We are obligated at Passover to see ourselves as if we too have escaped from slavery to freedom. So at our seder, past is always present. We relive the journey, the miracle as the Red sea suddenly opens. Then fear- having only moments to decide to chance crossing or stay...
Thank you for inviting me to pray with you this evening. I have been asked, as a Ukrainian-American and a child of immigrants, to talk a little about the situation that is taking place in my father’s homeland. Ukraine is a country in Europe that before this year many people...
Dear KI Congregants, In keeping up with the recent recommendations from the CDC, as well as the Montgomery County Office of Public Health, and in the spirit of Pikuach Nefesh, the Jewish value of safeguarding life, we are updating our Covid safety protocols. These changes do not apply to our...
Dear KI Congregants, Early in 2020, we determined that the national rise in anti-Semitism and hate crimes demanded an increase in our security measures. To protect our school children, staff, members and guests, the Board of Directors voted to engage armed security officers whenever our building was open. At that time...
Every so often a congregant questions how we decide on the issues we support. We recognize that this important question deserves a considered response. Our committee was established in 2016, and shortly thereafter we decided that we would support positions taken by the Religious Action Center (RAC) which for more...
The Purim Story is a new Megillah retold and introduced by Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, Ph.D., Senior Rabbi of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel (KI) in Elkins Park, PA published by Tablo Press (2021). Written for use at home or in the synagogue, The Purim Story features new, original artwork by Marlene D’Orazio Adler. Written as a...
It is with abounding pride and gratitude that I have agreed to become the next Senior Rabbi of Keneseth Israel In Elkins Park, PA. Founded In 1847, KI is a place of significant renown, a leader in and beyond the Reform movement for generations. The Jewish community of Philadelphia has...
December 1, 2021 Rabbinic Search Update The past month has been a busy one for the Rabbinic Search Committee. When KI’s pulpit position was posted on the CCAR website, we received 18 rabbinic applications from many impressive candidates. The number of applicants reflects KI’s strong reputation in the Reform Movement,...
Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in partnership with the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership secured grant funding to make stormwater management improvements on KI’s property. The first phase of the project includes installation of subsurface raintanks to manage the runoff from the 1.25 acre rooftop. The raintanks are stackable stormwater chambers which provide...
Shalom, KI Community! While some programs have been in full swing, the Inclusion Committee has been planning our programs for the 2021-2022 year. As an example, “Clearing the Confusion II,” a panel discussion on navigating current Covid issues will be held on ZOOM and Facebook Live on December 12th. Researchers...
