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Keeping Up with Kesher Israel | |
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Candle Lighting This Shabbat: 6:49 PM | |
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Join us! We are always looking to strengthen daily minyan.
Sign up for the Minyan Support Whatsapp Group here.
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This Week at Kesher Israel | |
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NEW! People's Pulpit this Shabbos: Dr. Aliza Lavie
Shabbat, September 21
This Shabbat the People's Pulpit following Musaf will be given by Dr. Aliza Lavie, a former Member of the Israeli Knesset, public figure, social entrepreneur, writer, and lecturer. Lavie’s public activity focuses on social and gender equality, the intersection between religion and state, reinforcing the connection between Israel and the Diaspora, and strengthening the image of the State of Israel as Jewish and democratic. She is the recipient of the Outstanding Parliamentary Award for her contributions and the author of five books, including A Jewish Women’s Prayer Book, which won the 2008 National Jewish Book Award. Her latest book is Iconic Jewish Women: Fifty-Nine Inspiring, Courageous, Revolutionary Role Models for Young Girls.
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NEW! Yomim Noraim Class with Rabbi Shafner: Understanding Kol Nidrey on a Deeper Level
Shabbat, September 21, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
The first of Rabbi Shafner's Yomim Noraim classes kicks off this Shabbat with a study of Kol Nidrey. The class will explore the historical and theological reasons for Kol Nidrey and what it can teach us about teshuvah (repentance). All levels welcome.
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High Holiday Tickets Now on Sale
We look forward to ushering in 5785 together as a community! To secure your seat, visit our 2024 High Holiday Portal. Get you tickets now through tonight, Tuesday, September 17th to access a special early bird price. The final deadline for reservations is 9:00 AM Thursday, September 26th.
While the High Holiday season is a critical fundraising time for our shul, Kesher Israel is committed to providing a place for every Jewish person to have a place to pray. All requests for special financial consideration are handled privately and discretely. Please contact our Director of Operations, Laura Kamer-Israel (202-333-2337) for assistance.
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NEW! Last Week to Order Arba Minim
The deadline to order Arba Minim is Monday, September 30th. Place your order here.
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Kesher High Holiday Portal
Spending the high holidays at Kesher? The High Holiday Portal is your one stop shop! The portal contains all the important details regarding spending the chagim at Kesher. Be sure to visit kesher.org/highholidays. You’ll be able to find service times, class schedules, and relevant halakhot. And stay tuned for more information
on programming, babysitting, and more!
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High Holiday Classes
Get ready for the High Holidays with a new series of classes by Rabbi Shafner.
Yomim Noraim Class with Rabbi Shafner: Understanding Ne'elah, Yom Kippur's end, on a Deeper Level
Saturday, September 28, 2024 • 25 Elul 5784
5:15 PM - 6:15 PM
In this study we will explore the historical and theological reasons for Ne'elah and what it can teach us about teshuvah (repentance). All levels welcome.
Rabbi Shafner's Shabbat Shuvah Drasha: Fasting as a Jewish and Universal Path to Enlightenment and Repentance
Saturday, October 5, 2024 4:45 PM - 6:15 PM
Fasting on Yom Kippur can be difficult. Why is it so central to Yom Kippur? How can we make it productive?
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High Holiday Food Drive with the Capital Kosher Pantry
Kesher is partnering with Yad Yehuda of Greater Washington and the Capital Kosher Pantry to help stock their shelves before the chaggim. From Sunday, September 15th through Sunday, September 22nd, a box will be available in the shul lobby to drop off donations. Please email Miriam Cleeman at chesed@kesher.org with any questions.
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NEW! Scholar in Residence Rachel Cohen
Shabbat September 27-28
Kesher Scholar in Residence Rachel Cohen is scheduled to come to town for the Shabbat of 9/27-9/28. She will be speaking several times, including on the topic of Taharat Hamishpacha, and she will be available to meet with congregants.
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NEW! Sephardi Selihot and Sephardi Minyan Schedule
Join us at Kesher Israel for Minḥa/Qabbalat Shabbat with the Sephardic. Minyan at Kesher, featuring melodies from across the Sephardi world.
Minḥa/Qabbalat Shabbat services will be taking place in the social hall on:
Friday, September 27 at 6:25 PM
We also invite you to join us for Seliḥot with the Sephardic Minyan at Kesher. Your melodious participation is warmly welcome! Refreshments will be provided.
Seliḥot will be taking place on:
Sunday, September 22nd at 5:30 PM
Sunday, September 29th at 5:25 PM
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The Simchat Torah Project
This year, Kesher will be participating in the Simchat Torah project, an initiative to commemorate October 7. We will have a new me’il on one of our Sifrei Torah with the name of someone killed on October 7. This will help us bridge the mourning we continue to experience for last year’s tragedies with the simcha of the holiday. If you are interested in donating to the me’il, please use this link to do so.
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NEW! Kesher Shot Glasses
Complimentary Kesher shot glasses for our whole community. Don’t for get to take one!
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DC Mikvah Needs Volunteers!
The National Capital Mikvah is in need of more volunteers. If you are a married lady, and are interested in volunteering as a shomeret, please reach out to president@dcmikvah.org.
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Looking for DC Kosher Volunteer Mashgichim
DC kosher is looking for a few more volunteer mashgichim to check a place once a week. Let Rabbi Shafner know if you are interested.
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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!
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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
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Hiring Shabbat Club Leader
Kesher is looking to hire someone to lead our Shabbat morning group, weekly from 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, for 1-2 year olds. Classes cover basic tefilot and a short discussion of the weekly parsha. Contact info@kesher.org if you are interested.
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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).
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NEW! Shabbat Afternoon Frisbee Club
The Shabbat Afternoon Frisbee Club is looking for more members! Join the SAFC Facebook group and reach out to Zach Terner if you have questions.
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NEW! The Spirit of Georgetown
Tuesday, October 8, 6-8:30 PM
Location provided upon RSVP
The Spirit of Georgetown is happening on Tuesday, October 8 from 6:00 PM
until 8:30 PM! RSVP by September 30th to join the festivities. This year's
honoree, Abbe Lowell, a Kesher congregant, is a pillar of the GMC Community.
A welcoming face to our guests as they enter the Drop-In Center & leader on
our Board of Director. Get to know Abbe, and why he supports Georgetown
Ministry Center!
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NEW! Prayer for a French Republic
Edlavitch Jewish Community Center of Washington, DC, October 30, 2024 — November 24, 2024
A new-play favorite on Broadway and 2024 Best Play Tony Award® Nominee, Joshua Harmon’s Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle award-winning epic family drama breaks open the global question “Where are we safe?”
The Kesher community can use the code KESHER18 for 18% off of their ticket here.
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NEW! 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
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Rosh Hashana Treats Available for Order
Sticky Fingers Bakery is offering apple crumb loafs and round challahs for pre-order. The facility is under STAR-K Kosher certification, and all its baked goods are dairy, egg, and nut free.
Apple Crumb Loaf $16
Round Challah $13
Available for pickup 9/29 – 10/5
Pickup locations:
314 Carroll St., NW (Takoma neighborhood)
51 M St. NE, inside of Streets Market (NoMa neighborhood).
Sticky Fingers Bakery, led by award-winning vegan pastry chef and two-time Cupcake Wars champion, Doron Petersan, is your destination for plant-based sweets. From Bake-It-Yourself and Decorate-It-Yourself kits to ready-to-eat cookies, brownies, and cupcakes, Sticky Fingers has something for every occasion. Its treats are available for nationwide shipping, in stores across the country, and for local delivery.
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All classes made possible through the Dr. H. Harold Gelfand Memorial Institute of Adult Education | |
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Sunday Bagels and Parsha
Sundays, following Shacharit
Come for breakfast...stay for some learning about the upcoming weekly Torah portion.
More information here.
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Daily Halakhah with Rabbi Shafner
Monday-Friday, between Mincha and Maariv, at Kesher and via WhatsApp
Rabbi Shafner’s Daily Halakhah takes place live in Shul between Mincha and Maariv each day, or you can tune in to it on the WhatsApp group by clicking here.
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Nosh & Learn for Young Professionals
Tuesdays, 8:00 PM, Kesher Social Hall
Calling all Young Professionals! Join us Tuesday night in the Social Hall for our new class on the weekly parsha: Nosh & Learn! Please contact Maddie Dahl or Kennedy Lee with any questions.
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Basic Judaism
Thursdays, 7:00 PM, via ZOOM
An In-Depth Overview of Jewish Law and Practice with Rabbi Shafner. Not just for beginners!
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Daily Daf Yomi Shiur
For more information, please contact Alan. All instances via ZOOM
- Monday - Thursday, 9:00 PM
- Friday, 8:00 AM
- Saturday shortly after Shabbat, varies based on Havdalah
- Sunday, 9:00 AM
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Mezuzot for the IDF
MyZuzah is working directly with the IDF Rabbinate to check and replace all the mezuzah klafim on all of the IDF installations across Israel. Help protect Israeli soldiers by sponsoring mezuzahs for an IDF base: https://www.myzuzah.org/idf/.
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Message from Rabbi Shafner
See Rabbi Shafner's message regarding his travels in Israel here.
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Shields of Steel Fundraiser
Hi everyone -- my name is Dylan Redfield. I usually live on Q Street and daven at Kesher, but on October 7th after my IDF reserve unit was called I got on the first plane and have been here in Israel fighting since.
A lot of our gear is worn out and obsolete and as we fight every day we also are trying to get equipped with up to par gear. Right now we are raising money to replace our helmets that are literally from the Vietnam War. This link provides a tax free donation through the organization Shields of Steel that has been doing incredible work equipping units all over the country with helmets and body armor.
Every donation to Team 8103 (our unit number) helps us reach our goal. Please help us defend this land that we all love:
https://givebutter.com/RvKZYL/8103-helmets-against-hezbollah
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Israel Crisis Fund
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington stands in solidarity with Israel and is coordinating with our partners in the region to provide real-time humanitarian assistance, as we have for decades and during every conflict.
We are grateful to our partners on the ground, including The Jewish Agency for Israel, the Israel Trauma Coalition, JDC, World ORT, and more for their lifesaving and life-changing work during this crisis, as well as to the hundreds of Greater Washington community members who have already donated to our Israel Crisis Fund.
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If you are new to the community, we'd like to welcome you and make Kesher your new home. Tell us about yourself! Fill out this brief form, let us know who you are and how we can help you settle in. Email the Welcome Committee for more information or with any questions!
SAP and Tuesday Digest
Have something to share in the SAP or the Tuesday Weekly Digest? Email announcements@kesher.org by 5 PM Wednesday (SAP) or by 5 PM Sunday (Digest).
Rabbi
Rabbi Shafner is always available to meet with congregants or answer any questions they have and he loves doing it. Feel free to email, message, call or text him (202-867-7287) any time to meet. For immediate matters or immediate halachic questions, please text or call him, and if he does not answer leave a message and he will call you back.
Hospitality
If you have an extra place at your table for Shabbat, please put yourself down for a week on this spreadsheet so we can accommodate those who need a Shabbat meal. Thank you!
Kelim Mikvah
Please respect the privacy of women using the mikvah by not using the kelim (utensil) mikvah after sundown.
Sponsor Kiddush!
We provide kiddush every week for the congregation, with or without sponsors. Help support us by contributing to our kiddush fund. No donation is too small! Email info@kesher.org for more information about kiddush sponsorship.
Looking for Leiners
As a reminder to all the gentlemen in the community who attend the 9:00 AM minyan on Shabbos morning, the leining sign up is found at kesher.org/leining and we are looking for more Leiners! Signing up for even 1 Aliyah is helpful!
Support our Security
Support Kesher Israel's security programs by contributing to our Security Fund or applying to volunteer with Kesher's Community Security Service (CSS) team! Please contact security@kesher.org with any questions
Submit a Name to our Cholim List
To submit a name to be included on Kesher's Misheberach List, please fill out the self-service form at kesher.org/Cholim.
Have an idea for an event?
Do you have a great idea for an event? Is there an event you would like to see happen at Kesher but don't know where to begin? Fill out our event suggestion form here and see your idea possibly come to life!
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