בס׳׳ד

November 12, 2024

Keeping Up with Kesher Israel

11 Cheshvan 5785

This Week! Scholar in Residence: Rabbi Alex Israel

Shabbat, November 16 at Kesher Israel

Join a catered Shabbat lunch/lecture on 11/16 at Char Bar. Registration is required by Thursday 11/14.The topic will be Lot: Saint or Sinner. Click here to register.

Rabbi Alex Israel is an educator and international lecturer. He teaches at Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi and Midreshet Lindenbaum, and is a program director from the Rabbi Sacks Legacy. Rav Alex records a daily 929 podcast- The Tanach Project. Born and raised in London, Rabbi Alex made Aliyah in 1991 and received Semicha from the Israeli Chief Rabbinate following several years of study at Yeshivat Har Etzion. Rabbi Israel holds degrees from London Schoool of Economics, the Institute of Eduction, London, and from Bar Ilan University. His books on Sefer Melakhin have been received enthusiastically by teacher and laypeople alike.

Additional Opportunities to hear from Rabbi Israel

• Friday Night: Finding God in the Face of a Stranger
• Shabbat morning: Wrestling with the Akeida
• Shaleshudes: How Rabbi Sacks Read Bereshit

NEW! Sephardic Shaharit Minyan

Shabbat, November 16 at 8 AM in the Bayit

Shabbat Shaḥarit, featuring melodies from across the Sephardi world. The Sephardic morning minyan will take place Shabbat morning, November 16 at 8 AM in the Bayit for Parasha Vayera.

NEW! Wine in the Shul

Shabbat, November 15 at 7 PM in the Social Hall

NEW! Rabbi Sacks Global Day of Learning

Sunday, November 17 at 5:30 PM at Kesher Israel

Join us for a learning event at Kesher Israel Congregation in memory of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, as part of The Rabbi Sacks Global Day of Learning, on

November 17, 2024 at 5:30pm in the social hall.

The 4th yarhzeit of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks זצ׳׳ל will be on 21 November 2021 (20 Cheshvan 5785). To mark this, The Rabbi Sacks Legacy Trust is inviting individuals, families, schools, organizations and communities from around the world to come together to remember the impact Rabbi Sacks made on the Jewish world and beyond, and to learn and teach some of his Torah. Whether you are very familiar with Rabbi Sacks' teachings or not as much, all are welcome to come and have discussions about the Torah concepts he made so accessible and applicable to our 21st century world.

Please contact Winston Ashley at awinley@gmail.com with any questions you may have.

NEW! Holiday Basket Delivery with JSSA's Holocaust Survivors Program

Kesher will be partnering with the Jewish Social Services Agency's Holocaust Survivors Program to deliver Thanksgiving baskets to Holocaust survivors and elderly residents in DC on Sunday, November 24th. If you're interested in participating, either as an individual or in a group, please email Miriam Cleeman at chesed@kesher.org.

NEW! Torah for Klal Yisrael

Wednesday, November 20 at 7:15 PM at Kesher

All levels are welcome. We will learn Gemara Berachot together for the merit of the soldiers, the hostages and all the Jewish people.  We will start with guided chavruta (partner study) learning followed by a short Sheur (class) from Rabbi Shafner on the Gemara based on the writing of Rav Kook. More information here.

Basic Judaism Course

Thursday, November 21 at 8 PM on Zoom

This crash course on Judaism is designed to provide an overview of the history of Judaism, its beliefs, practices, and cultural traditions. The course is open to individuals of all backgrounds -- no prior knowledge required. This five-week course will cover topics such as Jewish prayer, Shabbat, customs, and the role of Judaism in the relationships. The course will be taught by Rabbi Hyim Shafner, who will use a variety of teaching methods to engage learners and facilitate an interactive learning experience. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about Judaism and its rich cultural heritage. Register now to secure your spot and to receive free course materials. This course is sponsored by NJOP. The classes will be taking place on 11/21, 12/5, 12/12, and 12/19 at 8:00 PM. Click here for more information and to register for the course.

Kid and Family Hanukkah Celebration: Featuring Mad Scientist Show

Sunday, December 15 at 12 PM at Kesher Israel

Join us for an afternoon of laughter, learning, and lunch! 

Schedule:

12:00 Arrive and grab food

12:30 Mad Scientist show will start/coloring for younger kids

1:30 Schmoozing and coloring

Sign up by 12/1 to get early bird pricing. Click here to register.

Hospitality Listserv

Do you enjoy meeting interesting people? Almost every week, Kesher hosts guests from all around the world looking for Shabbat meals in the community. Join the Hospitality Listserv to be updated about hospitality opportunities. Email kesherhospitality@gmail.com to be added!

Kiddush Volunteers Needed

Kesher is looking for volunteers to assist with preparing for and setting up Kiddush. If you are interested or for more information, please contact info@kesher.org

Help the Scotch Club Keep the L'Chaims Coming

Do you enjoy a l'chaim at Kiddush? The Scotch Club needs your help to replenish our stock. To make a donation, please contact Judah Rose or make a donation

here (include "Scotch Club" in the note).

NEW! Premiere of "Centered: Joe Lieberman"

Sunday, November 17 at the Edlavitch DCJCC

Senator Joseph Lieberman was the first Jewish person to be a Vice Presidential candidate on a major party ticket in the US. He was also a long-time member of Kesher Israel. This timely feature documentary chronicles Lieberman’s extraordinary journey, his family life and history, his 40+ years of public service as a practicing Jew, and the depth of his commitment to American democracy. We are pleased to share a discount code for the Kesher community to attend the premiere of the film's multi-evening run at the JCC. Following the film showing (77 minutes) there will be a panel on anti-Semitism and the impact of Senator Lieberman's faith with film director Jonathan Gruber, Rabbi Daniel Cohen of Congregation Agudath Shalom (Stamford, CT), and Rev. Dr. Benjamin Chavis.

Bikur Cholim of Greater Washington (BCGW) invites you to the annual Hope and Healing Gala

Honoring: 

Melanie Fleisher, Board Excellence Award

Marsha Liss, Volunteer Impact Award

Nir and Gilat Miller and family, Compassion Circle Award

Rabbi Elie Gayer, Decade of Dedication Award

Location: Beth Sholom Congregation in Potomac

Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Please Register HERE

Sunday Bagels and Parsha

Sundays, following Shacharit

Come for breakfast...stay for some learning about the upcoming weekly Torah portion.

More information here.