purim 5k “run With the rabbi” Brings temple congregation together in

cOMMUnITY news
purim 5k “run With the rabbi” Brings temple
congregation together in a New Way
By Jill shaRpe
S
ome of the runners who participated in temple
Kol Ami Emanuel’s first annual 5K Purim Run came dressed
in costume. Others just came to try and outrun the Rabbi.
Everyone who participated had a good time and many said they
can’t wait to do it again next year.
Temple Kol Ami Emanuel is an almost 40 year old synagogue but
their new Rabbi is all about doing new things to appeal to congregants in today’s world.
Part of that effort is to
provide different ways to
bring the congregation
together. It’s a recipe
that’s definitely appealing to many as more
than 600 congregants
participated in the 5K
event on March 16th.
“We’re redefining
what a synagogue
means,” said Rabbi
Howard Needleman.
“An event like this is
also beneficial because
it’s about encouraging
healthy bodies.”
This year Jon
Williams came in first
place overall in the
men’s category. Caryn
Lubetsky placed first
Rabbi Needleman making his way to the
overall for the women.
top of the rock wall at the Purim Carnival
Jorge Lopez was the top
master male runner and
Abby Wilentz was the
top master female runner. Rabbi Needleman
and his wife Beth were
awarded first place in
the Rabbinical category.
All together the
temple awarded more
than 500 medals, gave
out 450 t-shirts and
handed out 500 goodie
bags. All of the net
proceeds were donated
to kids programming,
special needs programming, and to need-based
early childhood scholarships at Temple Kol Ami
Emanu-El in memory of
16-year-old Harry Narkes
who died in a car acciBeth Needleman and Tracy Kahn
dent almost 10 years ago.
Immediately following the run, participants enjoyed the tradition
of the temple’s annual Purim Carnival. Complete with food trucks,
bounce houses, rock climbing walls, carnival games, face painting, pony rides and a magician there was never a dull moment.
Everyone had a blast from start to finish.
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May 2014 | plantation town tiMes
Rabbi Needleman at the starting
line with the youth of TKAE
Rabbi Needleman surrounded by TKAE’s youth
and his children, Abby & Noah Needleman
(L-R) Cantor Mark Goldman, Rabbi
Howard Needleman, Executive
Director of TKAE Dvir Weiss
Laurie Jennings with the top 3 girl runners
during the medal presentations
An excited runner at the finish line
Two Hamentashen crossing the finish line
Ofir Weiss at the finish
The festivities continue after the race at
the annual TKAE Purim Carnival