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...
November 9, 2021 was the 83rd anniversary of Kristallnacht, the “Night of Broken Glass,” in which the Nazis burned Jewish businesses and synagogues in Germany and Austria. Sources indicate that over 1,000 synagogues were burned or destroyed. All within the span of two days, 7,000 Jewish businesses were looted and...
Under the leadership of Cantor Levy and Toby Grubman, our partnership with the Lowell Elementary School is flourishing. COVID presented a challenge for us last year, and this year we are not able to do all of the things we did in the past, but we are committed to helping....
October 1, 2021 Focus Groups are Upcoming as We Await Candidate Applications Dear Friends: Now that the congregation survey is completed and results have been analyzed, the Rabbinic Search Committee has turned its attention to planning the upcoming Focus Groups. Coordinated by Liz Kaufman-Taylor, Marijke Shenkman and Andrew Altman, these...
Shanah Tovah! Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel is preparing for a High Holy Day season unlike any other. We look forward to welcoming you back to our building, while also providing remote options for those who wish to stream. Below, we’ve tried to anticipate your questions, as we plan for a...
