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The Pulse of Our Congregation July 2009

In this Issue

Looking Ahead

Leyv Ha-Ir Elects New Slate of Officers

July 2009 Activities

Message from Rabbi Julie

Kudos to Marci Fleet

Classified: Let Jack-of-All-Trades Help You Get Things Done


 

Looking Ahead

BAGELS & BOOKS
August 30, 2009, 11AM
Location to be announced
Rabbi Julie will lead our annual "One Book, One Community" group discussion on "The Flying Camel" - essays on Identity of Women of North African & Middle Eastern Jewish Heritage - edited by Loolwa Khazoon. Copies may be obtained from Amazon.com, used copies starting at $10. Get your hands on a copy and join our lively discussion and delicious brunch.


Marking Life Cycle Events

Making a financial contribution to Congregation Leyv Ha-Ir is a great way to mark special life events, simchas, yahrzeits, etc. We are happy to send an acknowledgement of your contribution to a designee of your choice. Contributions can be sent to our regular P.O. Box address, or contact Evy Simon, at 215-561-7474 or evylhi@hotmail.com, if you'd like to have an acknowledgement card sent.

Thank you.


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Dear Friends and Members of Leyv Ha-Ir~Heart of the City,

"People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child -- our own two eyes. All is a miracle." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh~

I would like to share with you three events I attended since the last newsletter. Wake Up Yoga sponsored a workshop entitled Legalizing Love (Legalizing Love). This workshop was premised on the belief that with good intention, the practice of Yoga can inform the human rights discussion about Equal Marriage Rights. I would like to see our congregation adopt marriage rights as a spiritual journey, not merely a political cause.

Second, I attended the annual meeting of Leyv Ha-Ir~Heart of the City, in which we had frank conversations about the future of finances and leadership in our congregation. The congregation approved a challenging budget which will sustain us for several years. More amazingly, we had more volunteers step forward to become part of our board of directors. I am so excited about working with this larger more diverse group of volunteers. Stay tuned this fall as we publicize the first Sibyl Cohen lecture on the role of women in Judaism and our event to honor the seven year covenant more deeply connecting our congregation with Rabbi Julie Greenberg.

Finally, I attended a Luncheon at the Haddington Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia in memory of my mother. I was touched by this community and their connection to my mom whom they never met. I understand that there will have to be sacrifices during these difficult economic times. I hope that we do not resolve these dilemmas on the backs of our community libraries.

I opened this letter with a quote from Ticht Nhat Hanh, a great teacher from another spiritual tradition. I could have easily quoted Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, who said of his march on Selma that he felt his legs were praying. During difficult times, the cure for our challenges is often community. The miracle of bringing this cure is walking together.

Michael Meketon, President
Leyv Ha-Ir ~ Heart of the City


  • Leyv Ha-Ir Elects New Slate of Officers
  • At the annual meeting, held June 7th, the slate of officers was voted upon. The slate voted in is as follows:
    President, Michael Meketon
    Vice-President, Evy Simon
    Vice-President, Beverly Hayden
    Treasurer, Polly Gussman
    Secretary, Iris Newman
    Members at Large:
    Susan Thompson
    Roby Jacobs
    Myrna Schlanger
    Marci Fleet

    Recognition must be given to Sol Volk, Assistant Treasurer, who has watched over our finances. He will continue to assist Polly Gussman.

    There are several committees that are in need of help. Publicity, Tikkun Olam, Education, etc. If you wish to help and join, please contact Michael Meketon.

  • July 2009 Activities
  • Sat - July 4- 2009
    Independence Day

    Sat - July 11- 2009, 10:00 AM
    Annual Shabbat Morning Service in NJ
    A meaningful lay-led service, followed by a wonderful pot-luck lunch, followed by a walk to the pond to watch and feed the ducks. What could be better??? Held at Myrna Schlanger's home in Cherry Hill. Call Myrna at 856-495-6956 to tell her what you will furnish for lunch and if you need directions to her home.

    Fri - July 17 - 2009, 6:30 PM
    Home Services/Dinner
    We'll meet at a congregant's home for a lay-led service and pot-luck veggie/dairy dinner.

    Wed - July 29 - 2009, 8:00 PM
    Tisha B'Av Service
    Join us at a congregant's home as the Book of Lamentations will be chanted.


    As part of the Kehillah of Center City we are invited to attend all of the events that are sponsored by the Kehillah and our larger community. To learn more about these events, check out the link to Center City Kehillah.

    Click here for a complete look at Congregation Leyv Ha-Ir activities for the upcoming two months.
  • Message from Rabbi Julie
  • Hello Dear Chevre,

    I am basking in the afterglow of our special Bar Mitzvah weekend. Thanks to all of you who helped make it such a memorable time for Joey and our family. Your presence and beautiful words and astounding generosity meant so much to me. Joey will be writing thank-you cards but in the meantime I wanted to share my gratitude for you as a true community of blessing.

    Thanks,
    Julie

    Photo: Dove, Joey's father, Joey and Rabbi Julie

    Read more from Rabbi Julie
  • Kudos to Marci Fleet
  • Kudos to our in-house artist, Marci Fleet, who sold two of her recent works. Keep up the splendid work, Marci. We are so proud of you.

  • Classified: Let Jack-of-All-Trades Help You Get Things Done
  • I am available for all forms of jack-of-all-trades, general-purpose work you need done. Please call John Mason at (215) 271-2982. Thanks.

    :: 215-629-1995