1 Volume 39 No. 4 December 2015 Kislev/Tevet 5776 The Israelight Congregation Beth Israel of Media A Reconstructionist Jewish Community

RRC's Historic Decision to be discussed at services December 18th On September 21, 2015, RRC’s faculty voted to no riculum in major ways, focusing intensely on how to train longer bar qualified applicants with non-Jewish partners rabbis (and other leaders) on practices and teachings of from admission to RRC, and to no longer ban RRC stu - Jewish distinctiveness, even as we are preparing them for dents in good standing from graduating as rabbis, be - leadership in a multicultural world... No one in the cause they have non-Jewish partners. This policy change process takes this historic decision lightly. We do feel that is the result of many years of discussion within the Re - it reflects some of the realities in Jewish communities constructionist movement. today. Our congregations have members with non-Jewish partners, and we need rabbis who can provide them with Rabbi Linda Holtzman will join our role models for vibrant Jewish living. Reconstructionism Rabbi Linda to discuss this historic has always been predicated upon changing as Jews and Ju - decision. daism change, even when these changes are emotionally Rabbi Deborah Waxman, president of challenging." RRC writes: "We no longer want to Join us as we explore the process behind the decision, reac - prevent very wonderful and engaged tions to the decision and the possible consequences - in all di - Jewish leaders from becoming rabbis. rections - of the decision. After years of study, research, and discussion with many members of the Reconstructionist About our guest: Rabbi Linda Holtzman is the organizer of community, we have concluded that the status of a rab - Tikkun Olam Chavurah, a group that pursues social justice binical student’s partner is not a reliable measure of the work together as a community. She has served on the fac - student’s commitment to Judaism—or lack thereof. Nor ulty of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College since the does it undermine their passion for creating meaningful 1980's. She has also served as rabbi of Congregation Judaism and bringing us closer to a just world. The issue of Mishkan Shalom in Philadelphia, of Beth Israel Congrega - Jews intermarrying is no longer something we want to tion in Coatesville, PA, and Beth Ahava in Philadelphia. She fight or police; we want to welcome Jews and the people is the founder of the Reconstructionist Hevra Kadisha, also who love us to join us in the very difficult project of bring - in Philadelphia. ing meaning, justice, and hope into our world." She is the author of a chapter in Twice Blessed (Beacon Waxman continues: "... we have strengthened our admis - Press, 1989) as well as the article “Struggle, Change and sions standards on reviewing an applicant’s commitment Celebration: My Life as a Lesbian Rabbi” in Lesbian Rabbis: to Jewish continuity in their personal, familial and commu - The First Generation , edited by Rebecca T. Alpert, Sue Levi nal life. We make this change while also revising our cur - Elwell and Shirley Idelson (Rutgers University Press, 2000).

Protecting Creation: 3 Table Religious Practice Committee 7 A Jewish Response to Climate Change of Oneg/Kiddush Opportunities Religious Practice Committee 4,5 Contents The Gala 8, 9 Gratitude, Winter Holidays, Chanukah Gratitude and Pictures Adult Ed 6 Mishloach Manot 10, 11 Hanukah, Torah Treks, In the Rabbi’s Study Order form for Purim bags Yahrzeits 7 News from the Hebrew School 12, 13 We remember them Green Faith Activities, kvelling Donations 7 CONGREGATION MEETING 12 Thank you Social Action Committee 13 2 Volume 39 No. 4 September 2015 Rabbi’s Message President’s Message:T ishri 5776/Cheshvan 5776 Chanukah & The Climate Crisis This is Not Really a Test

The word Chanukah means dedica - Do you remember the last time you tion. The festival of Chanukah begins thought about a nalogies, that form of on the 25th day of the Hebrew month reasoning, according to d ictionary.com of Kislev which falls on the evening of “in which one thing is inferred to be Sunday December 6th in 2015. We will similar to another thing in a certain re- celebrate with joyful gatherings of spect, on the basis of the known simi- family and friends, menorahs, lights larity between the things in other and blessings, latkes, dreidels and respects?” Please don’t worry if analo- songs. Some of us will exchange gifts gies aren’t foremost in your mind, be- and donate to organizations doing meaningful work as a cause I’m about to give you a chance to review the concept! way to honor one another. Many of us will gather at Beth Israel on Friday night of Chanukah for services, singing, The standardized test format for analogies goes like this: dinner and a festive, party atmosphere. Some of us will A : B :: C : D participate in Chanukah Chavurah ( see flyer on page 5 ) and That’s shorthand for “A is like B as C is like D.” Of course, in visit with one another for one or more of the nights of a test, one of the terms is omitted and you get to guess Chanukah. what fits. Got it? Let’s try an easy one. tomato : vine :: apple : ??? This year, on the afternoon leading into Chanukah, the Did you guess “tree?” Good! Jewish community will have the opportunity to gather to Now let’s try a harder one. address the pressing climate crisis, which has been named College : Beth Israel :: tailgating : ???? the greatest danger to the human species and to the entire web of life on the planet. As Jewish Americans we have Notice this isn’t multiple choice, so stop for a moment, bring a particular perspective and obligation to engage please, and think about how you might complete this partic- with this crisis. As Americans we know that our country is ular analogy. (In teacher-speak, this is called “wait time.”) per capita, one of the most intensive methane/CO2 emit - What was your answer? I’m eager to know! Here are a few ting in the world. If we make changes here they will rever - of my thoughts: 5k race… Beer tasting… Gala-type party… berate well beyond our borders. As Jews we are steeped Dining out with friends… Playing games… in texts and practices that guide us to cherish and care for the earth. Chanukah is one of those times that our festival However you completed the analogy, you socialized in col- helps us to hear the call and invites us to dedicate our - lege and now you can socialize at BI. Socializing a la BI can selves to address the needs of our Earth. take many forms, from attending services to hanging out in the lobby while kids finish Hebrew School or playing Mah The Talmud’s legend that as the Maccabees rededicated Jong or making Empty Bowls. Whatever it looks like, con- the desecrated Temple they had only one day’s supply of necting with BI friends is good. oil that lasted eight days may serve to inspire us to choose to conserve energy in order to sustain ourselves and our But what about the social events that you WISH would hap- world. The teaching that a community of the powerless pen at BI? What about a group doing dinner together or overcame a great empire may inspire courage when facing sharing a movie or concert or theater? What about a fun modern powers when they defile our most sacred house of family day trip or a tikkun olam project? God – the Earth itself. continued on page 3 While we don’t have our own football team to cheer for, we do have a wonderful community and making a single social event happen is easy. If you have an idea, just put it out via the congregational listserv and see who wants to join you. Recently Rick Lowe publicized the screening of Soft Vengeance at the Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival; I can hardly wait to join the BI contingent. It will be fun to attend this together and Rick showed us that inviting folks via the listserv couldn’t be easier. Might you try putting something together? 3 Volume 39 No. 4 December 2015 continued from page 2 Kislev/Tevet 5776 Rabbi’s Message This climate conference is an event for the whole family. There will be programs by the Please Touch Museum for our younger kids while our older kids learn with us from speakers who will address the topics of Judaism and the environment, the science behind the climate crisis and the effects of climate change on the most vulnerable populations – the poor and minority communities. Workshops will follow where we can consider further action steps.

Our congregation is a proud co-sponsor of this event. But whether or not you are able to attend please take the opportu - nity, this Chanukah, to dedicate yourself and your household to taking large and small steps to address the climate crisis. Chag Orim Sameach. Happy Chanukah. May the festival of lights brighten your life and help heal our world! 4 Volume 39 No. 3 RELIGIOUS PRACTICE DSeecepmtebmebr e2r0 2105 15 see page 8 for Service and Oneg/Kiddush Schedule TishKrisi l e5v7/7T6e/Cvehte 5sh77v6an 5776

We Want You! Yamim Nora’im Todah Rabah ="+>%5"?*"%*".*6-71@A%%B"?*"%2))C-1@%9)*%#%9"5%D)*%0#18%!E% High Holy Day Big Thank You @))$%5)0"1>%0"1>%#1$%&""1+%5')%5)62$%2-C"%&)%$)%4%)*%&*8%&)% $)%4%#18%)9%&'"%9)22)5-1@F% I am so grateful to Rabbi Linda, Cantor Juliet and everyone who participated and helped in so many different ways •! !"#$%&'"%()*#'%+"*,-."%)*%/0-$#'% •! !"#*1%&)%2"#$%&'"%()*#'%+"*,-."%)*% (chanting and /0-$#'%3%.)42"#$%5-&'%+)0")1"%6172% sharing, reading 8)6%9""2%*"#$8%&)%$)%-&%)1%8)6*%)51% •! :'#1&%()*#'%)*%;#<)*#'% . and greeting, •! !"#*1%&)%.'#1&%()*#'%)*%;#<)*#'% beautifying and mailing and parking). ('"*"%-+%#%+0#224-+'%@*)6G%)9%G")G2"%5')%*"@62#*28%"1H)8%&'"%')1)*% )9%2"#$-1@%&'"%()*#'%+"*,-.">%/0-$#'>%)*%.'#171@%()*#'%)*%;#<)*#'% )1%I'#JJ#&%DI#&6*$#8+E%#1$%5"%5)62$%2),"%&)%"KG#1$%&'"%.-*.2"%&)% Thank you for being such a wonderful community. -1.26$"%=LMA%%N"5%0"0J"*+>%2)1@%70"%0"0J"*+>%1"528%J#*%)*%J#&% Laura Lee Blechner, RPC chair. 0-&O,#'%&""1+%4%#22%#*"%5"2.)0"A% P9%8)6%#*"%-1&"*"+&"$%D","1%#%718%J-&AE>%G2"#+"%2"&%6+%C1)5Q%5"?$%2),"% &)%'"2G%8)6%&#C"%G#*&%-1%&'-+%H)8)6+%I'#JJ#&%G*#.7."%#&%R"&'%P+*#"2A%% S#1$-%S#+C-1%N#+'>%!#**8%;#0"*0"+'>%!#6*#%!""%R2".'1"*% ! Join Us to Celebrate the ! Winter Holidays at Beth Israel

Friday, December 25, 2015 Saturdday, December 26, 2015 9:45 AM Shabbat Services Shabbat at home ! led by Joyce Romoff Create a Shabbat intention around the Enthusiastic singing, tradition off Chinese ffoodood and a movie TThoughtffuul Torah commentary !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!""

Friday, January 1, 2016 5:00 PM Kabbalat Shabbat Service led by Rabbi Linda. Welcome Shabbat as the winter sun is setting: ! with joyyful singing,g g reflective poetry and a didiscussioi n on thhe opening portion of Exodus. College students: Home on Winter Break? Come back to Beth Israel and see your BI Saaturday, Januuary 2, 2016 friends! 9:45 AM Shabbat Services led by Rabbi Linda Followed by Champagne and Potluck Hor d’oeuvres. Please bring a dairy/vegetarian Bar Mitzvah of Noah Yates. appetizer to share. There will be mac n’ ! Mazel Tov! cheese forfor the kids, too. Light Up The Nights! Celebrate Chanukah 2015/5776 with Beth Israel

Chanukah Party, Potluck Supper & Latkes! Sixth Night: Friday, December 11th at 6:30 pm Bring your menorah & candles to light together before we celebrate Kabbalat Shabbat with a service led by Rabbi Linda and Rabbi Nathan. Join us to sing Chanukah songs with BIMAS & chorus & play Chanukah games. Please bring a dairy or vegetarian dish to share.

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

Chanukah Chavurah Celebrate with BI members in their homes. Light menorahs (BYO menorah & candles). Sing Chanukah songs. Share a potluck nosh. Schmooze with BI friends, old & new. If you wish to host one of the evenings, Contact Laura Lee ([email protected]). Check the weekly emails & website for more details Of who is hosting a Chavurah gathering. 6 Volume 39 No. 4 ADULT ED December 2015 Kislev/Tevet 5776 Torah Treks Ketuvim: The Writings, Year 2 A Tale of Two Hanukahs: Exploring History THE FINAL YEAR OF OUR TREK ! E l z e r i

a and the Rabbinic Imagination n

a N e D h e b m o December 6 10 AM with Rabbi Nathan J i a h s

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C o r h P r o s n m i l c a l e s s P Everything Except The Five Megiloth photo: http://www.theignorantfishermen.com/2011_05_01_archive.html Marion says, “This is a well October 10 PSALMS R. Helen Plotkin written, thoughtful memoir December 5 NEHEMIAH R. Nathan Martin available new and used from Alibris and Amazon January 9 PROVERBS R. Linda Potemken etc. Be prepared to partici - January 23 CHRONICLES R. Michael Ramberg pate meaningfully in our February 6 JOB R. Linda Potemken programming inspired by February 20 PSALMS R. Linda Potemken this book. Stay tuned for March 5 PSALMS Laynie Browne an announcement about a BI event.” March 19 EZRA R. Shelly Barnathan April 9 DANIEL R. Linda Potemken In the Rabbi’s Study We conclude Torah Treks: Tuesdays 4:30 12/15 JUNE 11, 2016 SHAVUOT SIYYUM Mussar is a Jewish spiritual practice that is an approach - with Dr. Tamar Kamionkowski able and practical set of teachings for cultivating per - sonal growth and spiritual realization in daily living. The ultimate goal is to help us to achieve greater wholeness and goodness. Prerequisite : Participation in a previous mussar group or permission of instructor; please contact R. Linda.

12:00 – 1:30 Thursday 12/10 Lunch & Learn Join us for a lively session as we share ancient and con - temporary texts, brown bag lunch, and one another's good company. No RSVP needed. Martins! Run Has Joined with Wesley Enhancedc Living to become Wesley Enhanced Living Main Line

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100 Halcyon Drive Media, PA 19063 877-U-AGE-:(/ǜ ZZZ:(/RUJ 7 Volume 39 No. 4 December 2015 Yahrzeits Kislev/Tevet 5776 Mourner Mourned Relationship 2015-2016 5776 Rabbi Linda Potemken Marcia Feldman* Friend December 02 20 Kislev Miriam Sigler Miles Harold Sigler, M.D. Father December 04 22 Kislev Judy Goodrobb Leon Goodman Father December 05 23 Kislev Brian Randall Marc Randall Brother December 05 23 Kislev Lisa Schachner Helen Schachner* Mother December 06 24 Kislev Robert Stone Elizabeth Stone Mother December 07 25 Kislev Sylva Baker Irene Cann* Mother December 10 28 Kislev David Cashell Charles Naylor Father December 11 29 Kislev Libbie Soffer Zelda Sommers* Mother December 12 30 Kislev Brian Randall Abraham Randall Grandfather December 13 1 Tevet Miriam Sigler Anna Aser Grandmother December 14 2 Tevet Marilyn Drukin Franya Lichtman* Mother December 15 3 Tevet Deborah Erie Elsie Magnus Grandmother December 16 4 Tevet Deborah Erie Samuel D. Erie Father December 17 5 Tevet Stephen Plotkin Murray Plotkin Father December 18 6 Tevet Ronald Levine Morton Levine Father December 19 7 Tevet Suzanne Simenhoff William Deitch* Grandfather December 20 8 Tevet John Greenstine Morris Greenstine* Father December 21 9 Tevet Jeremy Loomis Chantal Loomis Sister December 21 9 Tevet Susan Meyer Lois Sauve Father December 21 9 Tevet Joyce Romoff Jessica Miriam Weizer Niece December 22 10 Tevet Sylva Baker Benjamin Cann* Father December 23 11 Tevet Jacqueline Northime Josephine Scibilia Mother December 23 11 Tevet Suzanne Simenhoff Leon Simenhoff* Grandfather December 24 12 Tevet Richard Block Jack Block Father December 25 13 Tevet Andrea Bruno Rita Pollinger Mother December 25 13 Tevet Philip Mansky Joseph Mansky Father December 25 13 Tevet Leslie Ann Alpert Lena Alpert Grandmother December 29 17 Tevet Joshua Waterston Warren Reier Uncle December 31 19 Tevet Leslie Ann Alpert Edwin Freed Father January 01 20 Tevet Steven Blum Tonia Spiro* Grandmother January 01 20 Tevet *after a name indicates that there is a plaque. Yahrzeit begins at sundown the evening before the date shown.

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

Thank you to our Oneg and Kiddush Hosts for December 2015 Please contact Laura Lee Blechner ([email protected]) Because of to choose a date to host. the changeover in the Oneg/Kiddush Host staffing of the office, Friday, December 5 6:30 Services with RNM available the list of Saturday, December 6 (Torah Treks) available octoBer donations Friday, December 11 6:30 (Chanukah Celebration) available is not availaBle. Friday, December 18 8:00 Services with RLP available Saturday, December 19 Services with RLP available thank you Saturday, December 26 Services with Joyce Romoff available for your donations. a list will appear in the Bring a challah, some wine and/or grape juice and a little nosh to enjoy after services. January issue. It’s a nice way to share the mitzvah of hospitality and create a chance to schmooze with BI friends. Guidelines and some suggestions for what to bring are online also. Contact Laura Lee with questions and to sign up: [email protected] THANK YOU FOR THE AWESOME GALA from your Rabbis Rabbi Nathan and I want to thank the planning committee, the Board, and the entire congregation for the delightful Gala that we enjoyed on October 17th. It was a joyful way to mark our eighteenth anniversary and a warm and exuberant welcome for our new associate rabbi. Most of all it was a beautiful celebra - tion of our community. It is a privi - lege to work with and to serve such wonderful people. Here's to more simchas as we continue on this meaningful journey together! Yours, Rabbi Linda

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Photos by Geoff Horowitz. 1. The Invitation 2.Rabbis Nathan Martin and Linda Potemken 3. Event Chair Jennifer Waterston 4 & 5 Havdalah 6. Rabbi Linda and Randy Tiffany 7. Paige Brown, Leora Potemken, Elissa Pragman 8. Rachel Gornstein signs the matte. 9. R. Nathan’s partner, Abby Weinberg with their daughter Hadassah, (not shown, their son, Yehuda) 10. Anita Potemken 11. Rissa and Stan Sklar 12 Joyce Romoff 13. Rie Brisco, Naomi Segal, Karen Giglio, and Debbie Wile 6 9

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13 10 Volume 39 No. 4 December 2015 Kislev/Tevet 5776

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

The sending of Mishloach Manot (Purim Gift Baskets) has evolved into a fundraising tradition. Here at Beth Israel we invite you to join in this Mitzvah. Each family is entitled to 1 bag as a gift from the congregation regardless of whether that family donated to others. The bags include a greeting listing the names of all of the senders who contributed toward the gift. The deadline for all orders is Sunday, March 1, 2016 ! To order: Fill out the accompanying form (there may be an online version later) ! Recommended Donation: $5 per bag with a minimum of 3 bags. ! $400 to send to all B.I. members and staff (a savings of $600) ! $5 per bag for reciprocity (If someone has put your name on their list but you have not included them). ! $15 to send to a non-member. ! Deadline: Order Forms MUST be received by the Beth Israel office by March 1, 2016. Bags will be available for pickup at BI Sunday, March 13 through Sunday, March 19. After March 19, the remaining bags will be donated to charity. Please join us in observing this lovely and meaningful Purim tradition. Your support is needed and appreciated for the health and continued future of the Beth Israel community. OUR GOAL IS 100% PARTICIPATION AT SOME LEVEL.

For further information, contact Lynn Cashell, (610-543-6073, [email protected]) OR Joyce Romoff (610.864.6776 or [email protected])

Every FAMILY of Beth Israel IS ENTITLED to receive a Purim bag regardless of their own donation. You will receive your list of greetings even if you don't take a bag. 11 Volume 39 No. 4 Purim begins March 23, 2016. December 2015 Kislev/Tevet 5776 To send Shalach Manot gift bags: 1) Fill out this form; 2) Pay online or by check; and 3) send this order form to: Congregation Beth Israel 542 S. New Middletown Rd. Media, Pa. 19063 Deadline for ordering Shalach Manot bags is March 1, 2016. Please order now! Your Name Address Phone Number Email Address 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 IF NON-MEMBER

My Total Number of B.I. Recipients (at $5.00 each with a 3 gift bag minimum) I Choose To Send To All Members And Staff At $400 Check Here ____ My Total Number of Non-Members at $15 each is : Please Include Me In Reciprocity And Bill Me Separately Check Here ____

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

TOTAL ENCLOSED or paid online ( ) If there are more recipients please continue on another piece of paper. 12 Volume 39 No. 4 News from the Hebrew School December 2015 Kislev/Tevet 5776 by Jackie Gelman October & November were busy months for the Hebrew School. The Hay class hosted the Young Family Service on Friday, October 16. Many thanks to Jim Wilson and Dina Jacobs for organizing the potluck! We've also had quite a few Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations: Sam Beck (10/17) Lily Forbes (10/24) Adrienne and Sam Woolf (11/7) Rose Schwartz (11/14) Jessica Cantor (11/21) Mazel Tov to these amazing students and their families!

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

Finally, we're very proud of our budding young environmentalists -- students who are learning ways to care for the Earth in our Green Faith school programming. Here are two students and their teacher showing off sprouts they grew from lentils. TEENS: MIDRASHA Introducing Lucas Bennett 8-`10th graders Hebrew School Aide aka BLT - Bagels, Laughter, Torah Lucas Bennett is an 8th grader at Sunday Dec 20th 12:15-1:130 Strath Haven Middle School. He with Rabbi Linda likes to play baseball and tennis, We will explore topics that interest you and has also gotten pretty good at and see what Judaism has to offer on Gaga! This is his first year working each topic. Informal, fun, relevant....See as an aide at BI, and he is excited old friends....Make new ones about working with the kids. He hopes they have RSVP so we know how much food to buy as much fun in Hebrew School as he did. for the brunch!

Congregation Meeting Sunday, December 20 10:00 Shmooze and Nosh 10:30 Business Update Give your input about congregational rsablogs.org.uk/2014/recovery/alright-pay-attention-conversation-month/ priorities. Topics to discuss include how to use the Green House, how to use our outside spaces, and how to protect the physical plant of our main building. 13 Volume 39 No. 4 News from the Hebrew School December 2015 Kislev/Tevet 5776

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Led by David Markman and Deborah Dymond Markman, our community donated a generous amount of comforters, tow - els, sheet sets and other linen to The Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County. The Domestic Abuse Project provides emergency housing for women and their children who are fleeing domestic violence and assists them with making a new and safe beginning in their lives. 14 Volume 39 No. 4 December 2015 Kislev/Tevet 5776

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!) # of Giant cards [email protected] # 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 Israel 542 S. New Middletown Road Media, PA 19063 ****There is a new supply of Acme & Giant cards available in the office.**** December 2015

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 9:30 AM No Hebrew School 5:45 PM Food Service 4:15 PM Hebrew School 12:00 PM Lunch & Learn, 6:30 PM Shabbat Services, Parashat Vayeshev 7:30 PM SAC Meeting Rabbi Linda Rabbi Nathan, No Potluck 7:30 PM Opening Judaism, this evening 9:45 AM Shabbat Services, Rabbi Helen Plotkin @ Ohev Rabbi Nathan 11:45 AM Kiddush Potluck Lunch 12:30 PM Adult Ed; Torah Treks with Rabbi Nathan Martin

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Chanukah: 1 Candle Chanukah: 2 Candles Chanukah: 3 Candles Chanukah: 4 Candles Chanukah: 5 Candles Chanukah: 6 Candles Chanukah: 7 Candles Parashat Miketz 9:30 AM Hebrew School 12:00 PM Lunch and Learn 7:30 PM Executive Commit- 12:00 PM Lunch and Learn 6:30 PM Shabbat Chanukah 10:00 AM A Tale of Two with Rabbi Linda tee Meeting with Rabbi Linda Service & Potluck with R. Hannukahs: exploring his- 4:15 PM Hebrew School Linda & R. Nathan Martin tory and the rabbinic imag- 7:30 PM Jewish Conversa- ination tions with R. Helen Plotkin @ Ohev

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Chanukah: 8 Candles Chanukah: 8th Day 4:15 PM Hebrew School 7:00 PM Board Meeting 7:30 PM Opening Judaism, 8:00 PM Shabbat Services, Parashat Vayigash 4:30 PM Mussar Group with Rabbi Helen Plotkin @ BI Rabbi Linda 9:30 AM Hebrew School 7:30 PM Connecting to Rabbi Linda 9:45 AM Shabbat Services, Prayer-Mekom Torah 7:30 PM Jewish Conversa- Rabbi Linda tions with R. Helen Plotkin @ Ohev

20 21 22 23 24 25 26 9:30 AM Hebrew School 4:15 PM Hebrew School Christmas Day Parashat Vayechi 10:00 AM Congregation Meeting 8:00 PM No Shabbat Ser- 9:45 AM Shabbat Services - 12:00 PM Chorus rehearsal vices - Shabbat at home Joyce Romo! will lead @ BI 12:15 PM Midrasha, Rabbi Linda

27 28 29 30 31 1 2 9:30 AM No Hebrew School 4:15 PM No Hebrew School New Year’s Day Parashat Shemot 5:00 PM Shabbat Services, 9:45 AM Shabbat Services, Rabbi Linda, Champagne Rabbi Linda, Bar Mitzvah of and Potluck Hors D'Oeuvres Noah Yates

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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 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

President Debbie Wile Rabbi Linda Potemken Associate Rabbi Nathan Martin Editor, Content Sharon Kleban TEENS: Rake leaves, Help BI, Feed the Hungry, Have Fun Editor, Production Marion Hamermesh Sunday Dec 6th, 11:00 - 1:30, come for all or part of this time Editor Contributions List The Israelight is published on the first of each For every hour that you rake leaves on the Beth Israel secular month. All submissions must be received by the grounds, a contribution will be made to tzedakah to feed the editor by the 1st of the preceding month to guarantee hungry. BYORake, if possible. inclusion. Articles may be submitted by mail to the synagogue office or by email to: IMPORTANT: RSVP to Rabbi Linda, 610-566-4645, ext 1 or [email protected] [email protected]. (so we can plan refreshments) Thanks to Anita Weber - our raking team leader! Next Issue January 2016