We recently learned that 5 of our members were recognized by JFCS (Jewish Family and Children's Services) for their volunteerism. Beverly Hayden, Evy Simon, Heidi George, Karen Zeitz and Patricia Saddier volunteer their time on Fridays delivering challahs for Shabbat to hospital patients. They've all been doing this for years and find it to be a rewarding and satisfying mitzvah. How do each of you give back to your community, whether it be Leyv Ha-Ir or our larger community? Let us know of your volunteer achievements and we would be pleased to publicize them.

Yasher koach to these wonderful women who enrich their own lives as well as the lives of others!

Bobbi, Roby and Iris N.

Our new fundraising campaign, which was discussed at the annual meeting, has been launched. We thank the generous donors who already pledged our matching donations. 

Please check your email for further information. We need everyone's participation, to whatever extent you can, to carry our community forward. Thank you in advance.

May These Souls be Bound in the Book of Eternal Light:

We have been approached by an active mentoring program to find folks in our congregation who might want to join in. You would be working with 2 children  in the city schools, spending about 45 minutes with each child, meeting weekly with the same two children (back to back).

The schools involved are:

• Spring Garden 12th & Melon, near RS, easy parking right out front.
• Nebinger 6th & Carpenter, easy street parking, nice neighborhood.
• Childs 16th & Wharton, street parking.
• Kearny 6th & Fairmount, parking in school lot or street.

The MENTOR program is holding a meeting on Wednesday, 13 June, 6pm, at Rodeph Shalom, for volunteers and prospective volunteers.  If you would like to attend please call Sharon Spinrad with any questions; 215-735-0797.

Dear Chevre, 

As revealed at our Annual Meeting, this year we will read the trilogy Rashi's Daughters, by Maggie Anton, for our One Book, One Congregation program. These books, which are meticulously researched historical novels, are set in eleventh century France. Each book focuses on one of the three daughters of the famous Jewish scholar known to us as Rashi. Reading them will immerse you in the day-to-day life of medieval Jewry and expose you to many fascinating Talmud texts. I loved reading these books! You can read any amount, from one chapter to all three books and then join in the Bagels and Books discussion scheduled for August 26 (see calendar for details). I'm excited about sharing this wonderful reading. 

Love and Blessings, 

Rabbi Julie 

Leyv Ha-Ir's loved member, and friend of many, left us April 5, 2012.  A memorial service was held Sunday, May 27 at our home, Ethical Society of Philadelphia.  The auditorium was filled to capacity as family members and friends regaled her memory with stories of her adventures and exploits. Susan wanted no sadness as part of her memorial service and it was upheld. Rabbi Julie led and choir sang a favorite song of Susan's - "Sending You Light".

The photo of Susan, wearing a Statue of Liberty hat, was taken at our Purim Service on March 4 of this year.  Susan died a month later!  We will all miss you. 

Rabbi Julie, leading Shavuot services, May 27, 2012.  As part of the Yizkor service, the assembled broke into groups to share memories of departed family members. 

The conclusion of services was followed by a delicious cheese cake and other great dairy goodies! 

During the Center City Reconstructionist Synagogue's first Rosh Hashanah service in September, 1990, Rabbi Jeff Eisenstat called a group aliyah for people who had never had an aliyah. A large flock of women came to the Torah, and Rabbi Jeff realized that we needed a b'not mitzvah class. In September, 1991, the class was organized with 7 women. After many classes and and a great number of discussions, we had a group ceremony on May 30, 1992, with much joy for the seven and our nearest and dearest.

Afterwards, Bernice Kates took a different Jewish path, but six of us took active roles in the congregation. Sylvia Goloff and Susan Singer eventally passed away. Roby Jacobs and Beverly Hayden each became President and are still machers. Iris Cutler sings in the choir and provides words of wisdom.  I seem to be Secretary for life. Following in our footsteps, there have been three (?) other b'nai mitzvah ceremonies and one Simchat Hochmah, and those participants remain valuable members.

Normally, Rabbi Julie will conduct baby namings, weddings and funerals for LHI members (paid-up and listed on our membership roster) at no charge. During her sabbatical, LHI will underwrite the cost for someone to lead any of these events that arise. If Rabbi Julie is available at the time, she may do so. Otherwise, we will help the family select from a list of others, including Jessi Roemer and local rabbis.

Counseling

Rabbi Julie provides counseling to LHI members. During her sabbatical, she will continue to counsel those she already has been helping, if she is available.  Otherwise, our Chesed Committee members will try to help members locate appropriate support resources.

To Post a Message - just send an email to leyvhair@npogroups.org.

Leyv Ha-Ir Event Postings - will be posted by Beverly Hayden using the information on our web calendar.

Other Event Postings - You can post information about other events or information of interest by sending an email to leyvhair@npogroups.org.

Contact Beverly or Bobbi if there are questions about the listserv.