KI Confirmation Class of 2015 - 5775.compressed

REFORM CONGREGATION KENESETH ISRAELConfirmation Class of 2015 - 5775 “PERSPECTIVES”

Dear Members of the KI Confirmation Class of 2015, High Five! Congrats! Mazal Tov, you did it and we are totally proud of you. You have gone the distance, completed tenth grade at KI and are now being Confirmed. In our busy, high-tech, overbooked way of life, that is a great personal achievement. I hope you feel great about yourselves, your decisions and your tenacity. Mazal Tov to your families, too, for their support of your education and our congregation. Your class is the 160th Confirmation Class at KI. We have had Confirmation here for many generations reaching back all the way to the years before the American Civil War! Your class picture will be hanging in the main Hallway with all the other classes. I am proud to tell you that people regularly come to KI to see their class picture! It is a point of pride for them and, now, for you, too! I am very happy your Class picked the theme of “Perspectives.” My teacher in Rabbinic School,Rabbi Jacob R. Marcus, once wrote that “Perspective is emancipation.” What did he mean by that? I believe what he wassaying was that when you have perspective, when you have an understanding in context, when you are aware of how peopleand events were shaped over time, you have more power in determining your response to events and people of the moment.Having perspective liberates you from the emotion and pressures of the moment. Having perspective allows truth to prevail.As Confirmands, you have taken the time to develop and refine your perspectives on being a Jew and what you believe aboutJudaism. That is a good and mature thing! I hope that your refined Jewish perspectives will serve you well in every aspect oflife: moral, cultural, spiritual, even political. It is good to know who you are and what you believe. As a KI Confirmand youwill be one of those special people who understand that perspective is emancipating.Mazal Tov on your Confirmation. Good luck in all things and keep studying throughout life, it is a liberating experience!Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, Ph.D.My best wishes and congratulations to the Keneseth Israel Confirmation Class of 2015!As this is a special occasion for you and your families, it is also a very special anniversary for my wifeNorma and I. We were in the Confirmation Class of 1965, just a few years ago, so this is our 50thanniversary. So to say I have some perspective on the meaning of my KI education is anunderstatement.My Jewish education as a young person truly reached a peak in that final year of religious school.The discussions that we had about ethics and God, the meaning of our history and traditions, andthe relationships that I established have resonated throughout my life.I hope that your experience this year has been even more meaningful for you. To be a Jew inAmerica is to understand the meaning of a society with many parts, and establishing your identity asa part of the Jewish community is important to you now, and in the future.You will finish your secular education, and then many of you will go on to college, where an entirenew world awaits. As you grow, take confidence in your heritage and education as a Reform Jew in America. You have thetools to continue learning about Judaism, and incorporate your tradition into your future family life. Mostly, I hope you hadfun this year. You will have warm memories, and funny stories, that will gladden your heart throughout your life. This is atime to cherish all you have learned and experienced here at KI. Mazel Tov to you and your families on your Confirmation.Arnold B. Meshkov, MDPresident, Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel

Mazal Tov Confirmands!From my perspective, this was an incredibly meaningful and moving Confirmationexperience. It has been my honor to guide you through this journey – traveling together tothe L’Taken Seminar at the RAC in Washington, D.C., teaching many of your classes in QuestNoar, and helping you prepare for the magical Confirmation service. As your rabbi, I amvery proud of all that you have accomplished. I remember being in your shoes. I was Confirmed in 1996 at Temple B’nai Shalomin Fairfax, VA. Like you, I was a Sophomore in High School. Like you, I had many friends inmy Confirmation Class. Like you, I was full of energy and excited about being Jewish.Unlike you, I didn’t have a cell phone or an email address. Facebook wasn’t even invented.We still had dial-up internet access. Much has changed since my Confirmation, but much has also stayed the same. Confirmation is an importantmilestone in your Jewish journey. When I was 16, I did not know the path that lay ahead of me. I went to Camp Harlam.I was in NFTY. My family was active in my synagogue. I was just beginning to own my Judaism. As I continued throughthe end of High School, I knew that I wanted to be in an active and vibrant Jewish community in college. I applied toschools with large, Reform populations and active Hillels. I chose a college that had a Reform service every Friday night.I took Jewish Studies and Hebrew classes. I was realizing more and more the importance of being actively involved inJewish life. Around my junior year at Brandeis, I decided that I wanted to become a rabbi. I loved everything about Judaismand couldn’t imagine a different career path. Many of my friends felt the same way, and many did not. I pursued mydream of becoming a rabbi. It was hard work. However, I always knew that the payoffs would be great. Payoffs likeworking with 10th graders who are beginning to own their own Judaism. Trade-offs like working in an office for 11months of the year, so I could spend two weeks at Camp Harlam. There are many ways to stay active in Judaism besides following the path I took. Go to Israel. Get involved inJewish sports leagues. Continue your work as Jewish lobbyists. Synagogues are full of people of all professions, and weneed them just as much as we need rabbis, cantors, and educators. So, stick around after Confirmation. Bring the joyand friendships you experienced this year everywhere you go. Best of luck in the years ahead and please stay in touch. Rabbi Kevin M. Kleinman

Dear Confirmands of 2015, It is my utmost joy to wish you a huge mazal tov on your Confirmation. It has been so wonderful to be your teacher, and to guide you along your Jewish journey. I am amazed by your talent, poise, and maturity, and I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to see all of your talents shine through Jewish prayer, text, and song. May you continue to find strength in our traditions and in the legacy of those who have come before us. May the teachings of our traditions continue to inspire you to learn more and strengthen your Jewish identity. May your heart always be open to all of our expressions of hope- whether it is in prayer, in song, or in tzedakah. And may this dayalways resonate inside of you as a gift from your KI community and your family. We will always be there for you as youcontinue to grow!With much love,Cantor Amy E. Levy 榠ξWhen the Rabbis of old would leave the House of Study Rabbi Ami would say,“May you see the world as you wish it in your lifetime, and when you die may your soul liveon. May your hopes be those of the future generations. In the future may all your wondering leadto understanding and your words be wise.”As you finish your formal study at KI I hope that your years here have provided a foundation foryour life as Jewish adults. It has been my great pleasure to get to know you this year both as aclass and as individuals. I am truly amazed by your individual abilities anduniqueness. Congratulations to all of you for your hard work and perseverance, for stickingthrough changes so that you can stand today with your peers and confirm your pride in beingJewish and being a member of this community. Mazel Tov to you and your families. I hope to seeyou in the future at KIFTY events or working in the religious school, or celebrating Shabbat and the holidays.Yesher Koach - A job well done!Warmly,Rabbi Stacy Eskovitz Rigler



AUSTIN LEE ADLER Attends: Abington Sr. High School I like to play sports...I love Jews and Jewish culture… I love watching movies. I want to design something for the world and sell it for billions of dollars. Favorites: Jewish Holiday - Passover Jewish Food - Kugel Quote - “YOLO”RACHEL ELANA BLACKMANAttends: Abington Sr. High SchoolMy favorite place to be is Camp Galil... I love tobe with my family and friends...I love to volunteerand make the world a better place...I hope tocontinue my Jewish learning through camp andKI for a long time.Favorites:Jewish Holiday - PassoverJewish Food - Matzo Ball SoupQuote - \"Don't let the fear of striking out keep you fromplaying the game\" - Babe Ruth

HARRY JACOB CHERRY Attends: Abington Sr. High School I am a smart, intelligent, knowledgeable and brilliant gentleman. Favorites: Jewish Holiday - Rosh Hashanah Jewish Food - Falafel SAMANTHA LILLIAN CHERRYAttends: Abington Sr. High SchoolI love photography because I think it is importantto capture symbolic moments in your life...I hopeto inspire people...I love learning new things eve-ryday...and I have a passion for the world.Favorites:Jewish Holiday - Rosh Hashanah because I alwaysspend a lot of time with my family.Jewish Food - HamentashenQuote - “Whatever you are, be a good one.” Abraham Lincoln

SYLVIE ANNA CHERRY Attends: Abington Sr. High School I want to devote my life to helping others by being a doctor and saving lives. I want to help homeless people and those that do not have the basic necessities. I want to help all children have access to the education they deserve. Favorites: Jewish Holiday - Passover Jewish Food - Lox Quote— “There are only two ways to live your life; one as though nothing is a miracle and the other is as though everything is a miracle.” - Albert Einstein PAXTON ISAAC CUTLERAttends: The Crefeld SchoolI'm a 16 year old born and raised in Elkins Park. I've beengoing to KI for 14 years! I am a huge sports fan,specifically, football, baseball and hockey. I love fantasyleagues as well. My hobby is blowing glass.Favorites:Jewish Holiday - PassoverJewish Food - Matzo Ball SoupQuote - “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” -Wayne Gretzky

JACOB A. DICKSTEIN Attends: Abington Sr. High School I like to watch Football, play lacrosse, watch movies and I like cars. Favorites: Jewish Holiday - Passover Jewish Food - Shwarma Quote - “Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don’t interfere as long as the policy you’ve decided upon is being carried out.” -Ronald Reagan BRYAN J. FINEAttends: Cheltenham High SchoolI love music...my friends are awesome...I lovemusic… video games are awesome...I love musicand Jazz!Favorites:Jewish Holiday - Passover because of the timewith my familyJewish Food - All Jewish foods are awesome!Quote - (Lyrics)“...If you don’t make mistakes, youain’t really trying.” - Coleman Hawkins

LINDSAY ERIN FULLERTON Attends: Abington Sr. High School I play field hockey, I participate in 5 clubs and am on honor Roll in my School. I am a member of NFTY and am C.V.P on the KFTY board. I have a younger brother, Mason and plan on going to college after High School. Favorites: Jewish Holiday - Hanukkah Jewish Food - Brisket Quote - “When you want to succeed as badly as you want to breath then you’ll be successful.” -Eric Thomas 돐η SAMANTHA ROSE GABLEAttends: Abington Sr. High SchoolI don’t want to be defined by five sentences...Ireally like food...I strive to be great in school… Ilike hanging out with my friends.Favorites:Jewish Holiday - PassoverJewish Food - KugelQuote - “Life is not measured by the number of breathswe take , but by the moments that take our breath away.” - Maya Angelou

ALYSSA DANIELLE GREENFIELD Attends: Cheltenham High School I love spending time with my friends and going to youth group events, doing art and learning languages. I love meeting people and making new friends. I am big on being positive and making the best of every situation. Favorites: Jewish Holiday - Yom Kippur Jewish Food - Rugelach Quote - “Life is unpredictable so make the best of every situation, smile a lot and NEVER go to bed angry.” JOSHUA LEE JASLOWAttends: Abington Sr. High SchoolI love to yoyo, playing Bass, being funny andmaking people laugh. My favorite movie of alltime is Monsters, Inc. and I enjoy travelingespecially with friends.Favorites:Jewish Holiday - Hanukkah & PassoverJewish Food - Challah & BrisketQuote - “ Happiness can be found even in the darkest oftimes, when one only remembers to turn on the light.” -Albus Dumbledore

BENJAMIN BLEZNAK KELLER Attends: Lower Moreland High School I always need to have something to do. I use my dog as a conversation starter. I like filming and editing videos. I sing a lot and school is my life. Favorites: Jewish Holiday - Rosh Hashanah Jewish Food - Matzo Ball Soup Quote - “Pools of Sorrow, Waves of Joy.” -The Beatles, Across the Universe DANIEL DAVID KLUGMANAttends: Upper Dublin High SchoolI am 16 and I have a twin named Robert. I enjoyplaying music. My mom teaches at KI.Favorites:Jewish Holiday - PassoverJewish Food - ChallahQuote - “Where words fail, music speaks.” -Hans Christian Anderson

ROBERT ELLIS KLUGMAN Attends: Upper Dublin High School Listing my interests wouldn’t be very important as they are ever changing but I will always love my family and my cats. Favorites: Jewish Holiday - Purim because we get to make and eat Hamentashen Jewish Food - Kugel Quote - “Nuts.” - General Anthony McAuliffe SAMANTHA LEILA KRAUSSAttends: Abington Sr. High SchoolI am an enthusiastic and motivated Tromboneplayer. I go to URJ Camp Harlam. I take drawingand painting classes in school. My favorite movieis Forrest Gump and I hope to change the worldthrough art, poetry and music.Favorites:Jewish Holiday - Tu B’shvat because it is aboutrenewal and happinessJewish Food - BlintzesQuote - “Stupid is as stupid does.” -Forrest Gump

MAX PREM SOOD LEMPERT Attends: Cheltenham High School I am outgoing and I enjoy playing sports. I am proud to be a Jew and I am interested in politics. Favorites: Jewish Holiday - Yom Kippur because I get a clean slate. Jewish Food - Hamentashen Quote - “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” -Wayne Gretzky CAMPBELL REESE MANINAttends: Lower Moreland High SchoolI am 15 years old and I like sports, watchingmovies & being Jewish. I have had fun at KI.Favorites:Jewish Holiday - PurimJewish Food - LatkesQuote - “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” -Wayne Gretzky

HANNAH ELLIE ISADORA MAYER Attends: Delaware Valley Friends School I play basketball and soccer. I go to URJ Six points camp during the summer. I love hanging with friends and going shopping on weekends. My favorite subject is English Favorites: Jewish Holiday - Purim Jewish Food - Chicken Noodle Soup Quote - “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt REBECCA DAWN NECKRITZAttends: Cheltenham High SchoolI love going to the Philly Folk Festival, Interna-tional travel, I am going to Israel for 5 weeks withmy youth movement and my ideal ice cream fla-vor would be mint cookies and cream withbrownie chunks and white chocolate chips.Favorites:Jewish Holiday - PurimJewish Food - LatkesQuote - “ I can’t change the direction of the wind, but Ican adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” - Jimmy Dean

WILLIAM MORRIS SALTZBURG Attends: Plymouth Whitemarsh High School I consider myself to be very passionate about my endeavors. I am actively involved in KI’s youth group KIFTY. I am involved in Theater, National Arts Honor Society and French Club in school. Favorites: Jewish Holiday - Hanukkah; not for the presents but because Miracles can happen. Jewish Food - Matzo Ball Soup Quote - “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Great Gatsby COOPER REID SCHWARTZAttends: Cheltenham High SchoolI like to read lots of books. I can eat nearly con-stantly and never get full. I have too much energymost of the time. I am interested in STEM items.Favorites:Jewish Holiday - PassoverJewish Food - ChallahQuote - “Two possibilities exist; either we are alone inthe universe or we are not. Both are equally as terrifying.” - Arthur C. Clarke

BEN MAX SHATOFF Attends: Cheltenham High School I like to play on the computer and I am a video game fan. I like to watch T.V. and hang out with my friends. Favorites: Jewish Holiday - Passover Jewish Food - Kugel JACOB KAUFMAN TAYLORAttends: Abington Sr. High SchoolI like to play golf and basketball. I also like toplay the piano and guitar. I like meeting newpeople and making new friends and helpingpeople feel good about themselves.Favorites:Jewish Holiday - Yom KippurJewish Food - Matzo Ball SoupQuote - “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” -Wayne Gretzky

ALYSSA FERNE TOWNSEND Attends: Abington Sr. High School I aspire to one day have a career in medicine. I enjoy reading stories, singing, listening to music and trying new foods. I spend somewhere between most and all of my time geeking out over works of fiction. Favorites: Jewish Holiday - Rosh Hashanah because it makes me think of how I want to improve myself for the coming year. Jewish Food - Matzo Ball Soup Quote - “ Live your life with arms wide open. Today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten.” - Natasha Bedingfield, Unwritten SAMUEL MYELS PEREZ TRACTONAttends: Upper Dublin High SchoolI am me. I wish to live. I love to eat. I wish toenjoy.Favorites:Jewish Holiday - PassoverJewish Food - RugelachQuote - Retreat not from this endeavor, for the path tosalvation is long and the entrance is narrow.” -Benedict of Nursia

MATTHEW BRIAN WERNER Attends: Cheltenham High School My name is Mathew Werner. I was born on January 6, 1999. My astrological sign is Capricorn. I have red hair and brown eyes. I am a springboard and platform diver. Favorites: Jewish Holiday - Passover Jewish Food - Latkes Quote - “Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.” - Albert Einstein RACHEL OLIVIA ZASLOWAttends: Abington Sr. High SchoolLife has a lot of speed bumps and scary momentsand I have conquered all of mine thus far. I hopethat I do not break that streak.Favorites:Jewish Holiday - HanukkahJewish Food - KugelQuote - “ Live every moment like it is your last. Heck,it might be when the parachute doesn’t open.” - Anonymous

OUR 7th GRADE TRIP - BROOKLYN, NEW YORK November 6, 2011 10th Grade trip to the RAC - February 6-9, 2015

I WANT TO DO TIKKUN OLAM BY…• Being a decent person to everyone—Rachel Zaslow• Donating items to charity—Mathew Werner• Making people smile with a story— Sam Tracton• Changing peoples lives every day—Jacob Taylor• Planting a tree—Ben Shatoff• Helping people solve their problems—Cooper Schwartz• Creating an accepting and inclusive environment for my peers William Saltzburg• Volunteering and promoting issues like the environment, homelessness and equality—Rebecca Neckritz• Helping people get enough food to eat –Hannah Mayer• Donating my time to charity—Campbell Manin• Helping my Community—Max Lempert• Cleaning up the world around me and adding music Samantha Krauss• Making people Happy or teaching—Daniel Klugman• Working with people—Ben Keller• Spreading kindness by being kind—Josh Jaslow• Helping organizations by raising money, participating in activities and spreading the word—Alyssa Greenfield• Making people happy by helping them when they need it Samantha Gable• Taking care of endangered species and raising awareness for them Lindsay Fullerton• Teaching kids about the true aspects and beauty of music Bryan Fine• Helping to better the government—Jake Dickstein• Being funny—Paxton Cutler• Helping others by being a doctor and saving lives—Sylvie Cherry• Spreading the idea of peace and hope—Sami Cherry• Doing something where I can see the impact of what I have done Rachel Blackman• Making my local area clean and beautiful—Austin Adler

YESTERDAY... ◌ी◌֗

...AND TODAY

KI FROM OUR PERSPECTIVEAlyssa Greenfield Benjamin Keller Bryan Fine Sylvie CherryHannah Mayer

KI FROM OUR PERSPECTIVEAustin Adler Ben Shatoff Rachel BlackmanDaniel Klugman Cooper Schwartz Jacob Taylor

KI FROM OUR PERSPECTIVESamantha Cherry Rachel BlackmanJoshua Jaslow Samuel Tracton Matthew WernerSamantha Krauss Lindsay Fullerton

KI FROM OUR PERSPECTIVEWilliam Saltzburg Robert Klugman Samantha GableRachel Blackman Daniel Klugman

Confirmation Dinner - May 23, 2015Thank you parents for making this accomplishment so special ...

Confirmation Dinner - May 23, 2015 And for all that you did to make this day happen

50th Anniversary

Class of 1965

Confirmation Day

Shavuot 5775 - May 24, 2015

Mazal Tov!

Mazal Tov!

Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel8339 Old York Road - Elkins Park, PA 19027