In which we become the fixers: A weekend at L Taken in DC

Transcription

1 MARCH 2019 In front of Congresswoman Dean s office: (L-R) Rabbi Ettman, Naomi I., Sally S., Lily K., Caroline K., Emma S. In front of the Capital: (L-R) Caroline K., Naomi I., Lily K., Emma S., Sally S. In which we become the fixers: A weekend at L Taken in DC by Rabbi Glenn Ettman Lobbying in Senator Casey s office: (L-R) Lily K., Elie R. (Rabbi Tornberg s step-daughter), Sally S. In front of the American History Smithsonian (L-R) Naomi I., Lily K., Caroline K., Emma S., Sally S. We are told, be ready by morning then come up to the hill and present yourself there. (Ex.34:2) And so we did. On Capitol Hill. On Monday morning. Five confirmation students from Or Ami presented themselves to our elected officials to share their vision of holiness, justice, and hope for the world as they lobbied on issues that were personal to them. I was witness to this amazing moment as we walked up Capitol Hill to the offices of our senators and congresswoman. In that moment I saw the future. I heard the voices of change, justice, and a hope for a better tomorrow. As the Book of Exodus taught just last week in our Torah cycle to come to the hill and present yourself there, these five teenagers did just that. This is the image the prophets had about Shabbat. And this is the image we must all take as we embrace Shabbat this week. This past weekend I had the privilege of chaperoning our confirmation class, along with the classes from Beth Or and Kol Ami, to Washington, D.C. to participate in the L Taken social justice seminar sponsored by the Religious Action Center of the Reform Movement. This weekend long event is an annual exploration of social justice, advocacy, and learning to literally speak truth to power. Confirmation students from around the country join together to learn about issues that are relevant to their lives and that are being discussed on Capitol Hill and have not yet even made the news cycle. In fact, one of the issues that our students lobbied for concerning gun violence prevention was just voted on this week! In truth, this weekend program is one of the best programs that the reform movement offers because it teaches our teenagers that their voice matters, and that they can make change, and that they can embrace the prophetic call of our Jewish tradition. And these five teenagers did just that. Not only did they learn, but they made their voices heard. Our Or Ami students lobbied about gun violence prevention laws as well as laws concerning reproductive rights. Inspired not just by the prophetic call, but by actual Jewish text itself, they presented their story staff members at the offices of Senators Casey and Toomey. While the act of seeing these young people stand up and speak out was profound unto itself, there was one moment that reminded me of truly how powerful these statements were. One of our students said that even though she could not yet vote, she stood here today speaking to those who can to ensure the safety of herself, her friends, and her sister, as she talked about reproductive rights. Here are our young people standing up even though they don t yet have the chance to vote because that is what our tradition obligates us to do. And let me tell you, these teenagers (and many like them) will be the ones who are daring enough to change the world. The prophet Joel once said that the old will dream dreams, but it is the youth who will see visions. This is the vision that I hope to see for our world. And my prayer for all of our kids is for them to learn to rise up, speak out, and pursue justice. And so my prayer for each of us is this: May we be inspired by the voices of our teenagers and be motivated to speak our own truths. May we hear the call to rise up and make the changes we need to make. And may we find the vision of the holiness of Shabbat to L taken et ha olam to repair and fix the brokenness in our world. When we do, piece by piece, we will find our peace. PS: I try to take every confirmation class on this program! #signupformyclass

2 Clergy and Staff Rabbi...Glenn Ettman Cantor...Jordan S. Franzel Rabbi Emeritus...Seymour Prystowsky Executive Director...Lori Dafilou x200 Communications Administrator...Jenna Hendler x201 Early Childhood Education Director...Michelle Ruder x400 ECE Center Assistant Director...Carly Shaw x401 Interim Director of Education...Rabbi Glenn Ettman Director of Adult Learning...Cantor Jordan S. Franzel Interim Assistant Principal.. Stefanie Bock Administrative Support x300 Synagogue Office Religious School ECE Center Officers and Trustees Executive Officers Co-President...David Cohen Co-President...Heather Fritts Vice President...Jeff Michaels Vice President...Dave Nasatir Vice President...Mitch Zimmer Treasurer...Susan Michaels Immediate Past President...Larry Paul Trustees Brad Abramson, Trustee Deb Brenner, COATz Chair Beth Dainoff, ECE PTO Co-Chair Jonathan Domers, Trustee Craig Goldberg, Brotherhood Chair Greg Kapel, Programming Chair Bill Koelewyn, House Chair Kate Kornblau, ECE PTO Co-Chair Traci Lechwar, Membership Chair Helene Levinson, Religious Observance Chair Sara Neuman, Secretary Alan Roomberg, Finance Chair Jason Salus, Trustee Rebecca Schuchart, Sisterhood Co-Chair Jennifer Segal, ECEC Chair Laina Silversmith, Trustee Stephanie Spicer, RS PTO Co-Chair Honorary Trustees Michael Konin Terri Wolfheimer Fax Deadline: First of the month before publication of issue. We reserve the discretion to edit for space limitations. Congregation Or Ami is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism. March Worship Schedule Friday, March 1 6:15pm...Tot Shabbat Service 7:00pm...Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, March 2 9:00am...Torah Study Friday, March 8 7:00pm...Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, March 9 9:00am...Torah Study Friday, March 15 7:00pm...Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, March 16 9:00am...Torah Study Friday, March 22 7:00pm...Erev Shabbat Service and Purim Schpiel Saturday, March 23 9:00am...Torah Study Friday, March 29 7:00pm...Erev Shabbat Service Saturday, March 30 9:00am...Torah Study 10:30am...Shabbat Service celebrating Stella Resnick becoming a Bat Mitzvah Our Mission Congregation Or Ami strives to be a warm and welcoming center of Jewish life built on the foundation of Torah (Jewish Text and Tradition), Avodah (Spiritual Fulfillment), and G milut Chasadim (Acts of Lovingkindness). We embrace the varied needs and rich diversity of our congregants, our community, and the Jewish people. We endeavor to create an inviting and inclusive community that promotes spiritual fulfillment for our congregants and supports their search for God. We take pride in the strong partnership among our clergy, professional staff, lay leaders, and congregants. Guided by Jewish values, we are strengthened by our active volunteerism and informed decision-making. We uphold the principles and ideals of the Reform movement and are a member of the Union for Reform Judaism. Y 2

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4 Join Us for an Interesting Discussion on the Book of Ecclesiastes By Carole Verona A lthough it is only 12 chapters long, the Book of Ecclesiastes is so rich that it opens itself up to great discussions. Rabbi Seymour Prystowsky will lead us in a course on Ecclesiastes from 7 to 8:15 pm on Wednesdays, March 13, 21, and 28 in the library. Rabbi Prystowsky said he finds the Book of Ecclesiastes to be especially interesting because it contains lots of contradictions. It can be optimistic and pessimistic. It can talk about things that are pre-ordained and yet it acknowledges freedom of will. It can stress the enjoyment of life vs. an emphasis on godly ways to live. It also contains the most misogynist line in the Bible: Now, I find women more bitter than death; she is all traps, her hands are fetters and her heart is snares. (7:26) Ecclesiastes also contains great quotes that have become part of our lexicon, such as There is nothing new under the sun. And of course, it contains the famous passage, To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Please come and join your fellow congregants in what promises to a unique learning experience! 4

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6 Donations for March Oracle CANTOR S FUND To Judy Steier In memory of...sheila Gottlieb To Cindi Grodanz In memory of...robert Grodanz ECE CENTER FUND To Terri & Mark Wolfheimer In honor of Rachel s engagement...ms. Sherry Dainoff To the Razon family In memory of Cynthia Razon...Mr. & Mrs. Frome Fineman & Family To Cindi Grodanz In memory of Robert Grodanz...Robert & Carol Klein To Judy Steier In memory of Sheila Gottlieb...Robert & Carol Klein To Don and Randee Schwartz In memory of Hy Schwartz...Mr. & Mrs. Edward Koch FINE ARTS FUND To Cindi Grodanz In memory of Robert Grodanz...Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Sinowitz Sandra Bennett To Judy Steier In memory of Sheila Gottlieb...Mr. & Mrs. Mark Wolfheimer To Carole Verona In memory of Joanne Yanni...Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Sinowitz THE GENERAL FUND To Lori Steinberg In memory of Howard Kraiman...Mr. & Mrs. Perry Weiner To Jackie Kane In memory of Lawrence Pollack...Mr. & Mrs. Ben Leace To Cindi Grodanz In memory of Robert Grodanz...Mr. & Dr. Shawn Neuman To Barbara Golden & family In memory of Sean Golden...Mr. & Mrs. Perry Weiner Mrs. & Mrs. Mark Wolfheimer Mr. & Mrs. Laurence Berger Rabbi & Mrs. Kenneth Carr Mr. & Mrs. Irving Grunes Rabbi & Mrs. Seymour Prystowsky Rabbi Seymour Prystowsky Fund Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Seidman Mr. & Mrs. Michael Simon Mr. & Mrs. Joel Sloane Dr. Howard Weinstock To David Nasatir In memory of Shelley Nasatir...Chad Friedman THE KEDSON FUND To Judy Steier In memory of Sheila Gottlieb...Mr. & Mrs. Ron Rosen THE MITZVAH FUND To Jackie Kane In memory of Lawrence Pollack...Mr. & Mrs. Scott Sterling THE NANCY ROOMBERG FUND To Cindi Grodanz In memory of Robert Grodanz...Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Lipner Mr. & Mrs. Alan Roomberg RABBI ETTMAN DISCRETIONARY FUND To Rabbi Glenn & Ellie Ettman In honor of your marriage...mr. & Mrs. Michael Lefkowitz TORAH CARD FUND To Cindi Grodanz In memory of Robert Grodanz...Mr. & Mrs. Irv Askow Mr. & Mrs. Roy Hoffman Dr. & Mrs. Craig Israelite Mr. & Mrs. Hal Michels Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence Paul Mrs. Lillian Toren Mr. & Mrs. Mitch Zimmer To Ellen Pesin In honor of Staci & Jared s marriage...mr. & Mrs. Hal Michels Susan Rubin To Jackie Kane In Memory of Lawrence Pollack...Dr. & Mrs. Craig Israelite Mr. & Mrs. Hal Michels Mr. & Mrs. Mitch Zimmer Mr. & Mrs. Lowell Raeder Mr. & Mrs. Bill Koelewyn To Judy Steier In memory of Sheila Gottlieb...Mr. & Mrs. Alex Levinson Mr. & Mrs. Hal Michels Susan Rubin To Neil Cooper In memory of Marilyn Cooper...Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Jeck To Chad Pieper In memory of Abby Sciranko...The ECE Center Staff WILMA CLAUSON FUND To Judy Steier In memory of Sheila Gottlieb...The Stern family YAHRZEIT FUND In memory of David Kahn...Mr. & Mrs. Larry Kahn In memory of Betty Polakoff...Mr. & Mrs. Larry Kahn In memory of Marvin Polakoff...Mr. & Mrs. Larry Kahn In memory of Jack Dashow...Maddy Winsten Mr. & Mrs. Alex Levinson In memory of Thelma Rubin...Susan Rubin In memory of Myra & Jerry Raubfogel...Dr. & Mrs. Perry Weiner In memory of Charlotte & Irving Weiner...Dr. & Mrs. Perry Weiner 6 Stella Resnick Daughter of Lauren and Steven Resnick March 30, 2019 For my Mitzvah Project, I decided to make and donate gift baskets to families with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Pennsylvania Hospital. My idea was for families to receive beautiful gift baskets when their babies are ready to come home from the hospital. I chose this as my Mitzvah Project because it has deep meaning to me. Almost 13 years ago, I was born very premature at just 27 weeks and I spent three months in the NICU until I was healthy enough to come home. Today, I m happy and healthy thanks to the doctors and nurses at Pennsylvania Hospital. I know it can be a difficult time for families in that situation and I wanted to do something nice for them.

7 There s Something for Everybody in Or Ami s Expanded Library & Learning Center By Carole Verona After months of planning and work by a team of volunteers, our synagogue s library has been enhanced and expanded by a generous donation of Rabbi Seymour Prystowsky s private collection of over 3500 books. Our library is unique in that it has tapes, CDs, DVDs, videos, magazines and books on virtually every conceivable topic. There is a lot of good stuff to read, watch and listen to, he said. He explained that there are sections on many topics, including Jewish history, the Holocaust, and Jewish customs and rituals. In addition to books on Judaica, he also donated his collection of psychology books. Many thanks go to Esther Bleier, Judy Gordon, Roslyn Kravitz, Craig Soffin, and Larry Stern who spent many hours putting everything in order. Now it will be easier to find what you are looking for because everything is in its proper section. We are especially grateful to Larry who directed this operation and who worked sideby-side with me and the other volunteers, Rabbi Prystowsky said. I kept certain books for reference, he added. I hated to see all the others go. Some books haven t even been opened. I got them because of my zeal on a certain topic. It s amazing how they accumulated over the years. I also gave many secular books to Jeanes Library. Rabbi Prystowsky noted that there s still work to be done in the library: signs to mark the various sections plus the addition of information on each book s binding to note the author s name and the Dewey Decimal System classification number. Members of our congregation may borrow books by signing their names on the sheet of paper on the front desk marked LIBRARY LIST, along with the title of the book and the date borrowed. Books should be returned within a month. Please put a check mark when you return them. Rabbi Prystowsky encourages all of us to make use of this special treasure we have right here at Or Ami. The Story of the Jews Simon Schama is a British historian who presents a unique and personal look at our story as the Jewish People. Join us as we screen the five part documentary and share our reactions. Thursdays at 7:00 8:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary with Cantor Franzel March 14 April 4 May 16 7

8 OR AMI GOES TO THE THEATER Or Ami will be heading to the Walnut Street Theater, 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, to see two family-friendly Sunday afternoon matinee performances. Tickets are $50 each for Orchestra level seats. We hope you can join us for both of these shows! To buy tickets online click HERE 8 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time March 31,2019 2:00 pm Fifteen-year-old Christopher is on a mission. After the untimely death of his neighbor s dog, the brilliant but unique boy is compelled to investigate the crime. See the world through Christopher s eyes as he embarks on an extraordinary journey where he challenges assumed truths and discovers life-changing secrets. Based on a best-selling novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a thrilling, heartwarming, and uplifting adventure story for every one of us. Winner of Broadway s Tony Award for Best Play! Legally Blonde June 2, :00 pm Based on the smash hit movie, Legally Blonde: The Musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods from a pinkloving SoCal sorority girl to a Harvard law student, all on her own terms. In this new production of the fabulously fun, award-winning Broadway musical, our blonde heroine tackles all obstacles, and educates us all on staying true to our dreams through rousing songs and dynamic show-stopping dance numbers. This feel-good musical comedy is so much fun, it should be illegal!

9 Sunday, March 17, :30am 1:00pm (10:30-11:30am for children 5 and under) All are welcome at 11:30am upon early Religious School dismissal Come in your favorite costume and receive a prize! Activity Tickets: 50 each or 25 for $10 (in advance) (All games and activities will range from 1 to 6 tickets) Raffle Tickets: 1 for $5 3 for $10 10 for $20 Open to the public Food for sale 9

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11 Donate to Congregation Or Ami when you shop on Amazon at no cost to you! Go to smile.amazon.com and select Congregation Or Ami as the charitable oprganization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Amazon will remember your selection, and the Amazon Smile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible purchases to Congregation Or Ami every time you shop on Amazon. 11

12 March 2019 Su n Mo n Tu e s Wed Th u r s Fr i Sa t 24 Adar I 19 12:00a Confirmation Trip to Washington DC 9:00a Religious School 10:30a Religious School Family Ed Program 3 Adar I Adar I 20 12:00a Confirmation Trip to Washington DC 4 Adar I Adar I 21 4:00p Mussar 4:00p Religious School 6:30p Confirmation 6:30p Omdim 7:30p Purim Schpiel Rehearsal 5 Adar I Adar I 22 7:00p Board of Trustees Meeting 6 Adar I Adar I 23 11:30a Thursday Mornings with Rabbi Ettman 7 Adar I 30 1 Student Art Adar I 24 Show 5:35p Candle Lighting 6:15p Tot Shabbat 6:30p First Fridays Wine and Cheese "Pre-Neg" 7:00p Erev Shabbat Service 8 Adar II 1 2 VayaAdar I 25 9:00a Torah Study 6:44p Havdalah 9 P'kudAdar II 2 9:00a Religious School 10:00a Religious School Family Ed Program 11:00a RSPO Meeting 11:00a Fourth Grade Parents Bar/Bat Mitzvah Meeting 4:00p Illuminations and Libations Series 4:00p Illuminations & Libations 10 Adar II 3 9:00a PTO Meeting 11 Adar II 4 4:00p Mussar 4:00p Religious School 7:00p Executive Committee Meeting 7:30p Purim Schpiel Rehearsal 12 Adar II 5 6:30p ECE Center Staff Meeting 7:00p Finance Committee Meeting 13 Adar II 6 11:30a Thursday Mornings with Rabbi Ettman 4:30p IDA Dance Rehearsal 14 Adar II 7 5:42p Candle Lighting 7:00p Erev Shabbat Service 15 Adar II 8 9:00a Torah Study 6:51p Havdalah 16 VayAdar II 9 9:00a Religious School 17 Adar II 10 9:00a Religious School 9:00a Got Purim 9:00a Gan Open House 24 Adar II Adar II Adar II 18 4:00p Mussar 4:00p Religious School 6:30p Confirmation 6:30p Omdim 7:30p Purim Schpiel Rehearsal 19 Adar II 12 4:00p Mussar 4:00p Religious School 7:30p Purim Schpiel Rehearsal 26 Adar II 19 7:01p Rabbi Prystowsky's Ecclesiastes class 20 Erev Adar II 13 Purim 27 Adar II 20 11:30a Thursday Mornings with Rabbi Ettman 4:30p IDA Dance Rehearsal 7:00p The Story of the Jews - Film Series 21 Adar II 14 Purim 11:30a Thursday Mornings with Rabbi Ettman 7:01p Rabbi Prystowsky's Ecclesiastes class 28 Adar II 21 6:50p Candle Lighting 22 Shushan Purim Adar II 15 ECE Purim Program 6:57p Candle Lighting 7:00p Erev Shabbat Service 7:00p SHUSHAN RHAPSODY SHABBAT 7:00p Kneitel Baby Naming 29 Adar II 22 9:00a Torah Study 7:59p Havdalah 23 TzAdar II 16 9:00a Torah Study 8:06p Havdalah 30 ShAdar II 23 9:00a Religious School 9:15a Strategic Planning Committee Meeting 10:30a Religious School Family Ed Program 31 Adar II 24 1 Adar II 25 4:00p Mussar 4:00p Religious School 6:30p Confirmation 6:30p Omdim 2 Adar II 26 7:00p Board of Trustees Meeting 3 Adar II 27 8:30a Life Line Health Screening 11:30a Thursday Mornings with Rabbi Ettman 7:01p Rabbi Prystowsky's Ecclesiastes class 4 Adar II 28 7:00p Erev Shabbat Service 7:04p Candle Lighting 5 Adar II 29 Bat Mitzvah of Stella Resnick 9:00a Torah Study 8:13p Havdalah 6 TazriaNisan 1 9:00a Religious School 9:00a Campaign Solicitation Training 10:00a Religious School Family Ed Program 2:00p The Curious Incident... 4:00p Religious School 6:30p ECE Center Staff Meeting 11:30a Thursday Mornings with Rabbi Ettman 7:00p The Story of the Jews - Film Series 6:15p Tot Shabbat 6:30p First Fridays Wine and Cheese "Pre-Neg" 7:00p Erev Shabbat Service 7:11p Candle Lighting 9:00a Torah Study 8:20p Havdalah Shopping at Or Ami s Gift Shop is easy and convenient. We have the perfect gift for every occasion! All proceeds go to Or Ami. Our Hours: Monday Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. to noon Or call Rachel at for an appointment