February 2017Shevat/Adar 5777

1 Volume 40 No. 6

The IsraelightCongregation Beth Israel of Media

A Reconstructionist Jewish Community

Table of

Contents

Donations 9Thank you

Religious School 10Happening

Tnu’at Noar 12 BI Youth Group

Purim 13Shalock Manot Order Form

Ongoing Activities at BI 14There’s something for everybody

GreenFaith 3We are Certified

Religious Practice 4,5Shabbat, Finally Friday, Shabbat Across America

Rummage Sale 6Clean out your house - Support BI

Adult Education 7Torah Treks, The Raz Lecture, Reconstructionism

Yahrzeits 8We remember them

6:00 pm Potluck Shabbat DinnerPlease bring a dairy/vegetarian dish to share

7:00 pm Tu B’shevat seder led by Rabbi Linda,Then Kabbalat Shabbat Around the Tableincluding extra singing and offeringsfrom BIMAS and chorus

It’s the birthday of the trees and the week we read about the joyous singing of theIsraelites when they safely crossed the Red Sea. We will also celebrate our ongoingcommitment to the environment as we celebrate the hard work we did to receiveour Greenfaith certification.

Tu B’shevat & Shabbat Shirah

Friday, February 10, 2017

February 2017Shevat/Adar 5777

2 Volume 40 No. 6

We live in interesting times.

Nationally, we are undergoing signifi-cant changes. But as I said to my firstgraders on the day after the election, weare witnessing what the United States ofAmerica essentially piloted in the world:“the peaceful transfer of power.” In-stead of allowing war, turmoil or despot-ism to determine our leadership, we arerespecting our electoral system.

This peaceful transfer of power happens in elected officesacross the country, in states, counties, and local communities.A person is elected to office, serves a term or more of specifiedlength, and is replaced in the next election. Terms are limited,the times and sentiments change, and the electorate speaks. Itis in some ways so much a part of our culture that we take it forgranted.

My father held local elected offices during most of my child-hood. He taught me to respect this system. He also taught methat it’s dangerous to democracy if a person remains in an of-fice for too long because then the person becomes the institu-tion instead of the position. This is why I resigned from my firstelected position after holding it for four years; I believed it wasimportant for another person to take the position.

In these interesting times, I put a lot of faith in the concept of“a peaceful transfer of power” and in what my father taughtme. I believe that our country will continue to change andgrow as the next person holds the position of President.

Speaking of President, the United States isn’t the only institu-tion with a President! Beth Israel is governed by a Board whichis led by a President. And at BI, having an effective transition ofleadership is just as integral to the health of the organization asit is to the USA.

My presidency is over in June. Our current Executive Vice Presi-dent, Joyce Romoff, will assume the presidency on July 1. Inorder to continue a healthy succession of leadership, the nomi-nating committee needs to find the next Executive Vice Presi-dent. I invite you to suggest to the nominating committee thename or names of people who you’d like to see in a leadershipposition here at BI. Candidates should have some experience ortalent for leadership but they will have a two year period whileserving as EVP to learn the ropes before taking over the reins.Being President of BI is a lot of work , but it’s immensely re-warding and gratifying. You get to hang out with wonderfulpeople, doing meaningful work. With your help, Beth Israelcan be a microcosm of democracy in these interesting times.

Please contact me or Jennifer Lenway to suggest a name or formore information.

President’s Message:Happy New Year! In February?

According to the Mishnah there are fourNew Years days in the Jewish year. Thefirst of Nisan is the New Year for reckon-ing the reigns of kings; the first of Elul isthe New Year for the tithing of cattle;the first of Tishrei is the New Year forcreation and for taking stock of humanlives (Rosh Hashanah) and the 15th ofShevat is the new year for the trees.

Why the new year for the trees now? While here in Media weare still in the depths of winter, in Israel a hint of spring is inthe air. The tree sap has begun to ascend, the first almondblossoms have opened and the winter rains are diminishing.In contemporary America Tu b’Shevat has become a time toreflect on Earth’s fragility and her dwindling resources. It is atime to examine our deeds with respect to the earth and tocommit to environmentally sound practices.

Tu B’Shevat has also been celebrated through the lens ofmysticism. In the 16th century, the Kabbalists of Tzfat com-piled a Tu B'Shevat seder. It includes 4 cups of wine or grapejuice, enjoying the varied fruits of trees and using the symbol-ism of fruit with and without shells to enact the process ofopening up to God’s holiness. It is traditional to eat fruitsfrom Israel such as figs, dates, grapes, olives, and pomegran-ates or to eat new fruits and say Shehechiyanu - our blessingfor experiencing something new.

At our Tu B’Shevat seder this month we will raise up practicalenvironmental issues as well as other spiritual themes. We willenjoy the bounty of nature and set our sights on the promiseof spring, even as we dwell in the midst of this hard winter.Since Tu B’Shevat falls on Shabbat Shirah - the Shabbat ofsong- we will also enjoy the music of BIMAS, chorus and ourown voices as we raise up the story of the crossing of the Redsea. Finally, we will celebrate our work as a Greenfaith com-munity and our shared accomplishments as such. So manyBI’ers worked to advance our environmental goals.

Bring light into the darkness and celebrate on Tu B’Shevat -the 15th of Shevat, aka the 10th of February. With our com-munity sharing dinner, seder, service and song we will have awonderful Shabbat & new year’s party.

Rabbi’s Message

February 2017Shevat/Adar 5777

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEDebbie Wile, PresidentJoyce Romoff, Executive VPDave Gornstein, VP, FinanceMark Carey VP, Communications

COMMITTEE CHAIRSMembership Susan Robinson, Dina JacobsHebrew School Education Katie Sibley, Lauren ForbesReligious Practice Laura Lee Blechner, Larry HamermeshSocial Action Carol BriselliAdult Education Marion Hamermesh, Rich Remenick___Facilities Co-ordinators Chris Pragman, Arnie SchwartzImmediate Past President: Jennifer Lenway, Council of Past Presidents: Lynn CashellMEMBERS AT LARGE: Deb Erie, Ala Hamilton-Day,

Michael Lefkowitz, Julie Mayer, Wendy Waterston

BI BOARD OF DIRECTORS

God’s Creation is Good Jennifer Lenway

In October Beth Israel completed GreenFaith’s rigorous 2 year Environmental Certification program for houses of worship.Our overall goal was to both increase building efficiency and to encourage a broader conversation about the environmentand good stewardship of the earth. During the course of the project we reduced our carbonfootprint, educated ourselves about the environment and environmental justice, andwere able to save money in the process by upgrading the HVAC system and convertingour indoor and outdoor lights to LED.

While the GreenFaith Certification is complete, our work as a community is not. Solarpanels would reduce our carbon footprint even further. Moreover, we all need to continu-ally learn more about how we can reduce, reuse, and recycle at home. To read some helpful tipsplease go to afewsteps.org/green-tips-blog.

IMPROVING EFFICIENCY THROUGH SMART STRATEGIES Elaine Feldman (an excerpt )... Due to the improvements we made to our building, the net use of energy (per heating degree day) has been lowered by30 – 36% with better building comfort, better system and room control, and a reduction in emissions. We financed our project so that the net operating budget remained the same during the loan period based on anticipated net cost reductionof $8,000 to $12,000/year in real dollars annually; dependent on the unit cost of energy.

We achieved: 1. An estimated 10 – 15% increase in the design efficiency of the core heating units.2. Improved hot air delivery and reuse of heated air. 3. An increased ability to control heating zones based on occupancy, due to the repair of damper controls, strategically

installed A/C splits, and smart thermostats. 4. A hot water system with better insulation, scheduled tank heat up, and quick heat up due to the use of gas.5. A Portfolio Manager score of 99 (2016), compared to our baseline score of 87 (2009).

We expect to pay back our loan for this work within the planned 5 – 6 years. We have lowered our heating bills for the syna-gogue building, which had run as high as $16,000/yr., to $4,000 – $5,000/yr. Thanks to our efficiency upgrades and fuel con-version, we estimate an annual 32% decrease in GHG (Green House Gas) emissions and a 99.9% decrease in SO2 (SulfurDioxide) emissions.

We have continued to look for opportunities to improve the reliability and efficiency of our facilities’ systems. In February2016, we replaced the parking lot and signage lighting; Replacing 2300 Watts of metal halide lamps with about 900 Watts ofLED fixtures controlled by astronomic timers. In the year ahead, we will be able to evaluate this upgrade’s impact on itselectrical consumption.

4 Volume 39 No. 3 February 2017Shevat/Adar 5777RELIGIOUS PRACTICE

Based on feedback that RPC has received, we began, in January, a 3 month exper-iment of starting nearly all Friday night Shabbat services at 7 pm. We receivedpositive feedback about the 7:00 start time for services during the summer; somepeople observed that this allowed them to participate since 8 pm was too late forthem to go out at night. We also hope that having the same time for servicesnearly every week will minimize confusion.

https://www.annthegran.com/

The week is finally over! It’s time to join friends and relax and rejuvenate in the sounds of Shabbat.

FINALLY FRIDAY will offer a participatory Kabbalat Shabbat program designed specifically for our community. Workingwith Rabbi Linda, the Finally Friday artists will create an energetic, inspiring, personally meaningful, and spiritual evening.The service will include traditional Jewish music, nigunnim, contemporary American Jewish and Israeli songs, and originalworks inspired by jazz motifs.

SALLY MITLAS Is a vocalist and guitarist who brings knowledge of Hebrew and a passion for Jewish education to her per-formances. She is the owner of MITLAS PRODUCTIONS, LLC in Jenkintown, PA. She has produced numerous award win-ning films in the United States and in Israel. By combining her experience as a producer and director with a passion formusic and the arts, she has been able to touch, inspire, educate, and motivate her audiences with a unique brand of film-making and music.

Richard Budesa (Keyboard & Organ/Vocals) Robert Budesa (Guitar/Vocals)

The Budesa Brothers are synonymous with the famous Philadelphia Jazz sound and scene. Highly regarded musicians in theCity of Brotherly Love, they specialize in delivering a unique passion for music through a deeply felt sense of Jazz and soulcreating the authentic ‘sound of Philadelphia’. They have gained an outstanding reputation for their musical acumen, whichhas led to recording and performing with such Philadelphia greats as Boostie Barnes, Papa John DeFranceso, Duane Eu-banks, Christian McBride, Lenny White, Grover Washington, Jr, and George Duke. The Budesa Brothers bring a sense oftiming, pacing, improvisation and cadence to their music that can only be achieved through a generosity of spirit and life-long commitment to the arts in Philadelphia.

SAVE THE DATE: FRIDAY MARCH 31 at 7pmFinally Friday!

A Musical Kabbalat Shabbat with Sally Mitlas!

February 2017Shevat/Adar 5777

5 Volume 40 No. 6

Thank you to our Oneg and Kiddush Hosts for February 2017If you would like to choose a date to host.

please Contact Debbie Sherman (wdsherman@verizon.net)

Friday, February 3 Available (Rabbi Nathan leading, 7 pm)Saturday, February 4 Available (Rabbi Nathan leading, Hebrew School attending, potluck lunch & Torah Treks,

simple kiddush needed)Friday, February 10 Herman-Liu and Manaker families (Rabbi Linda – Tu B’shevat seder 7 pm;

potluck dinner first at 6 pm)Saturday, February 11 Shabbat at HomeFriday, February 17 John Greenstine (Rabbi Nathan leading, 7 pm)Saturday, February 18 Shabbat at HomeFriday, February 24 Vav – Zayin Class for Young Family Shabbat

(Rabbi Linda leading, 7 pm; potluck dinner first at 6:15 pm)Saturday, February 25 Miriam Sigler (Rabbi Nathan leading, potluck lunch & Torah Treks)

Contact Debbie Sherman (wdsherman@verizon.net) if you would like to choose a date to host.

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February 2017Shevat/Adar 5777

6 Volume 40 No. 6

Beth Israel Community Rummage SaleSunday, March 19

9 AM – 2 PMWe need:Household items, small electronics (in working condition), small furniture, books, etc....and paper and plastic bags, plus newspapers for wrapping sold items

DO NOT BRING CLOTHING*, TELEVISIONS, OR COMPUTERS

Drop off all items at the green house (across from the main building)Contact Joe to arrange a time for drop off 610-368-5671

We need help moving the items from the green house into the sanctuary the week of the sale.We need LOADS of help the day of the sale!

Please contact Lynn Cashell davidlynncashell@gmail.com or Joe Deutsch atjdbugeye@hotmail.com

This is a fund-raising event, so please support our community!

*Please donate clothing to worthy charities or save it for the Summer Clothing Drive that SAC is spon-soring. All types of gently used clothing will be accepted at that time. There is no set date for the eventyet, so keep watching the BI calendar! We are also looking for members to assist with this endeavor.Contact Lynn Cashell at davidlynncashell@gmail.com to let her know how you can help.

We built Jerusalem!

Pictures of this year’s Ellie Festival by Kevin Nash

7 Volume 39 No. 7 February 2017Shevat/Adar 5777

ADULT EDUCATION

12:00 – 1:30 February 22, March 23, April 27, May 25Lunch & Learn Join us for a lively session as weshare ancient and contemporary texts, brown bag lunch,and one another's good company. Regulars and new-comers most welcome! No RSVP needed.

IN THE RABBI’S STUDY with Rabbi LindaFebruary 14, March 28, May 9 5:00

Mussar is a Jewish spiritual practice that is an ap-proachable and practical set of teachings for cultivatingpersonal growth and spiritual realization in daily living.The ultimate goal is to help us to achieve greaterwholeness and goodness.

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

TORAH TREKS: The Next Generation

Getting to Know The Rabbis

Rabbinic views on the Environment, Kashrut, and

Everyday Holyness

12:30 - 2:00 ... after Shabbat Servicesand Pot Luck Lunch

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The Rabbinic Liaison Committee exists in most Reconstructionist communities to ensure the maintenance of a good work-ing relationship between the rabbi and the congregation. While congregants are always welcome and encouraged to dis-cuss questions or concerns directly with Rabbi Linda, they may at times feel more comfortable talking to the RabbinicLiaison committee. Issues raised by congregants are discussed confidentially and, when appropriate, are shared with theRabbi in a constructive manner. To discuss a question or concern, contact Michelle Atkins or Emily Levine.

TORAH TREKS 5777(Topics tba)

January 7 Rabbi Sarra Lev, PhD. (Snow day! to be rescheduled)

January 21 Rabbi Linda PotemkenFebruary 4 Rabbi Maurice HarrisMarch 25 Rabbi Nathan MartinApril 22 Rabbi Helen PlotkinMay 6 Rabbi Michael Ramberg

The Artist’s Torah with Dr. David Ebenbach We will host author and professor DavidEbenbach as he shares his wisdom from his work, The Artist's Torah.This gathering will be a kickoff for a monthly gathering of writers,musicians, artists, dancers, all who are involved in a creativeprocess and seek support and inspiration.

The Artist's Torah is an uplifting and down-to-earth guide to thecreative process, wide open to longtime artists and first-time dab-blers, to people of every religious background-or none-and toevery creative medium. Ebenbach works with the weekly Torahportions to create meditations on a life lived artistically, groundedin ancient Jewish wisdom and the wisdom of artists, composers,writers, and choreographers from the past and present. He invitesyou to explore the nature of the creative process while learningTorah. Above all, The Artist's Torah teaches us that creativity is anatural and important part of the human spirit, a bright spark that,week after week, this book will brighten.

SAVE THE DATEThe Raz Lecture

April 8During services and after lunch

ABOUT RECONSTRUCTIONISM7:30 pm Thursdays May 4, 11, 18with:Rabbi Linda, Rabbi Nathan & Rabbi HelenDetails tba

Yahrzeits

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

February 2017Shevat/Adar 5777

8 Volume 40 No. 6

Mourner Mourned Relationship to Mourner Yahrzeit 2017 Yahrzeit 5777Sharon Boyd Merton Sheppard Friend February 02 6 Shevat Harry Chen Julia Chen Mother February 03 7 Shevat

Alex Dresner Evelyne Newman Grandmother February 03 7 Shevat Linda Cohen Evelyn Cohen* Mother-in-law February 04 8 Shevat

Linda Potemken Suzanne Davis Friend February 04 8 Shevat Sharon Boyd Gerald Kahn Father February 05 9 Shevat Jane Laffend Edward Laffend* Father-in-law February 05 9 Shevat Ken Laffend Edward Laffend* Father February 05 9 Shevat

Marilyn Verbits David Jay Verbits* Brother February 06 10 Shevat Jonathan Krinick Eugene Krinick Father February 07 11 Shevat

Lauri Mansky Maxwell Salzman Grandfather February 07 11 Shevat Rae Roeder E. Nathan Jacobs* Father February 07 11 Shevat

Ed Wasekanes Joseph Wasekanes Brother February 07 11 Shevat Elaine Wasekanes Joseph Wasekanes Brother-in-law February 07 11 Shevat

Marilyn Verbits Ruth Verbits* Mother February 09 13 Shevat Peter Bernstein Helen Bernstein* Mother February 11 15 Shevat

Barry Gross Bill Gross Father February 13 17 Shevat Lorraine Gross Bill Gross Husband February 13 17 Shevat Eleanor Skale Stephen H. Skale* Brother February 14 18 Shevat Mark Schlam Sy Lutto Uncle February 15 19 Shevat

Nancy Handwerger Ida K. Bluestone Mother February 17 21 Shevat Sylvia Goldfield Irvin Berman* Brother February 19 23 Shevat

Robert Stone Mae Kramer Cousin February 22 26 Shevat Laura Lee Blechner George Blechner Grandfather February 23 27 Shevat

Richard Schuldenfrei Jean Cohen Schuldenfrei Mother February 23 27 Shevat Frances Vilella-Velez Frank Vilella Father February 23 27 Shevat

Margo Zitin Helen Rose Kaufman* Mother February 23 27 Shevat Jerry Feldman Nathaniel Feldman Son February 26 30 Shevat Lois Deutsch Anne Schwalb Mother February 27 1 Adar

Andrew Weiner Selma Weiner Mother February 27 1 Adar Randy London Philip London Brother March 01 3 Adar

February 2017Shevat/Adar 5777

9 Volume 40 No. 6Donations Thank You!

December 2016

The General FundAnita Weber and Mark Cary, to the Citrenbaum family in memory of Annie Theresa Dolly Whinnery - beloved mother,mother-in-law, and grandmother. May her memory be a blessing.Dan Moscow and Sharon Strauss Carol Cowan in honor of Anita Weber and Mark Cary and their wonderful contribution to BIBarbara Drebing and Neil Kauffman in memory of our parents, David and Ruth Kauffman, Charles and Lillian Drebing

Endowment FundRita Simon in memory of Burt Cohen Lois and Stephen Drake in memory of her brother Burt Cohen

Torah RestorationBeth Silver-Cummons and James Cummons,Kimberly Dumoff, Rabbi Linda Potemken, Alan and Sharon Kleban, Judith Kinman,Miriam Paikoff, Lynn and David Cashell, Albert S. Kroser, Larry and Marion Hamermesh, Arlette and Lawrence Loomis, JenniferLenway, Linda Cohen, Ala Hamilton-Day, David and Andrea Wasser, Ross and Sharon Boyd, Rabbi Nathan Martin, John Green-stine, David and Moriah Gornstein, Alan Ross, Ben Alouf, Julian Yates and Rebecca Winer, Wendy Waterston, Lynora Under-wood, Jen and Matthew Buonincontro, Michael Fishkow and Leslie Stein, Virginia and Paul Williams, Amy Strauss, Candy Berlin(in honor of the memory of Elsie and Irving Meyer Berlin), Andrea Apter and Harry Chen, Sandy and Mark Peitzman, Joe andLois Deutsch, Sylvia Platt, Laura Lee Blechner and Chris Pragman

Condolences from the CongregationTo the Mukamal-Arnold family on the loss of their dear son Noah

Sending you blessings for healing:Naomi Sav, Dottie Jenkins, Ron Romoff, Andrew Kelly, Mel Drukin, Alan Fink, Linda Cohen, Deanie Heller, Jane Laffend, LynnKelly, Helena Landis

Please remember to donate school supplies, toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap), bathtowels, wash cloths, etc. for the Community Action Agency of Delaware County. Collection box is the bluebin in the lobby. A complete list of needed items is on the bin. Thank you.

SOCIAL ACTION

February 2017Shevat/Adar 5777

10 Volume 40 No. 6 RELIGIOUS SCHOOLHebrew School Happenings by Katie SibleyDear Families, Happy New Year!

First, the February Schedule:There is no Hebrew School Feb 5 so that everyone can attend Shabbat services on Saturday morning, Feb 4 (9:45-12:00)Tu B’Shevat on Feb. 10 is also Shabbat Shira (Shabbat of Song) and the Hebrew School children will sing!There is Family Education for Vav/Zayin Families on February 12, led by Rabbi Linda No Hebrew School February 19, Presidents’ WeekendThe Vav/Zayin Class Dinner is on February 24: 6:15 dinner and 7:00 Shabbat serviceThe Dalet-Hay Family Education program led by Rabbi Linda on Feb. 26; Josh Sternburg, from Camp JRF, will be ourguest and make a presentation to BI families about the wonderful Camp JRF; The Youth Group will also have a Gaga event on February 26 at Beth Israel after Hebrew School.

Looking ahead: March 3-March 5 is the JRF's No’ar Hadash Teen Kallah in NYC for 8th-12th graders

Our next (March) newsletter will report on several January events, including the Simchat Siddur Event on January 6, whenthe Dalet-Hay class will get their prayerbooks, the Ellie Festival's Lego Building on January 8, and the MLK Service Projects(including Jared Boxes and fleece blankets) organized by Kathy Trow on January 15.

The Youth Group is also meeting on January 29 after Hebrew School--and so will there be an Education Committee meeting that morning, 1/29 at 10!

Looking back:

Jackie Gelman reports that our first Tot Shabbat of the year, on December 16,was a big hit! Six families came from inside and outside Beth Israel, and it wasreally lovely. The best way to tell is was successful was that most lingered wellpast the official end time, helping to clean up and schmooze with each other.Special thanks to Rabbi Nathan for leading the service and storytelling. Thekids were really engaged (if a bit noisy!) the entire time. Also thanks to DebbieWile for volunteering, Alana Haber for helping with set-up and crafts, andLaura Lee for calendar help and moral support. And, of course, thanks to the BI families for attending and bringing toys!

A small but talented crew turned outfor vacation week get together atBusy Bees, painting pottery on De-cember 27, as these pictures attest!.

Hebrew School Happenings Continues on next page

February 2017Shevat/Adar 5777

11 Volume 40 No. 6

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The Hebrew School students also enjoyed the Mitzvah Mall on December 18.

By the time you read this, we will have had our second Tot Shabbat on January 20, from 5:45-7:15pm, and we will be cele-brating Tu B'shevat.

The craft fair on Dec. 4 was also a success, and made almost $400 for our Hebrew School, which will help support our Sim-chat Siddur event for the Dalet/Hay families, among other activities. The sale was successful in large part because of ourvery generous patrons, including Mike Schaber of SchaBAR Soap Company, who gave us handmade soap and lotions tosell, from Bubbie Meister to Shir Suds to Bath Mitzvah, forgoing all compensation! We were also fortunate to have an addi-tional kind donor provide delicious chocolates and coffee.

See you all soon!Yours, Katie Sibley

Hebrew School Happenings continued...

February 2017Shevat/Adar 5777

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February 2017Shevat/Adar 5777

13 Volume 40 No. 6Purim begins March 11, 2017.

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 19063Deadline for ORDERING Shalach Manot Bags is February 28, 2017.

Please Order Now!Your Name _________________________________________________________________Address ____________________________________________________________________ Phone______________________________________________________________________Email_______________________________________________________________________

PRICING$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 (&address for non Members) a Non-Member

I Choose To Send To All Members And Staff At $40 Check Here

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

Please Include Me In Reciprocity And Bill Me SeparatelyCheck Here

TOTAL ENCLOSED or paid online: $

February 2017Shevat/Adar 5777

14 Volume 40 No. 6

Ongoing activities open to the BI community, when you’re looking for fun and friendship!

Book Club – Usually meets monthly at members’ homes. February’s book is “How the Bible Became Holy” by Michael Sat-low. Please join us at Ruth Gottlieb’s house on February 19 at 10:30 AM. Contact Eleanor Strauss straussfam@aol.com.

Tnu’at Noar: Youth Leading Youth. Jewish youth group for 4th-5th grades and 6th-7th grades. Monthly activities. Contact Anne Thomas aesthomas@comcast.net.

Adult Outdoor Activities Group: We go on day hikes, bike rides, the Mummers parade, and more. Contact David Markman photodjm@aol.com.

Mah Jongg: New group looking for learners and members. Contact Lynn Cashell davidlynncashell@gmail.com

Rosh Chodesh: We usually meet at the beginnning of the new Hebrew month, either at a member’s home or at BI. Weoffer a Jewish teaching and a pot luck lunch. Contact Lois Deutch freshfruitsalad@hotmail.com.

Beth Israel Chorus: We sing at High Holy Day services and other events during the year. We rehearse for each event asneeded, with a lot of rehearsals over the summer to prepare for High Holy Days. Contact Selene Platt seleneplatt@com-cast.net or Laura Lee Blechner llblechner@pragman.net to be added to our chorus email list.

Beth Israel Music Appreciation Society (BIMAS) - our very own klezmer band! Contact Reisa Mukamal(reisa.mukamal@verizon.net) or Selene Platt (seleneplatt@comcast.net)

Purim Shpiel: Every year we write and produce our own play. Writing begins in the winter, no more than 2 rehearsals.Contact Marion Hamermesh marion@hamermesh.com.

Please send updated listings to Israelight@bethisraelmedia.org.

YES! I shop at Acme or Giant and I’m happy to purchase giftcards 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

Thank you Kevin Nash for photographing the Ellie Festival

photo by Mark Carey

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t with

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0 PM

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ah T

reks

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Adul

t Ed

269:

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M H

ebre

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l10

:00

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amily

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satio

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36:

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49:

45 A

M S

habb

at a

t Hom

e

Page

1/1

February 2017Shevat/Adar 5777

16 Volume 40 No. 6

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

PresidentRabbiAssociate RabbiAdministratorEditor, ContentEditor, ProductionEditor, Contributions List

Debbie WileLinda PotemkenNathan MartinHal BordySharon KlebanMarion HamermeshDiane Longenecker

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 March 2017

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