker, James Daniel Becker Herbert Grossman Geraldine Bell, Philip Greenblatt Marcy Klugman, Barbara Lopatin Judy Bell, Jonathan Bell Sandra Kramer, Benjamin L. Samuelsohn Scott & Merryl Bender, Reuben Goldberg; Abe Rabinowitz Nathan Kugelman, Louis Kugelman Ruth Boonin, Sarah Vinicoff Ellen Rae Kushner, Nancy Doherty Elaine Breslow, Mildred Gutman Donna Levinson, Norman Levinson Franklin & Marcia Brody, Martin Brody Carole Levitan, Leonard Levitan Barbara Bronstein, Sondra Brown Ruth Lipschutz, Robert Walkenstein Barry & Carole Budilov, Joseph H. Budilov Jim & Miriam Logan, Arlene Schwartz Michael Chauveau, Anne Chauveau Murray Madnick, Sol Cohen & Herman Madnick Martin & Phyllis Cohen, Harry Marcus Cohen Lee & Barbara Maimon, Israel Prusky Freda Cooper, Marshall Album Estelle Maisel, Rose Bishow Robert M. Cypres, Elizabeth (Betty) Cypres Robert Mandell, Rose Mandell Joseph Davidson, Lillian Davidson Barbara Meil, Clara Goodhart Julia Davis, Paul Kraft Eve Mennies, Bruce Banks; Regina Schoenwetter Sheila & Giacomo DeAnnuntis, William Cooper; Marianna Richard & Helen Meyer, John H. Meyer DeAnnuntis Barbara N. Michaels, Ruth Ann Nibauer Lynore Eisman, Blume Balaban Bruce & Sandra Muchnick, Margaret Muchnick Marbach; Renate Elgart, Regina Schoenwetter Harry B. Muchnick Julius & Elaine Ellison, Esther Krasnow Paula Goulden Naitove, Benjamin Naitove JoAnne Entrekin, Betty Weil Lynn Neigut & Family, Alvin J. Neigut Stephen & Eileen Feldman, Fay Brown; Mollye Feldman Lisa Nerenberg, Sophie Nerenberg Martin & Eleanor Feldsher, Edward Sciaky Laurence & Mary Lou Nodiff, Anna Kramer Susan Fisher, Stanley Fisher Sallie Olson, Norman Olson Rita Flame, David Kanner Rita Poley, Arthur Poley Karen S. Franklin, Jeanne Sundheim Spiegel; Steffi Polin, Muriel Dattner Julian F. Spiegel; Stanley R. Sundheim Shanlee Pollack, Richard Gold; Pauline Kirsh Penny Frederick, Harriet Blau, Irving Cohen, Jacob Weinstein Leonard & Renee Portnoy, Anna Portnoy Morton Freedman, Morris Friedman Richard Rake, Jonathan Greengrass Marlene Glass, I. Eddie Sachs Phyllis Raskin-Macey, Mendl M. Raskin Eve Glassberg, Albert Glassberg Alan Reinach & Dana Perlman, Betty Haas Rita Gold-Cousins, Louise U. Kostick Isabelle Ripkin, Sol Jaslow Harry Goldberg, Anna Goldberg Al Rodstein, Sylvia Moskowitz; Jeffrey Rodstein Shelley Goldin, Samuel Pressner Gail Rosen, Linda Hamberg Holtz Florence Gorman, Paul Gorman Marvin & Linda Rosen, Elizabeth Rosen Howard & Emily Greenberg, Michael Brecker Sally Rosen-Plon, Robert L. Rosen Alan & Joan Gross, Lewis Gross & Shirley Silverman Helene Ross, Edward J. Ross Michael & Joanne Hinton & Jonathan Rubin, A. Milton Rubin; Alice Rubin Henry Rubin, Dora Rubin Elysa Horwitz, Betty Horwitz Taffy Rubin, William Feldscher; Morris Rubin Edward E. Itzenson, Herbert Itzenson 16 FEBRUARY 2019

Contributions All listings indicate donor first, followed by the honor or memorial. Bill & Deborah Rubinsohn, Milton Brownstein; Sheldon Flame; EDUCATOR’S PHILANTHROPIC FUND IN MEMORY OF Matilde Rosenblum; Hanley Rubinsohn; DONOR Michelle Skalsky Simon; Linda Winheld Peter Sklar, Alan Schwartz Greta Rubinstein, Roman Rubinstein Sima Sussman, Sheldon Flame Neil & Elyse Saladoff, Herbert Saladoff MAE W. FINESHRIBER MEMORIAL GARDEN Gloria Salmansohn, Eva Smilowitz DONOR IN MEMORY OF Marilyn Savitz, Leonard David Savitz Sonnie Katz, Sheldon Flame Ronald Schindler, Erna Schindler GENERAL FUND IN MEMORY OF Ruth Schoenberg, Sondra Brown DONOR Paul & Doris Schor, Holly Smukler Walter Aqua Beauties Water Aerobics, Gertrude Singer Ross Schriftman, Harry Goldman The Blackman Family, Ruth Cohen Alan Schwartz, Reuben Schwartz Barbara Bronstein, Mickie Rosen Lemuel Sichel, Joseph L. Sichel Rachel Taylor Brown, Sidney Brown Leon Silver, Morris Silver Patricia & Geraldine Cramer, Robert P. Levy Miriam Finkel, Linda Winheld Sheldon Somerman, Bernard Somerman; Isadore Somerman Skits Soroko & Paulette Sterman Soroko, Bertram W. Korn; Irma Foreman, Kay Brylawski Lavinia Spadoni; Joseph Sterman David & Nancy Fox, Linda Winheld Ruth & Philip Spergel, Lee Horowitz; Philip Horowitz; Marc & Robin Furman, Robert A. Katz Sarah Spergel Howard & Emily Greenberg, Sheldon Flame; Linda Winheld Brenda Teich, Diane Barmish Amy Heitzer, Kay Brylawski Debbie Thomas, Helen Alter Gerald King, Mickie Rosen Wendy Trow-Fox, Julian Bers Bonnie Glass Linsk, Gertrude Singer Marvin & Linda Waxman, Freda Waxman; Jerome Waxman Patricia Loudis, Kay Brylawski Richard & Barbara Weiss, Helen Weiss David Mink, Allan Schwartz Michael Winheld, Robert L. Rosen Amy Seidman, Anna Mae Greenberg; Mickie Rosen Jerome M. Zaslow, Anne Zaslow Jan Uram, Janet Polis Randall Zevin, Rose Zevin Myron & Janet Waxman, Carol Waxman and Mickie Rosen ADAMS LIBRARY FUND DONOR IN HONOR OF DONOR IN MEMORY OF Ray & Joan Abrams, Keneseth Israel Ricki Gordon, Mickie Rosen GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND ADULT EDUCATION FUND DONOR IN MEMORY OF DONOR IN MEMORY OF William Schur, Ana Mayor Marvin & Louise Kleinman, Mickie Rosen HAMOTZI FUND Helen Schneeberg, Mickie Rosen DONOR IN HONOR OF ARCHIVES FUND Skits Soroko & Paulette Sterman-Soroko, DONOR IN MEMORY OF Birth of Conway Penn Myers Barbara Batt & Ellen Solis-Cohen, Kay Brylawski HAZAK INITIATIVE JUDGE MYRNA FIELD BAUM FUND IN MEMORY OF DONOR IN HONOR OF DONOR Paul Steinberg Ivan & Lynn Horn, The Hazak Chair Project E. Harris Baum, IN HONOR OF ISRAEL COMMITTEE PROJECTS DONOR DONOR IN HONOR OF E. Harris Baum, B’nai Mitzvah of Bompadres’ grandchildren Lewis & Elaine Abel, Speedy recovery of Dick & Bobbi Weiss CANTOR’S PHILANTHROPIC FUND KAHN MUSIC FUND DONOR IN MEMORY OF DONOR IN HONOR OF Marvin & Louise Kleinman, Jonathan Greengrass Michael Simon, Michelle Skalsky Simon Jill Adams & Jon Goodman, Birthday of Rhoda Hershman DONOR IN HONOR OF MILLICENT & MARK KAY SCHOLARSHIP FUND DONOR IN MEMORY OF Michael Simon, Cantor Amy E. Levy Peggy & Stanley Goldenberg, Charlotte Rosenthal S U P P O R T K I ! C a l l 2 1 5 - 8 8 7 - 8 7 0 0 o r v i s i t w w w . k e n e s e t h i s r a e l . o r g . T h a n k y o u !  SHALOM KI 17

Contributions All listings indicate donor first, followed by the honor or memorial. KING DAVID HARP SOCIETY LEO & FAY ROSENAU FUND DONOR IN MEMORY OF DONOR IN MEMORY OF Jan Finkelman, Alvin Charles Goldston; Abraham Marymor Jerry & Lois Rosenau, Ilse Neuberger Anita and Murray Madnick, Sheldon Flame; Linda Winheld RICHARD E. RUDOLPH, JR. PRESCHOOL FUND DONOR IN HONOR OF DONOR IN MEMORY OF Theodore & Diane Feldstein, Hazzan David Tilman Les Cooperson & Robyn Miller, Thomas Dangerfield MANUEL & BLANCHE KORN HEARING IMPAIRED FUND Anita and Murray Madnick, Thomas Joseph Dangerfield DONOR IN MEMORY DONOR IN HONOR OF Philip & Joan Kamen, Lynn Schlezinger Barbara Batt, 45th Wedding Anniv. of CLARENCE L. & ESTELLE S. MEYERS LIBRARY FUND Anne & John Solis-Cohen DONOR IN MEMORY OF The Infant Center, Kelly Sussman; Liz Sussman Margaret Lichtenstein, Mickie Rosen Kate Kastenbaum, Allison Wilson & Family Eve Mennies, Sheldon Flame Ken & Hilary Leboff, Nyle Avi & Shilah Brooke Palatnik DONOR IN HONOR OF SOCIAL ACTION Stefan & Donna Keller, 90th Birthday of Eve Mennies DONOR IN HONOR OF Eve Mennies, Birth of Conway Penn Myers Peter Sklar, Bar Mitzvah of Isaac Comisar ONEG FUND TEMPLE JUDEA MUSEUM FINE ARTS FUND DONOR IN MEMORY OF DONOR IN MEMORY OF Sonnie Katz, Sheldon Flame Dorothy Federman, Ann Swern DONOR IN HONOR OF Shanlee Pollack, Mickie Rosen KI Israel Comm. Speedy Recovery of Dick & Bobbi Weiss 21st CENTURY FUND John & Anne Solis-Cohen, Our 45th Wedding Anniversary DONOR IN MEMORY OF RABBI’S PHILANTHROPIC FUND Ed Stock, Lynda Stock DONOR IN MEMORY OF DONOR IN HONOR OF Barry Zimmerman & Ruth Hartz, Mickie Rosen Richard & Marcia Klafter, Keneseth Israel Harry & Deborah Hoffman, Esther Hoffman; TYSON BROADCAST FUND Samuel Hoffman; Evelyn Stern DONOR IN MEMORY OF Seymour Kalikow, Shirley Zassler Kalikow Annette Field, Rose Friedman Bob & Sue Marburg, Jonathan Greengrass DONOR IN HONOR OF Dave & Sandy Rosenthal, Sheldon Flame; Linda Winheld Steven & Carol Weller, Streaming Services Neil & Ellen Sklaroff, Linda Winheld WEYL – SHARING IS CARING FUND Michael Simon, Michelle Skalsky Simon DONOR IN MEMORY OF Bernard & Esther Sobel, Jack Michael Lipson Les Cooperson & Robyn Miller, Linda Winheld DONOR IN HONOR OF DONOR IN HONOR OF Theodore & Diane Feldstein, Rabbi Sussman Dick & Anne Brown, Speedy recovery of Dick & Bobbie Weiss Allan Furman, Rabbi Sussman Norman & Linda Cohen, Sharing is Caring David Pashman, Rabbi Sussman Eugene Silver, Rabbi Sussman C2C EVENT ALERT Michael Simon, Rabbi Sussman WHO: Parents of Confirmation2College-Aged Kids! WHAT: Two March C2C Chavurah Events Monica & Bella Sirotovitz, Rabbi Sussman WHEN: Saturday, 3/2 at 8 p.m. – Sing-along with popular pianist, Tom Gramlich at the home of Susan & Rob Zaslow - Neil & Ellen Sklaroff, Speedy recovery of Dick & Bobbi Weiss $20 pp Sunday, 3/17 (Time TBD) – Hamentaschen-Making in KI’s Robert Slipakoff, Sonnie Katz KG & Kitchen Philip & Ruth Spergel, Our 61st Anniversary DETAILS: Check the C2C Chavurah Facebook page for updates & additional details! BEN & RENEE RICHMAN FUND FOR ELDER CARE DONOR IN MEMORY OF Chuck & Alice Richman, Albert Hoffman and Esther Manes DONOR IN HONOR OF Terry & Marjorie Caddy, Charlotte Richman’s 4th Birthday 18 FEBRUARY 2019

Hiddur Mitzvah CORE VALUE 215-887-8700 • FAX 215-887-1070 • www.kenesethisrael.org Mark Your Calendars For Music! SENIOR STAFF Please save March 30th for a Senior Rabbi, Lance J. Sussman, Ph.D., D.D. fabulous piano recital: KI Music Arts [email protected] / 215-887-8702 Committee is thrilled to present Cantor, Amy E. Levy, M.S.M. Haochen Zhang, youngest winner ever [email protected] / 215-887-8702 of the Van Cliburn International Piano Rabbi-Educator, Rabbi Stacy Eskovitz Rigler, MAJE Competition. Saturday evening, [email protected] / 215-887-8704 March 30 at 7:45 p.m. Dinner will Executive Director, Brian Rissinger precede the concert. Check the KI [email protected] / 215-887-8700 website for more information. Director of Early Childhood Education, Liz Z. Sussman, M.Ed. [email protected] / 215-885-2425 Membership Engagement Director, Jaimie Abt Shmelzer [email protected] / 215-887-8700 Director/Curator, Temple Judea Museum, Rita Rosen Poley [email protected] / 215-887-2027 Librarian, Meyers Library, Ellen Tilman [email protected] / 215-887-8700 Youth Engagement Coordinator, Danielle Strauss [email protected] / 215-887-8700 Choir Director/Pastoral Care, Hazzan David Tilman [email protected] / 215-887-8702 Organist, Andrew Senn Rabbi Emeritus, Simeon J. Maslin, D. Min. Cantor Emeritus, Richard Allen Executive Director Emeritus, William Ferstenfeld OFFICERS [email protected] President, Evonne Jonas Kruger First Vice President, Janice Schwartz-Donahue [email protected] Vice President, James L. Rosenthal [email protected] Vice President, Denise Yarnoff Soloff [email protected] Secretary, Donna Bleznak Keller [email protected] Assistant Secretary, Karen Langsfeld [email protected] Treasurer, Robert B. Saltzburg [email protected] Associate Treasurer, Andrew F. Altman [email protected] Immediate Past President, Arnold B. Meshkov [email protected] Honorary Presidents Joyce Fishbein, Hon. Jan E. DuBois, Miriam Finkel, Connie Kay, E. Harris Baum, Norma Meshkov, Karen L. Sirota, Carey S. Roseman, Andrew J. Flame, Peter J. Soloff, Richard Weiss Shalom Like KI Keneseth Israel on Facebook: is an affiliate THE BULLETIN OF KENESETH ISRAEL & THE MEYERS LIBRARY congregation of REFORM the Union for Editor, Donna Bleznak Keller Reform Judaism Assistant Editor, Anita Madnick C O N G R E G AT I O N SHALOM KI 19 Graphic Designer, Lindsay Cameron KENESETH ISRAEL S U P P O R T K I ! C a l l 2 1 5 - 8 8 7 - 8 7 0 0 o r v i s i t w w w . k e n e s e t h i s r a e l . o r g . T h a n k y o u ! 

We accept all MELTZER & MELTZER insurance plans Certified Public Accountants Contact Us: Individual Tax | Corporate Tax | Inheritance Tax | Non-profit Tax OUR PHARMACY HOURS PH: 267-282-0070 7900 Old York Rd. • C2 215.782.4444 x300 FAX: 267-282-0071 Elkins Park, PA 19027 215.782.4448 FAX www.meltzercpa.com [email protected] [email protected] Proud supporter of KI Bill Schur, ABR REALTOR® Multi-million dollar producer BHHS Fox & Roach Realtors Office 215- 887- 0400 Cell 215- 837-1410 Direct 215- 517- 6345 A Member of KI Since 1966 1475 W. Street Road Warminster, PA 215-674-8250 Catering for All Special Occasions BRAND NEW Birthdays, Anniversaries, Fund Raisers, After Parties, Memory Care Residence Team Building and Many More. HUNTINGDON VALLEY! TAKE YOUR PARTY TO THE NEXT LEVEL BY HAVING A The heart of Artis is fueled by a passionate BOWLING PARTY FOR YOUR SPECIAL OCCASION! philosophy of the power of Positive Partnerships to optimize and customize Memory Care for EVERY resident. 267.571.2699 artissl.com \"Bowling the way you remember it\" VISIT US ONLINE AT Creating positive partnerships the Artis way phillybowl.com Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.4lpi.com Reform Congr Keneseth Israel, Elkins Park, PA 04-0067

Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.4lpi.com Reform Congr Keneseth Israel, Elkins Park, PA 04-0067

FREE TRUCK FREE (215) 379-1636 100% Climate Ivy Caplan Huntingdon Valley • Manayunk RENT Controlled 610-564-1118 Lafayette Hill • Society Hill FOR ALL YOUR PERSONAL AND BUSINESS STORAGE NEEDS 215-509-7280 cell 610-405-9787 36 East Township Line Road • Elkins Park, PA 19027 4401 CRESSON STREET, PHILADELPHIA [email protected] Infinitycaterers.com Julie Robin Arouh, DMD PC Family, Cosmetic and General Dentistry Julie Arouh, DMD I Janele Graziano, DMD I Mee Kyung Lim, DMD ▪ Porcelain Veneers ▪ General Restorative Dentistry ▪ Teeth Whitening ▪ Crown & Bridge Procedures ▪ Bonding ▪ Removable Prostheses We also offer Cosmetic Laser Procedures Skin Tightening Treatments I Fine Line and Wrinkle Reduction Age Spot Removal I Laser Hair Removal I Sun Damage Reduction Improve the Appearance of Cellulite 261 Old York Road I Suite 330 I Jenkintown, PA 19046 215-885-2202 I 215-885-3264 (fax) We accept most insurance plans & have evening hours available Mon. through Thurs. Contact Jules Rosenman to place an ad today! [email protected] or (800) 477-4574 x6421 Wayne Elkins | Senior Mortgage Banker HEADQUARTERED OUT OF BALA CYNWYD, PA & VOORHEES, NJ PURCHASES AND REFINANCING (267) 688-0033 | [email protected] www.wayneelkins.alliedmg.com ESTABLISHED 25 YEARS NMLS#137047 Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.4lpi.com Reform Congr Keneseth Israel, Elkins Park, PA 04-0067

Ad info. 1-800-477-4574 • Publication Support 1-800-888-4574 • www.4lpi.com Reform Congr Keneseth Israel, Elkins Park, PA 04-0067

For The Future KI CORE VALUES Yahadut Mitkademit Limmud Reform Judaism Sacred Learning Monday, March 18 As a diverse community T’fillot Kehillah 6:00 p.m. WKI Designer representing a broad constit- Prayer and Spirituality Community uency of nearly 1,000 families Tikkun Olam Ahavat Israel Bag Bingo strong, we have identified Social Justice/Repair of the Jewish Pride/Love of Israel Wednesday, March 20 seven core values that define World 6:30 p.m. Erev Purim Shpiel the heart and soul of our Hiddur Mitzvah congregation. Arts and Culture & Service Friday, March 22 8339 Old York Road Presorted 8:00 p.m. Heritage Shabbat Elkins Park, PA 19027-1597 1st Class Sunday, March 24 Address Service Requested: US Postage 11:00 a.m. Purim Carnival Friday, March 29 Paid 8:00 p.m. Shabbat w/Rabbi Permit #81 Langhorne, PA Sussman’s Special Sermon “Art Appreciation: please recycle Neumann Chapel 101” April 11 – April 13 Spring Celebration Honoring Ra‫חי‬bbtioSKuIsfsomr a18n:YBerairnsg! ing Family Heritage Can’t Be Discovered with DNA Alone By Jack A. Myers, KI Archivist I have been pursuing my family’s more than scientific confirmation of attach material from their vast array of relationships we know or discover. On databases to the individuals on your history for over 40 years. Only 18 the other hand, a list of matches creates family tree as well as to your DNA file. months ago, Laurie and I submitted opportunities to add to one’s family tree Other sources of collaborating DNA samples becoming part of a by using documentation to determine information include cemeteries, religious database. The resulting list of matches how those who share your DNA are or civil marriage records, census records, grows daily. As of mid-December, I have actually related. been matched to 165,000 others in the passport applications and naturalization/ database, and Laurie to 130,000, some Such documentation is becoming citizenship papers. Family trees or close, some distant. Prior and subsequent easier to come by. The internet and histories created by earlier generations research has helped me translate a search engines such as Google can lead can be an excellent starting point, or small number of the matches to actual to relevant material. Governments at a source of contradictions, depending branches on our family tree. I have used all levels have added to their online on the source! Good maps and an similar sources to help other KI members trove of records. We are fortunate to document their own families’ lineage. atlas illustrating changes to national have a branch of the National Archives boundaries are essential tools. Two months ago, I wrote about here in Philadelphia. (Pennsylvania and The Archives and the Meyers Library how DNA from remains retrieved at Philadelphia have parallel institutions.) will be hosting a free program, Beyond a burned POW camp in Tokyo could JewishGen.org is a well-established site. DNA, on Sunday, February 10 at 9:30 soon be matched with that of living Even FamilySearch.org (related to the a.m. The emphasis will be on linking family, who are former KI members. Mormon Church) has an extensive array DNA knowledge to a family history The key was finding the family, and that of Jewish records (many contained in the created from other available sources. was done using KI Archives material. Knowles Collection). SteveMorse.org Access to DNA databases has truly This vividly illustrates the point that is a more advanced site with potential advanced genealogy; we only need to on one hand, DNA matches are no material for family research. All three know how best to interpret the findings sites are free. If you are willing to pay, and/or to confirm what history has been Ancestry.com enables you to directly handed down to us.