Click here to read the May/June eBulletin
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The 12th century Zionist Yehudah Halevi said it in his poetry, and we add our voices to his: Our hearts are in the East. We stand with an unwavering commitment to Israel and to Israel's right to existence and security as the democratic Jewish homeland. We are horrified to picture our Israeli siblings hiding in bomb shelters, under siege by the terrorism of Hamas.
We are devoted to the sanctity of all life and the right of the Palestinians to self-determination. Both commitment to Israel and to Palestinian rights are expressions of Jewish values that are critical to Reform Judaism and Reform Zionism. (Subscribe here for Reform Zionism messages from the Union for Reform Judaism). To mourn for more than one group and to devote ourselves to more than one need demands the honest complexity that is denied by easy extremes; the current military conflict was ignited by and benefits the extremists and harms efforts toward a shared society. Any positions entirely demonizing one side or the other misses the humanity in both; any positions entirely affirming the pure right of one side or the other misses the responsibility in both. We join our voices in the prayers shared by so many Israelis and by so many Palestinians-- prayers for peace.
-Rodeph Shalom Clergy
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This Friday: Outdoor Mishkan Shabbat Service |
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Join together for an in-person, outdoor component to the Shabbat service this Friday evening, May 21 at 6:00pm in our driveway by registering here or access the service virtually with this link.
Based on recent vaccination rates, vaccination coverage, and slowing virus spread, we aim to offer in-person experiences in ways that incrementally bring us together as one community with multiple access options.
Please consider joining us in this opportunity to bring the divine presence with us into the outdoors, much like our ancestors did in the Mishkan/tent chapel, described in the Torah.
Jewish values obligate us to protect ourselves and each other. We expect all participants attending in-person activities to be vaccinated, with the exception of congregants who are not yet of vaccination age or who have a health condition that prevents them from being vaccinated.
Please keep these updated protocols and pointers in mind:
- Masks are required. Note: clergy members will unmask for parts of the service.
- When you arrive, seats will be spread apart; feel free to push some together with others who feel mutually comfortable.
- If you have children, please keep them close to you. Supervised roaming is welcome; please keep them from approaching people in other households.
- Please greet each other and clergy at several feet away, with a wave
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Shabbat programs will double as prayerbooks and be available upon arrival.
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It's BYO if you choose to wear a kippah/yalmulke
- If we are lucky enough to have a sunny day, plan for a hat and sunglasses.
- Should you need a restroom, use the side stairwell door at the corner of the building (near the handicapped parking spaces) and use the elevator or stairway to reach the lower level restrooms.
With all of these protocols taken care of, do your best to bring your ruach/spirit!
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RS Gun Violence Prevention Task Force |
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Wednesday, May 19 via Zoom at 6:00pm—Lt. Gov. John Fetterman
Thursday, May 20 via Zoom at 6:00pm—State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta
Attend these two important presentations with public officials who will share their points of view on this critical issue.
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Annual Congregational Meeting |
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Wednesday, May 26 at 7:00pm via Zoom
Join together virtually for the Annual Congregational Meeting when our new Board of Directors is installed
and hear our vision for the path forward. Check next month to hear about our new Board of Advisors members!
Celebrate our Hineni recipients, who will receive their awards virtually this evening. This year's
recipients are being honored for their work in Breaking Bread on Broad, Gun Violence Prevention, and creating profound connections online. The recipients include: Susan Behr; Lisa, Levi, and Ethan Dubroff;
Melanie Hsu; Anna Hughes; Ned Hanover; and Doug Rosenblum.
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Upcoming Anti-Racism Opportunities |
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Bystander Intervention Training to Stop Police
Monday, May 24 from 6:00-7:00pm
Sponsored Violence and Anti-Black Racist Harassment, this training offers attendees information on how to safely intervene in the face of police violence and anti-black racism. Register here.
Anti-Racism Work Group Session
Thursday, May 27 at 7:00pm
Discuss both the RS Greeting Workshop, as well as the Bystander Training, at an Anti-Racism Work Group session. Join the Zoom here.
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Wish Cantor Glassman Farewell |
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Thursday, June 3 at 11:00am, 1:30pm, and 4:00pm in-person
Here’s your opportunity to see Cantor Glassman in person and wish her well on her new professional success - in advance of her move to Temple Kol Ami in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she begins her new cantor position on July 1.
Sign up below for an informal gathering in the Forman Family Courtyard. Masks required. Capacity is limited to ten attendees per time slot. Adults only.
Please note registration is required; no walk-ins. Enter through the Green St. entrance. Contact Alyssa Geller for information or with questions.
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Join Together for Shabbat & Virtual Torah Study
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with Jennifer James, Dir. of Youth Ed.
Saturday, May 22, 9:15am via Zoom
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Saturday, May 22, 9:45am via Zoom
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Saturday, May 22, 11:30am via Zoom
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Equality & Voting Rights: Who Needs Them? |
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Thursday, June 3 at 7:00pm
Engage with a panel of passionate LGBTQ advocates discussing the urgent need to pass the Equality Act. The panel will include Heshie Zinman, member of the Governor’s Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, Aaron Tax, Director of Advocacy for SAGE USA, and other attorneys.
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Friends & Food & Jewish Cookbooks |
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Sunday, June 6 at 11:00am
Choose a recipe from a Joan Nathan cookbook (or joannathan.com), make recipe and evaluate it, then join on Zoom, invite a friend, and share good food, recipes, and friendship.
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Upcoming Opportunities to Engage
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Click the event title links to join the Zoom
Wednesday, May 19
6:00pm: Gun Violence Prevention Task Force with Lt. Gov. John Fetterman; Register here
Thursday, May 20
6:00pm: Gun Violence Prevention Task Force with State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta; Register here
Friday, May 21
Saturday, May 22
Sunday, May 23
9:30am: Last Day of Berkman Mercaz Limud
Monday, May 24
8:00pm: Adult Beginner Hebrew
Tuesday, May 25
Wednesday, May 26
8:30am: Morning Minyan with Mourner's Kaddish; RSVP to Tomas Isakowitz for Zoom information 7:00pm: Annual Congregational Meeting; Register here
Thursday, May 27
Friday, May 28
Saturday, May 29
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Join With Others Who Are Converting to Judaism |
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A newly-formed Conversion Excursion group will meet on Saturdays after Torah Study to explore what it means to choose a Jewish life. Reach out to Rachel Arledge or Hann Flite with questions.
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Breaking Bread on Broad Diaper Drive |
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Thank you to our congregants Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab, Lisa Dubroff, and Lisa Kagel for creating a highly-topical discussion on “Hungry to Learn," addressing food insecurity on college campuses and how we can take action together. Click here to watch the event video.
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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Help Each Other Get Vaccinated |
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Vaccine Information
For Philadelphia residents:
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Individuals can walk-up for a vaccine, schedule online, or by calling 3-1-1. Individuals will need to show proof of residency (piece of mail will suffice) OR proof of employment in the city (work ID, work schedule, pay stub), but do not need to have an ID. No one will be asked about their immigration status. This site is using the Pfizer vaccine, which is two doses with three weeks in between.
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Center City Vaccine Center (through May 26)
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Pennsylvania Convention Center, 100 N. 12th Street (12th and Arch Streets)
- Walk-up availability is from 8:00 am—4:00 pm, seven days a week
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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Zoe Lallas, daughter of Costa Lallas & Rebecca Jaslow, on her Bat Mitzvah
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Benjamin Miller, son of Stephanie & Michael Miller, on his Bar Mitzvah
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Carol Sacks & Bruce Lockman on their marriage
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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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Recipes from the Jewish Family Children's Service (JFCS) Kitchen Cookbook
Proceeds benefit food insecurity and kitchen programs. Purchase here to support JFCS .
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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