December 2015Kislev/Tevet 5776

1 Volume 39 No. 4

The IsraelightCongregation Beth Israel of Media

A Reconstructionist Jewish Community

Table of

Contents

Religious Practice Committee 7Oneg/Kiddush Opportunities

The Gala 8, 9Gratitude and Pictures

Mishloach Manot 10, 11Order form for Purim bags

News from the Hebrew School 12, 13Green Faith Activities, kvelling

CONGREGATION MEETING 12Social Action Committee 13

Protecting Creation: 3A Jewish Response to Climate Change

Religious Practice Committee 4,5Gratitude, Winter Holidays, Chanukah

Adult Ed 6Hanukah, Torah Treks, In the Rabbi’s StudyYahrzeits 7

We remember themDonations 7

Thank you

On September 21, 2015, RRC’s faculty voted to nolonger bar qualified applicants with non-Jewish partnersfrom admission to RRC, and to no longer ban RRC stu-dents in good standing from graduating as rabbis, be-cause they have non-Jewish partners. This policy changeis the result of many years of discussion within the Re-constructionist movement.

Rabbi Linda Holtzman will join ourRabbi Linda to discuss this historicdecision.

Rabbi Deborah Waxman, president ofRRC writes: "We no longer want toprevent very wonderful and engagedJewish leaders from becoming rabbis.After years of study, research, and

discussion with many members of the Reconstructionistcommunity, we have concluded that the status of a rab-binical student’s partner is not a reliable measure of thestudent’s commitment to Judaism—or lack thereof. Nordoes it undermine their passion for creating meaningfulJudaism and bringing us closer to a just world. The issue ofJews intermarrying is no longer something we want tofight or police; we want to welcome Jews and the peoplewho love us to join us in the very difficult project of bring-ing meaning, justice, and hope into our world."

Waxman continues: "... we have strengthened our admis-sions standards on reviewing an applicant’s commitmentto Jewish continuity in their personal, familial and commu-nal life. We make this change while also revising our cur-

riculum in major ways, focusing intensely on how to trainrabbis (and other leaders) on practices and teachings ofJewish distinctiveness, even as we are preparing them forleadership in a multicultural world... No one in theprocess takes this historic decision lightly. We do feel thatit reflects some of the realities in Jewish communitiestoday. Our congregations have members with non-Jewishpartners, and we need rabbis who can provide them withrole models for vibrant Jewish living. Reconstructionismhas always been predicated upon changing as Jews and Ju-daism change, even when these changes are emotionallychallenging."

Join us as we explore the process behind the decision, reac-tions to the decision and the possible consequences - in all di-rections - of the decision.

About our guest: Rabbi Linda Holtzman is the organizer ofTikkun Olam Chavurah, a group that pursues social justicework together as a community. She has served on the fac-ulty of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College since the1980's. She has also served as rabbi of CongregationMishkan Shalom in Philadelphia, of Beth Israel Congrega-tion in Coatesville, PA, and Beth Ahava in Philadelphia. Sheis the founder of the Reconstructionist Hevra Kadisha, alsoin Philadelphia.

She is the author of a chapter in Twice Blessed (BeaconPress, 1989) as well as the article “Struggle, Change andCelebration: My Life as a Lesbian Rabbi” in Lesbian Rabbis:The First Generation, edited by Rebecca T. Alpert, Sue LeviElwell and Shirley Idelson (Rutgers University Press, 2000).

RRC's Historic Decision to be discussed at services December 18th

September 2015Tishri 5776/Cheshvan 5776

2 Volume 39 No. 4

This is Not Really a Test

Do you remember the last time youthought about analogies, that form ofreasoning, according to dictionary.com“in which one thing is inferred to besimilar to another thing in a certain re-spect, on the basis of the known simi-larity between the things in otherrespects?” Please don’t worry if analo-gies aren’t foremost in your mind, be-cause I’m about to give you a chance to review the concept!

The standardized test format for analogies goes like this:A : B :: C : D

That’s shorthand for “A is like B as C is like D.” Of course, ina test, one of the terms is omitted and you get to guesswhat fits. Got it? Let’s try an easy one.

tomato : vine :: apple : ???Did you guess “tree?” Good! Now let’s try a harder one.

College : Beth Israel :: tailgating : ????

Notice this isn’t multiple choice, so stop for a moment,please, and think about how you might complete this partic-ular analogy. (In teacher-speak, this is called “wait time.”)

What was your answer? I’m eager to know! Here are a fewof my thoughts: 5k race… Beer tasting… Gala-type party…Dining out with friends… Playing games…

However you completed the analogy, you socialized in col-lege and now you can socialize at BI. Socializing a la BI cantake many forms, from attending services to hanging out inthe lobby while kids finish Hebrew School or playing MahJong or making Empty Bowls. Whatever it looks like, con-necting with BI friends is good.

But what about the social events that you WISH would hap-pen at BI? What about a group doing dinner together orsharing a movie or concert or theater? What about a funfamily day trip or a tikkun olam project?

While we don’t have our own football team to cheer for, wedo have a wonderful community and making a single socialevent happen is easy. If you have an idea, just put it out viathe congregational listserv and see who wants to join you.Recently Rick Lowe publicized the screening of SoftVengeance at the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival; I canhardly wait to join the BI contingent. It will be fun to attendthis together and Rick showed us that inviting folks via thelistserv couldn’t be easier. Might you try putting somethingtogether?

President’s Message:Chanukah & The Climate Crisis

The word Chanukah means dedica-tion. The festival of Chanukah beginson the 25th day of the Hebrew monthof Kislev which falls on the evening ofSunday December 6th in 2015. We willcelebrate with joyful gatherings offamily and friends, menorahs, lightsand blessings, latkes, dreidels andsongs. Some of us will exchange giftsand donate to organizations doing meaningful work as away to honor one another. Many of us will gather at BethIsrael on Friday night of Chanukah for services, singing,dinner and a festive, party atmosphere. Some of us willparticipate in Chanukah Chavurah (see flyer on page 5) andvisit with one another for one or more of the nights ofChanukah.

This year, on the afternoon leading into Chanukah, theJewish community will have the opportunity to gather toaddress the pressing climate crisis, which has been namedthe greatest danger to the human species and to the entireweb of life on the planet. As Jewish Americans we havebring a particular perspective and obligation to engagewith this crisis. As Americans we know that our country isper capita, one of the most intensive methane/CO2 emit-ting in the world. If we make changes here they will rever-berate well beyond our borders. As Jews we are steepedin texts and practices that guide us to cherish and care forthe earth. Chanukah is one of those times that our festivalhelps us to hear the call and invites us to dedicate our-selves to address the needs of our Earth.

The Talmud’s legend that as the Maccabees rededicatedthe desecrated Temple they had only one day’s supply ofoil that lasted eight days may serve to inspire us to chooseto conserve energy in order to sustain ourselves and ourworld. The teaching that a community of the powerlessovercame a great empire may inspire courage when facingmodern powers when they defile our most sacred house ofGod – the Earth itself.

Rabbi’s Message

continued on page 3

December 2015Kislev/Tevet 5776

3 Volume 39 No. 4

Rabbi’s MessageThis climate conference is an event for the whole family. There will be programs by the Please Touch Museum for ouryounger kids while our older kids learn with us from speakers who will address the topics of Judaism and the environment,the science behind the climate crisis and the effects of climate change on the most vulnerable populations – the poor andminority communities. Workshops will follow where we can consider further action steps.

Our congregation is a proud co-sponsor of this event. But whether or not you are able to attend please take the opportu-nity, this Chanukah, to dedicate yourself and your household to taking large and small steps to address the climate crisis.

Chag Orim Sameach. Happy Chanukah. May the festival of lights brighten your life and help heal our world!

continued from page 2

•! !"#$%&'"%()*#'%+"*,-."%)*%/0-$#'%•! !"#*1%&)%2"#$%&'"%()*#'%+"*,-."%)*%

/0-$#'%3%.)42"#$%5-&'%+)0")1"%6172%8)6%9""2%*"#$8%&)%$)%-&%)1%8)6*%)51%

•! :'#1&%()*#'%)*%;#<)*#'%•! !"#*1%&)%.'#1&%()*#'%)*%;#<)*#'%

We Want You! ="+>%5"?*"%*".*6-71@A%%B"?*"%2))C-1@%9)*%#%9"5%D)*%0#18%!E%@))$%5)0"1>%0"1>%#1$%&""1+%5')%5)62$%2-C"%&)%$)%4%)*%&*8%&)%$)%4%#18%)9%&'"%9)22)5-1@F%

('"*"%-+%#%+0#224-+'%@*)6G%)9%G")G2"%5')%*"@62#*28%"1H)8%&'"%')1)*%)9%2"#$-1@%&'"%()*#'%+"*,-.">%/0-$#'>%)*%.'#171@%()*#'%)*%;#<)*#'%)1%I'#JJ#&%DI#&6*$#8+E%#1$%5"%5)62$%2),"%&)%"KG#1$%&'"%.-*.2"%&)%-1.26$"%=LMA%%N"5%0"0J"*+>%2)1@%70"%0"0J"*+>%1"528%J#*%)*%J#&%0-&O,#'%&""1+%4%#22%#*"%5"2.)0"A%P9%8)6%#*"%-1&"*"+&"$%D","1%#%718%J-&AE>%G2"#+"%2"&%6+%C1)5Q%5"?$%2),"%&)%'"2G%8)6%&#C"%G#*&%-1%&'-+%H)8)6+%I'#JJ#&%G*#.7."%#&%R"&'%P+*#"2A%%

S#1$-%S#+C-1%N#+'>%!#**8%;#0"*0"+'>%!#6*#%!""%R2".'1"*%

rbeleCotUsnioJt Bs ayad HolinterWi

5102,52rebmeceD,yadiFrmeohatabbatSh

nd the ouron antentit iabbha Ste aeaCre iov m and aoodnese f food Chion of f Chitiidatr

urdSat

T

6102,1yraunaJ,yadiFrMP0:05 atKabbal ce ivert Sabbha S

.ndai Libba Ry led b

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

!

!

ehtetael aeth Isr B

2015 26,r mbeeceDday,secivreStabbahSAM5:49

ce Joyy led b ffmoRoEnthusiastic singing,

yratnemmocharToluffuthguoTh

!!!!!!!!!!"

!

!

yng:s settin i sunters the wit aabbhae SWelcom

and a yf

oetr

eflectiv r g gh

yi

jdi dus.f Exo

yn oiortpening po

e phe o

n tn odiscussio

ful singing,oywith j

k?ear Bntere on Wi Homdents:College stuI Bround see yel aaeth Isrck to Bae bCom

! ndsfriekcultoPdnaengap

bmahCybdewollFo Hor

nairatege/vyriadagnirbp

esaelP.servueo’d’ncameblliwereTh.erahsotreziteppa

too.ds, the kiorcheese f for

Sa

!

anu Jurday,atahSAM5:49

led b

2016 2,uary secivreStabba

ndai Libba Ry led b

!

ndai Libba Ry led b.seatYahNof ozvahMitBar !vTolezaM

4 Volume 39 No. 3 December 2015Kislev/Tevet 5776RELIGIOUS PRACTICE

see page 8 for Service and Oneg/Kiddush Schedule

September 2015Tishri 5776/Cheshvan 5776

Yamim Nora’im Todah RabahHigh Holy Day Big Thank You

I am so grateful to Rabbi Linda, Cantor Juliet andeveryone who participated and helped in so many

different ways(chanting and

sharing, readingand greeting,beautifying and

mailing and parking).

Thank you for being such a wonderful community. Laura Lee Blechner, RPC chair.

.

Light Up The Nights! Celebrate Chanukah 2015/5776

with Beth Israel

Chanukah Party, Potluck Supper & Latkes! Sixth Night: Friday, December 11th at 6:30 pm Bring your menorah & candles to light together before we celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat with a service led by Rabbi Linda and Rabbi Nathan.

Join us to sing Chanukah songs with BIMAS & chorus & play Chanukah games.

Please bring a dairy or vegetarian dish to share.

RSVP by Dec 8 so that we’ll have enough latkes. (610) 566-4645 or www.bethisraelmedia.org

Chanukah Chavurah Celebrate with BI members in their homes.

Light menorahs (BYO menorah & candles).

Sing Chanukah songs. Share a potluck nosh.

Schmooze with BI friends, old & new.

If you wish to host one of the evenings,

Contact Laura Lee (llblechner@gmail.com).

Check the weekly emails & website for more details

Of who is hosting a Chavurah gathering.

December 2015Kislev/Tevet 5776

6 Volume 39 No. 4

Torah Treks Ketuvim: The Writings, Year 2PsalmsProverbsJobDaniel

THE FINAL YEAR OF OUR TREK ! Ezra Nehemiah I & I I Chronicles

Everything Except The Five Megiloth photo: http://www.theignorantfishermen.com/2011_05_01_archive.html

October 10 PSALMS R. Helen PlotkinDecember 5 NEHEMIAH R. Nathan MartinJanuary 9 PROVERBS R. Linda PotemkenJanuary 23 CHRONICLES R. Michael RambergFebruary 6 JOB R. Linda PotemkenFebruary 20 PSALMS R. Linda PotemkenMarch 5 PSALMS Laynie BrowneMarch 19 EZRA R. Shelly BarnathanApril 9 DANIEL R. Linda Potemken

We conclude Torah Treks:JUNE 11, 2016 SHAVUOT SIYYUM

with Dr. Tamar Kamionkowski

Marion says, “This is a wellwritten, thoughtful memoiravailable new and usedfrom Alibris and Amazonetc. Be prepared to partici-pate meaningfully in ourprogramming inspired bythis book. Stay tuned foran announcement about aBI event.”

Tuesdays 4:30 12/15

Mussar is a Jewish spiritual practice that is an approach-able and practical set of teachings for cultivating per-sonal growth and spiritual realization in daily living. Theultimate goal is to help us to achieve greater wholenessand goodness.

Prerequisite: Participation in a previous mussar groupor permission of instructor; please contact R. Linda.

12:00 – 1:30 Thursday 12/10 Lunch & Learn Join us for a lively session as we share ancient and con-temporary texts, brown bag lunch, and one another'sgood company. No RSVP needed.

In the Rabbi’s Study

ADULT ED

!

nsitrMa nioJsaHnRun

EyelsWehnEyelsWe

ottnemttmimmco uocen we agyanat

!

Whtwidene o tgngiviLcedncahnhEeyles

gniviLdecnahnE eniLniMas’nuRsnitrrtaMserahsgniviLdecnah

gnigaru stnedisre to esoprupyojennj - ellfielih w h gniniamre hetthernohootdetacidde

!

emeoec bo

sevilde

.nuRsnti

noitpoe

o

evirD3609

!

elih, w he agyanat gniniamre hetthernohootdetaciddednanegatirehshiwJe sntioidatr trMatoicsintrinneebevavht ath

!eniLniMaehtnoyButsBeweNruoyojEn eeFgniviLtnednepedIn - rFo - ecivrvSe

srefffeOt ath yttyilliibaddarAffodnaeulluVa016llCa - 535 - otoroniatmroffonieromorffor3613

eludehsc !ruoteatvirpa

Dn oyclaH0 1091AP,aidMe

787 -U- EAG -

!

A Tale of Two Hanukahs: Exploring Historyand the Rabbinic Imagination

December 6 10 AM with Rabbi Nathan

December 2015Kislev/Tevet 5776

7 Volume 39 No. 4 Yahrzeits

*after a name indicates that there is a plaque. Yahrzeit begins at sundown the evening before the date shown.

Mourner Mourned Relationship 2015-2016 5776Rabbi Linda Potemken Marcia Feldman* Friend December 02 20 Kislev

Miriam Sigler Miles Harold Sigler, M.D. Father December 04 22 Kislev Judy Goodrobb Leon Goodman Father December 05 23 Kislev

Brian Randall Marc Randall Brother December 05 23 Kislev Lisa Schachner Helen Schachner* Mother December 06 24 Kislev Robert Stone Elizabeth Stone Mother December 07 25 Kislev Sylva Baker Irene Cann* Mother December 10 28 Kislev

David Cashell Charles Naylor Father December 11 29 Kislev Libbie Soffer Zelda Sommers* Mother December 12 30 Kislev Brian Randall Abraham Randall Grandfather December 13 1 Tevet Miriam Sigler Anna Aser Grandmother December 14 2 Tevet

Marilyn Drukin Franya Lichtman* Mother December 15 3 Tevet Deborah Erie Elsie Magnus Grandmother December 16 4 Tevet Deborah Erie Samuel D. Erie Father December 17 5 Tevet

Stephen Plotkin Murray Plotkin Father December 18 6 Tevet Ronald Levine Morton Levine Father December 19 7 Tevet

Suzanne Simenhoff William Deitch* Grandfather December 20 8 Tevet John Greenstine Morris Greenstine* Father December 21 9 Tevet Jeremy Loomis Chantal Loomis Sister December 21 9 Tevet

Susan Meyer Lois Sauve Father December 21 9 Tevet Joyce Romoff Jessica Miriam Weizer Niece December 22 10 Tevet Sylva Baker Benjamin Cann* Father December 23 11 Tevet

Jacqueline Northime Josephine Scibilia Mother December 23 11 Tevet Suzanne Simenhoff Leon Simenhoff* Grandfather December 24 12 Tevet

Richard Block Jack Block Father December 25 13 Tevet Andrea Bruno Rita Pollinger Mother December 25 13 Tevet Philip Mansky Joseph Mansky Father December 25 13 Tevet

Leslie Ann Alpert Lena Alpert Grandmother December 29 17 Tevet Joshua Waterston Warren Reier Uncle December 31 19 Tevet Leslie Ann Alpert Edwin Freed Father January 01 20 Tevet

Steven Blum Tonia Spiro* Grandmother January 01 20 Tevet

Thank you to our Oneg and Kiddush Hosts for December 2015Please contact Laura Lee Blechner (llblechner@pragman.net)

to choose a date to host.

Friday, December 5 6:30 Services with RNM availableSaturday, December 6 (Torah Treks) availableFriday, December 11 6:30 (Chanukah Celebration) availableFriday, December 18 8:00 Services with RLP availableSaturday, December 19 Services with RLP availableSaturday, December 26 Services with Joyce Romoff available

Oneg/Kiddush Host

Oneg and Kiddush Hosts Needed for December: Fill in the blanks!

Bring a challah, some wine and/or grape juice and a little nosh to enjoy after services.It’s a nice way to share the mitzvah of hospitality and create a chance to schmoozewith BI friends. Guidelines and some suggestions for what to bring are online also.Contact Laura Lee with questions and to sign up: llblechner@gmail.com

Because of the changeover in thestaffing of the office,

the list of octoBer donations

is not availaBle.

thank you for your donations.

a list will appear in theJanuary issue.

THANK YOU FOR THE AWESOME GALA from your Rabbis

Rabbi Nathan and I want to thank the planning committee, the Board, and theentire congregation for the delightful Gala that we enjoyed on October 17th.

It was a joyful way to mark our eighteenthanniversary and a warm and exuberantwelcome for our new associate rabbi.Most of all it was a beautiful celebra-tion of our community. It is a privi-lege to work with and to serve suchwonderful people. Here's to moresimchas as we continue on thismeaningful journey together!

Yours, Rabbi Linda

1

2

34

5

Photos by Geoff Horowitz. 1. The Invitation 2.Rabbis Nathan Martin and Linda Potemken 3. Event Chair Jennifer Waterston 4 & 5 Havdalah

6. Rabbi Linda and Randy Tiffany 7. Paige Brown, Leora Potemken, Elissa Pragman 8. Rachel Gornstein signs the matte. 9. R. Nathan’s partner, Abby Weinberg with their daughter Hadassah, (not shown, their son, Yehuda)10. Anita Potemken 11. Rissa and Stan Sklar 12 Joyce Romoff 13. Rie Brisco, Naomi Segal, Karen Giglio, and Debbie Wile

6

7

9

10

13

81211

December 2015Kislev/Tevet 5776

10 Volume 39 No. 4

Join us in the mitzvah and ancient tradition of Mishloach Manot as we celebrate Purim

Purim begins Wednesday, March 23, 2016 The Mitzvah of giving “Purim Baskets” is mentioned in the Book of Esther and asks the Jewish people to observe the days of Purim "as days of feasting and gladness, and sending portions of food to one another”.

The sending of Mishloach Manot (Purim Gift Baskets) has evolved into a fundraising tradition. Here at Beth Israel we invite you to join in this Mitzvah. Each family is entitled to 1 bag as a gift from the congregation regardless of whether that family donated to others. The bags include a greeting listing the names of all of the senders who contributed toward the gift.

The deadline for all orders is Sunday, March 1, 2016

! To order: Fill out the accompanying form (there may be an online version later)

! Recommended Donation: $5 per bag with a minimum of 3 bags.

! $400 to send to all B.I. members and staff (a savings of $600)

! $5 per bag for reciprocity (If someone has put your name on their list but you have not included them).

! $15 to send to a non-member.

! Deadline: Order Forms MUST be received by the Beth Israel office by March 1, 2016.

Bags will be available for pickup at BI Sunday, March 13 through Sunday, March 19. After March 19, the remaining bags will be donated to charity.

Please join us in observing this lovely and meaningful Purim tradition. Your support is needed and appreciated for the health and continued future of the Beth Israel community. OUR GOAL IS 100% PARTICIPATION AT SOME LEVEL.

For further information, contact Lynn Cashell, (610-543-6073, davidlynncashell@gmail.com) OR Joyce Romoff (610.864.6776 or joyceromoff@comcast.net)

Every FAMILY of Beth Israel IS ENTITLED to receive a Purim bag regardless of their own donation. You will receive your list ofgreetings even if you don't take a bag.

December 2015Kislev/Tevet 5776

11 Volume 39 No. 4 Purim begins March 23, 2016. To send Shalach Manot gift bags:

1) Fill out this form; 2) Pay online or by check; and 3) send this order form to: Congregation Beth Israel 542 S. New Middletown Rd. Media, Pa. 19063

Deadline for ordering Shalach Manot bags is March 1, 2016.Please order now!

Your Name

Address

Phone Number

Email AddressPRICING

$5.00 for each individual/family or staff member (Minimum of 3 Gift Bags)$5.00 for each reciprocity.$400 to send to the entire Congregation.$15 for each non-member recipient.

Names of Recipients

My Total Number of B.I. Recipients (at $5.00 each with a 3 gift bag minimum)

I Choose To Send To All Members And Staff At $400 Check Here ____

My Total Number of Non-Members at $15 each is :

Please Include Me In Reciprocity And Bill Me Separately Check Here ____

Each year there are many bags that aren't picked up from BI. If you chose not tohave a Purim bag, please check the line below so that, in light of our commit-ment to Greenfaith, we may better manage our resources. I will not be pickingup my Purim bag. Check here _______

TOTAL ENCLOSED or paid online ( )

If there are more recipients please continue on another piece of paper.

✔ IF NON-MEMBER

December 2015Kislev/Tevet 5776

12 Volume 39 No. 4

Introducing Lucas BennettHebrew School Aide

Lucas Bennett is an 8th grader atStrath Haven Middle School. Helikes to play baseball and tennis,and has also gotten pretty good atGaga! This is his first year workingas an aide at BI, and he is excitedabout working with the kids. He hopes they have as much fun in Hebrew School as he did.

October & November were busy months for the Hebrew School. The Hay class hosted the Young Family Service on Friday,October 16. Many thanks to Jim Wilson and Dina Jacobs for organizing the potluck!

We've also had quite a few Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations:Sam Beck (10/17) Lily Forbes (10/24) Adrienne and Sam Woolf (11/7) Rose Schwartz (11/14) Jessica Cantor (11/21)

Mazel Tov to these amazing students and their families!

In November we also launched a new Tot Shabbat program, geared towards fami-lies with children ages 0-6. We're very excited to partner with Jewish Learning Ven-tures and JKidPhilly to offer this program. Our first event was on Friday, 11/13, andwe're hoping to offer it again in the winter and possibly early spring. Many thanksto Anne Thomas and Moriah Gornstein for organizing and making this a reality. Weare also grateful to the Berger Foundation, which provided a $500 grant to supportthis program.

Finally, we're very proud of our budding young environmentalists-- students who are learning ways to care for the Earth in ourGreen Faith school programming. Here are two students andtheir teacher showing off sprouts they grew from lentils.

News from the Hebrew Schoolby Jackie Gelman

TEENS: MIDRASHA8-`10th graders aka BLT - Bagels, Laughter, TorahSunday Dec 20th 12:15-1:130 with Rabbi Linda

We will explore topics that interest youand see what Judaism has to offer oneach topic. Informal, fun, relevant....Seeold friends....Make new onesRSVP so we know how much food to buyfor the brunch!

Give your input about congregationalpriorities. Topics to discuss include howto use the Green House, how to use ouroutside spaces, and how to protect thephysical plant of our main building.

10:00 Shmooze and Nosh10:30 Business Update

Congregation MeetingSunday, December 20

rsablogs.org.uk/2014/recovery/alright-pay-attention-conversation-month/

December 2015Kislev/Tevet 5776

13 Volume 39 No. 4 News from the Hebrew School

Gefilte Flicks 2015 by Judy KinmanThe annual Gefilte Flicks, sponsored by the BI Social Action Committee, was held on Saturday, October 24th. Thirty –pluspeople were in attendance, and enjoyed the award-winning Israeli movie, “Footnote,” a film by Joseph Cedar. Described as“funny and smart,” “a feat of intellectual and cinematic elegance,” it is a story of a father and a son, both Talmudic scholars,and the highly coveted Israel prize. The film was awarded the best screenplay at the Festival of Cannes.

The film showing was preceded by Havdalah, led by Rabbi Helen Plotkin, and ended with a spirited and thought-provokingdiscussion of the film, also led by Rabbi Plotkin. A story that ends without a final resolution, it fostered a discussion that in-cluded father-son (and grandson) relationships, interactions with their wives (and mother), and the symbolic meanings ofeverything from room size to Fiddler’s “Tradition.”

We wish to thank John Greenstine, Elaine Feldman, Margie McAboy, Rick Lowe, Jean Fleschute, Rachel Kroch, and, ofcourse, Rabbi Plotkin, for making the evening flow so seamlessly. And we thank Lynn Cashell for her organizational guide-lines on what to do and how to make it flow.

Jean Fleschute introduced another beautiful necklace and earring set made by Lorri Primavera for the annual raffle. If youmissed the chance to purchase a raffle, there will be additional opportunities in the next month or so.

Hope to see you all at next year’s Gefilte Flicks!

Students in the Vav/Zayin classes enjoy fresh fruit snacks onSunday mornings. Thank you, Vitali Eskenazi!

Led by David Markman and Deborah Dymond Markman, our community donated a generous amount of comforters, tow-els, sheet sets and other linen to The Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County. The Domestic Abuse Project providesemergency housing for women and their children who are fleeing domestic violence and assists them with making a newand safe beginning in their lives.

Please remember to put toiletries, etc. for the Community Action Agency of Delaware County in the blue bin downstairs.

SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE

December 2015Kislev/Tevet 5776

14 Volume 39 No. 4

YES! I shop at Acme or Giant and I’m happy to purchasegift cards through BI! (for every card purchased, BI receives$5 - it adds up and makes a difference!)

# of Giant cards _____@100.00 # of Acme cards ____ @100.00

Total: $__________

Name: _____________________

Phone #: ( ) _______________

___ I will pick them up on this date: ______________

___ Call me to make arrangements to pick up the cards.

Mail this coupon with your check, made out to:Congregation Beth Israel542 S. New Middletown Road Media, PA 19063

****There is a new supply of Acme &Giant cards available in the office.****

Dece

mbe

r 201

5Su

nday

Mon

day

Tues

day

Wed

nesd

ayTh

ursd

ayFr

iday

Satu

rday

299:

30 A

M N

o He

brew

Sch

ool

305:

45 P

M F

ood

Serv

ice

14:

15 P

M H

ebre

w S

choo

l7:

30 P

M S

AC M

eetin

g

23

12:0

0 PM

Lun

ch &

Lea

rn,

Rabb

i Lin

da7:

30 P

M O

peni

ng Ju

dais

m,

Rabb

i Hel

en P

lotk

in @

Ohe

v

46:

30 P

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces,

Ra

bbi N

atha

n, N

o Po

tluck

th

is e

veni

ng

5Pa

rash

at V

ayes

hev

9:45

AM

Sha

bbat

Ser

vice

s,

Rabb

i Nat

han

11:4

5 AM

Kid

dush

Pot

luck

Lu

nch

12:3

0 PM

Adu

lt Ed

; Tor

ah

Trek

s w

ith R

abbi

Nat

han

Mar

tin

6Ch

anuk

ah: 1

Can

dle

9:30

AM

Heb

rew

Sch

ool

10:0

0 AM

A T

ale

of T

wo

Hann

ukah

s: e

xplo

ring

his-

tory

and

the

rabb

inic

imag

-in

atio

n

7Ch

anuk

ah: 2

Can

dles

8Ch

anuk

ah: 3

Can

dles

12:0

0 PM

Lun

ch a

nd L

earn

w

ith R

abbi

Lin

da4:

15 P

M H

ebre

w S

choo

l7:

30 P

M Je

wis

h Co

nver

sa-

tions

with

R. H

elen

Plo

tkin

@

Ohe

v

9Ch

anuk

ah: 4

Can

dles

7:30

PM

Exe

cutiv

e Co

mm

it-te

e M

eetin

g

10Ch

anuk

ah: 5

Can

dles

11Ch

anuk

ah: 6

Can

dles

6:30

PM

Sha

bbat

Cha

nuka

h Se

rvic

e &

Potlu

ck w

ith R

. Li

nda

& R.

Nat

han

Mar

tin

12Ch

anuk

ah: 7

Can

dles

Para

shat

Mik

etz

13Ch

anuk

ah: 8

Can

dles

9:30

AM

Heb

rew

Sch

ool

14Ch

anuk

ah: 8

th D

ay7:

30 P

M C

onne

ctin

g to

Pr

ayer

-Mek

om T

orah

154:

15 P

M H

ebre

w S

choo

l4:

30 P

M M

ussa

r Gro

up w

ith

Rabb

i Lin

da7:

30 P

M Je

wis

h Co

nver

sa-

tions

with

R. H

elen

Plo

tkin

@

Ohe

v

167:

00 P

M B

oard

Mee

ting

177:

30 P

M O

peni

ng Ju

dais

m,

Rabb

i Hel

en P

lotk

in @

BI

188:

00 P

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces,

Ra

bbi L

inda

19Pa

rash

at V

ayig

ash

9:45

AM

Sha

bbat

Ser

vice

s,

Rabb

i Lin

da

209:

30 A

M H

ebre

w S

choo

l10

:00

AM C

ongr

egat

ion

Mee

ting

12:0

0 PM

Cho

rus

rehe

arsa

l @

BI

12:1

5 PM

Mid

rash

a, R

abbi

Li

nda

2122

4:15

PM

Heb

rew

Sch

ool

2324

25Ch

ristm

as D

ay8:

00 P

M N

o Sh

abba

t Ser

-vi

ces

- Sh

abba

t at h

ome

26Pa

rash

at V

ayec

hi9:

45 A

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces

- Jo

yce

Rom

o! w

ill le

ad

279:

30 A

M N

o He

brew

Sch

ool

2829

4:15

PM

No

Hebr

ew S

choo

l30

311

New

Yea

r’s D

ay5:

00 P

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces,

Ra

bbi L

inda

, Cha

mpa

gne

and

Potlu

ck H

ors

D'O

euvr

es

2Pa

rash

at S

hem

ot9:

45 A

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces,

Ra

bbi L

inda

, Bar

Mitz

vah

of

Noah

Yat

es

299:

30 A

M N

o He

brew

Sch

ool

305:

45 P

M F

ood

Serv

ice

14:

15 P

M H

ebre

w S

choo

l7:

30 P

M S

AC M

eetin

g

23

12:0

0 PM

Lun

ch &

Lea

rn,

Rabb

i Lin

da7:

30 P

M O

peni

ng Ju

dais

m,

Rabb

i Hel

en P

lotk

in @

Ohe

v

46:

30 P

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces,

Ra

bbi N

atha

n, N

o Po

tluck

th

is e

veni

ng

5Pa

rash

at V

ayes

hev

9:45

AM

Sha

bbat

Ser

vice

s,

Rabb

i Nat

han

11:4

5 AM

Kid

dush

Pot

luck

Lu

nch

12:3

0 PM

Adu

lt Ed

; Tor

ah

Trek

s w

ith R

abbi

Nat

han

Mar

tin

6Ch

anuk

ah: 1

Can

dle

9:30

AM

Heb

rew

Sch

ool

10:0

0 AM

A T

ale

of T

wo

Hann

ukah

s: e

xplo

ring

his-

tory

and

the

rabb

inic

imag

-in

atio

n

7Ch

anuk

ah: 2

Can

dles

8Ch

anuk

ah: 3

Can

dles

12:0

0 PM

Lun

ch a

nd L

earn

w

ith R

abbi

Lin

da4:

15 P

M H

ebre

w S

choo

l7:

30 P

M Je

wis

h Co

nver

sa-

tions

with

R. H

elen

Plo

tkin

@

Ohe

v

9Ch

anuk

ah: 4

Can

dles

7:30

PM

Exe

cutiv

e Co

mm

it-te

e M

eetin

g

10Ch

anuk

ah: 5

Can

dles

11Ch

anuk

ah: 6

Can

dles

6:30

PM

Sha

bbat

Cha

nuka

h Se

rvic

e &

Potlu

ck w

ith R

. Li

nda

& R.

Nat

han

Mar

tin

12Ch

anuk

ah: 7

Can

dles

Para

shat

Mik

etz

13Ch

anuk

ah: 8

Can

dles

9:30

AM

Heb

rew

Sch

ool

14Ch

anuk

ah: 8

th D

ay7:

30 P

M C

onne

ctin

g to

Pr

ayer

-Mek

om T

orah

154:

15 P

M H

ebre

w S

choo

l4:

30 P

M M

ussa

r Gro

up w

ith

Rabb

i Lin

da7:

30 P

M Je

wis

h Co

nver

sa-

tions

with

R. H

elen

Plo

tkin

@

Ohe

v

167:

00 P

M B

oard

Mee

ting

177:

30 P

M O

peni

ng Ju

dais

m,

Rabb

i Hel

en P

lotk

in @

BI

188:

00 P

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces,

Ra

bbi L

inda

19Pa

rash

at V

ayig

ash

9:45

AM

Sha

bbat

Ser

vice

s,

Rabb

i Lin

da

209:

30 A

M H

ebre

w S

choo

l10

:00

AM C

ongr

egat

ion

Mee

ting

12:0

0 PM

Cho

rus

rehe

arsa

l @

BI

12:1

5 PM

Mid

rash

a, R

abbi

Li

nda

2122

4:15

PM

Heb

rew

Sch

ool

2324

25Ch

ristm

as D

ay8:

00 P

M N

o Sh

abba

t Ser

-vi

ces

- Sh

abba

t at h

ome

26Pa

rash

at V

ayec

hi9:

45 A

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces

- Jo

yce

Rom

o! w

ill le

ad

279:

30 A

M N

o He

brew

Sch

ool

2829

4:15

PM

No

Hebr

ew S

choo

l30

311

New

Yea

r’s D

ay5:

00 P

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces,

Ra

bbi L

inda

, Cha

mpa

gne

and

Potlu

ck H

ors

D'O

euvr

es

2Pa

rash

at S

hem

ot9:

45 A

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces,

Ra

bbi L

inda

, Bar

Mitz

vah

of

Noah

Yat

es

299:

30 A

M N

o He

brew

Sch

ool

305:

45 P

M F

ood

Serv

ice

14:

15 P

M H

ebre

w S

choo

l7:

30 P

M S

AC M

eetin

g

23

12:0

0 PM

Lun

ch &

Lea

rn,

Rabb

i Lin

da7:

30 P

M O

peni

ng Ju

dais

m,

Rabb

i Hel

en P

lotk

in @

Ohe

v

46:

30 P

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces,

Ra

bbi N

atha

n, N

o Po

tluck

th

is e

veni

ng

5Pa

rash

at V

ayes

hev

9:45

AM

Sha

bbat

Ser

vice

s,

Rabb

i Nat

han

11:4

5 AM

Kid

dush

Pot

luck

Lu

nch

12:3

0 PM

Adu

lt Ed

; Tor

ah

Trek

s w

ith R

abbi

Nat

han

Mar

tin

6Ch

anuk

ah: 1

Can

dle

9:30

AM

Heb

rew

Sch

ool

10:0

0 AM

A T

ale

of T

wo

Hann

ukah

s: e

xplo

ring

his-

tory

and

the

rabb

inic

imag

-in

atio

n

7Ch

anuk

ah: 2

Can

dles

8Ch

anuk

ah: 3

Can

dles

12:0

0 PM

Lun

ch a

nd L

earn

w

ith R

abbi

Lin

da4:

15 P

M H

ebre

w S

choo

l7:

30 P

M Je

wis

h Co

nver

sa-

tions

with

R. H

elen

Plo

tkin

@

Ohe

v

9Ch

anuk

ah: 4

Can

dles

7:30

PM

Exe

cutiv

e Co

mm

it-te

e M

eetin

g

10Ch

anuk

ah: 5

Can

dles

11Ch

anuk

ah: 6

Can

dles

6:30

PM

Sha

bbat

Cha

nuka

h Se

rvic

e &

Potlu

ck w

ith R

. Li

nda

& R.

Nat

han

Mar

tin

12Ch

anuk

ah: 7

Can

dles

Para

shat

Mik

etz

13Ch

anuk

ah: 8

Can

dles

9:30

AM

Heb

rew

Sch

ool

14Ch

anuk

ah: 8

th D

ay7:

30 P

M C

onne

ctin

g to

Pr

ayer

-Mek

om T

orah

154:

15 P

M H

ebre

w S

choo

l4:

30 P

M M

ussa

r Gro

up w

ith

Rabb

i Lin

da7:

30 P

M Je

wis

h Co

nver

sa-

tions

with

R. H

elen

Plo

tkin

@

Ohe

v

167:

00 P

M B

oard

Mee

ting

177:

30 P

M O

peni

ng Ju

dais

m,

Rabb

i Hel

en P

lotk

in @

BI

188:

00 P

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces,

Ra

bbi L

inda

19Pa

rash

at V

ayig

ash

9:45

AM

Sha

bbat

Ser

vice

s,

Rabb

i Lin

da

209:

30 A

M H

ebre

w S

choo

l10

:00

AM C

ongr

egat

ion

Mee

ting

12:0

0 PM

Cho

rus

rehe

arsa

l @

BI

12:1

5 PM

Mid

rash

a, R

abbi

Li

nda

2122

4:15

PM

Heb

rew

Sch

ool

2324

25Ch

ristm

as D

ay8:

00 P

M N

o Sh

abba

t Ser

-vi

ces

- Sh

abba

t at h

ome

26Pa

rash

at V

ayec

hi9:

45 A

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces

- Jo

yce

Rom

o! w

ill le

ad

279:

30 A

M N

o He

brew

Sch

ool

2829

4:15

PM

No

Hebr

ew S

choo

l30

311

New

Yea

r’s D

ay5:

00 P

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces,

Ra

bbi L

inda

, Cha

mpa

gne

and

Potlu

ck H

ors

D'O

euvr

es

2Pa

rash

at S

hem

ot9:

45 A

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces,

Ra

bbi L

inda

, Bar

Mitz

vah

of

Noah

Yat

es

299:

30 A

M N

o He

brew

Sch

ool

305:

45 P

M F

ood

Serv

ice

14:

15 P

M H

ebre

w S

choo

l7:

30 P

M S

AC M

eetin

g

23

12:0

0 PM

Lun

ch &

Lea

rn,

Rabb

i Lin

da7:

30 P

M O

peni

ng Ju

dais

m,

Rabb

i Hel

en P

lotk

in @

Ohe

v

46:

30 P

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces,

Ra

bbi N

atha

n, N

o Po

tluck

th

is e

veni

ng

5Pa

rash

at V

ayes

hev

9:45

AM

Sha

bbat

Ser

vice

s,

Rabb

i Nat

han

11:4

5 AM

Kid

dush

Pot

luck

Lu

nch

12:3

0 PM

Adu

lt Ed

; Tor

ah

Trek

s w

ith R

abbi

Nat

han

Mar

tin

6Ch

anuk

ah: 1

Can

dle

9:30

AM

Heb

rew

Sch

ool

10:0

0 AM

A T

ale

of T

wo

Hann

ukah

s: e

xplo

ring

his-

tory

and

the

rabb

inic

imag

-in

atio

n

7Ch

anuk

ah: 2

Can

dles

8Ch

anuk

ah: 3

Can

dles

12:0

0 PM

Lun

ch a

nd L

earn

w

ith R

abbi

Lin

da4:

15 P

M H

ebre

w S

choo

l7:

30 P

M Je

wis

h Co

nver

sa-

tions

with

R. H

elen

Plo

tkin

@

Ohe

v

9Ch

anuk

ah: 4

Can

dles

7:30

PM

Exe

cutiv

e Co

mm

it-te

e M

eetin

g

10Ch

anuk

ah: 5

Can

dles

11Ch

anuk

ah: 6

Can

dles

6:30

PM

Sha

bbat

Cha

nuka

h Se

rvic

e &

Potlu

ck w

ith R

. Li

nda

& R.

Nat

han

Mar

tin

12Ch

anuk

ah: 7

Can

dles

Para

shat

Mik

etz

13Ch

anuk

ah: 8

Can

dles

9:30

AM

Heb

rew

Sch

ool

14Ch

anuk

ah: 8

th D

ay7:

30 P

M C

onne

ctin

g to

Pr

ayer

-Mek

om T

orah

154:

15 P

M H

ebre

w S

choo

l4:

30 P

M M

ussa

r Gro

up w

ith

Rabb

i Lin

da7:

30 P

M Je

wis

h Co

nver

sa-

tions

with

R. H

elen

Plo

tkin

@

Ohe

v

167:

00 P

M B

oard

Mee

ting

177:

30 P

M O

peni

ng Ju

dais

m,

Rabb

i Hel

en P

lotk

in @

BI

188:

00 P

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces,

Ra

bbi L

inda

19Pa

rash

at V

ayig

ash

9:45

AM

Sha

bbat

Ser

vice

s,

Rabb

i Lin

da

209:

30 A

M H

ebre

w S

choo

l10

:00

AM C

ongr

egat

ion

Mee

ting

12:0

0 PM

Cho

rus

rehe

arsa

l @

BI

12:1

5 PM

Mid

rash

a, R

abbi

Li

nda

2122

4:15

PM

Heb

rew

Sch

ool

2324

25Ch

ristm

as D

ay8:

00 P

M N

o Sh

abba

t Ser

-vi

ces

- Sh

abba

t at h

ome

26Pa

rash

at V

ayec

hi9:

45 A

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces

- Jo

yce

Rom

o! w

ill le

ad

279:

30 A

M N

o He

brew

Sch

ool

2829

4:15

PM

No

Hebr

ew S

choo

l30

311

New

Yea

r’s D

ay5:

00 P

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces,

Ra

bbi L

inda

, Cha

mpa

gne

and

Potlu

ck H

ors

D'O

euvr

es

2Pa

rash

at S

hem

ot9:

45 A

M S

habb

at S

ervi

ces,

Ra

bbi L

inda

, Bar

Mitz

vah

of

Noah

Yat

es

Page

1/1

12:0

0 PM

Lun

ch a

nd L

earn

with

Rab

bi L

inda

December 2015Kislev/Tevet 5776

16 Volume 39 No. 4

Congregation Beth Israel of MediaA Reconstructionist Jewish Community542 South New Middletown RoadMedia, Pennsylvania 19063-2240Ph 610-566-4645 Fax 610-566-2240http://www.bethisraelmedia.org

PresidentRabbiAssociate RabbiEditor, ContentEditor, ProductionEditor Contributions List

Debbie WileLinda PotemkenNathan MartinSharon KlebanMarion Hamermesh

The Israelight is published on the first of each secular month. All submissions must be received by theeditor by the 1st of the preceding month to guaranteeinclusion. Articles may be submitted by mail to thesynagogue office or by email to:

Israelight@bethisraelmedia.org

Next Issue January 2016

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

TEENS: Rake leaves, Help BI, Feed the Hungry, Have FunSunday Dec 6th, 11:00 - 1:30, come for all or part of this time

For every hour that you rake leaves on the Beth Israelgrounds, a contribution will be made to tzedakah to feed thehungry. BYORake, if possible.

IMPORTANT: RSVP to Rabbi Linda, 610-566-4645, ext 1 orravltp@bethisraelmedia.org. (so we can plan refreshments)Thanks to Anita Weber - our raking team leader!