This will be my last eKI (June 23) and tomorrow, June 24, will be my final Friday night Shabbat service at KI. Most of my efforts at this point are directed at moving into my new office across the hall in the former Gift Shop. I am glad I will...
It’s June, the final month of my work as Senior Rabbi of KI and all the big celebrations are behind us. We still have Confirmation (this Saturday night) and a number of Bnai Mitzvah and baby namings among other things. But the clock is running and sometime in the next...
America is weeping for her children From an unknown place In our shattered souls Where there is no consolation Or hiding from our feelings. America is weeping for her children And their shattered bodies and Families Who cannot dig graves Deep enough to bury their sorrow. America is weeping for...
Last Shabbat evening, the KI congregational family joined together for a joyous and moving tribute to Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, our retiring Rabbi. I conducted a special musical program presented by our sensational volunteer choir, Shir KI, professional vocal quartet, including Abbe Chapman, soprano; Jenifer Smith, mezzo; Steven VanName, Tenor;...
This coming Sunday, May 15, 2022, will be my final day at JQuest. JQuest this year has another week but because of a family event tied to the KI Spring Celebration and two weddings, May 15 will be my last day. I will be in the lobby to say goodbye...
This past Shabbat, our congregation celebrated the Bat Mitzvah of Sophie Sussman. Sophie is the daughter of Kelly and Benji Sussman. Sophie is also the granddaughter of Rabbi Lance and Liz Sussman. At the Bat Mitzvah, (stream here-around 45 min) Rabbi Sussman reflected about his own Bar Mitzvah, and the...
“From Now On, No Distinction:” Reform Judaism and the Redefinition of the Religious Status of Jewish Women, 1810-1975 (The Reform Advocate) By Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, Ph.D. – Roots of Reform Judaism Senior Scholar for The Reform Advocate During the last fifty years, it has become typical, if not fashionable,...
The hidden battle for the soul of Reform Judaism During the last month or so while our eyes and thoughts have been trained on the war in Ukraine, another battle, a hidden battle, has also been waging over the future of American Reform Judaism. This is not a battle over...
God of Peace, Eternal Source of Love: Be with the people of Ukraine In this, their hour of need. Strengthen their resolve to fight For their freedom and independence. Be with their friends of every faith and nation in their support of the Ukrainian people. Bless the citizen soldiers, mothers,...
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...
