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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
Jewish Relief Agency (JRA) is seeking volunteers to assist with packing and delivering boxes of food and critical household goods to families in need in our community ahead of the upcoming Rosh Hashanah holiday. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, JRA re-engineered our program model to allow individuals and families to volunteer...
