Rabbi Maderer wrote an op-ed taking a stance that there should be no constitutional right to opt out of the city’s non-discrimination requirement that applies to all foster care agencies and turn away prospective foster families headed by same-sex couples. Click here to read about her stance on this important issue.
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In this week's portion we read, "These are the fixed times which you shall proclaim as sacred occasions." We gather as a community for our Jewish holidays, including Shabbat. This Shabbat, we will be gathering together in a new way; while still one community, some of us will be in person, outside our building while most of us will be on Zoom.
Our ongoing How We Gather Task Force is continually reviewing the science to make informed decisions and is guided by our congregational values, including:
1. Pikuach Nefesh: Preservation of life is still number one priority
2. Equity: Ensuring any congregants who would like to attend in person are able as the opportunities arise
3. One Community: In our new hybrid world, both congregants online and in person are united in prayer
4. Experimentation: We are always trying new things and are open to failure
In his book, The Sabbath, Abraham Joshua Heschel, writes, “The seventh day is like a palace in time with a kingdom for all.” As we all come together to celebrate Shabbat this week, we look forward to creating a palace in time, from wherever we are worshipping.
-Rodeph Shalom Clergy
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Michael Solomonov's Story of Addiction & Recovery |
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Sunday, May 2 at 5:30pm; Patron event at 4:30pm -- both via Zoom
Join world-renowned chef and restaurateur Michael Solomonov as he shares his recovery journey with addiction. Together, we work to support our Caring Community and destigmatize addiction.
The event continues with a panel discussion about addiction featuring:
- Dr. Colleen Barry, Moderator and congregant, Chair of the Department of Health Policy and Management at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Richard Roisman, leader of our Caron support group and Caron Treatment Centers board member
- David Rotenberg, Executive Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer for Caron Treatment Centers
- Dr. Tom Scott, congregant and Pain Management Specialist
Suggested donation: $18 or support as a patron for $300 (with a special program preceding the main event). All are welcome. Contact Dina Horowitz. Proceeds benefit Caring Community. |
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Anti-Racist Work Group: Black & Jewish in the Face of Racism and Anti-Semitism |
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Tuesday, May 4 at 7:00pm
View and discuss celebrity Nick Cannon's video of his evolution towards a better understanding of Judaism and anti-Semitism. In this bold conversation, which followed anti-Semitic remarks made in a podcast, leaders from the Reform Movement, including upcoming RS Anti-Racist Greeting Workshop trainer Deitra Reiser, worked with him to learn and think differently.
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Anti-Racist Greeting: What Are the Implications of the Way I Greet Others at Rodeph Shalom? |
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Thursday, May 13 at 7:00pm via Zoom
All of us who officially greet at RS or who just show up and interact, greeting in an unofficial way, have the opportunity to prepare to soon re-enter our physical space through a lens of anti-racism! This workshop with Deitra Reiser, owner of Transform for Equity, will explore barriers to belonging and how to create spaces of belonging with concrete examples and actions.
Of the 7.2 million Jews in the United States, 1 million are Jews of color. Does that surprise you? Are 1 out of 7 or 8 people at Rodeph Shalom people of color? It is time to open our doors wide to welcome and embrace everyone.
Hosted by RS Community Engagement and Anti-Racism Groups. Thank you to the Community Engagement Innovation Fund for its sponsorship of this event.
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Hungry to Learn: Combating the Hidden Hunger Crisis on College Campuses in Our Community |
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Join for a two-part event. View the documentary Hungry to Learn on your own or together on Tuesday, May 11 at 7:00pm. Then attend a powerful discussion on Tuesday, May 18 at 7:00pm with speakers from RS, Challah for Hunger, The Hope Center, and more. Take collective action and become an advocate.
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Come together with our Center City Jewish Kehillah (Jewish community) to celebrate Shavuot. Join on Sunday, May 16 via Zoom from 3:00-6:00 pm and Monday, May 17 for classes outdoors around Center City. Rabbi Maderer will teach an "Introduction to Shavuot" class on Sunday, May 16 at 5:00pm.
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On Monday, May 17 at 10:45am, a Shavuot Festival Service with Yizkor will be held via Zoom. |
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Join Together for Virtual Shabbat & Torah Study
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Upcoming Connection Group Events |
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Thursday, April 29, 7:30pm
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Saturday, May 1 at 9:30am
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POWER Live Free Campaign Election Guide |
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In collaboration with POWER Interfaith, download the election guide (click the blue button below) created by the ending mass incarceration team of POWER’s Live Free Criminal Justice Campaign.
It provides voter timelines, mail-in, and polling location information, the positions of Democratic and Republican candidates on relevant justice reform issues so that we can be informed voters in the May 18 primary and the November 2 general elections. POWER Interfaith is a multi-faith community organization initiative.
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Breaking Bread on Broad Diaper Drive |
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Breaking Bread on Broad (BBoB) is the social justice program at RS that helps meet the needs of our severely food insecure neighbors for food, diapers, and menstrual supplies each Wednesday morning.
The diaper drive uses the Target gift registry for diapers, wipes, and formula. (If you use the gift registry and do not have a Target website user account, please open an account to opt for automatic delivery to RS.) Questions or to volunteer, contact bbob@rodephshalom.org.
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Upcoming Virtual Opportunities to Engage
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Click the blue links to join the Zoom
Thursday, April 29
Friday, April 30
Saturday, May 1
Sunday, May 2
9:30am: Berkman Mercaz Limud in session
5:30pm: Story of Addiction & Recovery with Michael Solomonov; Register here
Monday, May 3
8:00pm: Adult Beginner Hebrew
Tuesday, May 4
Wednesday, May 5
8:30am: Morning Minyan with Mourner's Kaddish; RSVP to Tomas Isakowitz for Zoom information 4:30pm: Midweek Hebrew
Friday, May 7
Saturday, May 8
Sunday, May 9
9:30am: Berkman Mercaz Limud in session
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Help Each Other Get Vaccinated |
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To help fellow congregants get a ride to a vaccine appointment, secure groceries, or to navigate the COVID-19 vaccination registration process, sign up to volunteer; contact Melissa Erlick with your zip code.
Vaccine Information
For Philadelphia residents: Sign up here to reserve your place in line for the vaccine.
For Pennsylvania residents: For vaccine information, click here
For New Jersey residents: To complete your vaccine registration, click here. Learn more here.
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Jack Grodin, son of Hallie and Rick Grodin and grandson of Barry & Meryl Freedman, on his Bar Mitzvah
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Caleb Halloran on his conversion to Judaism
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Annabelle Jellinek on the marriage of her daughter, Beth Jellinek, to Tayyib Smith
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Hector Kilgoe on his conversion to Judaism
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Ruth Kuriloff, daughter of Valerie Klein & Gabriel Kuriloff, on her Bat Mitzvah
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For Congregants Experiencing Financial Distress |
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The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has created a Congregational Rabbis COVID-19 Emergency Fund to provide aid to our congregants and community members who are in need of financial assistance. This is to aid those suffering from the current pandemic. The funds are intended to help those in need of food, medical assistance, rent/mortgage payments and/or medical expenses. If you or a community member is in need of help, please contact one of our clergy or Jeff Katz.
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Harrisburg Advocacy Day
Wednesday, May 19
Join the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council and ADL for a day of advocacy as we meet - virtually - with our elected officials at the State Capitol in Harrisburg to raise awareness about issues of concern to our communities. Register here.
Lindy CineMondays Spring Series
Presented by the Gershman Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival (GPJFF)
Streaming Monday Nights through May 10
GPJFF is excited to premiere six fantastic new Jewish films from across the globe that you can watch in the comfort of your own home! All Lindy CineMondays films are available to residents of PA, NJ, & DE, and have a flexible 7-day streaming period. All films are $15 and All-Access Passes are $60, including Young Friend sponsorships for as little as $30! For tickets and info, visit PJFF.org.
Parkinsingers Virtual Rehearsals
Mondays from 4:00-5:30pm
The Parkinsingers Choir unites people with Parkinson's Disease, care-partners, and friends in a community dedicated to making music of the highest quality in a welcoming environment. Contact Marjorie Samoff.
Red Cross Blood Drive in Our Neighborhood
For information on nearby blood drives, click here, and contact Kristin McKale with questions. |
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