Recent Programs
Strangers and Neighbors Event at the JCC
A most unique community event took place in the Harrisburg JCC on Thursday evening, September 25th. In a wonderful display of communal unity, the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, many local Jewish organizations, every local Jewish house of worship, as well as the Catholic Diocese of greater Harrisburg co-sponsored an exciting community lecture and book signing featuring Dr. Maria Poggi Johnson.
In 2006, Dr. Johnson wrote Strangers and Neighbors -- a memoir of her family's experiences of enjoying their devout Catholic life right in the middle of what she had not realized was the hub of Scranton, PA's Orthodox Jewish community. Her talk was humorous, heart-warming, and delightfully thought-provoking.
Hundreds of people representing a broad spectrum of both the Jewish & non-Jewish communities of Harrisburg filled the Mary Sachs auditorium at the JCC to hear Dr. Maria Poggi Johnson relate the story behind her observation: "I am, and will remain, a Christian, but I am a rather different Christian now than I was before." Dr. Johnson's "down-to-Earth" presentation and lively question and answer session, made everyone think, laugh, and view all of our neighbors in a different light.
A special thanks to the evening's co-sponsors:
The Rabbi David L. Silver Yeshiva Academy, The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, Jewish Family Service of Greater Harrisburg, Beth El Temple, Chisuk Emuna Congregation, Kesher Israel Congregation, Temple Beth Shalom, Temple Ohev Sholom, The Religion and Society Center, The Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, and the Giant Food Store on Linglestown Rd.
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Kesher Israel's Annual "Supper in the Succah"
On Sunday night, October 19th, Kesher Israel Congregation hosted its annual "Supper in the Succah" to raise money for its programming fund.
This year's event was entitled "Sawdust in the Succah" as it celebrated the musical talent of KI's own Quincy Rogers who performed selections from his recently released CD entitled "Sawdust: A Poet's Treasure."
Everyone had a marvelous time at the fun-filled Western themed night-out. One happy attendee commented that, "the only thing missing was a mechanical bull!"
KI sincerely thanks Quincy for making this evening a fun-filled success.
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Kesher Israel Congregation Welcomes Torah Tours to Harrisburg
The conclusion of the holiday of Succos was greatly enhanced by the presence of eight energetic college students, who joined Kesher Israel through Yeshiva University's Torah Tour program.
Aside from livening up K.I.'s services, the Torah Tours team did an excellent job at preparing and delivering thoughtful words of Torah at K.I.'s numerous holiday events. The students also did a great job at just meeting, greeting, and shmoozing with everyone in the shul. The positive feedback has been wonderful.
Kesher Israel Congregation sincerely thanks:
Mr. Bobby Snyder for sponsoring this program
The Salkin, Males, & Frankston-Morris, families for hosting and feeding everyone
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Yeshiva University's Rabbi Ronald Schwarzberg Visits KI
On Monday, October 27th. the membership of Kesher Israel enjoyed an exciting opportunity to meet and work together with Rabbi Ronald Schwarzberg of Yeshiva University's Center for the Jewish Future.
Rabbi Schwarzberg, his assistant Rabbi Elly Krimsky, and Ms. Keren Simon spent much of the day with KI. The purpose of their visit was to help facilitate a conversation wherein we began to chart a vision of how the shul would like to proceed for the next 3-5 years.
A hands-on "working" meeting took place at KI wherein all KI members were urged to share the hopes they have for the congregation. This opportunity to help shape the shul's game plan for the coming years was greatly appreciated by all who attended.
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KI's November Scholar In Residence
Kesher Israel Congregation was excited to welcome Rabbi Hanoch Teller of Jerusalem, Israel as our Scholar In Residence for the first Shabbos in November.
Rabbi Hanoch Teller is a globe-trotting modern-day maggid (traveling preacher skilled as a narrator of Torah and religious stories). His messages have educated, inspired, and uplifted his audiences all over the world. Young and old, from every walk of life, flock to hear this gifted, award-winning orator, producer and educator speak on a wide range of subjects.
The entire community enjoyed Rabbi Teller's six captivating presentations.
KI thanks Rabbi Barry & Sandy Nussbaum, Jon & Oleasa Salkin, the Frankston-Morris Family, Layala Males, Ricki Gold, and Marcy Flicker for their help in planning, hosting, and coordinating this wonderful weekend.
This program was made possible by the Snyder Family Friendship Fund and the generosity of:
The Frankston-Morris Family
Mark & Jill Brodsky
Jon & Oleasa Salkin
Charles & Eunyce Press
Quincy & Kathleen Rogers
Ellis & Ann Rosenberg
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KI and the 2008 US Presidential Campaign
Prior to the Fall 2008 US Presidential elections, Kesher Israel hosted two very informative presentations wherein a high profile Jewish representative of each campaign visited KI to speak about their party's candidates.
On Thursday, October 23rd. KI was privilaged to welcome US Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland to represent the Obama-Biden ticket.
On Sunday, November 2nd. KI was privilaged to welcome Governor Linda Lingle of Hawaii to represent the McCain-Palin ticket.
Kesher Israel thanks Joel Hervitz for working on this fair and balanced program so energeticaly.
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Mark Powers is once again hard at work organizing KI's yearly show of appreciation to our local firefighter's - a full Thanksgiving dinner served to them down at their station house!
3) There is an urgent need for our congregation to update & enhance our ability to administer First Aid. Please consider donating to KI's First Responder's Fund.
