April 2015 Nissan/Iyar 5775 1 Volume 38 No. 8 The Israelight Congregation Beth Israel of Media A Reconstructionist Jewish Community RUMMAGE SALE 3 How to help Yom HaShoa Art as Memory, To Reconcile a Painful Past 4 Religious Practice 5 Passover GreenFaith Food Justic Project 6 Report, April Collections Fundraising 7 Escrip news Table of Contents Yahrzeits 8 We remember them Donations 9 Thank you Adult Education 10, 11 Torah Treks, Rabbi Hirsh In the Community 12, 13 Literacy Volunteers; Speaker on Greek Jews Purim 2015 14 Picture gallery 8:00 PM Friday April 10 Eco-Judaism I: What We Can Do as People; Why We Do It as Jews 9:45 AM Saturday April 11 Green Davenning with Rabbi Linda and Rabbi Fred: Short Shacharit Sustainability Snippets 11:00 - Noon Religious School Hands-on Jewish Environmentalism 12:30 Saturday April 11 Lunch and Learn Eco-Judaism II: What We Can Do in Jewish Community, From This Lunch, Forward Since his 1997 ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (alongside Rabbi Linda!), Rabbi Dobb has served as rabbi at Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation in Bethesda MD. He helped Adat Shalom (adatshalom.net) become a widely-acclaimed green spiritual center. Fred is active in interfaith, environmental, social justice and Reconstructionist movement leadership serving as chair of the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life (COEJL.org) and having served as chair of Maryland & Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light (GWIPL.org), and president of the Washington Board of Rabbis. Fred received a Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary in 2009. His ten- and six-year old children provide both impetus for, and limits upon, his ac- tivist rabbinate. RAZ GREENFAITH SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE WEEKEND Rabbi Fred Scherlinder Dobb April 10 - 11, 2015
Transcript
April 2015Nissan/Iyar 5775
1 Volume 38 No. 8
The IsraelightCongregation Beth Israel of Media
A Reconstructionist Jewish Community
RUMMAGE SALE 3 How to help
Yom HaShoaArt as Memory, To Reconcile a Painful Past 4Religious Practice 5
Passover GreenFaith Food Justic Project 6
Report, April CollectionsFundraising 7
Escrip news
Table of
Contents
Yahrzeits 8We remember them
Donations 9Thank you
Adult Education 10, 11Torah Treks, Rabbi Hirsh
In the Community 12, 13Literacy Volunteers; Speaker on Greek Jews
Purim 2015 14Picture gallery
8:00 PM Friday April 10Eco-Judaism I: What We Can Do as People; Why We Do It as Jews9:45 AM Saturday April 11Green Davenning with Rabbi Linda and Rabbi Fred: Short Shacharit Sustainability Snippets11:00 - Noon Religious SchoolHands-on Jewish Environmentalism
12:30 Saturday April 11 Lunch and Learn Eco-Judaism II: What We Can Do in Jewish Community, From This Lunch, Forward
Since his 1997 ordination from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College (alongside Rabbi Linda!), Rabbi Dobbhas served as rabbi at Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation in Bethesda MD. He helped Adat Shalom(adatshalom.net) become a widely-acclaimed green spiritual center. Fred is active in interfaith, environmental, social justice and Reconstructionist movement leadership serving as chair of the Coalition on the Environment andJewish Life (COEJL.org) and having served as chair of Maryland & Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light(GWIPL.org), and president of the Washington Board of Rabbis. Fred received a Doctor of Ministry from WesleyTheological Seminary in 2009. His ten- and six-year old children provide both impetus for, and limits upon, his ac-tivist rabbinate.
RAZ GREENFAITH SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE WEEKEND
Rabbi Fred Scherlinder DobbApril 10 - 11, 2015
This year marks my 18th year at Beth Israel and the last year of my current contract. When asked bythe Board about my intentions for the future, I stated that I would be honored to continue as therabbi of Beth Israel because I love and value the community and enjoy my work immensely. Yet, Ihave had a dilemma regarding how to balance the demands of this wonderful work with my roles asmother to my 10-year-old daughter and daughter to my 84-year- old mother. It has become increas-ingly difficult to be available to them within the confines of my current schedule. After much soulsearching, I came up with a proposal I believe will work for me and serve Beth Israel well.
I am honored to continue as your rabbi and will meet my existing responsibilities, with one exception.In order to make my work more feasible, I requested that we bring on another rabbi to share the pulpit work for approx-imately two weekends per month. This will enable me to give my best energies to BI while devoting sufficient time tofamily obligations.
Our thoughtful Board asked probing questions as they explored what would be best for the community. I am pleasedand grateful that they agreed to take BI in this new direction. As we move forward in this direction, BI will have thebenefit of my leadership and of a second rabbinic service leader on a regular basis, using the resources from my com-pensation package.
I will continue to assume responsibility for the congregation with respect to the many diverse areas that I cover:- Providing guidance, vision and leadership to the community as a whole
- Administrative - working with the Board, staff and lay leaders- Working with members, committees and outsiders to create, plan and execute programs- Planning and providing education for adults, teens, children and families- Working with the principal on the Hebrew School; leading HS services/assemblies- Planning and officiating at life cycle functions of all sorts- Pastoral - providing spiritual counseling, guidance, support and responses to members, to prospective members
and to the wider community- Membership development and relationships
While navigating the black ice and frozen slush I often wonder if spring will ever arrive. Then, on occasion, I am able to see a sparrow and, if I am lucky, a random red bird. These sights are enoughto remind me that spring cannot be too far away.
Spring is always a dynamic time of change within the walls of Beth Israel. At the February boardmeeting the Board of Directors started to discuss our values and goals for fiscal year 2015-2016.These values will, in turn, become the backbone for the budget for our next fiscal year.
Unlike previous years when we listed numerous goals, this year the Board decided to focus on theconcept of connectivity. The strength of our congregation is dependent on the relationships we build and reinforce witheach other. Many of us have experienced the long schmoozing that happens before and after services or classes. Formany, it is during this time when friendships are made, strengthened, and reaffirmed. It is when you truly get to knowother people who you can count on and where your contributions are valued that you feel you are part of a community.Some ideas that have been circulating include: “unofficial greeters” at sporadic services and bringing members to-gether in smaller settings to rest and rejuvenate and deepen their connections with one another. If you have an ideaabout ways we can build connections at BI, please tell me about it.
As we plan for the upcoming year, please remember to fulfill all your outstanding balances for the current year. Yourdues allow us to continue to fund the many programs that enrich our lives at Beth Israel. Equally important, your giftsabove and beyond your membership commitment enable us to offer membership to all who seek to join our commu-nity regardless of their financial situation. Stay Warm, Jennifer
President’s Message: Feeling Connected?April 2015
Nissan/Iyar 57752 Volume 38 No. 8
Rabbi’s Message
continued on page 4
April 2015Nissan/Iyar 5775
3 Volume 38 No. 8
We need: household items, small electronics(in working condition),small furniture, books, etc....
Also paper and plastic bags, plus newspapers for wrapping sold items DO NOT BRING CLOTHING*, TELEVISIONS, OR COMPUTERS
*Please donate clothing to worthy charities.We need bakers to make, bag and label cookies, brownies, muffins, cupcakes, small breads etc
and/or donations of donuts and soft pretzels. - also bagged and labeled for sale
We need help moving the items from the green house into the sanctuary the week before the sale.
And we need LOADS of help the day of the sale!MONITOR THE FLOOR,
CHECK OUT PURCHASES, HELP WITH THE REFRESHMENT STAND
This is a fund-raising event, so please support our community!
Drop off all items at the green house(across from the main building)
Tuesday, April 14 and 21 4-6 PM orSunday morning, April 19 from 9:30-12
Or contact Joe to arrange a time fordrop off 610-368-5671
4 Volume 38 No. 8 April 2015Nissan/Iyar 5775
Mekom Torah and Congregation Beth Israel
in commemoration of Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day
collaborate to offer
ART AS MEMORY, TO RECONCILE A PAINFUL PAST
Sunday April 19, in the sanctuary at Beth Israel. Bagels at noon, program from 12:15 to 1:45pm. Presenter: Tamar Hendel - Artist, Teacher, Art Therapist and Holocaust Survivor Introduced and facilitated by Rabbi Helen Plotkin Appropriate for: Adults, and young people 6th grade and up. Tamar’s Past: Tamar Hendel was born in Zagreb, in what was then Yugoslavia and is now Croatia. In 1941, she fled with her family to northern Italy, where they were interned and then went into hiding in Rome. After the liberation, in 1944, the family arrived in the United States and spent a year and a half interned at Fort Ontario, Oswego, NY, with about 1000 other refugees, before being given legal and permanent entry into the U.S. Tamar’s Present: Tamar has been an artist all her life. She became a licensed art therapist in 1980, and she has lead “Art as Memory” workshops at child survivor conferences since 1988. These workshops, originally only for survivors, have recently been opened to the second and third generation as a tool for reconciling the legacy of trauma. Tamar’s book, entitled Life with Death, is a moving collection of drawings and stories from her workshops. The Program: Tamar will talk about the power of art, using her own drawings and her own childhood memories as examples. She will show drawings by workshop participants and help us learn to discern their meaning. She will lead a hands-on session for those who wish to participate. In Tamar’s words, “This is not an art class! No art skill is required. We will not be judging anyone's art techniques. A few squiggly lines can have as much meaning to someone as the Mona Lisa.” (And, of course, nobody will be asked to talk about anything that they would rather keep private.) The program will begin with a brief Yom HaShoah service, led by Rabbi Linda Potemken, including Mourner’s Kaddish and an opportunity to light yahrzeit candles.
- Liaison to the wider community - Jewish, Reconstructionist, Delaware County, Interfaith- Tikkun Olam work with members and in coalition with other groups- Creating and leading Shabbat and holiday services and programs
Change is not easy and I know that in this moment- not yet having an associate rabbi in place - people are anxious.Know that we will be hiring an associate rabbi who is a good fit for our community, as we are committed to making thisa win-win situation for everyone. Please don’t hesitate to ask me any questions concerning this impending change. Weare all committed to working toward an excellent outcome! Yours, Rabbi Linda
Passover Seder Matchmaking“Let all who are hungry, come and eat.”Do you have room at your Passover seder?Do you need a place to go for a Passover seder?
First Passover seder is Friday, April 3, 2015.Community Passover seder is Saturday, April 4, 2015(RSVP. See flyer for more details.)
If you have room or need a place, please contact Rabbi Linda (610) 566-4645 or [email protected]
from Rabbi LindaI am looking forward to leading the Beth Israel seder the second night of Pesach. Please letme know if you would like to lead a part of the evening or if you care to bring a reading,song or discussion question to the evening.
April 2015Nissan/Iyar 5775
6 Volume 38 No. 8
from Lynn Cashell - Our first 3 food drives in December, January and February were delivered to grateful recipients. For in-stance, the December collection was taken to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Media. My car’s trunk was filled to capac-ity with your donations. As the volunteers at the food bank thanked me over and over, while the recipients lined up fortheir food, I was reminded again of Barbara’s words, “ There is enough food to go around, we just need to redistribute it.”(She coordinates the food bank.)
On Saturday, January 31, the Springfield churches had a “Souper Bowl of Caring” and collected food throughout the neigh-borhoods. Since there were drop off points at the local churches, I took our collection to the Princeton Presbyterian Churchwere my friend is the pastor. As the food was taken in the front door and sorted, those in need were filling up bags andboxes. Pastor Pam was delighted by our donation and thanked me for the generosity of our community. So, food justice,social action, and interfaith collaboration all came together. My cup (or bowl) runneth over.
This year’s food drive is a project of our Greenfaith effort with support from the Social Action Committee. The Hadrachaclass (our 8th graders) have taken on the responsibility for planning the theme for each month’s food drive and to offersuggestions for other ways we can influence inequities in the food delivery system in this country. Thanks to their teacher,Amit Schwalb, for guiding and supporting them in this work.
FOOD JUSTICE
The Social Action Committe is asking everyone to “PassOver the Food” in April. It’s a great time to clear out allthe chametz as you prepare for the Passover holiday.Please remember to only bring in sealed, unused cannedand boxed goods. Bags will be available in the lobby priorto Passover. Watch for further notices in the Beth Israellobby, on the website and in the Israelight.
In honor of the coming of spring and our getting started in our gardens,the April can drive theme is In the Gan. The Hadracha class encouragesour friends and families to bring cans of fruits and vegetables to theBeth Israel food collection.
In addition, we encourage folks to sign up with Repair the World Philadelphia in order to receive updates about
opportunities for volunteering with Philadelphia urban farms: https://werepair.org/our-local-work/our-cities/philadelphia/.
On all other nights we don’t dip our foodeven once, and on this night we dip twice
Sheb’khol haleilot ein anu matbilinafilu pa’am ehat; halailah hazeh,shtei f’amim
April: Great need, two great opportunities to help
April 2015Nissan/Iyar 5775
7 Volume 38 No. 8
With eScrip, Beth Israel will receive up to 5% of your everyday purchases.
eScrip contributions come from a variety of merchants - from thousands of restaurants to over 800 participating grocery,apparel, housewares, books, electronics and travel retailers. The list is growing and includes top names such as Amazon, Expedia,Nordstrom, iTunes, Gamestop, Crate & Barrel, Bed Bath & Beyond and beyond.
Whether you shop on-line or at the store, donations are easy. No need to remember membership cards or coupons.
Visit http://www.escrip.com and follow these 3 simple steps: Fill in your information
Select: Beth Israel of Media Congregation Register your loyalty and credit cards
Once you’ve signed-up, shop at participating retailers and use your registered card. For most vendors, it’s that easy. Youmay even donate to Beth Israel without realizing it! There are a few on-line retailers (Amazon, Home Depot, Target) thatrequire you to click on their site from the escrip on-line mall https://shopping.escrip.com
Note, eScrip’s systems meet the strict requirements of participating merchants (from bank cards to national retailers) inthe area of security, safety and confidentiality. They’ve earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Here’s how one family vacation earned a $50 Beth Israel donation:• Plane tickets purchased on Expedia ($850 *1.8% = $15.30)• Budget rental car ($400 * 2.4% = $9.60)• 5 nights Best Western Hotel ($600 * 3% = $18.00)• Books, games, and snorkeling gear on Amazon ($200 * 1.2% = $2.40)• Bathing suits, sun hats and flip flops at Kohl’s ($200 * 2.4% = $4.80)
You’re already spending. Why not let your buying benefit Beth Israel?
Shop Away!Your Shopping Spree Benefits Beth Israel
Even your Everyday Purchases Benefit Beth Israel
April 2015Nissan/Iyar 5775
8 Volume 38 No. 8 Yahrzeits
*after a name indicates that there is a plaque. Yahrzeit begins at sundown the evening before the date shown.
Mourner Mourned Relationship Yahrzeit Date 2015 Yahrzeit Date 5775
Stuart Isaacs Howard Isaacs* Father April 02 13 Nisan Henrietta Mudrick David Mudrick Husband April 02 13 Nisan Meira Pitkapaasi Eleanor Adelman Grandmother April 02 13 Nisan Arnie Schwartz Charles Silverstein Uncle April 02 13 Nisan
The congregation Moishe Rubenstein* April 02 13 Nisan Robert Colman Jack Colman Father April 03 14 Nisan
Suzanne Simenhoff Philip Lehrfeld* Grandfather April 04 15 Nisan Stuart Pittel Lee Pittel* Mother April 05 16 Nisan
Stephen Platt Felice Ruth Platt Mother April 05 16 Nisan Natalia Zhukovskaya Zinaida Zhukovskaya Grandmother April 05 16 Nisan
John Greenstine Sylvia Edelberg Aunt April 06 17 Nisan Meira Pitkapaasi Jonah Elliott-Adelman Son April 12 23 Nisan
David Wasser Amy Keller Sister April 12 23 Nisan David Markman Shirley Markman* Mother April 13 24 Nisan
The congregation Jeffrey Deitch* April 15 26 Nisan The congregation Rhina Kirschbaum April 21 2 Iyyar
Helene Gumerman Samuel Abrams Father April 22 3 Iyyar Amy Fantalis Rhoda Fantalis* Mother April 23 4 Iyyar
Stan Sklar Rhoda Fantalis* Sister April 23 4 Iyyar Alan Soffer David Soffer* Father April 24 5 Iyyar
Ralph Kaufman Dorothy Kaufman Mother April 25 6 Iyyar Christopher Pragman Robert Pragman Father April 27 8 Iyyar
Randy Tiffany Marjorie Yudkin Wife April 28 9 Iyyar Shira Tiffany Marjorie Yudkin Mother April 28 9 Iyyar Talia Tiffany Marjorie Yudkin Mother April 28 9 Iyyar Mel Drukin Libby D. Schiff* Sister April 30 11 Iyyar
April 2015Nissan/Iyar 5775
9 Volume 38 No. 8 February Donations Thank you!
BIMASCarol CowanTo: Selene Platt – (Chorus)In memory of your mother, Florence Silverman. May her memory be a blessing.Theresa and Michael CitrenbaumThank you for the wonderful music played at Shane’s Bar Mitzvah
Prayer Book FundAlison ManakerThank you, Arlene
Social Action FundThe Nash Family To: Lisa SchachnerIn memory of your mom, Helen Schachner, who is missed by all of us at Beth Israel.
The Eliana Andersen FundMarmorstein-Gottlieb, Moriah and David Gornstein, Mark Cary andAnita Weber, Bruce and Anne Thomas, Jackie Gelman and SamuelHaber, Adam Kozin, Jane and Ken Laffend, Joe Horwitz and KatieSibley, Candy Berlin and Ralph Kaufman, Amy Strauss, Amy Sepinwall and Andy Siegel, Elaine Wasekanes, Alison and ScottManaker, Sylva Baker, Kevin, Elan and Randi Raskin Nash, Richardand Eleanor Strauss, Jean Fleschute and Eugene Kroch
Candy Berlin and Ralph KaufmanTo: Selene Platt and familyIn memory of your mother, Florence Routhenstein SilvermanAlison and Scott ManakerTo: Ellie Fund CommitteeThank you for a wonderful festival!Kevin, Elan, and Randi Raskin NashTo: Ellie Fund CommitteeTo support another wonderful Ellie Festival.
Rabbi’s Discretionary FundMarcia and Steve PlotkinTo: The Schachner FamilyIn memory of Helen Schachner, who along with her husband, Joe,was a lifelong dedicated friend of our synagogue. Amy StraussTo: Lisa Schachner and familyIn memory of Helen SchachnerSelene PlattTo: The Beth Israel CommunityMy heartfelt thanks to the BI community for their outpouring ofsupport for my mother’s passing. Special thanks to Rabbi Linda,Marion and Larry Hamermesh, Rabbi Helen Plotkin and SteveSmith, for conducting a beautiful shiva service. I am blessed to bea member of such a caring community.
The General FundSusannah and Steve FriedmanRadian Matching Gift Program
The Golden BookRabbi LindaTo: Juliet SpitzerIn memory of your amazing mom, Judy Spitzer. May her memorybe a blessing to you and yours.To: Nancy Skoler and Alex StraussIn memory of your lovely mother, Randee O’Donnell. With grati-tude for her wonderful presence at Beth Israel over the years. Mayher memory be a blessing and a source of comfort.To: Lisa SchachnerIn memory of your awesome mother who built this communityover the decades. Her memor is a source of blessing and inspira-tion to so many people. May you find comfort and strength as youwalk this path of mourning.To: Selene PlattIn memory of your mother, Florence Routhenstein Silverman. Mayher memory and her paintings be a blessing to you. Wishing youstrength as you walk the path of mourning.
Sending you blessings for healing:Naomi Sav, Dottie Jenkins, Ron Romoff, Andrew Kelly, Mel Drukin, Alan Fink, Burt Cohen, Karen Giglio, Ray Rosenberg, Linda Cohen
Thank you to our Oneg and Kiddush HostsIf you would like to choose a date to host, please contact
Friday, April 3 Passover seder at homeSaturday, April 4 No morning service, community Passover seder at nightFriday, April 10 Jennifer Lenway (Raz Greenfaith Scholar in Residence, Rabbi Fred Dobb)Saturday, April 11 RPC & Adult Ed (Raz Greenfaith Scholar in Residence, Rabbi Fred Dobb)Friday, April 17 Dumoff – Lefkowitz familySaturday, April 18 AvailableFriday, April 24 AvailableSaturday, April 25 Available
April 2015Nissan/Iyar 5775
10 Volume 38 No. 8
ADULT ED
April 18 Eicha R. Nathan Martin
Torah Treks Ketuvim: The Writings, Year 1
Qohelet Esther Shir hashirim
Eicha Ruth Ecclesiastes Esther Song of Songs Lamentations Ruth
Mussar is a Jewish spiritual practice that is an approachable andpractical set of teachings for cultivating personal growth and spiritualrealization in daily living. The ultimate goal is to help us to achievegreater wholeness and goodness.
Prerequisite: Participation in a previous mussar group or permission of instructor; please contact R. Linda.
Thursdays 12:00 – 1:30 4/16, 5/14 6/11Lunch & Learn Join us for a lively session as we share ancient andcontemporary texts, brown bag lunch, and one another's good com-pany. No RSVP needed.
In the Rabbi’s Study
YES! I shop at Acme or Giant and I’m happy topurchase gift cards through BI! (for every card purchased, BI receives $5 - it adds up and makesa difference!)
___ I will pick them up on this date:______________________
___ Please call me to make other arrangementsto pick up the cards.
Mail this coupon with your check, made out to:Congregation Beth Israel542 S. New Middletown Road Media, PA 19063
April 2015Nissan/Iyar 5775
11 Volume 38 No. 8
RABBI RICHARD HIRSH Decoding the Concept of "Revelation"
in Modern Jewish ThoughtSAVE THE DATES:
Thursdays May 7, 14 & 21 7:15 - 9:30
Jewish tradition makes a variety of claims about the natureof the Revelation of Torah with coordinate implications forthe degree to which Jewish law, commandments and be-liefs are obligatory or optional.
At one end of the spectrum is the claim of orthodoxy thatthe Torah as we have it is verbatim transmission from Godthrough Moses. At the other end is the contemporary his-torical perspective (embraced by Reconstructionism) thatthe Torah is a composite collection of texts of human ori-gin. Across the spectrum are various attempts to root Torahin revelation while acknowledging the human hands thathave shaped the Torah.
As we prepare for Shavuot, the holiday that commemo-rates the giving of the Torah (which the Torah itself seemsnot to know about -- one curiosity among others that wewill examine), we will look at contemporary approaches tothe problem of revelation and how the Torah traditionmight remain sacred even if secular.
Rabbi Richard Hirsh is the interim associate rabbi at MainLine Reform Temple in Wynnewood for the 2014-2015 year.
Please remember to donate school supplies, toiletries(toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, soap), bathtowels, wash cloths, etc. for the Community ActionAgency of Delaware County. Collection box is the bluebin in the lobby. A complete list of needed items is onthe bin. Thank you.
April 2015Nissan/Iyar 5775
12 Volume 38 No. 8
th t of arBecome Puncil...ccy Coay Literntty Litere CouarwaDel
naditiore Ts!rea y40ng atielebr
taanileMllaC016 - 678 - 1184
tisivroycycyaaretilocled.wwwwww . gro
er entoluVAdulutor an T
tor tute freofs our h21e eceivR
onek orW -to- dult an aht wione
Badult Aniinings ar trotutt xNe
& 5 2ilprAys, rdaSatuBE: A03:6, 5102, 7y 2Ma
utor!cy TraLites a Now aeading & WriR in t
ingaintr
onstiad locnames tit ienenv contr arne lea
a LondSeca s ashligd Enanon tiac Educsi
m a9, 5102, y 2Ma & nedd Wm an p03:20 m p8
ting
s
e:guagan
,ydaesn
, ya30 8 pm8
e cnidevo r
: LES
02, y 2Ma, yturda Sa:6, 510& 6, 2y 4Ma
m a9, 51 M pm, 0:3203 9 asdueTd an pm 9
ings hrainl tlAsChe, ueenvA
ratiistgd rean
daesdney & WaondM:36, 5102, 62y Ma, ya
P712C, 2CLDt eld a h31091A P, erst
uiredreqon
April 2015Nissan/Iyar 5775
13 Volume 38 No. 8
In April, Congregation Beth Emeth of Wilmington, DE willhost filmmaker and author Isaac Dostis, founder of NewYork’s Kehila Kedosha Museum, as Scholar-in-Residence.Mr. Dostis will share his knowledge of the Jews ofGreece and in particular his heritage as part of a littleknown subgroup known as the Romaniotes. On theevening of Friday April 17 and the morning ofSunday April 19, Mr. Dostis will offer films and discus-sions about the Jews of Greece and their tragic connec-tion to the Holocaust. Both events are free and open tothe public.
Raised in New York City, Mr. Dostis now lives in Ioannina(pronounced “Yanina”), a city in northwestern Greecewhich once had one of the largest populations of Ro-maniote Jews in the region. Some claim that there havebeen Jews in Greece since 300 BCE. The Romaniotesspoke a Greek-Hebrew dialect called Yevanic, which is nolonger spoken today. Some of their customs were unlikethose of Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews. Their syna-gogues are built in a different formation than we com-monly see, with the ark and bimah on opposite walls.Their liturgy was rich in poetry called piyyutim. Until the20th century, there was a thriving Jewish community inIoannina. The Romaniote Jews lived amicably alongsidetheir Christian and Muslim neighbors. The populationfell sharply in the turmoil of the Balkan wars, with ap-proximately 1,950 remaining at the eve of World War II.
The effect of the Holocaust on the Jews of Greece is notwell known in North America. Because of the influx ofEastern European Jews in the mid-20th century, the dev-
The History of the Romaniote JewsComes to Life in Wilmington
astation of the Ashkenazi Jews became the imageof the Holocaust in many minds. However, thistragedy also befell the Jews of Ioannina. Almost allof the remaining 1,950 Jews were murdered by theNazis in 1944, after being rounded up and sent tothe concentration camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Atpresent only about 35 Jews remain in Ioannina.The old synagogue is opened only for high holidays,special occasions, and tours. The Jews of Corfuwere similarly decimated. Only one Romaniote syn-agogue remains in the Western Hemisphere: KehilaKedosha Janina in New York City.
Join the community at Congregation Beth Emeth fortwo Scholar in Residence events to learn moreabout the current existence and fate of RomanioteJews. On Friday April 17 at 8 pm, there will be anabbreviated Shabbat service followed by Dostis’ 23minute documentary “The Lost Synagogue of Ioan-nina,” about how one of the two synagogues in thetown survived Nazi desecration, while the other didnot. On Sunday April 19 at 9 am, Dostis will screenhis film “Farewell My Island,” detailing in real timethe 22 minutes during which the Nazis rounded upthe residents of the Greek island of Corfu, includingseven members of his family, in June 1944. A dis-cussion and refreshments will follow both events.
14 Volume 38 No. 8 PURIM: NOT QUITE The Princess Bride
Mordecai eavesdropsas Inigo Montoya tells Westley of his plot against the King.
(Karen Vesely, Moriah Gornstein, Debbie Wile)
Live long and prosperThe cast honors the memory of Leonard Nimoy.
Mordecai (Karen Vesely) refuses to bow to Haman (Rachel Pragman)
Rabbi Linda leads the congregation in a “very serious?” service before
Reisa Mukamal and Steve Smith chanted the Megillah
Grandpa reads to his sick grandkidwhile Mom goes to an RPC meeting.Larry Hamermesh, Elissa Pragman
April 2015Nissan/Iyar 5775
The King can’t sleep. The quiet servant reads to himfrom the annals about the time Mordecai saved his life.
Larry Hamermesh, Elissa Pragman, Chris Pragman &Marion Hamermesh
The secrets of Esther’s (Randy Tiffany)transformation
revealed.
Pictures by Mark Cary and Scott Gilbert
Apri
l 201
5Su
nday
Mon
day
Tues
day
Wed
nesd
ayTh
ursd
ayFr
iday
Satu
rday
29…
No
Hebr
ew S
choo
l…
BI B
ook
Club
- D
QUO
TE-
Henn
a Ho
useD
QUO
TE a
t ho
me
of S
ylva
Bak
er
3031
… N
o He
brew
Sch
ool
1Ap
ril F
ools
Day
23
… S
habb
at a
nd F
irst S
eder
at
Hom
e
4…
Pas
sove
r Sed
er
5Ea
ster
… N
o He
brew
Sch
ool
67
… H
ebre
w S
choo
l…
Mek
om T
orah
Pra
yer b
y Pr
ayer
7 a
t BI
89
10…
Sha
bbat
Ser
vice
s w
ith
Rabb
i Lin
da -
Gue
st S
peak
-er
Rab
bi F
red
Sche
rlind
er
Dobb
11…
Sha
bbat
Ser
vice
s an
d He
brew
Sch
ool w
ith R
LP -
Gu
est S
peak
er R
abbi
Fre
d
12…
No
Hebr
ew S
choo
l - H
S at
tend
s 4-
11 S
S…
Mek
om T
orah
Hig
h Sc
hool
at B
I
1314
… H
ebre
w S
choo
l…
Mus
sar G
roup
with
Rab
bi
LInd
a
15Ta
x Da
y…
Boa
rd M
eetin
g
16…
Lun
ch a
nd L
earn
with
Ra
bbi L
inda
… M
ekom
Tor
ah P
raye
r Bo
ok H
ebre
w 1
2 at
Ohe
v
17…
You
ng F
amily
Sha
bbat
an
d Di
nner
with
Rab
bi L
in-
da -
Gim
mel
-Gan
-Ale
ph
Host
s
18…
Sha
bbat
Ser
vice
s w
ith
RRC
Stud
ent D
avid
Ebe
r…
Pot
luck
Lun
ch b
efor
e TT
… T
orah
Tre
ks w
ith R
abbi
Na
than
Mar
tin
19…
Heb
rew
Sch
ool
… F
amily
Ed
- Da
let H
ay…
Yom
HaS
hoah
Spe
aker
an
d Pr
ogra
m…
Mar
riage
Ren
ewal
of
Vow
s Ce
rem
ony,
Col
eman
-Gi
lmor
e
2021
… H
ebre
w S
choo
l22
Eart
h Da
y23
24…
Sha
bbat
Cha
vura
h25
… S
habb
at S
ervi
ces
- Co
n-gr
egan
t Led
- L
aura
Lee
Bl
echn
er…
Rum
mag
e Sa
le P
rep
26…
Rum
mag
e Sa
le…
Heb
rew
Sch
ool
2728
… H
ebre
w S
choo
l29
30…
Mek
om T
orah
Pra
yer
Book
Heb
rew
13
at O
hev
1…
Sha
bbat
aro
und
the
tabl
e w
ith R
abbi
Lin
da in
clud
ing
Potlu
ck S
habb
at D
inne
r
2…
Sha
bbat
Ser
vice
s w
ith
Rabb
i Lin
da
29…
No
Hebr
ew S
choo
l…
BI B
ook
Club
- D
QUO
TE-
Henn
a Ho
useD
QUO
TE a
t ho
me
of S
ylva
Bak
er
3031
… N
o He
brew
Sch
ool
1Ap
ril F
ools
Day
23
… S
habb
at a
nd F
irst S
eder
at
Hom
e
4…
Pas
sove
r Sed
er
5Ea
ster
… N
o He
brew
Sch
ool
67
… H
ebre
w S
choo
l…
Mek
om T
orah
Pra
yer b
y Pr
ayer
7 a
t BI
89
10…
Sha
bbat
Ser
vice
s w
ith
Rabb
i Lin
da -
Gue
st S
peak
-er
Rab
bi F
red
Sche
rlind
er
Dobb
11…
Sha
bbat
Ser
vice
s an
d He
brew
Sch
ool w
ith R
LP -
Gu
est S
peak
er R
abbi
Fre
d
12…
No
Hebr
ew S
choo
l - H
S at
tend
s 4-
11 S
S…
Mek
om T
orah
Hig
h Sc
hool
at B
I
1314
… H
ebre
w S
choo
l…
Mus
sar G
roup
with
Rab
bi
LInd
a
15Ta
x Da
y…
Boa
rd M
eetin
g
16…
Lun
ch a
nd L
earn
with
Ra
bbi L
inda
… M
ekom
Tor
ah P
raye
r Bo
ok H
ebre
w 1
2 at
Ohe
v
17…
You
ng F
amily
Sha
bbat
an
d Di
nner
with
Rab
bi L
in-
da -
Gim
mel
-Gan
-Ale
ph
Host
s
18…
Sha
bbat
Ser
vice
s w
ith
RRC
Stud
ent D
avid
Ebe
r…
Pot
luck
Lun
ch b
efor
e TT
… T
orah
Tre
ks w
ith R
abbi
Na
than
Mar
tin
19…
Heb
rew
Sch
ool
… F
amily
Ed
- Da
let H
ay…
Yom
HaS
hoah
Spe
aker
an
d Pr
ogra
m…
Mar
riage
Ren
ewal
of
Vow
s Ce
rem
ony,
Col
eman
-Gi
lmor
e
2021
… H
ebre
w S
choo
l22
Eart
h Da
y23
24…
Sha
bbat
Cha
vura
h25
… S
habb
at S
ervi
ces
- Co
n-gr
egan
t Led
- L
aura
Lee
Bl
echn
er…
Rum
mag
e Sa
le P
rep
26…
Rum
mag
e Sa
le…
Heb
rew
Sch
ool
2728
… H
ebre
w S
choo
l29
30…
Mek
om T
orah
Pra
yer
Book
Heb
rew
13
at O
hev
1…
Sha
bbat
aro
und
the
tabl
e w
ith R
abbi
Lin
da in
clud
ing
Potlu
ck S
habb
at D
inne
r
2…
Sha
bbat
Ser
vice
s w
ith
Rabb
i Lin
da
29…
No
Hebr
ew S
choo
l…
BI B
ook
Club
- D
QUO
TE-
Henn
a Ho
useD
QUO
TE a
t ho
me
of S
ylva
Bak
er
3031
… N
o He
brew
Sch
ool
1Ap
ril F
ools
Day
23
… S
habb
at a
nd F
irst S
eder
at
Hom
e
4…
Pas
sove
r Sed
er
5Ea
ster
… N
o He
brew
Sch
ool
67
… H
ebre
w S
choo
l…
Mek
om T
orah
Pra
yer b
y Pr
ayer
7 a
t BI
89
10…
Sha
bbat
Ser
vice
s w
ith
Rabb
i Lin
da -
Gue
st S
peak
-er
Rab
bi F
red
Sche
rlind
er
Dobb
11…
Sha
bbat
Ser
vice
s an
d He
brew
Sch
ool w
ith R
LP -
Gu
est S
peak
er R
abbi
Fre
d
12…
No
Hebr
ew S
choo
l - H
S at
tend
s 4-
11 S
S…
Mek
om T
orah
Hig
h Sc
hool
at B
I
1314
… H
ebre
w S
choo
l…
Mus
sar G
roup
with
Rab
bi
LInd
a
15Ta
x Da
y…
Boa
rd M
eetin
g
16…
Lun
ch a
nd L
earn
with
Ra
bbi L
inda
… M
ekom
Tor
ah P
raye
r Bo
ok H
ebre
w 1
2 at
Ohe
v
17…
You
ng F
amily
Sha
bbat
an
d Di
nner
with
Rab
bi L
in-
da -
Gim
mel
-Gan
-Ale
ph
Host
s
18…
Sha
bbat
Ser
vice
s w
ith
RRC
Stud
ent D
avid
Ebe
r…
Pot
luck
Lun
ch b
efor
e TT
… T
orah
Tre
ks w
ith R
abbi
Na
than
Mar
tin
19…
Heb
rew
Sch
ool
… F
amily
Ed
- Da
let H
ay…
Yom
HaS
hoah
Spe
aker
an
d Pr
ogra
m…
Mar
riage
Ren
ewal
of
Vow
s Ce
rem
ony,
Col
eman
-Gi
lmor
e
2021
… H
ebre
w S
choo
l22
Eart
h Da
y23
24…
Sha
bbat
Cha
vura
h25
… S
habb
at S
ervi
ces
- Co
n-gr
egan
t Led
- L
aura
Lee
Bl
echn
er…
Rum
mag
e Sa
le P
rep
26…
Rum
mag
e Sa
le…
Heb
rew
Sch
ool
2728
… H
ebre
w S
choo
l29
30…
Mek
om T
orah
Pra
yer
Book
Heb
rew
13
at O
hev
1…
Sha
bbat
aro
und
the
tabl
e w
ith R
abbi
Lin
da in
clud
ing
Potlu
ck S
habb
at D
inne
r
2…
Sha
bbat
Ser
vice
s w
ith
Rabb
i Lin
da
Page
1/1
April 2015Nissan/Iyar 5775
16 Volume 38 No. 8
Congregation Beth Israel of MediaA Reconstructionist Jewish Community542 South New Middletown RoadMedia, Pennsylvania 19063-2240Ph 610-566-4645 Fax 610-566-2240http://www.bethisraelmedia.org
PresidentRabbiEditor, ContentEditor, ProductionEditor Contributions List
Jennifer LenwayLinda PotemkenSharon KlebanMarion HamermeshArlene Benz
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:
