A new year comes and it brings the promise of a fresh start. In Judaism, we mark new beginnings with fanfare and joy. Think of Consecration, which marks the beginning of a student’s Jewish learning. Think of a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, marking the beginning of young adulthood. Think of...
In this season of miracles, I am so thankful for the miracles in my life, the life of our synagogue and in the Jewish story itself. Let’s say it clearly: Our being here was never inevitable. Each one of us lives only because of the countless miracles that enabled our...
The month of December is always filled with musical events, Hanukkah candle lighting, and congregational celebrations. On Shabbat evening, December 6, our superb volunteer adult choir, Shir KI, our professional singers, and choristers from the Old York Road corridor presented an outstanding evening of Israeli songs drawn from different periods...
Sparks of conversation kindle the most amazing ideas. These small moments of connection with congregants always ignite creativity, comfort, and inspiration in all aspects of KI community life, from The KItchen to The Sanctuary. This week, as we study Parashat Vayeitze, we are reminded of the journey of Jacob, who...
All items should be NEW, unwrapped, and will be collected in the lobby through December 20th. Donations will support Champions For Cheltenham. *Students in grades K-3, please buy:Sweatpants for Girls sizes 5/6-14/16 *Students in grades 4-6, please buy: Five below games, journals, drawing supplies, craft kits, science kits, fidgets *Students...
This Friday night I am going to speak about the jarring levels of antisemitism we have witnessed in recent weeks. We simply cannot ignore the atrocious levels of hate that exist both here in America and across Europe. When Nazis march in Columbus, Ohio or threaten students at the University...
AM YISRAEL AND ERETZ YISRAEL IN MUSIC: SHABBAT EVENING, DECEMBER 6, 2024 at 7pm This coming Shabbat, we read Vayeira, the fourth Sidrah in Bereshit/Genesis. The beginning Torah portions are packed with formative and dramatic events in the early history of the Jewish people, and this week’s Sidrah describes events...
To all of my dear friends at KI, I write with the bittersweet news that I will be leaving you within a few weeks. Friday, November 22nd will be my last Shabbat with you. This has been a long and agonizing decision for me and my family – but one...
Dear Members of our beloved Keneseth Israel Family, Last week, I told Rabbi David and Cantor Levy that I shall retire as music director of SHIR KI in May 2025. Our 14 years together have been so wonderful, meaningful, and inspiring for me and, I pray, for you!! Ellen and...
On behalf of Rabbi David and myself, I want to share news about our Sacred Music Program that is both significant and bittersweet. Andrew Senn and Hazzan David Tilman, will be leaving their roles in the coming months for family and professional reasons. We will miss them and what they...
