congregation beth israel of media a reconstructionist ... · this work. but i do know that this...

Table of

Contents

Social Action Committee 10, 11 MLK day activities, CEI, Aid to refugees Shaloch Manot 12,13 Order Form ARZA 14 Elections ‐ Please Vote for Progressive Slate FUSE 15 Field Trip: Nat’l Museum of African American History... Hebrew School and Tot Shabbat 16, 17 Events, Photos Safety & Security Committee 18 Events, policies

Community Activities 3 Recon Journey to Israel; BI Retreat Adult Education 5 The Torah of Now, In the Rabbi’s Study Eliana Andersen Arts & Creativity Festival 6, 7 Remembering and Celebrating Religious Practice Committee 7 Passover Seder planning Yahrzeits; 8 We remember them; Donations 9 Thank you

February 2020 Shevat/Adar 5780

The IsraelightCongregation Beth Israel of Media

A Reconstructionist Jewish Community

yadrutSa

lecivrSeriShtbbaahaSh

am59:42028,y raubrFey,

dniLbbiaRaby RdeleheSB’ huTdanhar

tad

tave

02

ad

aMdanecanDdaneSdeRethe RbelCeemCo

.hsemreHamnoiarsurhoC,SAMIBh tiwecsiuM,reyaPrth iwae

fongssiCroehetetrab h

laicesphtwiseerTthetemoclWe

ndas tiurfvehSB’uT,s

yadhtrBieht

.stnu,tav

ofy

ndas tiurflaicesphtwi

THE 16TH ANNUAL ELIANA ANDERSEN ARTS & CREATIVITY FESTIVAL Sunday February 9, 2020 9:30 - 12:30

featuring Steven Lee Weintraub: The Pied Piper of Yiddish Dance (See page 6 for details)


2 Volume 43 No. 5

"Courageous Conversations" is the title of the bimonthly FUSE gatherings that ad‐dress personal experiences with racism. Whether or not you are able to attend the FUSE trip to Washington on February 22nd, please consider attending a Mon‐day night conversation where diverse communities gather to explore these and other questions As we delve more per‐sonally into contemporary pressing issues

at BI, at FUSE and elsewhere, I hold out the following in‐tention: May we bring our whole selves to each encounter, may we have the courage to be vulnerable and the ability to listen to one another with curiosity, with humility and with empathy. May we never forget the Torah teaching that each of us is made b'tzelem Elohim ‐ in the image of God.

I recently had the opportunity to listen to Rev. Dr. Gregory Edwards, the senior pastor of the Resurrected Life Commu‐nity Church in Allentown, speak to a group of Jews about racism in the United States. Reflecting particularly on the white nationalist rally that took place in Charlottesville, NC about two and a half years ago, Rev. Edwards noted that racism exists as a sickness in

the American body politic and that we are all engaged in a “fight for the American soul.” Rev. Edwards emphasized that now is not the time for timidity or incrementalism; it is the time to have “coura‐geous conversations” with each other, in our workplace, with our neighbors about race. It is a time to challenge and interrupt comments that are explicitly or implicitly racist. But just as important, this is a moment for us to do our inner work of how can we notice the ways we have inter‐nalized messages that we deserve the privileges in this country that have come to us by virtue of our skin color. Dr. Edwards’ words were both loving and challenging. He suggested that if this work is not making us uncomfort‐able then we are probably not fully engaged. And as a final coda to the program, Dr. Edwards invited us to find a partner in the room and each take a few minutes to re‐flect on the question of “how has your life been dimin‐ished by racism?” I’m sure each of us could spend a lot of time thinking about this question. At Beth Israel we want to be a synagogue that creates the opportunity for some of these reflective conversa‐tions to happen. This year we are already creating several programs for learning and discussion: • In January we had the pleasure of hearing from Cory Long, Executive Director of MAC ¬ Making A Change Group, about the challenges of Tikkun Olam work in Chester. And we had the chance to hear from Ali Michael, the Director of the Race Institute for K‐12 educators, about the intersection of her anti‐racism work and her Jewish identity as part of this year’s Jonathan Raz me‐morial lecture. • In February we have the opportunity to participate with other member communities of the Fellowship for Urban‐Suburban Engagement (FUSE) to go to Washington, DC and tour the National Museum of African American His‐tory and Culture and to have time to process and debrief this experience as well. • In March we will focus our Torah of Now learning on the topic of school funding and racism in Delaware, looking

Rabbi’s Message

Rabbi’s Note

at some of the ways in which poor students and students of color face systemic discrimination and how Jewish tradition informs this work. I know that at BI we will continue to explore opportunities to have these important conversations and we are always in‐terested in your thoughts and ideas as well. But aside from these more structured approaches I want to encourage all of us to engage in courageous conversations of our own, conversations where we can be honest and share how we have been impacted by racism and ways in which we may consciously or unconsciously act it out. Some possibilities could be to: • Commit to some kind of learning about race and racism in the U.S. this year. Perhaps you may choose to see a film (e.g. Ten Years a Slave or Just Mercy), read a book (e.g. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander or Between Me and the World by Ta Nehisi Coates) • If you are white and have a friend or acquaintance of color could you consider inviting them to sit down and to have them share with you what is challenging in their life today in this country by virtue of having to cope with racism? If you are not white (or if you identify as a person of color) , would you consider inviting a white friend/acquaintance to listen to you share what is challenging for you around racism today? I’m sure that there are other ways as well we can engage in this work. But I do know that this work of building relation‐ships and of exploring ways in which we have all been im‐pacted by racism, can be our small part in this battle for the soul of our nation. May we all go from strength to strength in this effort.

Rabbi Nathan Martin

Rabbi Linda Potemken


3 Volume 43 No. 5

How to Reach our RabbisBy phone: (610) 566‐4645, choose option 1 if Diane does not answer. A voice message left for either Rabbi will reach them quickly. By e‐mail: Rabbi Linda: [email protected] Rabbi Nathan: [email protected] Not sure who’s ‘on’ this weekend? Check the calendar, easily available at bethisraelmedia.org and on the penultimate page of this Israe‐light. Also, each rabbi's e‐mail account responds with a message indicating which rabbi is 'on.' In cases of a real emergency... Senior Rabbi Linda’s and Associate Rabbi Nathan’s home phone numbers can be found in the Member’s Area of our website under How to Reach Our Rabbis and in our Directory.

The Rabbinic Liaison Committee exists in most Reconstructionist communities to ensure the maintenance of a good working relationship between the rabbis and the congregation. While congregants are always welcome and encouraged to discuss ques‐tions or concerns directly with Rabbi Linda or Rabbi Nathan , they may at times feel more comfortable talking to the Rabbinic Liaison committee. Issues raised by congregants are discussed confidentially and, when appropriate, are shared with a Rabbi in a constructive manner. To discuss a question or concern with a lay member of the committee please feel free to contact: Julian Yates ([email protected]) Deb Erie ([email protected]), Emily Levine ([email protected]), or Linda Cohen ([email protected]).

Friends, registration for the trip is now available. At bethisraelmedia.org/form/israeltrip2020.html you will find information about the trip itinerary, cost, and participating Reconstructionist communities. If you are planning on participating, a registration commitment and trip down payment is needed by the end of January. I hope you consider participating in this special opportunity! If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Rabbi Nathan at [email protected]

2020 Reconstructionist Journey to Israel Trip

Save the date for this year's Beth Israel Retreat! Friday afternoon, June 5th to Sunday morning, June 7th, 2020 St. Mary of Providence Retreat Center in Elverson, PA (about an hour's drive from Beth Israel The Beth Israel Community will gather to celebrate a Shabbat of relaxing, playing, learning, singing, services & other activi‐ties! More details around registration coming soon

Pictures from BI Retreat 2019!


4 Volume 43 No. 5

Dear Vibrant Community, What an incredible morning we had! The room was abuzz with activity opening with a Havdalah service led by Rabbi Nathan and Student Rabbi Janine. Then Kathy Trow and team had organized a variety of service‐oriented activities like finger knitting, creating Jared Boxes that were delivered to Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, no‐sew blankets, and care bags for the homeless and others in need. John Greenstine and his intrepid crew shampooed the carpet in the “Gan” room and while there are still noticeable stains, they are clean and it smells better. Carol Briselli led a postcard and letter writing station where we could contact our elected officials.

During our business meeting, Rabbi Linda offered a D’Var, we said Kaddish for our loved ones who had passed, and we elected Emma Lefkowitz as our new Executive Vice President! There was a discussion about our financial status led by Joyce Romoff and Steve Goldfield who shared our challenges and prospects for the future. There was conversation about upcoming fundraisers: Shalach Manot bags organized by the women of Rosh Chodesh, the Rummage Sale facilitated by Joe Deutsch and yours truly, and a couple of new initiatives led by Emma: an online auction and a letter to other generations to support our Hebrew School. Watch for details of all of these events. The Renters Committee has been hard at work seeking renters for our space and created a “slick” to be placed around our area advertising our space. There’s also youtube video produced by Steve Plotkin highlighting our shul and rental spaces available. The Communications Committee under the leadership of Jennifer Waterston continues to raise up ideas for community outreach and inreach. Of course, we also opened the floor to more suggestions, and Katie Sibley is going to offer a wine and cheese evening at her home. Rae Roeder suggested we add needed items, like buying a tuition, or paying the monthly phone bill, as part of the offer‐ings at the online auction. Andrea Wasser reminded us about the Endowment Fund that has been contributing money back to BI, and that we can designate BI as a beneficiary on IRA, pensions, insurance policies, etc. Plus, we are looking into applying for 501(c)(3) status as many corporations will match donations made by their employees. I want to express my gratitude to the Board for providing a delicious brunch and to all those who helped set up and clean up. We are a community that enjoys being together and that was never more evident than this morning. Seeing the generations come together working towards a common purpose was, as the wall behind the bimah says, a JOY! Todah Rabah, Lynn Cashell, President

Board of DirectorsPresident’s Message:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Lynn Cashell President Emma Lefkowitz Executive Vice‐President Dan Chattler VP, Finance Jennifer Waterston VP, Communications

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Membership Susan Robinson, Dina Jacobs Hebrew School Education Lisa Blaskey DeCamp Religious Practice Larry Hamermesh Social Action John Greenstine, Louis Friedler Adult Education Marion Hamermesh, Rich Remenick ___ Facilities Co‐ordinators Chris Pragman, Ron Romoff Immediate Past President: Joyce Romoff Council of Past Presidents: Linda Cohen MEMBERS AT LARGE: Steve Plotkin, Alan Ross, Nancy Blank, Jackie Gelman

BI BOARD OF DIRECTORS


5 Volume 43 No. 5 ADULT ED

This year our text studies bring us to questions that keep us awake at night. What guidance does Jewish tradition give us for thinking about some of today’s most difficult issues? Dates & topics subject to change or rearrangement. Please check bethisraelmedia.org for up-to-date information.

FRIDAY EVENING 7:30 Shabbat Services 8:00 Oneg Shabbat 8:15 - 9:30 The Torah of Now SATURDAY MORNINGS 9:45 Services 11:45 Kiddush & potluck lunch 12:30 – 2:00 The Torah of Now

The Torah of Now: Challenge and Response

Each program is independent. Come for all the sessions or attend se-lectively. There is no charge for lunch or the study sessions and RSVPs are not necessary. Whether you are able to attend services or not, whether or not you are able to contribute to the pot-luck, whether or not you’ve engaged the texts before, you are welcome to come for lunch & study.

Your support for Adult Education at Beth Israel helps us to have the really excellent program-ming we expect. Contributions in honor of, in memory of, or in gratitude for can be directed to the Adult Education fund.

Friday February 14 Responsible Eating R Nathan and Alan Ross Friday February 28 Assisted Suicide R Dayle Friedman Saturday March 7 Organizational Ethics in the Age of Me Too R Linda Saturday March 14 School Funding and Racism Dan Atkins and Karen Lantz Saturday April 4 Body Image Rich Remenick and Marion Hamermesh Saturday May 9 Ethics of Speech Juliet Spitzer

IN THE STUDY OF THE SENIOR RABBI MUSSAR February Feb 27 12:45 LUNCH AND LEARN These sessions are open to all BI members and their guests 12:00 -1:30 at noon BYO dairy/vegetarian lunch, RLP brings the learning. Tuesday February 18: Exploring Tu B'Shevat - The Birthday of the Trees Thursday March 26 Mining the Psalms for Comfort and Inspiration Tuesday April 14 The Uplifting Song of Songs

On February 14 Rabbi Nathan and BI Member Alan Ross will lead our study about Responsible Eating. Some of the questions they will guide us to explore are: What have been some traditional Jewish texts and perspectives on food ethics? How do you make your choices about what to buy and eat? Can Judaism be a useful guide for our contemporary moment?

On February 28, Rabbi Dayle Friedman will lead our study about Assisted Suicide in a session titled, Crossing the Infinite and Infinitesimal Line Between Life and Death: How Shall We Respond to Medical Aid in Dying?

Some of the questions she will bring up include: What have been some traditional Jewish perspectives on assisted suicide? What are some contemporary Reconstructionist perspectives on this topic that may be challenging the status quo? What do you think? Rabbi Dayle Friedman is a spiritual care professional, teacher, Director of Growing Older - Wisdom and Spirit beyond midlife, and writer whose books include: Jewish Wisdom for Growing Older: Finding Your Grit and Grace Beyond Midlife (Jewish Lights, 2015), Jewish Visions for Aging: A Professional Guide for Fostering Wholeness (Jewish Lights, 2008); and editor, Jewish Pastoral Care: A Practical Handbook from Traditional and Contemporary Sources (Jewish Lights, 2nd edition, 2010). Her work in Growing Older is particularly geared to support and accompany elders to grow and deepen in their spiritual lives as they age and to help them access their own wisdom and the wisdom of Jewish tradition in the process. Dayle currently serves as the interim Rabbi at Reconstructionist Congregation Leyv Ha-Ir~Heart of the City.

UPDATED SCHEDULE!

CreativityArts

The 16th Annual

FeSTiVaL

ElianaAndersen

Creation Statio

ns

Sunday, February 9, 20209:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

www.stevenleeweintraub.com

Steven Lee WeintraubThe Pied Piper of Yiddish Dance

featuring

All ages welcome

Ellie’s Cafe

From awesome and easy clapping dances to the nail-biting bottle dance, Steve will have every generation on its feet!

Is Yiddish dance hard? No!

Congregation Beth Israel of Media has established a permanent fund to honor the memory and short life of Eliana Andersen,daughter of Kathy Silberman Andersen and Dan Andersen, sister of Molly.

Ellie, a beloved fifth grader in our Hebrew School, died on July 25, 2003 after a courageous battle with a brain tumor.Ellie loved school, her friends and family, and celebrations of all kinds.

The Eliana Andersen Fund supports an annual children’s festival in her memory. By combining Ellie’s loves in a festival of the arts,we give our children a joyous event to look forward to each year, as well as reflect the Jewish tradition of “hiddur mitzvah,”

enhancing community by creating beauty and art.A festival for our Hebrew School that bears Ellie’s name will continue to be a reality with your kind donation.

A festival that bears Ellie’s name will continue to be a reality with your kind donation.

Donations can be made online via Pay Palhttp://www.bethisraelmedia.org/Newsite/NewTzedakah.htm#paypal

Checks payable to Congregation Beth Israel (designated to the Eliana Andersen Fund)542 S. New Middletown Road Media, PA 19063

Name Address ___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

Please specify if you would like your donation to be in someone’s honor or memory


7 Volume 43 No. 5

Passover Community Seder Help Needed Our Passover community seder is on the second night of Passover, Thursday, April 9 (save the date!). We need your help to help make this event happen. We need help the day of the seder. This would involve coming a couple of hours beforehand (probably about 4 pm) to set up the room, including the ceremonial foods for the seder, and also put some other food on platters. Anyone who can come close to 5 pm will be useful to finish getting everything ready. Everyone attending is bringing some food! There will be an email sent out in a few weeks so people can sign up to bring two items – one selection of seder ritual foods and one selection of a contribution for dinner. Additional explanations, including amounts and choices, will be given on the sign‐up genius email. Everyone who attends should plan to help clean up after the dinner and seder. If you are willing and available to help with the advance set up, contact Andy Coleman and we will get you on the seder team. ([email protected]) Thank you, Andy Coleman, Passover seder coordinator Larry Hamermesh, RPC chair.

Dear friends, The 16th annual Eliana Andersen Arts & Creativity Festival will be held on Sunday morning, Febru-ary 9, 2020, and the entire congregation is invited to join the Hebrew school in the sanctuary for a festive celebration featuring Steven Lee Weintraub, the internationally acclaimed Pied Piper of Yiddish Dance. “If you can walk, you can dance” is Steven’s motto, proven to us at our festival in 2015! When you’re not dancing, try your hand at our Creation Stations, and shmooze over a bite to eat at Ellie’s Café, where the bagels are always fresh and the coffee hot! A festival for our school bearing Ellie’s name will continue to be a reality only with your kind dona-tions. We are sixteen years strong because of the heart and generosity of our community. Hope to see you there—please let us know if you have any questions. L’hitraot (see you soon), Reisa Mukamal and Kathy Andersen, Dan Andersen, Molly Andersen, Steven Arnold, Nancy Blank, Laura Lee Blechner, Heidi Carp, Theresa Citrenbaum, Susan Meyer, Randi Raskin Nash, Richard Reminick, Lisa Schachner, Suzanne Simenhoff


8 Volume 43 No. 5 Yahrzeits

Please remember to donate toiletries, etc. for the Community Action Agency of Delaware County. The collection box is the blue bin under the coat rack on the main floor. Thank you – The Social Action Committee

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

Mourner Remembering Relationship Yahrzeit 2020 Yahrzeit 5780Sharon Boyd Merton Sheppard Friend February 01 6 ShevatHarry Chen Julia Chen Mother February 02 7 Shevat

Alex Dresner Evelyne Newman Grandmother February 02 7 ShevatRabbi Linda Potemken Suzanne Davis Friend February 03 8 Shevat

Sharon Boyd Gerald Kahn Father February 04 9 ShevatMarilyn Verbits David Jay Verbits* Brother February 05 10 Shevat

Elaine Wasekanes Joseph Wasekanes Brother‐in‐law February 06 11 ShevatRae Roeder E. Nathan Jacobs* Father February 06 11 Shevat

Lauri Mansky Maxwell Salzman Grandfather February 06 11 ShevatJonathan Krinick Eugene Krinick Father February 06 11 ShevatMarilyn Verbits Ruth Verbits* Mother February 08 13 ShevatPeter Bernstein Helen Bernstein* Mother February 10 15 Shevat

Barry Gross Bill Gross Father February 12 17 ShevatBarry Gross Bill Gross Father February 12 17 Shevat

Eleanor Skale Stephen H. Skale* Brother February 13 18 ShevatMark Schlam Sy Lutto Uncle February 14 19 Shevat

Nancy Handwerger Ida K. Bluestone Mother February 16 21 ShevatKen Laffend Edward Laffend* Father February 16 21 Shevat

Sylvia Goldfield Irvin Berman* Brother February 18 23 ShevatRobert Stone Mae Kramer Cousin February 21 26 ShevatDiana Zelman Arthur Zelman* Father February 21 26 Shevat

Frances Vilella‐Velez Frank Vilella Father February 22 27 ShevatRichard Schuldenfrei Jean Cohen Schuldenfrei Mother February 22 27 Shevat

Margo Zitin Helen Rose Kaufman* Mother February 22 27 ShevatLaura Lee Blechner George Blechner Grandfather February 22 27 Shevat

Jerry Feldman Nathaniel Feldman Son February 25 30 ShevatLois Deutsch Anne Schwalb Mother February 26 1 Adar I

Andrew Weiner Selma Weiner Mother February 26 1 Adar IIRandi Raskin Nash Samuel Raskin* Father February 28 3 Adar II


9 Volume 43 No. 5 Donations Thank You! December

Your generous support not only enables Beth Israel to provide a robust variety of programs that foster the spiritual needs of our community, your support also enhances our ability to bring about tikkun olam through our social action initiatives. Your generosity is appreciated now more than ever. Please consider honoring a friend or a loved one through a contribution to any of our designated funds.

Please be sure to let the Rabbis know when you or someone in the congregation is in need of a blessing for healing.

DID YOU KNOW... if you're going to make a contribution by check to a restricted fund, like the Rabbi's Discretionary or Social Action Funds, that it's better for you (and for us), if you make your check payable to "Congregation Beth Israel of Media." You can always note any special purpose for the contribution in the memo line of your check. Why? "Congregation Beth Israel" is the correct payee. Also, by noting the special purpose, if any, on your check, we can make absolutely certain that your donation is directed to the ap‐propriate fund, your account is properly credited, and your end‐of‐year tax letter is accurate. Like you, the rabbis, administrative staff, directors and officers of BI are absolutely committed to mak‐ing certain your donation is put to its intended purpose. Please help us help you to make certain that happens. Thank you.‐Joyce

General Fund Sylva Baker to Congregation Beth Israel. Even though I have joined a congregation in center city, my affection for Beth Israel continues Lynn and David Cashel with thanks for the kind rabbinic support and services for Harriet Mauze’s funeral and shiva Steve Goldfield with thanks to Beth Israel Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Rabbi Linda and Randy Tiffany in memory of their parents The Blechner‐Pragman family with gratitude for Elissa’s Bat Mitzvah. The Blechner‐Pragman family in honor of Ella Forbes Julia and Noah Walsh’s B’nai Mitzvah Bimas The Blechner‐Pragman family with gratitude for the beautiful music at Elissa’s Bat Mitzvah Torah Fund The Blechner‐Pragman family in memory of Harriet Mauze, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother of the Cashell family. The Blechner‐Pragman family in memory of Anita Potemkin, beloved mother and grandmother of Rabbi Linda, Leora, and Randy The Blechner‐Pragman family in memory of Louis Green, beloved son of Ann and Larry Green The Blechner‐Pragman family in memory of Bobbie Colman, beloved wife of Bob Colman, mother of David Colman & Sharon Greenberg The Blechner‐Pragman family in memory of Don Stone, beloved brother of Bob Stone The Blechner‐Pragman family in memory of Jak Eskenazi, beloved father and grandfather of the Eskenazi family. The Blechner‐Pragman family in memory of James Wilson, Sr., beloved father and grandfather of the Jacobs‐Wilson family. The Blechner‐Pragman family in memory of JoAnn Slate, beloved mother and grandmother of the Gelman‐Haber family The Blechner‐Pragman family in memory of Jerome Winer, beloved husband, father, and grandfather of the Winer‐Yates family The Blechner‐Pragman family in honor of Joyce Romoff for her work as President (and interim Administrator) The Blechner‐Pragman family in honor of Hal Bordy. Good luck in your new venture! The Blechner‐Pragman family in honor of Elaine Feldman for her untiring work to restore the Green House. Social Action Committee (Matt Coburn Fund) Amy Coburn in honor of Matt Coburn’s grandson, Aryeh Coburn‐Soloway Burton J. Cohen Endowment Fund Lois and Stephen Drake in honor of Burt Cohen Linda Cohen in loving memory of Burt The Blechner‐Pragman family with gratitude to the community for Elissa’s Bat Mitzvah Prayerbook Fund Linda Cohen in memory of Lorraine Gross, loving mother of Barry Gross Hebrew School Fund Linda Cohen in memory of Bernie Arnold, father of Steven Arnold Linda Cohen wishing Shayna Boyd a speedy recovery Condolences To Steven Arnold and Reisa Mukamal on the passing of Steven’s father, Bernie Arnold. Reisa noted that "Bernie was 93 with an easygo‐ing spirit and a real love for people." Condolences to the Mudrick family on the passing of former congregant Henrietta Mudrick

Sending you blessings for healing: Dottie Jenkins, Ron Romoff, Andrew Kelly, Alan Fink, Deanie Heller, Jane Laffend, Lynn Kelly, Helena Landis, Geoff Horowitz


10 Volume 43 No. 5

#1. Chester Eastide Inc visit: On December 27th, the Social Action Committee again sponsored a visit by the kids from Chester Eastside to the Franklin Institute. The visit was organized by Stuart Pittel, working with members of the Franklin Institute staff. A total of 29 kids participated in the event, joined by 12 chaperones and parents. A notable feature of this visit was the participation of roughly five Latino families who are now living in Chester and participating in the activities of Chester Eastside. Overall the event was a great success. (photo # 1) #2: Food Service December 30, 2019 The Social Action Committee thanks all our faithful cooks and servers for the wonderful food we served on December 30 at the Life Center in Upper Darby. The serving team included Joe Deutsch, Wendy Waterston, Carol Briselli, Rabbi Linda and Leora Potemken Tiffany, Jackie Gelman, Judy and Matt Saunders, and John Greenstine. Our next scheduled food adven‐ture will be Monday, March 30, but emergencies come up from time to time with other providers, and we're asked for ad‐ditional cooks and servers. If you'd like to help with these events, please write to John Greenstine ([email protected]). #3. Aid to a Honduran Refugee Family Ala Hamilton‐Day represents, along with Peter Maas, Esquire, a Honduran family seeking asylum whose lives have been ravaged by gang violence. As asylees, they do not receive any federal food, housing, or cash assistance. The family of four was living in one room of a small house in Philadelphia, along with seven other people. Ala became aware that the mom did not have a winter coat and that there was no food for the two boys. The Social Action Committee rapidly helped with SEPTA Key cards, cash, and information on sources of help such as food banks and medical clinics. Shortly afterwards Miriam Sigler and Ala compiled a "Wish List” with items including towels, pots and pans, sneakers, boots, cutlery and a small portable fridge. Since the family lives in a “food desert,” with the closest food market almost 5 miles away, and not knowing exact sizes, gift cards to Walmart, Old Navy, and Target were also placed on the list along with a Lego set, for each of the boys. Congregation Beth Israel came out in a big way! Everything on the Wish List, along with some extra cash for the holidays, was delivered on December 19th with the help of Carol Briselli and Ala’s husband, Peter Bernstein. The father wrote: "I thank all of you for what you did for us. We were grateful to receive your gifts. You made it possible for us to have a won‐derful Christmas. We have put all the presents to use. The boys really like the toys. The clothing, shoes, winter hats, winter coat, and items for the kitchen are useful, and we are grateful. Thank God. Now we do not need so many things. We also thank Ala and Peter." Ala: “BI is a welcoming and caring community and I am very proud to belong to it." (photo #2) MLK Thank you from Kathy Trow I want to thank everyone for all of the donations and help in making the MLK day a huge success again! We made 60 Jared boxes, too many to count hygiene/snack bags, 4 cozy blankets, 9 scarves from the finger knitting, cleaned the Gan rug (it looks awesome!), and voiced concerns to our local representatives. There is something so wonder‐ful seeing the generations working together to give back. I am honored and privileged to be a part of this community. MLK in the Sanctuary by Joyce Romoff, Judy Kinman & Elaine Wasekanes. It was very cold outside but was toasty warm inside our Sanctuary as about 20 Mad Hatters of all ages gathered to knit Hats for Hope. Led by Judy Kinman and Elaine Wasekanes, those present created badly needed hats for such worthy or‐ganizations as Second Time Around, Chester Eastside and City Team. Members of the Rosh Chodesh group also readied the contents of our Shalach Manot bags. Look for the results of their labors after March 8 and be sure to order your Sha‐lach Manot bags soonest. See pp. 8‐9. T‐shirts, refreshments and good conversation were the added benefit for those who came who included (but were not lim‐ited to), Ala Hamilton Day (who picked up t‐shirts), Wendy Waterston, Merdie Gilmore (who, once again, took the “prize” for the most hats produced), Lynn Cashell, Amy Binder, Marilyn Verbits, Jane Laffend, Joyce Romoff, Candy Berlin, Robin Gordon Schauffler, Isabella and Hailey Rittman with father Kevin. Non‐members Mina and Luno also joined us. Special thanks to Alan Ross, who guarded our gates. Please come next year on MLK day but know that hats are welcome all year. Contact Judy Kinman and Elaine Wasekanes for more info and wool. (photos # 3)

SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE from the desk of John Greenstine


11 Volume 43 No. 5

E

1

3 3

3

3

2

3

31


12 Volume 43 No. 5

As we celebrate Purim this year. do the mitzvah and ancient tradition of Mishloach Manot

Purim begins March 8, 2020

Deadline for ordering is February 24, 2020

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.” Sending Mishloach Manot (Purim Gift Baskets) has also evolved into a fundraising tradition. Here at Beth Israel we help you to join in this Mitzvah. Each family will receive 1 bag as a gift from the congregation, whether or not that family donated to others. The bags include a greeting listing the names of all of the senders who contributed toward the gift. Ordering your Mishloach Manot is easy‐simply follow these steps: • To order: Print and complete the form on the next page or fill out the form online by

going to: https://bethisraelmedia.org/donate/order‐your‐shalach‐manot‐bags‐2019 • Donation:

$400.00 to send to all BI members and staff (a savings of $600.00) $5.00 per bag with a minimum of 3 bags $5.00 per bag for reciprocity

(If someone who was not on your original list has put their name on your bag) ( they will not know).

$15.00 to send to a non‐member (does not include postage‐you pick up the bag)

• Deadline: Orders (please make checks payable to Beth Israel) must be received at the February 24. You may also pay online at www.bethisraelmedia.org Bags will be available for pickup at the synagogue February 24 through March 2 After March 2, the remaining bags will be donated to charity. Observing this lovely and meaningful Purim tradition and support BI.. Your support is needed and appreciated for the health and continued future of the Beth Israel community. OUR GOAL IS 100% PARTICIPATION For further information, contact Joyce Romoff ([email protected]).


13 Volume 43 No. 5

To Send Shalach Manot Gift Bags Fill out the form, PAY ONLINE OR BY CHECK BUT send THIS ORDER FORM to:

Congregation Beth Israel 542 New Middletown Rd. Media, PA 19063 Purim begins February 28, 2018. DDeadline for ORDERING Shalach Manot Bags is February 18, 2018.

Please Order Now! Your name Address Phone

e-mail

PRICe $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 IF NON-MEMBER

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

TOTAL ENCLOSED or paid online( $ )

March 9, 2020 FEBRUARY 24, 2020

3/9

ORDER FORM


15 Volume 43 No. 5

8:00 am - 8:00 pm

FUSE TRIP TO THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE Friends, we have a great opportunity to get to know more Delco neighbors, to learn some important history and to build re‐lationships across differences as we travel to, learn, and travel home from this powerful educational experience. We will hold a short, accessible Shabbat service on the bus down to D.C., sharing our Jewish culture with Jewish and non‐Jewish Delco neighbors.I hope that you will join me. Rabbi Linda

Cost per seat: $65.00 (any amount will be aCCepted.) donations welCome to register: [email protected]

please make check payable to Fuse & send to: african american museum bus trip Fuse 2 Chester road wallingford pa 19086

we currently have two options for pick up:

Chester High school, 232 w. 9th st Chester, pa wallingford presbyterian Church, 110 e brookhaven rd, wallingford, pa

For more information: [email protected] or [email protected]

registration deadline: 2/10/2020


16 Volume 43 No. 5

TOT SHABBAT

Jackie Gelman

HEBREW SCHOOL

BY Lisa Blaskey-DeCamp

We are at the halfway point of the year and there has been lots of learning going on in the Hebrew School. There has been increased focus this year on Hebrew learning, including a focus on Tefillah (prayers). The children have made wonderful progress learning new prayers and have been able to practice their new knowledge during our several Saturday morning Hebrew School Shabbat services. In December, the students participated in the annual Mitzvah Mall. Our madrichim (teenage aides) shared information about five charities to which the students could donate: Mazon, Challah for Hunger, Hand in Hand, Alex’s Lemonade Stand, and Transition Town Media. For Hanukkah, the Hebrew School had its second annual Dorot intergenerational learning ses‐sion, Unwrapping the Gift of Heroism. Participants literally unwrapped gifts and followed the clues to learn about four in‐spiring heroes. Also in December, the Hebrew School had a table at the BI Craft Fair, where we sold fair trade chocolate and coffee. A huge thank‐you to Lauren Forbes who donated the chocolate and coffee, allowing the Hebrew school to maximize profits from the sales. Thanks also to all the BI members who stopped by our table to support the Hebrew School. We are looking forward to upcoming events, including the MLK Day of Service and Young Family Shabbat. The Hebrew School is continuing to work on new initiatives to attract new families and grow bigger. We want to welcome the families that have joined us this year and thank all the great volunteers and helpers that help us make all these events possible. We welcome you to take part in the process by volunteering some of your time to an event or by helping us to fund it. For more information about donations to the Hebrew School or to support the Young Family events, please contact the BI office or one of the Education Committee Co‐Chairs (Lisa Blaskey DeCamp [[email protected]] and Emma Lefkowitz [[email protected]]). Upcoming Events: 1/26/20: Shat Sippur—Israeli Story Time (10:45am) 2/1/20: Hebrew School Shabbat 2/2/20: No Hebrew School

Our first Tot Shabbat in 2020 was lots of fun! Many thanks to our young families for coming out and celebrating Shabbat together as a community. Our theme this month was “Blessings” and we enjoyed talking about all the blessings in our lives that we’re thankful for. So it’s a very apt time for me to thank all those who made our January Tot Shabbat program such a success. Thanks to Jeanine, our student Rabbi, who led a great discussion, and to Rabbi Nathan for his inspira‐tion and guidance (and for suggesting some great new songs that everyone really enjoyed— lots of budding musicians in this group!) Thanks also to Me’ira for her warmth and dedication to our young tots, and to Adva for her never‐ending enthusiasm (and whose pres‐ence was felt even though she had to stay home with a feverish Ayala.) Finally, many thanks to Kathy Trow who helped with dinner and who left the kitchen cleaner than she found it, and to Alan Ross whose vigi‐lance keeps us all safe! (more pictures on the next page)

2/9/20: Dorot Day/Ellie Festival for Creativity and the Arts 2/14/20: Tot Shabbat 2/16/20: No Hebrew School 2/23/20: Shat Sippur—Israeli Story Time


17 Volume 43 No. 5

TOT SHABBAT

Seeking an inspirational place for a private or public meeting or event, board gathering, short notice interview, video conference, rehearsal, concert or presentation? Consider Congregation Beth Israel of Media, in a pastoral setting, conveniently located on Route 352.

Our rental spaces are flexible, available on short notice, and a broker is not required. Most spaces have windows and natural light. We have rental spaces for all budgets, short-term, long-term, or on your terms.

Our rental spaces are perfect for group meetings of different sizes and suitable for your event, party, organization seminar, business meeting, rehearsal or concert. Co-working space is coming soon to our on-site facility, which will provide meeting and event space to suit.

Congregation Beth Israel is a religious community located on Route 352 in Middletown, just minutes from the Promenade at Granite Run, the Elwyn train station, with convenient access to Routes 352, 1, 452, I-476, I-95, and the Philadelphia airport. Our 100+ parking spaces are free, on-site, private, and off-street. Also, for indoor/outdoor events, we offer charming on-site grounds surrounded with lush fields and walking trails.

So, if you are seeking a space that inspires creativity and productivity, contact our Facilities Usage Coordinator today!

SPACE FOR RENTEvents, Meetings,

Concerts, Office SpaceAt Congregation Beth Israel of Media

(610) 566-4645542 S New Middletown Rd, Media, PA 19063

www.bethisraelmedia.org

» See the brief video at www.tinyurl.com/BIRENT


18 Volume 43 No. 5

On Sunday, January 19, Lisa Eckenrode, DNP, RN, NRP, TCRN, of Paoli Hospital presented a Stop the Bleed course. Those in attendance included Me’ira Pitkapaasi, Joyce Romoff, Marilyn Verbits, Rae Roeder, Reisa Muka‐mal, Laura Lee Blechner, Elaine Feldman and Lynn Cashell. This was organized by Alan Ross, co‐chair of our Safety and Security Committee. We have one kit avail‐able near the AED device, and are looking into the pur‐chase of others to keep in place around the building.

The Safety and Security Committee continues to plan, or‐ganize, and implement steps to improve the security of Congregation Beth Israel and the safety of the people within. The “Shomrei Shul Squad” safety team, which was created in 2019, participated in a bleeding control first aid course on January 19 th with instruction by personnel from Main Line Health Trauma Centers. There will be various additional training sessions scheduled during 2020 both for members of the safety team and for congregants and staff. Two “no‐dial” emergency telephones for the Bimah storage area and the library level will be in place by mid‐January. As with virtually all interior doors in the synagogue, these areas are equipped with emergency “Lockdown” door de‐vices. These new phones will provide an additional layer of security by allowing 911 to be automatically dialed in an emergency simply by lifting the receiver from the device. These will supplement the DelPASS Panic Alarm system that was previously installed in the main office. Our Committee works with the Education Director in coor‐dinating and scheduling the “Greeter” program for the He‐brew School. A trained member of the Safety and Security Committee is normally present for all larger events and services at Beth Israel, which will be the case for the fore‐seeable future. The “no‐left‐turn” policy for cars exiting the parking lot dur‐ing large events was implemented last year, which will also be maintained from this point forward. Our Committee maintains constant contact with the Penn‐sylvania State Police Media Barracks, coordinating requests for additional patrol checks as needed, as well as with the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia Security Liaison, and with the Secure Community Network, from which we receive daily intelligence briefings on security matters af‐fecting the U.S. Jewish community. Preparations will soon be underway for applying for the anticipated Pennsylvania non‐profit security grant program, as well as for the Federal grant award that has been unsuccessfully sought for the past four years, to assist in the funding of needed security infrastructure upgrades and target hardening. Submitted by Alan Ross and Rae Roeder

Safety &Security Committee

Exton • Newtown Square BenariJewelers.com

BETTER BRANDS. BETTER VALUE. BETTER SERVICE.

abbi on stime Rull

nhaEesleW y

F• Full time Rabbi on s• Weekly Shabbat ser• Weekly Kiddush and

shared lunch

ffa

ed Livinganc

t

Ask

etaff

rvicd

xt ne ouroro join us ftornonoitamrofnieromro

shared lunch• Holiday services and

activities• Spiritual lecture seri• Author presentation• Intergenerational

programs and trips

F

our Mcials!

S cIn Spe

ve-

Aboutoon

M

Ask

1308355-all 610-, ctenv et, snoitpognivilroinesruo

d

esns

n

100 Halcyon Drive

A1-877-U-AGGE-WEWesley Enhanced Living continuing care r

mission to deliver a pur

Aedia, Pe • M PAA 19063

EL • www.WEL.orgetirement communities are non-profit, with a

rpose-filled life to residents.

GROCERY CARDS ARE IN STOCK AT BETH ISRAEL — YES! I shop at Acme or Giant and I’m happy to purchase gift cards through BI! (for every card purchased, BI receives $5 ‐ it adds up and makes a difference!) Let Diane know Let me know when you'd like to come and pick some up. I am here Tuesday and Thurs day 1 pm to 5:30 pm, and Wednesday from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm. Phone 610‐566‐4645 or send her an email: [email protected]


20 Volume 43 No. 5

February 2020Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

269:30 AM Hebrew School10:45 AM Shat Sipur - Is-raeli Story Time

27Rosh Chodesh Shevat

7:30 PM Marple Newtown Community Band Rehearsal

2812:00 PM Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Linda

297:30 PM Social Action Committee meeting in sanctuary

3012:45 PM Mussar with Rab-bi Linda7:00 PM Beginning Biblical Hebrew 2 - second level

315:02 PM Candle Lighting7:30 PM Shabbat Services with Rabbi Nathan and Raz Lecture with guest speaker Ali Michael Topic: Con-fronting Racism

1Parashat BoParshat Bo

9:45 AM Shabbat Services with Rabbi Nathan and He-brew School attending11:00 AM Family Fun Shab-bat6:11 PM Havdalah

2Groundhog Day

9:30 AM NO Hebrew School


4 57:00 PM Strategic Planning Committee

610:00 AM Drop-In Torah Study Group

75:10 PM Candle Lighting7:30 PM Shabbat at home

8Parashat BeshalachParshat Beshalach

9:45 AM Shabbat Services with Rabbi Linda6:19 PM Havdalah

99:30 AM Hebrew School with Dorot (Tu B'shvat)10:00 AM Ellie Festival for Creativity and the Arts

10Tu BiShvatTu B'Shvat


11 127:00 PM Executive Com-mittee Meeting

1310:00 AM RPC Meeting7:00 PM Beginning Biblical Hebrew 2 - second level

14Valentine’s Day

5:18 PM Candle Lighting5:45 PM Tot Shabbat with Rabbi Nathan7:30 PM Shabbat Services and Torah of Now with Rabbi Nathan and guest speaker Alan Ross. Topic: Responsible Eating

15Parashat YitroParshat Yitro

9:45 AM Shabbat at home6:28 PM Havdalah


17President's Day


1812:00 PM Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Linda Topic: Ex-ploring Tu B'Shevat - The Birthday of the Trees

197:00 PM Board of Directors Meeting


215:26 PM Candle Lighting7:30 PM Shabbat Services with Rabbi Linda

22Parashat MishpatimParshat MishpatimShabbat Mevarch…Parshat Shekalim

8:00 AM FUSE Trip to Na-tional Museum of African American History and Cul-ture6:36 PM Havdalah



25Rosh Chodesh Adar

26Rosh Chodesh Adar



285:34 PM Candle Lighting7:30 PM Shabbat Services and Torah of Now with Rabbi Nathan and guest speaker Dayle Friedman. Topic: Assisted Suicide

29Parashat TerumahParshat Terumah

9:45 AM Shabbat Services with Rabbi Nathan6:43 PM Havdalah










2Groundhog Day













14Valentine’s Day





17President's Day










25Rosh Chodesh Adar

26Rosh Chodesh Adar















2Groundhog Day













14Valentine’s Day





17President's Day










25Rosh Chodesh Adar

26Rosh Chodesh Adar















2Groundhog Day













14Valentine’s Day





17President's Day










25Rosh Chodesh Adar

26Rosh Chodesh Adar






Page 1/1


21 Volume 43 No. 5

Congregation Beth Israel of Media A Reconstructionist Jewish Community 542 South New Middletown Road Media, Pennsylvania 19063‐2240 Ph. 610‐566‐4645 Fax 610‐566‐2240 http://www.bethisraelmedia.org

President Senior Rabbi Associate Rabbi Student Rabbi Editor, Content Editor, Production Editor, Contributions List

Lynn Cashell Linda Potemken Nathan Martin Janine Jankovitz Pastor Sharon Kleban Marion Hamermesh Diane Longenecker

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

[email protected]

Next Issue: March 2020 Deadline February 15

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDMEDIA, PA 19063PERMIT NO. 214

OR CURRENT RESIDENT

BE HAPPY! ADAR IS COMING!

PURIM SHPIEL

MONDAY MARCH 9

congregation beth israel of media a reconstructionist ... · this work. but i do know that this...

Documents