Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on April 11, 2024

Story and Photos by Mimi Pollack and Fred Kropveld

SAN DIEGO As someone who is not comfortable with organized religion, I rarely go to a temple or synagogue. However, I am all in when a house of worship opens its doors to artists, so they can display their work.

This past Sunday, Tifereth Israel Synagogue hosted its First Annual Artists Showcase. Many talented artists came out to proudly display their creations which ranged from art, books, music, photography, woodworking, other crafts and Israeli stamp collecting. The event was jointly sponsored by the Tifereth Israel Synagogue Mens Club and Sisterhood.

Inside the synagogues social hall, rows of tables were set up with the artists showing and explaining their work. It was a lovely spring day, and I was happy to see so many people participating. It was artist Roni Breites first exhibit and she set up a beautiful display table and wall behind her. By the end of the afternoon, she had sold eight pieces, and was thrilled. More on this artist in an upcoming article.

Here are some photos that Fred Kropveld and I took at the event and the people we spoke to.

Bill Goldschneider proudly showed his large body of Judaica work which was for display only. His woodworking and paper folding art won Best of Show awards last summer at the San Diego County Fair at Del Mar.

Being able to display Goldschneiders work to fellow congregants at Tifereth Israel and the chance to exhibit the photographs of Leah Horstman, who also took Best of Show awards at the county fair was the impetus for creating the synagogues first annual art show.

Ken Reifman displayed daughter Leah Horstmans award-winning nature photographs, two of which are pictured below him. Horstmans work has been published by National Geographic.

While the majority of the exhibitors were members of Tifereth Israel Synagogue, a Conservative congregation, members of other congregations also participated. For example, Ben Schindler, who is a member of Temple Emanu-El, was there with M. Lee Connolly, author of Two Who Survived, a told to book about Bens late parents, Holocaust survivors Max and Rose Schindler. Max and Rose were beloved members of Tifereth Israel.

Ben Schindlers sister, Roxanne Schindler Katz, a Tifereth Israel congregant, works with her brother to keep the memory of their mother alive. I (Mimi) had the privilege of meeting Rose before she passed, and she was a very dear woman. In this photo. Roxanne at right is with Carleigh Gold, whose resin art frequently incorporates stones.

Musician, author, and film maker, the multi-talented Yale Strom, sold his CD, The Wolf and the Lamb, as well as a book by his wife, Elizabeth Schwartz, The Sweet Fragrance of Life. Strom, an ethnomusicologist, klezmer musician, and artist-in-residence at San Diego State University, had been a speaker for Tifereth Israels Mens Club.

Mens Club President Ben Dishman and his wife, Robin Dishman, were both exhibitors. Robin displayed her intricate Judaica paper cuts.

Ben showed his paintings and photographs and sold copies of his book, I Can Fix That Well Maybe. The book is about his experiences as a psychiatric pharmacist at the Veterans Administration, and what drugs are appropriately prescribed for various mental illnesses.

I (Mimi) am an American citizen by birth who was raised in Mexico City. I was delighted to be able to speak in Spanish with such Latin American-born exhibitors as fine artist Amparo Goldman, a Colombian, who calls her large, colorful, eye-catching, Judaic-themed paintings her spiritual expression.

I also was delighted to speak with Argentine Judy Shear, whose architect husband Hillel Shear, paints bright, shining, portraits of animals.

Oscar Worm, known to many as the now retired co-proprietor with his wife Olga of Bekkers Catering, also is a master woodworker with pots and bowls being among his favorite objects to fashion.

Podiatrist Jeff Korn is an amateur photographer who for the first time sold his photos of animals at the show. He was so happy about that feat.

Lizeth Hernandez exhibited nude silhouette photography as well as her paintings.

Steve Speiser exhibited a range of desk and kitchen objects of his design, while psychologist Shayna Kaufmann sold a book on business leadership by her husband Eric while promoting her own forthcoming book, Embrace The Middle.

There were other artists and artisans exhibiting there as well, and we wish that we could have talked to them all.

Don Harrison, San Diego Jewish Worlds publisher and editor, provided much of the information for this article. He sold and signed some of the nine books he has written about Jewish life and heritage in San Diego County, the most recent of which was the three-volume Schlepping and Schmoozing Along the Interstate 5.

Harrison was part of the six-person committee, equally representing the Mens Club and the Sisterhood, that organized the art show. Other committee members were Roz Allina, Ella Cashuk, and Rochelle Rubinstein for the Sisterhood, and Phil Lorang and Ken Reichman for the Mens Club. There was no charge to either exhibitors or attendees, although some money was raised for the synagogue by raffling off items that were donated by the exhibitors and the sale of food items.

* Mimi Pollack is a freelance writer and Fred Kropveld is a freelance photographer whose works have been appreciatively published in San Diego Jewish World.

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Artists' and Artisans' Show Lures Her to a Synagogue - San Diego Jewish World

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Posted By admin on April 11, 2024

Students from Colby College helped harvest ice from a pond for a new mikvah, or ritual bath, at a synagogue in Waterville.

WHY WERE HERE

Were exploring how America defines itself one place at a time. When a synagogue in Maine needed water for a ceremonial Jewish bath, it drew on a fitting natural source, with the help of some friends.

By Jenna Russell

Photographs by Tristan Spinski

Reporting from Waterville and Strong, Maine

Standing on a frozen pond in western Maine one Sunday morning last month, wearing L.L. Bean boots and a hooded sweatshirt, Rabbi Rachel Isaacs paused to consecrate the ice beneath her feet before she commandeered it for a higher purpose.

Blessed are you, God, who has brought us to this moment! the rabbi belted out. Austin Thorndike, a member of her congregation at Beth Israel Synagogue in Waterville, stood beside her. When the prayer was over, he fired up his chain saw and bent to dip it into the hard surface of the pond, deftly making four quick cuts to free a slick, white, cartoon-perfect block of ice.

The ice was destined for a highly unusual end. As the blocks multiplied, a crew of Colby College student athletes sprang into action, pulling them from the pond, pushing them to shore and swiftly loading them into waiting trucks. Next, the frozen cargo would be driven 40 miles to the synagogue, where the students would carry it to the basement. There, they would wipe each block clean with a cloth, stack it in the congregations brand-new mikvah, and leave it to melt.

The mikvah a traditional Jewish bath used in rites of renewal and purification for thousands of years would elevate this small synagogue in Waterville, a city of 16,000, to a destination for people from across Maine seeking a symbolic fresh start. But its creation, in accordance with ancient Jewish law, was not as simple as turning on a tap. To be kosher, a new mikvah must be initiated with living water, taken straight from nature.

Harvesting ice from a pond was not the easiest approach. (Collecting rainwater is more common.) But the woodsy, wintry plan felt right for Maine, participants said. So did the involvement of Colby students, some of them Jewish and some not.

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A Frozen Pond and a New Way to Experience an Ancient Jewish Ritual in Maine - The New York Times

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Posted By admin on April 11, 2024

(JTA) On Saturday night, I watched an episode of We Were the Lucky Ones,Hulus new Holocaust series. On Sunday morning, I woke up to a traumatic scene in my own community:a red swastika painted on the bannerthat sits on the front lawn of the suburban Philadelphia synagogue where my husband is the rabbi.

Even though it wasnt shattered glass, or broken bones, it was painful to see it there, right there, in our own backyard, on our property, on our beloved banner that advertises our early childhood program and the summer camp my children will attend. It was vandalism, an ugly symbol that has only one meaning for generations: Jews, you are hated. Jews, you are not welcome. Jews, you should be afraid.

My husband and his committee of leaders and professionals from the synagogue, Temple Beth Hillel-Beth El, sprang into action in response. I left on a planned hike with my children, ages 4 and 7, keeping them away from the news vans and police cars that occupied the parking lot of their school and synagogue.

I knew what was unfolding back at the synagogue was notable. On Easter, our police came to investigate, Christian clergy called to support us and spoke at our vigil and prayer service, and politicians all reached out from our state senator to our congressman to Gov. Josh Shapiro. It was a miraculous response when you consider the arc of Jewish history, when Jews have often felt alone in the face of so much persecution, oppression and violence, especially on Christian holidays.

But it wasnt until I answered my childrens questions that I felt comforted.

They asked, Where is Abba? Why has he been gone all day? Heres whatI answered:

Abba is gone because he is taking care of our community and helping everyone feel safe and feel better, because right now they are sad. Someone we dont know who drew a picture on the blue sign and its a picture that represents a way of being mean to Jews and hating Jews and when Jewish people see the picture, it makes them feel sad because it reminds them that there are some people in the world who hate Jews.

They asked: Why do some people in the world hate Jews?

I answered: Jews as a people have been around for thousands of years and as long as there have been people, people have been hating other people for being different. Being with people who are just like us makes us feel safe, and sometimes when we see someone who is different, or go somewhere new, we feel afraid. And we dont like to feel afraid, so we tell ourselves a story about our fear that the other people must be bad. And that reason isnt true, because those people arent all bad: Every person makes good choices and bad choices, but all people are just people making choices every day, just like us.

But some of the things that people dont like about Jews is that we do different things and we like to stay different. Some Jews wear different clothes, some eat their own special food, we like to celebrate our holidays at a specific time and even when some Jews like to share our special traditions, sometimes it takes a lot of work to understand what they mean. So as long as there have been Jews, there has been something called antisemitism, which is a word that specifically means hatred of Jewish people. And the people who perhaps hated Jews the most were called the Nazis, and they lived a long time ago in Germany, where they used the same picture they painted on our banner to inspire other people to hate Jews also.

Today, you are safe. You are not in any danger because you are Jewish. We live here in America, where Jews have never been safer or freer in the whole history of being Jewish.The governor of Pennsylvania himself is a proud, practicing Jewwho sends his children to Jewish day school and celebrates being Jewish and is proud of representing his country through his service to his state. The police take care of us when we are hurt. You can go to school where there are Muslims, and Christians, and people of color who are Jewish and similar to you and different from you, and on most days we all get along. It is rare and it is a big deal that someone draws a hateful picture, and the reason we make a big deal out of it is that we want to teach and show everyone that this picture means something hateful, and you cant draw it anywhere.

But since the war in Israel, more and more people are drawing these pictures, and writing words in graffiti, and protesting Jewish-owned businesses and Israeli embassies because of the war between the Israelis and the Palestinians. And while we dont know this for sure, its likely that the person drew the hateful symbol on our banner because it was talking about Israel. The banner says, Our community stands with Israel. And this is true. Our community stands by the people of Israel, the right of the Jewish people to have a homeland in their ancient home, the right of Jews to live free from persecution and oppression, the right of Jews to feel safe and secure, the right of Jews to protect themselves, the right of all citizens of Israel Jews and Christians, Arab and Druze who fight for a free and democratic Israel.

The symbol that they drew does not say what we also believe: that Palestinians should live freely and safely, that all people deserve a life of liberty and self-determination, that a bloody and horrible war should end with the return of those who were taken hostage, and peace should come to both peoples, neither of whom will go anywhere but deserve to live in peace side by side. This is what the majority of us want and hope for and if the sign were big enough, thats what it should have said.

Abba wrote to our community, A swastika is not a commentary on the policies of the State of Israel, nor is it a sign of solidarity with Palestinians. It is a symbol of hatred and division. We, the leadership of the synagogue, want everyone to know that we will not give in to fear or division.

Abba does not want us to be afraid and he does not want us to be alone. When someone hurts our feelings, we teach them what they can do to repair and make it better. We do not give up on our friends, we believe in them, and we reach out to them, and we work together, so that we can all live peacefully and safely side by side.

And today made us feel sad, I said, but we are not going to stop being proud of being Jewish. Its some of the best parts of who we are.

By that point, I had completely lost my childrens attention; they went back to playing with their friends on the playground. And it was unclear how much of that they understood or how many lingering worries they will have about their safety and their place in this world. But I felt better having said it safer, still sad, but more at peace because I knew, as soon as the words left my mouth, that this is the complicated, real truth of what it means to be Jewish in America right now and for better or worse, being Jewish in America means days like this.

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What I Told My Children When Our Synagogue Was Graffitied With a Swastika - The Jewish News

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Posted By admin on April 11, 2024

David Bocarsly

SACRAMENTO, California The California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) announced on Wednesday $40 million in awards for the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP).

[Six Jewish institutions in San Diego County received a total of $1,391,850 in security grants, including $250,000 each for the Chabad Hebrew Academy, Jewish Federation of San Diego County, and the little known San Diego Community Kollel, located on El Cajon Boulevard in the College area. Two grants of $249,000 each were made to Tifereth Israel Synagogue and Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School. Chabad of Pacific Beach will receive $143,850.]

The purpose of the program is to provide funding to strengthen building security and other physical enhancements to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk for violent attacks and hate crimes due to ideology, beliefs, or mission. Recipients of these funds include synagogues and other faith-based institutions, LGBTQ and community centers, and reproductive health facilities.

Security infrastructure has always been a priority for the Jewish community, but the need has increased dramatically since October 7th, said David Bocarsly, JPACs Executive Director. Today, we are relieved to know that synagogues and other institutions impacted by hate will be safer. Were grateful to Governor Newsom for continuing to prioritize this program, and to the Legislative Jewish Caucus for working with us to champion this request.

JPAC led the community-based advocacy efforts for this funding, which was championed by the Legislative Jewish Caucus, co-chaired by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and Senator Scott Wiener, and supported by the Black, Latino, AAPI, and LGBTQ Legislative Caucuses.

During the 2023 budget negotiations, amidst a $32 billion budget deficit, Governor Newsom and the legislature put $20 million into the budget for this program. Following October 7th, the Governor unilaterally doubled the existing funding, bringing the total to $40 million. The state is facing an even bigger budget deficit this year and clawing back unspent funds to balance the budget. However, the Governors recent Golden State Plan to Counter Antisemitism (released April 5, 2024) committed to granting all $40 million dedicated for this program. Wednesdays announcement is the actualization of that commitment.

The CSNSGP was oversubscribed again this year, making the application process particularly selective. The state reviewed a record 1,254 applications totaling over $255 million in need in communities across California, nearly double the previous record. Only 193 applicants were awarded funding, representing around 15% of the applicant pool.

This program is critical to the institutions who were awarded funds, but the sheer number of applicants demonstrates that the demand for this program remains much higher, said Bocarsly. We will continue toadvocate for more funding in the upcoming budget cycle to meet the overwhelming need of Californias vulnerable communities.

* Preceding provided by the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California.

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S.D. Jewish Institutions to Receive $1.14 Million in State Grants - San Diego Jewish World

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Posted By admin on April 11, 2024

Join us for a musical crankie, a storytelling adventure with original music by the Magid Ensemble!

Never miss the best stories and events! Get JewishBoston This Week.

Whats a crankie? Its a long scroll that illustrates a story as it unwinds. Based on a folktale by A.C. Weaver and inspired by traditional Yiddish folklore, follow a young womans quest from the realms of the dead to the gardens of the immortal, all to restore her friends lost voice. The narrative is told through live original klezmer music, and Kiah Raymonds crankie incorporates shadow puppetry inspired by Jewish paper-cut art.

And introducing the Magid Ensemble, a new collaboration featuring award-winning klezmer musicians and composers Mattias Kaufmann, Raffi Boden and Rachel Leader, Yiddishist storyteller A.C. Weaver and visual artist Kiah Raymond. The Magid Ensemble explores the interplay of sound, story, light and shadow to create expressive and immersive storytelling landscapes. This dynamic performance is geared toward audiences of all ages!

A reception with light bites, slivovitz, wine and open top-shelf bar follows the performance.

Fact Sheet

When

Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Where

The Boston Synagogue 55 Martha Rd Boston, MA 02114

CJP provides the above links concerning third-party events for your convenience only. CJP has no control over the content of the linked-to websites or events they describe, and accepts no responsibility for the websites, including any advertising or products or services on or available from such sites, or for any loss or damage that may arise from your attending, or registering to attend, the described events. If you decide to access any of the third-party websites linked to below, you do so entirely at your own risk and subject to the terms and conditions of use for such websites and event attendance. CJP is not responsible or liable to you or any third party for the content or accuracy of any materials provided by any third parties. All statements and/or opinions expressed in the linked-to materials or at the described events, and all commentary, articles and other content provided at the third-party websites or at the events, are solely the opinions and the responsibility of the persons or entities operating the linked-to websites and events. The inclusion of any link on this website does not imply that CJP endorses the described event, or the linked-to website or its operator. MORE

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Shterna and the Lost Voice, a New Yiddish Folktale - jewishboston.com

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Posted By admin on April 11, 2024

The sanctuary inside KI that Shaare Shamayim might now use. (Photo by Jarrad Saffren)

In 1966, Congregation Shaare Shamayim of South Philadelphia merged with the Greater Northeast Jewish Congregation. The unified community later changed its name to Congregation Shaare Shamayim GNJC.

Shaare Shamayim means gates of heaven. And in the late 60s and early 70s, many Philadelphia Jews were walking through those gates. As shaareshamayim.org explains, a sanctuary of 600 was not big enough, prompting a building expansion project.

Today though, that number is down to about 300 families, according to Jacques Lurie, the synagogues executive director. Its down even though Shaare Shamayim has merged with 13 other synagogues since 1989.

Fewer local Jews have been walking through the gates of heaven. And now, those gates will be moving and owned by another synagogue: Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel in Elkins Park.

The Congregations of Shaare Shamayim (the name is now plural) are in the process of selling the Northeast Philadelphia property to the Block Church, according to Lurie. If the sale goes through, Shaare Shamayim will move into a wing of KI with its own entrance, offices, a kosher kitchen and a sanctuary/social hall.

Its the same space that Melrose Bnai Israel Emanu-El has occupied since 2012. Melrose saw its membership decline from 200 to about 140 during COVID, according to synagogue President Shelley Schwartz. Melrose Bnai Israel Emanu-El is unifying with another Old York Road synagogue, Congregation Adath Jeshurun, on July 1.

We have an opportunity to dramatically extend the life of the congregation, Lurie said.

It continues our goal of being a center for Jewish life and learning, KI Executive Director Brian Rissinger added. We had a wonderful 12-year partnership with Melrose, and were excited at the opportunity to build the partnership with Shaare Shamayim.

Shaare Shamayim never planned to move, according to Lurie. Its Verree Road property was not on the market. The congregation got an unexpected offer from the church about six weeks ago.

The offer is $5 million.

I think people understand the fact that theres financial stress, Lurie said.

After that offer, the synagogues executive committee and board of directors approved it unanimously, the director said. They also thought of KI because they knew Melrose would be leaving. The information was reported in the Jewish Exponent in January.

Everything we heard was KI had a wonderful relationship with Melrose as a landlord, so it made sense to go and check it out, Lurie said.

Synagogue leaders did not give members a chance to officially comment during the six weeks following the offer, according to Lurie. But on April 7, the congregation gathered in what might become its new sanctuary at KI. Members voted 152-19 to approve the deal.

Before people can tell you what they think, you want them to understand what the facts are. We wanted them to come to the meeting, give their opinion and then they did as a vote, Lurie said.

But KI is on the eastern side of Montgomery County. Many of Shaare Shamayims members live in Bucks County to the north and Philadelphia to the east. Most of the members are also older.

Lurie said Shaare Shamayim has committed to provide transportation to any of our members who would have a problem getting to KI.

The executive director does not have an official timeline for a move because the real estate deal is not done. But he did say it could happen as early as December. Rissinger confirmed that Shaare Shamayim would likely move after the High Holidays.

Its a brighter future, Lurie said. Its been a bright future. If this occurs, its going to be that much brighter.

The congregations would remain separate, but they would collaborate on certain programs. Lurie and Rissinger said Shaare Shamayims upcoming greenhouse could add to KIs mitzvah garden.

It creates wonderful synergy between the communities of people that are committed to raising food for the needy, Rissinger said.

The extra wing in KI was built as an extension to the building in 1967, according to Rissinger. KIs congregation has dropped from about 1,200 families to around 800 in recent years.

It helps to utilize the assets we have, Rissinger said of the renting partnerships.

KI also houses the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center.

We think that its better for the community as a whole that we can be a hub for assembly, for learning, for worship, Rissinger said.

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Congregations of Shaare Shamayim Planning to Move from Northeast Philadelphia to Old York Road - Jewish Exponent

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Posted By admin on April 11, 2024

Muswell Hill Synagogue has welcomed the family of their adopted hostage, Michel Nisenbaum.

The 59-year-old Brazilian-born Israeli, who was taken captive by Hamas terrorists,was adopted by the shul in February as part of the adopt-a-hostagescheme launched by the Board of Deputies.

The community has been sayingprayers for the missing grandfather ever since. Its part of the tefillah [prayer service] now, saidDaniel Shaw, chair of the synagogue.

Sixth months on from his capture, Michels family stopped to look at a photo of him on the bimah, Its very emotional. It's a feeling of warmth to know youve adopted Michel, saidMichels niece, Ayala Harel, 42.

Michal's family are shown the Muswell Hill ark by Daniel Shaw

Its like hes part of the family, Michels nephew, Shai Shojat, 44, remarked.

Over one hundred synagogues are taking partin the Boards scheme. Muswell Hill Synagogues Board deputy Judith Prinsley said: Its imperative that the hostages are not forgotten and that thescheme kept the human stories of thehostages at the forefront of the communitys mind. At Muswell Hill, a seat is left for Michel at all communal events.

Michel, an energetic grandfather of six, worked as a computer technician and tour guide. Ayala fondly remembers his frequent visits for coffee. He would pick up his grandchildren once a week and give them dinner and he loves the songs of Shlomo Artzi, she told the JC.In 2018, he stayed in Golders Green and visited national landmarks on a trip to the UK.

Michel visited Windsor Castle in 2018 with his sister Mery

On October 7, he was on his way to collect his four-year-old granddaughter when, somewhere along the now notorious Route 232, he vanished.

His oldest daughter, Chen, saw a video of terrorists in Sderot, where he lived, and tried to call him, Ayala explained.

After 15minutes, Hamas picked up the phone and shouted: Hamas, Hamas, were in Israel. They called her back and said: Is this is your father? and then:Were from Gaza;we came to Israel;were Hamas.

Two hours later, the terror group published a video of Michels driver's license and MDA volunteering card. Since then, the family has heard a recorded phone call that Michel made to the police, which went unanswered.

His car was found burnt out, without any trace of a body, and after two weeks, the IDF informed the family that Michel was in Gaza.His tablet was traced to the Palestinian territory.

Shai Shojat, Shai's daughter Mia Shojat, Ayala Harel and friend Bar Messer at Muswell Hill Synagogue

Unlike most of the hostages who were taken in groups, Michel was alone and has not been seen by any released hostages.

His sixth grandchild was born four months ago, so hes never met him, Ayala said.

Michels two daughters both have young families, so the task of advocacy has fallen on Ayalas shoulders, and she isback in the city she called home when she worked in London between 2002 and 2007.

The mother of three lost friends on October 7 and relives the trauma every day: We are not post-traumatic yet, we are still in it [...] I wake up every morning and I realise I cant go back to 6 October. My life is stuck, changed forever.

She avoids news of a hostage deal.Theyre a roller-coaster, where you get your wishes up and they are destroyed.

Ayala Harel looks at a display board of the hostages in Muswell Hull Synagogue that draws attention to the plight of her uncle Michel Nisenbaum

We heard that Elad Katzir was murdered in January. Hostages saw him [in Gaza]. He was alive and now he is not. We dont have time, she said.

Ayala is concerned about her uncles health he has Crohn's disease and has not received any medical treatment in Gaza.

He did so much for me, so I have to do everything I can for him, she said. All I can do is share his story and keep it alive.Along with the adopt a hostage scheme, Ayala is shedding light on the stories behind the posters of the missing hostages.

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Hostage family visit the community who have been praying for their uncle every week - The Jewish Chronicle

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Posted By admin on April 11, 2024

Congregations of Shaare Shamayim members voted 152-19 on Sunday to proceed with a sale of the synagogue, 9768 Verree Road in Bustleton.

The synagogue has been on Verree Road since 1963 and had no plans to leave.

However, the Block Church which has sites at Sprinkler Fitters 692 in the Far Northeast, the old FOP Lodge 5 at 1336 Spring Garden St. and in Port Richmond and Roxborough made an unsolicited offer.

Though executive director Jacques Lurie declined to give a sale price, sources say the offer was for about $5 million.

The synagogues executive and general boards unanimously voted to recommend a sale.

The congregation made up of about 300 families needed to give the final approval, which it did during a meeting Sunday at the synagogue.

Shaare Shamayim is expected to move to the site of Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel known by most as KI at Township Line and Old York roads in Elkins Park.

Shaare Shamayim would use the space occupied by Melrose Bnai Israel Emanu-El, which is merging with another synagogue.

Lurie said negotiations are ongoing with the Block Church and leasing details are being worked out with KI.

There were about 15 speakers at Sundays meeting, which was open only to members. Lurie said synagogue leaders were transparent with the process. He and Fran Gabriel, president of the synagogue, were among the speakers.

Lurie described the back and forth as meaningful dialogue, with everyone respectful. While Lurie said the sale and relocation are difficult issues, the infusion of money will dramatically extend the life of the congregation. The money will be used for operating costs, including payments to KI.

There is no date yet for settlement. Once the move is made, Shaare Shamayim will provide transportation assistance for members who live near the current site. Lurie, who lives in Northampton Township, said there arent many members who live in the Elkins Park area.

After the move, Shaare Shamayim will remain in the Northeast Kehillah while also being a member of the Old York Road Kehillah.

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Shaare Shamayim votes to move - Northeast Times

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Posted By admin on April 11, 2024

One of Britains best-known rabbis, Dr Jonathan Romain, is to retire from the pulpit in summer after more than 40 years as spiritual leader of Maidenhead Synagogue.

The author of 19 books and a regular voice on broadcast media, he will take up his new position as convenor of the Reform Beit Din at the end of July, before he turns 70 the following month.

His successor will be Rabbi Dr Rene Pfertzel, who has led Kingston Liberal Synagogue for seven years.

While the congregation was founded in the 1940s, Rabbi Romain was its first rabbi when he arrived in 1980.

Explaining his career path, he said Normally newly ordained rabbis, as I was back then, start with a small community, move on to a larger one and then progress accordingly. But the congregation here began to grow rapidly and I found myself looking after an ever increasing shul and I stayed with it.

Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain, who is leaving Maidenhead Synagogue after 40 years as its spiritual leader

We had the lovely problem of constantly outgrowing our building and have had to either move or rebuild four times, with Prince Edward coming to open our current premises.

He attributes the congregations huge growth during his tenure, from 72 householdsto 947, to the rebranding of the synagogue from a house of prayer to a community centre.

I honestly dont care if people come to services on a Saturday, the film evening on a Sunday or the walking group midweek, he said. Its coming that counts and being part of the community in whatever way they feel comfortable.

Rabbi Dr Ren Pfertzel, who is leaving Kingston Liberal Synagogue to take up the pulpit at Maidenhead Synagogue

He was a pioneer in outreach to mixed-faith couples, encouraging communities to find ways to welcome rather than exclude them, and was recognised with an MBE in 2004.

He has written on Anglo-Jewish history, Reform Judaism and the theme of recent books, Confessions of a Rabbi and The Naked Rabbi his rabbinic experiences. For more than 20 years, he has contributed to the JCs Rabbi I Have a Problem column.

His TV appearances include one Songs of Praise filmed at the synagogue.

Beyond the Jewish community, he is chair of Dignity in Dying, which campaigns to legalise assisted dying, and has chaired the Accord Coalition, which believes faith schools should admit pupils from other religions than their own.

His fundraising for the RNLI has included a sponsored jokes event and a sponsored non-sermon, when people in the High Street had to donate to stop him offering them a sermon.

More recently, he has been involved in finding homes and organisinghelp forUkrainian refugees.

Rabbi Pfertzel said, It is an honour and privilege to follow in the footsteps of a rabbi of the stature of Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain. I am very much looking forward to joining the thriving and vibrant community of Maidenhead, and to add my stone to this beautiful edifice.

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Rabbi Romain to leave Maidenhead Synagogue after 44 years - The Jewish Chronicle

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Posted By admin on April 11, 2024

Antisemitic attacks in Germany and elsewhere have surged since the start of the Israel Hamas war on 7 October.

An incendiary device was thrown at a door of a synagogue in northwestern Germany on Friday but caused only minor damage, police said.

The incident in the city of Oldenburg happened early Friday afternoon. The fire caused by the device was discovered quickly and didn't spread, and the fire service didn't need to extinguish it.

No event was taking place in the building at the time, and no-one was injured.

Police said they were searching for the perpetrator, but had no information on a motive.

Andreas Sagehorn, President of the Oldenburg Police Directorate, condemned the attack "in the strongest possible terms".

"The police will do everything in their power to clarify the background to this cowardly act and to identify the perpetrators," he said in a statement. "We will take this attack as an opportunity to immediately increase the security measures at the Oldenburg synagogue until the circumstances of the offence have been clarified."

Like many other countries, Germany saw a large increase in anti-Jewish incidents following Hamas' attack on Israel in October, and Israel's subsequent attacks in Gaza.

However, there have been a number of antisemitic incidents and attacks launched by German far-right groups in recent years.

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German synagogue attacked with incendiary device - Euronews

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