Spring 2015

THE VO ICE
OF KOL EMET
Spring 201 5
FROM THE PRESIDENT
In This Issue...
ANDREW FINKLE
[email protected]
I
INSTALLATION OF RABBI ANNA BOSWELL­LEVY
APRIL 24 & 25
would like to use my space this issue to cordially invite the entire community to the Installation
and Gala weekend commemorating and celebrating Rabbi Anna Boswell­Levy as the Rabbi of
Congregation Kol Emet. Rabbi Anna leads our community into the future with calm, compassion,
poise and vision – capturing our minds, our hearts and our spirit. Her leadership and teachings
have already helped us become better people and better Jews. So, let’s take this opportunity to
celebrate our new Rabbi and Kol Emet’s future.
We will celebrate from the evening of Friday, April 24th through the evening of Saturday, April
25th. You already received a formal invitation to the Spring Gala, but here is a rundown of the
entire weekends’ events:
Installation Service, Friday, April 24, 7:30 p.m. While officially beginning her tenure last summer,
Rabbi Anna will be formally installed as permanent Rabbi of our congregation. The installation
service will be led by Rabbi Anna, Our own Robert Glatzer will be providing musical
accompaniment for the evening, and with a special guest sermon by one of Rabbi Anna’s
mentors, Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell. For over 3 decades, Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell, PhD. has been
exploring, teaching and writing about spirituality, and working towards creating and sustaining
healthy and open­hearted communities.
Gala Oneg Shabbat, Friday, April 24, approximately 9:00 p.m. Rabbi Anna has invited
congregants to bring their own special baked homemade desserts.
Contemplative Shabbat Service, Saturday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. Spiritual alternative morning
service that will appeal to adults with our special guest congregant, Sherry Hanck.
Spring Gala, Saturday, April 25, 8:00 p.m. We deserve a party, and party we shall have! Come
out and join the festivities at our Spring Gala in honor of Rabbi Anna's Installation. A delicious
dinner will be served, and music will get us all up and dancing. Get your RSVP's in and join the
PARTY!
We also have several installation commemoration opportunities available:
Special Opportunity – Your Spring Gala RSVP has a one­time special opportunity that must be
returned to Lisa Gressen by March 14th ([email protected])
Ad Book – Consider sponsoring an ad for yourself, your family, or your business in the
commemorative installation ad book (contact Ronni Fuchs at [email protected])
Tree of Life – Commemorate Rabbi Anna’s installation with an engraved leaf on our Tree of Life
(contact Bob or Judi in the office – [email protected] or [email protected])
Finally, I would like to give a very special thank you to Amy Hampel and the entire Gala
Committee (which there are many) who volunteered their time to make sure the Gala is an event
not to be missed. The deadline to RSVP is April 7th, but respond today. Don’t miss out!
I hope to see all of you at some point over this very exciting weekend of worship, celebration
and partying.
L’shalom,
Andrew
1
President's Message.........................1
Carrie's Message...............................2
Announcements................................ 3
Pumpkin Challah Recipe.................. 4
Israel Trip........................................... 5
B'nai Mitzvahs................................... 7
Calendar.............................................9
Donations.........................................10
Contact Info..................................... 13
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
THE TIME IS NOW!!
How often have you said, “I’d like to get more
involved at Kol Emet?” Well now is the time to
take action. The Nominating Committee is
looking for YOU!! Kol Emet is bustling with
activity and Rabbi Anna has so much passion
and so many wonderful ideas for our Kol Emet
community. We need your help on the board
and on committees to ensure that Kol Emet
continues to be a thriving and stimulating
Jewish community. Currently we are looking for
Executive Board members and Directors to
represent the following committees:
­ Social Action
­ Fundraising
­ Religious Education
­ Early Education (Pre School)
­ Adult Education
­ Finance
­ Membership
­ Ritual
If you would like to get more involved by joining
any of our committees or by joining the Board
of Directors please contact Melody Katz at
[email protected] by March 14.
Y
ou have heard me say it often – I love my
job! I love watching your children grow. I
enjoy creating programs that are meaningful. I
BY CARRIE SHAMES WALINSKY feel fulfilled when helping people find resources
EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR
and help. Every day brings new adventures,
[email protected]
situations, and of course, laughter. There is
always something new to learn or a milestone to celebrate.
Dr. Saul Wachs, a wonderful professor at Gratz College, always says to me “Carrie, everyone
wants to feel needed.” When you don’t feel needed, you don’t feel useful or appreciated.
Although there are Teacher Appreciation weeks or Secretary Appreciation days, every day
should be a day to celebrate and appreciate the people in your lives and your children’s lives. It is
for this reason we are planning the KOL EMET, FIRST EVER, COMMUNITY HELPERS
APPRECIATION SHABBAT SERVICE. This will be held on Friday March 13th, starting at 7:00pm.
We have invited local teachers, police, firefighters, and government employees into our
congregation to be recognized. Please join us to celebrate and appreciate these community
heroes.
There are many up and coming programs on our school calendar that are worth sharing with
you, our Kol Emet community. Whether you are a member without children in our school or you
are interested in volunteering, I would be honored if you would sign up to help at any event. They
are all engaging and fun! The events we have scheduled so far are:
March 13th at 7:00pm ­ Shabbat service honoring our Community Helpers, the Mechina
Class, Shabbat Across America
March 17th from 4:45pm – 6:45pm ­ Pesach Live! (We could use A LOT of volunteers for this)
March 18th from 4:45pm – 6:45pm ­ Pesach Live! (We could use A LOT of volunteers for this)
March 29th from 10:00am – 12:00pm ­ Iron Chef Charoset and Chocolate Seder
March 31st from 4:45pm – 6:45pm ­ Religious School school­wide Seder
April 21st from 4:45pm – 6:45pm ­ Holocaust Memorial Day
April 22nd from 4:45pm – 6:45pm ­ Holocaust Memorial Day
April 28th from 4:45pm – 6:45pm ­ Religious School Siyyum – Final Project Celebration
April 29th from 4:45pm – 6:45pm ­ Religious School Siyyum – Final Project Celebration
FROM CARRIE
If you have any free time and would like to “pay it forward” we would love to have you join us!
During this school year we have had many wonderful volunteers help in our schools, such as
Carol Bress, Jacki Shapiro, and Nancy Fisher. We also have our amazing aides who volunteer
their time every week by helping in our religious school classrooms. Everyone can make a
difference . . . and you will certainly FEEL and BE much appreciated! We could also use helpers
to post preschool advertisements in local stores. If you are a frequent shopper we would
appreciate your help.
CHEERS TO VOLUNTEERS! Call me (215­493­8522 x4) or email me
([email protected])
SPECIAL PURIM EXCLUSIVE
STORY
SECRET HAMENTASHEN LAB DISCOVERED
UNDER CONGREGATION KOL EMET
BY MORDECHAI GROGGER, SHUSHAN NEWS
WIRE SERVICE
F
ederal investigators have revealed that
they have discovered a massive
underground complex used to research, mix,
and bake extremely delicious and high­priced
hamentashen hidden beneath the Congregation
Kol Emet in Yardley, PA. Hamentashen, the
traditional jam­filled, triangular baked cookie
that Jews enjoy during the holiday of Purim, is
known to have a high sale price especially
around the season of the early spring festival.
FBI agents raided the facility last month after
they were tipped off that a trap door leading into
the underground bunker exists directly
underneath the shed located on the synagogue
property on the far side of the parking lot.
Despite the protests and vigorous religious
arguments put forth by Rabbi Anna Boswell­
Levy, the new spiritual leader of the synagogue,
as well as President Andrew Finkle’s vicious
assault with deadly weapons specially designed
2
to look like crutches, federal agents were
eventually able to force their way into the secret
bakery below.
According to leaked documents obtained
exclusively by the Shushan News Wire Service,
what the FBI discovered beneath Kol Emet
strains belief. A network of concrete tunnels
extending for thousands of feet beneath the
earth’s surface finally opens to a shiny and
spotless lab. These reports allege that the
tunnels were built over the years by Howard
Solganick, a physical engineer and longtime
Kol Emet member along with John Eichholtz,
board member in charge of the building and
grounds, and financed by the endowment fund
through the sale of all “treasures” found in the
shed, such as the former Holy Ark of the
congregation. Financial records were “cooked”
(as it were) to conceal the operation by Tom
Kearns, treasurer of the congregation, and his
wife Paula, who incidentally helped build the
shed. However, the report also alleges that the
lab is the brainchild of Robert Moses, longtime
Ritual chair with a wacky sense of humor.
The lab was filled with between 30 and 40
hamentashen bakers and researchers, busily
creating ever more tasty and tantalizing
varieties of the 3­cornered pastry intended to
mock and ridicule the failed anti­Jewish
campaign of a villain named Haman
(“Booooooooooooooooooooooooo!”) who lived
long, long ago. The lab is the source of classic
varieties like apricot and poppy seed, as well as
daring new favorites like “black and white”
hamentashen, Nutella­filled hamentashen, and
pulled brisket hamentashen.
As soon as the agents breached the final
security gates of the lab, an alarm system went
off. According to the leaked FBI report, the lab
workers (these were allegedly “teen aides” for
the Religious School, organized and led by
Carrie
Walinsky,
Education
Director)
immediately reacted like a well­trained elite
corps of secret agents, shedding their lab coats
and quickly destroying lab equipment and
detailed recipes for extremely high­end
hamentashen products. While several of the
lab workers threw groggers and sticky, sweet
hamentashen filling at the intruding federal
agents, most of the secret staff escaped into a
clandestine passage leading back into the
synagogue.
About five of the lab workers, apparently
including Fran Fried and Vicki Umbro, beloved
(continued on page 4)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
T
SOCIAL ACTION IN ACTION
here are short and long range activities that congregants
can take advantage of in March and in the ensuing
months.
First is the annual Kol Emet Passover Food Drive. Please
bring in Kosher Passover Food & $10 gift cards from
ShopRite and Acme starting on Monday, March 16th until
Wednesday, March 31st. The gift cards are especially helpful
as they are used to buy perishable items such as chickens
and fresh vegetables. The Passover food and gift cards will
be donated to Tifereth Israel's Mitzvah Pantry in Bensalem.
PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL FOOD IS KOSHER FOR
PASSOVER. Volunteers are needed to transport the
collected food items to the kosher food pantry at
Congregation Tifereth Israel in Bensalem.
Collection Passover food containers are in the lobby of the
school and upstairs near the Sanctuary. The gift cards can
be mailed in or brought into the office. Please put the gift
cards in an envelope labeled "Social Action Passover". In
these difficult financial times, a lot of Jewish families need
our help, so they too can celebrate Passover. Please
contact Wendy Simon for more information at
[email protected]
Second, Kol Emet will be participating for the second year
with Beth El Min Ha’Aretz (from the land) Hazon Community
Supported Agriculture (CSA). CSA is a way to purchase a
share in an organic farm and get the benefits of the freshest,
organic local food money can buy. CSA share at Beth El
Yardley offers a Large farm share is priced at
$646.00.(approx. 10­12 items per week for 22 weeks). We
will also be offering a Medium share ( approx. 6­7 items
­bigger than a half share for 22 weeks) for $445.00.
You pay one price at the time of purchase and then you
have your boxed share delivered to the synagogue every
Wednesday during the summer and fall months. While your
CSA share is improving your own health, you are supporting
a local Bucks County farm family, (by providing them with
financial capital to purchase seeds and equipment needed to
successfully keep their farm running) and you are also
helping to keep Bucks County land from being over
developed, by contributing to an economic model that keeps
farmland open for the benefit of our entire community. In
addition, our CSA ­­ through food donations by CSA
members and through donated CSA shares ­­ provides
much needed fresh food for the Loaves and Fishes food
pantry in Fairless Hills, PA.
The MInHa'Artez Hazon CSA share at Beth El Yardley
offers a Large farm share is priced at $646.00.(approx. 10­
12 items per week for 22 weeks). We will also be offering a
Medium share ( approx. 6­7 items ­bigger than a half share
for 22 weeks) for $445.00.
Please visit www.yardleycsa.org for further information and
sign up instructions. If you have any questions please
contact
Joy
Finkel,
CSA Coordinator
at
[email protected] or by cell phone 215­341­1292.
Third, on May 29th we will be celebrating our annual
Social Action Shabbat. We have invited Reverend Darrell
Armstrong of Trenton’s Shiloh Baptist Church. Reverend
Armstrong, a graduate of Stanford University and the
Princeton Theological Seminary, was the Director of the
Division of (Child Abuse) Prevention and Community
Partnerships (DPCP) for the NJ Department of Children and
Families from March, 2006 to April, 2009. He will speak
about Anti­Bullying efforts on Friday evening. On Sunday
morning, May 31th we will have several events: Aid for
Friends. This is a great opportunity for families to help
prepare the meals that will be distributed throughout our
community. Please note that all food to be donated should
be cooked, including vegetables.
Despite the snow, sleet and ice it will soon be Spring
cleaning time. Start putting aside clothes, appliances and
anything else that you’d like to donate. Collections for the
Trenton Rescue Mission will also take place at the Kol Emet
parking lot.
We will also be preparing food at Sacred Heart Church in
Trenton.
For more information concerning the Social Action
Committee, contact Howard Greenberg at [email protected]
or 609­658­7975.
The following young members of Congregation Kol Emet
have been recognized by the Jewish Community Youth
Foundation for their support in the JCYF Philanthropy
program. Mazel Tov to: Sam Ackerman, Drew Bush,
Andrew Hampel, Leo Hampel, Matthew Hampel, Brett
Hoffman, Gregory Levy, Brooke Levy, Nathan O’Rourke,
and Jessica Umbro. Our congregation is fortunate to have
these teens in our midst as they truly are the future of the
Jewish community.
P
INTERFAITH SEDER
urim is over, and Passover is around the corner! Kol
Emet is again hosting our annual Interfaith Seder, which
this year will be on Friday night April 10th, the last night of
Pesach. As usual, we are inviting a collection of local faith
communities to participate in our seder and join with our
entire community. It is important for our community to be
well­represented, and we would love for you and your family
to attend. The cost is $36 per adult and $18 per child.
Please RSVP to the office by March 25th. As it says in the
Pesach Haggadah, “et all who are hungry come and eat.”
We are so pleased to be part of such a warm and diverse
community that opens its arms to one another.
3
KOL EMET SINGS THE JEWISH BLUES
K
ol Emet welcomed Saul Kaye and his soulful
Jewish Blues at the end of January. We had
many wonderful events starting with a program for
our kids on Thursday evening that had them singing
and moving. On Friday night we had over 100 people
share a Shabbat meal and join Rabbi Anna and Saul
in soulful prayer and song. An intimate group
meditated and learned the power of niggunim
Shabbat afternoon and Saturday night we had a
beautiful Havdalah service and concert with Saul.
Thank you to all who assisted with set up, food
orders and clean up. Thank you to the Religious
School PTO for sponsoring the dinner on Thursday
night and a HUGE thank you to the Endowment
Committee for sponsoring Saul’s entire weekend with
us! If you would like to help bring more wonderful
programming to Kol Emet please consider making a
contribution to the Endowment Fund of Kol Emet.
(continued from page 2)
PUMPKIN CHALLAH RECIPE FROM CARRIE
(MAKES ONE CHALLAH)
Ingredients:
1­1/2 cups warm water
2 tablespoons dry yeast
3 eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup oil
2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2­1/2 teaspoons salt
6­8 cups bread flour
Egg wash, finely minced pumpkin seeds
for top (instead of sesame seeds)
Instructions:
In a large mixing bowl, briskly whisk
together the water and yeast. Then,
briskly stir in the eggs, pumpkin puree,
sugar, oil, pumpkin spice, cinnamon,
and salt.
Add most of the flour to form a
smooth but resilient dough (a soft but
elastic bread dough). Add additional
flour and knead 8­10 minutes.
Shape dough into a ball and place in a
lightly greased bowl and place this in a
plastic bag and seal loosely. Let rise
until doubled, about 45 to 60 minutes.
On a floured board, gently deflate the dough. Divide into three strands or ropes
and braid together as for a three­braided challah. Stack two baking sheets together
and line the top one with parchment paper. Place the bread on this and brush with
egg wash. Cover with a large plastic bag and let rise until almost doubled in size, 45­
90 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350 F
Brush again with egg wash and generously sprinkle on chopped pumpkin seeds.
Bake until bread is browned and seems done (hard to tell because the dough is dark
in color), about 40­55 minutes. Cool at least 20 minutes before serving.
4
teachers in the school, were apprehended and are now in
custody. A spokesperson for the Kol Emet Board of
Directors, Randi Davis, has denied this report, insisting
that Vicki Umbro has been way too busy for any such
activities given her son’s upcoming Bar Mitzvah. Ms.
Davis went on to add that there is nothing illegal about
having an underground secret lair for the research and
production of holiday snack treats. Additionally, the lab
violates no health codes and adheres to the strictest
levels of kashrut (Jewish dietary law) due to the
meticulous standards of cleanliness held by Ms. Davis,
who is also a certified food safety manager for Kol Emet’s
kitchen.
Carrie Walinsky, Kol Emet’s Education Director, has
also stonewalled reporters’ efforts to get anyone to
comment on these developments. She smartly dodged
questions on the matter by citing Jewish national security,
or by answering at length but in Hebrew. She then turned
tables on reporters at the press conference, giving them a
pop quiz on the Book of Esther.
Meanwhile, with the sudden hamentashen production
stoppage, fears of a shortage right before Purim have
entered the hamentashen commodities market, where the
price of a whole package of pastries has soared from $18
per package to a staggering $613 in only a few days time.
The President of the Commodities Exchange, Vashti
Ahash­Verrosh, has urged investors to use restraint and to
avoid eating their own supplies of hamentashen before
the holiday of Purim actually begins.
What will become of the massive underground Jewish
bakery remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: at
$613 per dozen, people will be savoring every bite of
hamentashen this Purim.
ISRAEL TRIP
We are doing it again! Kol Emet's Mission III to Israel! December 2016. Take a look
at the exciting itinerary and please tell your friends and family! Keep your eyes
posted for meetings and planning meetings.
Kol Emet ­ Israel Family Adventure
December 21, 2016­January 1, 2017
Day 1: Wednesday, Dec 21: Board flight to Israel
Day 2: Thursday, December 22: Bruchim HaBa­im Welcome to Israel
You've arrived! Get ready for a fabulous adventure.
­ Arrival to Ben Gurion on individual basis (arrival transfers are not
included) ­ Meet and greet at the hotel lobby around 7PM ­ Welcome
dinner at the hotel ­ PM program: orientation and IsraelExperts program­
“The Changing Map of the Middle East” family activity and discussion
program, focusing on the political and historical background that led to the
establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and the current situation in
Israel and the Middle East in general
Welcome dinner & overnight: Dan Panorama or Mt. Zion Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 3: Friday, December 23: Remembrances and Action
Memory is a vital part of Israel's cultural fabric, from the realm of the
individual to the communal. We'll explore Israel's attitude towards
Remembrance and it's transformation into action. The rest of the day will
be devoted to Shabbat preparation and celebration.
­ Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum. The group can be divided for
this portion if there are children who are too young for Yad Vashem. A
parallel program can be done for them.
­ Har Herzl – Visit Israel's National military cemetery and visit the grave of
Michael Levin
­ Machane Yehuda – Stroll through and eat lunch in the famous Jerusalem
market
­ Early Kabbalat Shabbat at the Kotel
­ Shabbat dinner at the hotel
­ Oneg Shabat
Breakfast, shabbat dinner & overnight: Dan Panorama or Mt. Zion Hotel,
Jerusalem
Day 4: Saturday, December 24: Shabbat ­ a moment in Time and
Space
­ Shabbat Tefilah with Bnai Mitzvah ceremony at the hotel or on the
Egalitarian Plaza near the Kotel
­ Optional: Walk (or take a taxi) to the Israel Museum and visit the museum
(on your own – entrance fee is not included).
­ Walking tour: The Old City ­ Few hours walking tour of the Christian
Quarter & sites
­ Havdala at the Kotel
­ Dinner on your own
Breakfast & overnight: Dan Panorama or Mt. Zion Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 5: Sunday, December 25: Holiness of History and the History of
Holiness
Visit some of Jerusalem's most important historical sites and learn ancient
history of this holy city and our people. Understand the significance of
Jerusalem for major world faiths, explore the City of David where over
3000 years ago King David established the city as a unified capital of the
tribes of Israel, and see how Israel looked and felt as long as 4000 years
ago.
­ Yad LeKashish: Meet with the elderly
­ City of David. We walk part of the recently opened Pilgrim’s route,
which the High Priests walked from Shiloah Pool to the Holiest of
Holiest.
­ Tour the Old City of Jerusalem including the Southern Wall
excavations and the Jewish Quarter
­ Kotel Tunnel tour
­ Dinner on your own
Breakfast & overnight: Dan Panorama or Mt. Zion Hotel, Jerusalem
Day 6: Monday, December 26: Challenges Then and Now
Leaders make difficult choices. We’ll struggle with the challenges and
choices of the Masada saga. In the afternoon we’ll float in the Dead
Sea and hike in a nature reserve and enjoy the beauty of the
wilderness. We’ll learn about Bedouin culture.
­ Leave the hotel at 8AM
­ Masada, the last stronghold of the Jewish Zealots against the
Romans 2000 years ago. Take the Cable car up and visit the
remarkable excavations including Herod's Palace and stables, the
ancient synagogue and water system and hear about the defenders'
anguished choice between slavery and death.
­ We walk down the earthen Roman Ramp built to storm the desert
fortress
­ Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth for swim: Dead Sea swim at Ein
Gedi Beach
­ Bedouin Hospitality dinner, camel riding (must be before dark) and
star gazing at Chan HaShayarut
Breakfast, Bedouin Chafla dinner & overnight: Ramon Inn Hotel,
Mitzpeh Ramon
Day 7: Tuesday, December 27: Pioneers
­ Visit the newly renovated visitor center. See the exhibition dedicated
to Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon and his message for peace.
­ Hike part of the Rim
­ Lunch with the Culinary Queens of Yerucham. Enjoy a sumptuous
meal and hear the personal and family stories of these great cooks,
and provide them with much needed income.
­ Please pick an option:
­ Get to know the Western Negev. Few American tourists see these
sites, although they are located in an area too frequently in the
news…Among the points of interest:
Where countries meet: the joint border of Israel, Egypt and Gaza
Black Arrow Memorial, Lookout over the Gaza Strip, Iron Brigade
memorial, Halutza, Aleh Negev­Nahalat Eran rehabilitative village
OR
­ Shvil HaSalat: Visit the green houses in Nachal Bsor region and see
how fresh produce is grown in the middle of the desert. Pick and eat
your own produce. Great tour for all ages (2­3 hours)
­ Arrival to Tel Aviv
5
THINGS YOU WILL ONLY SEE IN ISRAEL!
Breakfast & overnight: Dan Panorama Tel Aviv
Day 8: Wednesday, December 28: Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean
­ Palmach Museum
­ Independence Hall
­ Caesarea Experience
­ Dinner at the Kibbutz
­ Evening drumming circle with Bishara, a teacher and musician
Breakfast, dinner & overnight: Kibbutz Guesthouse in the North
Day 9: Thursday, December 29: The Beauty and the Magic of the
North
We'll spend the day enjoying the variety of activities that the North of Israel
offers­ from hiking to getting to know the holy mystical city of Tzfat.
­ Travel to the former military outpost at Har Bental and take in a stunning
360 degree view of Israel and Syria.
­ Tel Banias ­ largest waterfall in Israel, and visit the remains of an ancient
city.
­ Tzfat­ Tour the streets and synagogues of this ancient mystical city.
­ Arrival to Kibbutz Guest House
­ Dinner at the Kibbutz
­ After dinner the bus will take us to Kibbutz Beit Alpha and meet with
David Nachum. David is a painter & sculpturer and was president of his
Kibbutz for many years. We enjoy coffee and tea in the coffeehouse he
designed and built himself – (was arranged by Carrie)
Breakfast, dinner & overnight: Kibbutz Guesthouse in North
Day 10: Friday, December 30: Diverse Country, Diverse Ways of Life
Contrast the very different ways of living in this spectacular and diverse
country. Explore how the past influences the present and the future.
­ Tree planting at Tzomet Golani
­ Haifa: visit the Bahai Gardens and the Temple (if open)
­ Arrival to Tel Aviv on time to catch the Nachlat BenYamin arts and crafts
fair (closes at 5PM)
­ Check in to the hotel
­ We have dinner at a local restaurant in Jaffo (Old Man and the Sea) OR
Shabbat dinner at the hotel
Breakfast, dinner & overnight: Dan Panorama Tel Aviv
Day 11: Saturday, December 31: The Price and the Glory of
Independence
­ Optional Shabbat services with Beit Tfila congregation (they will expect a
donation)
­ Neve Tzedek – Birth of Tel Aviv walking tour
­ Kikar Rabin ­ The struggle toward peace and security continues as we
stand in Rabin Square, where Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated for his
efforts toward peace
­ Jaffo ­ a tale of two cities­ learn about the ancient city of Yafo and its
importance to both Jews and Arabs (by your own guide – local guides do
not work Shabbat)
­ Return to the hotel to fresh up and pack the suitcases
­ Farewell dinner at Entrecote in Nachlat BenYamin Street
­ One group transfer to the airport to board your return flights, which
departs between 11:50PM – 1AM.
Arrival to the US is on Sunday, January 1
Itinerary & flight schedule time are subject to change for reasons beyond
our control!
A perfect parking job!
Hasidic family crossing
signs...
Soldiers who bring
their kids to work...
Sudoku while swimming...
M16s are a fashion
accessory...
A hasidic family
dressed like this...
No cars on the road for an
entire 24 hours...
Israel is one of the
only countries where
the sun sets into the
Mediterranean Sea.
6
B'NAI MITZVAH ANNOUNCEMENTS
KOL EMET PROUDLY CONGRATULATES
M
EDEN MALINOFF
MARCH 7, 2015
MEREDITH O'ROURKE
MARCH 14, 2015
eredith is a 7th grader at William Penn Middle School in Yardley. She enjoys taking
dance classes in Jazz and Tap as well as skiing and hanging out with her friends.
She is the youngest in her family and has two older brothers, Nathan and Evan, whom
are a senior and junior, respectively, at Pennsbury High School. Meredith has a great
sense of humor and is fun, loving, smart and kind. She participates with her family every
year at the Trenton Soup Kitchen where she helps prepare and serve food to hundreds of
clients in the Trenton area. She has also recently prepared and packaged several dozen
individual 1­gallon ziploc bags of personal items and snacks to give to those in need.
Meredith is an animal lover and plans on volunteering and helping at a shelter in the
spring.
ADIN GOLDBERG
MARCH 28, 2015
A
din is a busy seventh grade honor student at the William Penn Middle School. His
favorite subject is science. He is a Jr. Black Belt in Kempo Karate. Adin also plays
the trumpet in his school band. His Mitzvah project is to entertain senior citizens by
playing a concert with his trumpet at the Greenwood House in Ewing, New Jersey.
TYLER THOMAS
APRIL 18, 2015
KAYLA SCHRAM
APRIL 18, 2015
e are so proud of our daughter Kayla Schram who will become a Bat Mitzvah on April
18, 2015. Kayla has 2 older brothers Zach and Jared. Kayla's Bat Mitzvah project will
be working with the Athletes Helping Athletes program. Kayla will be working with special
needs students teaching them softball skills. She plays for the Rock travel softball program
and attends Newtown middle school.
W
ZENON PETRO
MAY 16, 2015
M
MADISON PETERS
MAY 16, 2015
adison has grown up in the Kol Emet building. She has been participating at Kol Emet
since pre­school when she was 2 years old. It is hard to believe that the time has come
for her Bat Mitzvah. Madison is very excited for this special day and is working very hard to
prepare. Madison is currently in the seventh grade at Pennwood Middle School where she
is an A student and has made the honor roll each marking period. When Madi is not working
on her school work she enjoys spending her free time dancing with the BC Discoveries Turning Out
Performance Company. Madi also has a love for baking. It is this that inspired her Mitvah project where
she chose to bake cookies to raise money for the Make a Wish Foundation. Madison we are very proud
of the young women you have become!
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Buying your groceries can save you money at Kol Emet. Do you do your grocery shopping at Giant, McCaffrey’s or ShopRite? Would you like to
earn 2.5% of your grocery bill off of your Kol Emet dues? If YES, then you can purchase Giant, McCaffrey’s, or ShopRite scrip (Gift Cards) from Kol
Emet And receive 2.5% of your total purchase credited towards your synagogue dues!!
Purchase scrip for yourself, family members, friends, or anyone and YOU receive the credit! For example, purchase $1,000 of GIANT scrip.
Receive $1,000 to spend at GIANT PLUS a $25.00 credit towards your Kol Emet dues! It’s that easy!!
Email Melody Katz at [email protected] to place your order. You will be notified when it is available for pick up at the Kol Emet office. Cash or
checks accepted for scrip payment.
Office Use: Date Received:
Circle One: One Time or Monthly
Amount
Circle One: One Time or Monthly
Amount
Circle One: One Time or Monthly
Amount
Our beautiful Aytz Chaim (Tree of Life) sculpture was donated by Eileen Wolf, a founding member of
Congregation Kol Emet.
At the base of the tree, there are a number of stones. The limbs of the tree spread into branches with
golden leaves that become perpetual symbols of the joys of life. The stones and leaves may be
inscribed to commemorate such happy events as births, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, anniversaries,
graduations, or just to honor family and friends.
Share the happiness by inscribing your family’s simchas on our Aytz Chaim. It will be a beautiful and
permanent dedication to the meaningful and happy events that touch our lives.
I wish to inscribe
leaf (leaves) at $200 per leaf (max 4 lines/75 letters)
I wish to inscribe
boulder(s) at $700 per stone
Please print carefully:
Contributed by:
Name:
Address:
Phone:
Please make your check payable in full to Congregation Kol Emet.
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CALENDAR
SPIRITUAL CALENDAR
– Thursday Morning Minyan is at 7:15am.
Join us for a rousing, traditional service with Torah reading. Breakfast to follow.
– Friday night Shabbat Services 7:30pm (unless otherwise noted)
Join us for services including dvar Torah and thought­provoking discussion. Oneg to follow.
– Saturday morning Shabbat Services, 10:00am (unless otherwise noted)
A lively torah study with nosh followed by an informal service.
MARCH 2015
3/13 ­ Family Shabbat, starring our Mechina class and celebrating our
Community Heroes, led by Rabbi Anna
3/14 ­ Havdalah Service w/Bat Mitzvah Meredith O'Rourke, led by
Rabbi Anna
3/15 ­ Aqua Fun Run at the NAC
3/16 ­ Passover Food Drive begins today and ends 3/31
3/19 ­ Board Meeting
3/20 ­ Havurah Shabbat Service and Dinner
3/22 ­ Aren't You Dying to Learn about Death (at Levine's Funeral
Parlor) (part 2 of 3)
3/25 ­ BBYO Meeting
3/27 ­ Shabbat Service, led by Rabbi Anna and Robert Glatzer
3/28 ­ Shabbat Service w/Bar Mitzvah Adin Goldberg, led by Rabbi
Anna
3/29 ­ Sisterhood Event
­ Iron Chef Charoset & Chocolate Seder
­ Ritual Committee Meeting
­ Aren't You Dying to Learn about Death (part 3 of 3)
3/31 ­ RS Seder for Tuesday and Wednesday Classes
APRIL 2015
4/1 ­ No RS
4/3 ­ No PS
­ First Seder
­ No Shabbat Service
4/4 ­ Second Seder
­ Shabbat and Pesach Service, led by Rabbi Anna
4/6 ­ No PS
4/7 ­ No PS/No RS
4/8 ­ No PS/No RS
4/9 ­ No PS
4/10 ­ 7th day Passover
­ No PS
­ Interfaith Seder and Shabbat Service, led by Rabbi Anna
4/11 ­ 8th day Passover
­ Shabbat Service and Yiskor, led by Rabbi Anna
4/12 ­ Author Nomi Eve
4/13 ­ PS Resumes
4/14 ­ RS Resumes
4/15 ­ RS Resumes
4/16 ­ Yom HaShoah
­ Bucks County Coalition Meeting
­ Board Meeting
4/17 ­ Shabbat Service, led by Rabbi Anna
4/18 ­ Shabbat Service w/Bar Mitzvah Tyler Thomas, led by Rabbi Anna
­ Havdalah Service w/Bat Mitzvah Kayla Schram, led by Rabbi Anna
4/19 ­ Enrichment
4/22 ­ Yom HaZikaron
4/23 ­ Yom Ha­Atzmaout
4/24 ­ Rabbi Anna's Installation Shabbat, led by Rabbi Anna
4/25 ­ Kol Emet Evening Gala
4/26 ­ Hoppin' Through the Holidays
4/28 ­ RS Siyyum
4/29 ­ RS Siyyum
­ BBYO Meeting
MAY 2015
5/1 ­ Tag Sale
­ Havurah Shabbat Service and Dinner
5/3 ­ Tag Sale
­ Speaker on Genealogy
­ Enrichment
5/7 ­ Lag b'Omer
5/8 ­ Aleph Consecration, led by Rabbi Anna
5/16 ­ Shabbat Service w/Bar Mitzvah Zenon Petro, led by Rabbi Anna
­ Havdalah Service w/Bat Mitzvah Madison Peters, led by Rabbi Anna
5/17 ­ Bus Trip to the Lower East Side
5/19 ­ Last Day of RS
5/20 ­ Last Day of RS
­ BBYO Meeting
5/21 ­ Board Meeting
5/22 ­ 10th Grade Confirmation, led by Rabbi Anna
5/23 ­ Tikkun Layl Shavuot
5/24 ­ Shavuot
­ Shavuot Service, led by Rabbi Anna
5/25 ­ Shavuot
5/29 ­ Family Shabbat Dinner (6p) and Shabbat Service (7p)
5/31 ­ Social Action Day
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DONATIONS
FUND
IN MEMORY OF
DONOR
Social Action Fund....................................................................
Fred Ryersbach, MD.....................................................................
Jeanlu Ryersbach
Caring Committee Fund....................................................................
Harry Schnapp....................................................................
Fran Fried
Preschool Fund....................................................................
Sister of Jon Shavel....................................................................
Eric & Elyce Rosen
Preschool
Fund....................................................................
Sister of Doug Shavel....................................................................
Eric & Elyce Rosen
Preschool Fund....................................................................
Nathan Weiss....................................................................
Eric & Elyce Rosen
Building Fund....................................................................
Peggy Feinstein....................................................................
Steve & Barbara Gross
Preschool Fund....................................................................
Uncle of Caren & Nat Bosk....................................................................
Eric & Elyce Rosen
Rabbi’s
Discretionary
Fund....................................................................
Edward Quimby....................................................................
Ann & Ed Kimball
Social Action Fund....................................................................
Steve Hersh....................................................................
Gary Gilman & Deborah Zelitch
Building Fund....................................................................
Kyle Atras....................................................................
Ann & Ed Kimball
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund....................................................................
Maurice Cohen....................................................................
Corrine & Allan Cohen
Rabbi’s
Discretionary
Fund....................................................................
Grace Seltzer....................................................................
Paula & Tom Kearns
Preschool Fund....................................................................
Grace Seltzer....................................................................
Eric & Elyce Rosen
Building Fund....................................................................
Grace Seltzer....................................................................
Tony & Heidi Bush
Building Fund....................................................................
Grace Seltzer....................................................................
Randi & Matt Davis
Grace Seltzer....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Jay & Lori Frank
Grace Seltzer....................................................................
Toby Frey Scholarship Fund....................................................................
Bob Frey & Randi Chud
Grace Seltzer....................................................................
Caring Committee Fund....................................................................
Fran & Harvey Fried
Michael Siegel....................................................................
Prayer Book....................................................................
Tom & Paula Kearns
Michael Siegel....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Randi & Matt Davis
Michael Siegel....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Jill & David Gordon
Michael Siegel....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Sindey & Bud Dranoff
Marga Rosa Knobloch....................................................................
Caring Committee Fund....................................................................
Jeanlu Israela Ryersbach
Melvin Robert Yoffee....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Randi & Matt Davis
Eugene Gordon....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
David & Jill Gordon
Dave Davis....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Tom & Paula Kearns
Dave Davis....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Sindey & Bud Dranoff
Dave Davis....................................................................
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund....................................................................
Shelley Miller & Michael Seltzer
Dave Davis....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Jay & Lori Frank
Dave Davis....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Melody & Stan Katz
Dave Davis....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Jill & David Gordon
Dave Davis....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Heidi & Tony Bush
Dave Davis....................................................................
Toby Frey Scholarship Fund....................................................................
Bob Frey & Randi Chud
Dave Davis....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Andrew & Betsy Harrison
Dave Davis....................................................................
Library Fund....................................................................
Fran & Harvey Fried
Paul Sokoloff....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
The Hampel Family
Herbert Eisen....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Claudie Williams
Edward Freibrun....................................................................
Social Action Fund....................................................................
Michael Freibrun
Irv Melamed....................................................................
Building....................................................................Paula & Tom Kearns
Irv Melamed....................................................................
Preschool Fund....................................................................
Elyce & Eric Rosen
Irv Melamed....................................................................
Building....................................................................Heidi & Tony Bush
Irv Melamed....................................................................
Building....................................................................Melody & Stan Katz
Irv Melamed....................................................................
Building....................................................................Sindey & Bud Dranoff
Irv Melamed....................................................................
Building....................................................................Maggie, Andy, Ellen Myers
Irv Melamed....................................................................
Building....................................................................Lori & Jay Frank
Miriam & Benjamin Kimball....................................................................
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund....................................................................
Ann & Ed Kimball
Deborah Zelitch....................................................................
Social Action Fund....................................................................
Judy & Richard Gordon
Deborah Zelitch....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Sindey & Bud Dranoff
Deborah Zelitch....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Lori & Jay Frank
Deborah Zelitch....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Carol & Sol Bress
Deborah Zelitch....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Pasquale & Carlene Deon
Deborah Zelitch....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Allen W. Toadvine
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Deborah Zelitch....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Carol & Harold Kaplan
Deborah Zelitch....................................................................
Prayer book Fund....................................................................
Paula & Tom Kearns
Deborah Zelitch....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Elissa Goldberg
Toby Frey....................................................................
Social Action Fund....................................................................
Robert Frey
Deborah Zelitch....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
The Law Firm of Gordon Liebmann
Deborah Zelitch....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Elliot Olen
Deborah Zelitch....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Francis & Ann Dillon
Deborah Zelitch....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Richard & Wilma Moore
Deborah Zelitch....................................................................
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund....................................................................
Eric & Abby Hocky
Carol Butler....................................................................
Prayer Book Fund....................................................................
Kol Emet Religious School Staff
Carol Butler....................................................................
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund....................................................................
Heidi & Tony Bush
Henry Sokalner....................................................................
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund....................................................................
Phyllis Eisner
Ada Feldman....................................................................
Toby Frey Scholarship Fund....................................................................
Eileen Wolf
Mitchell Z. Cohen....................................................................
Caring Committee Fund....................................................................
The Deodati Family
Fay Schultz....................................................................
Charles Fisher Memorial Fund....................................................................
Ellen Slott Fisher
Dorothy Fisher....................................................................
Charles Fisher Memorial Fund....................................................................
Ellen Slott Fisher
Lee Eisner....................................................................
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund....................................................................
Phyllis S. Eisner
Shane Frankel....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
The Davis Family
IN HONOR OF
FUND
DONOR
Birthday of Harold Kaplan....................................................................
Endowment Fund....................................................................
Stan & Melody Katz
Birthday of Harold Kaplan....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Eileen & Robert Elias
Speedy Recovery to Andrew Finkle....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Tom & Paula Kearns
Speedy Recovery to Andrew Finkle....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Melody & Stan Katz
Carrie Walinsky ....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Sindey & Bud Dranoff
Birth of Brennan Frank....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
Sindey & Bud Dranoff
Bat Mitzvah of Nicole Edelstein....................................................................
Building Fund....................................................................
The Gordon Family
Adoption of Faith Benedetto....................................................................
Preschool Fund....................................................................
Denise Kaplan & Family
Adoption of Faith Benedetto....................................................................
Preschool Fund....................................................................
Robyn Trause
Adoption of Faith Benedetto....................................................................
Preschool Fund....................................................................
Kol Emet Preschool Staff
Lisa & Eric Gressen’s Purim Spiel....................................................................
Adult Ed. Fund....................................................................
Paula & Tom Kearns
Engagement of Rob Katz to Clara....................................................................
Social Action Fund....................................................................
Paula & Tom Kearns
CONDOLENCES TO
Angela Alexander, on the passing of her beloved sister­in­law, Katherine Galdi
Risha Neil, on the passing of her beloved grandfather, Melvin Robert Yoffee
Michael Seltzer, on the passing of his beloved mother, Grace
Stella Davis and Matt Davis, on the passing of their beloved husband and father, Dave
Ira Melamed on the passing of his beloved father, Irv
The Gilman family on the passing of their beloved wife and mother, Deborah Zelitch
Stacey Haferl on the passing of her beloved mother Carol Butler
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MITZVAH AND MEMORY
Death often brings more than sorrow and grief. It creates
changes and all kinds of disruptions in our lives. In times of
confusion, pain, and personal loss, many of us seek support from
community, and a connection with earlier generations. We do this
through participating in rituals and traditions from our Jewish way
of life. Whether we consider ourselves religious or not, whether
we pray once or twice a year or regularly, we can derive meaning
and rebuild our emotional foundation from the words, symbols,
and faith of our spiritual heritage. Our Thursday morning Minyan,
Shabbat evening and Shabbat morning worship can provide the
spiritual nourishment and community connections you might need
as you grieve a loss or mark the anniversary of a loved one’s
passing.
Coming to the synagogue on a Yahrzeit, anniversary, of a loved
one’s death, and saying Kaddish, is a meaningful way to
transform our memories into a living tribute to our departed. Our
own lives are made holier by rising to proclaim our faith in the
names of those who have passed. Please consider joining us in
prayer at a time of Yahrzeit and perform a powerful mitzvah to pay
tribute to your memories.
ATTENTION KOL EMET BUSINESS OWNERS: ADVERTISE WITH KOL EMET IN THE NEXT VOICE
In the spirit of building community, The Voice includes advertisements from Kol Emet congregants who have businesses offering products
and services. In addition to your ad, we will list your name (if not included in your copy) so the reader knows which Kol Emet congregant is involved
in the business. Your listing will include:
Name of Company
Address (if business has a storefront location)
Contact (Phone, Email, and/or Web Address)
50 word description (images are welcomed)
Cost is $36/issue. Send information to the Kol Emet Office ([email protected]) by the 15th of February, May, August, November for a listing in the
next issue.
KOL EMET DONATION COUPON
Donor Name
Address
City, State Zip
Enclosed is my gift of:
$1 8
$36
$50 (for Prayerbook)
$72 (for Oneg)
$1 80
$360
Other - please specify
Please use my gift for:
Building Fund
Membership Assistance
Rabbi's Discretionary Fund
Mitzvah Fund
Bruce Levitt (Playground) Memorial Fund
Caring Committee
Social Action
Prayer Book Fund
Endowment Fund
Toby Frey Memorial Fund
Outdoor Sanctuary Fund
Oneg (specify date)
Charles A. Fisher Memorial Sanctuary Fund
This gift is in honor of:
This gift is in memory of:
Send to: Congregation Kol Emet ­ 1360 Oxford Valley Road ­ Yardley, PA 19067
STAYING INFORMED AT KOL EMET
There are many ways we try to keep you informed:
The Voice:
This Newsletter and past issues (www.kolemet.org/monthly.asp)
Our Website:
http://www.kolemet.org
Our Calendar: www.kolemet.org/calendar.asp
The Whisper:
Weekly Email of upcoming events at Kol Emet and in the Jewish community (www.kolemet.org/weekly.asp)
Religious school: Materials sent home with your children every week.
Shouts:
Emails sent to alert you to imminent events and meetings.
Congregational Meetings: Meet at Kol Emet to both listen to, and be heard, by your Board.
Make sure all the adults in your family get The Weekly Whisper e­mail. If your family has more than one e­mail address, please feel free to sign­up
your multiple addresses. To get The Whisper, send an e­mail to [email protected].
12
Make sure all the adults in your family get The Weekly Whisper e­mail. If your family has more than one e­mail address,
please feel free to sign­up your multiple addresses. To get The Whisper, send an e­mail to [email protected].
CONGREGATION KOL EMET CONTACT INFORMATION
Rabbi...................................................... Rabbi Anna Boswell-Levy ([email protected]).....................
21 5-493-8522 ext. 3
Executive Director.................................. Bob Frey ([email protected] )..............................................
21 5-493-8522 ext. 11 3
Educational Director............................... Carrie Walinsky ([email protected]).................................
21 5-493-8522 ext. 4
Office Administrator................................ Judi Pogachefsky ([email protected]).................................21 5-493-8522 ext. 2
President................................................ Andrew Finkle ([email protected])................................. ....
21 5-968-7520
Vice President........................................ Tony Bush ([email protected] ) ................................. ......
21 5-493-4080
Vice President........................................ Randi Davis (davis1 [email protected])................................. 267-392-5265
....
Secretary................................................ Beth Zuckerman ([email protected]).................................21 5-493-2996
Treasurer................................................ Tom Kearns ([email protected])................................. ...........
21 5-750-1 01 9
Past President........................................ Melody Katz ([email protected])................................. ...........
21 5-752-7705
Adult Education...................................... Ellie Fisher ([email protected])............................................
Caring Committee .............................Vacant
Community Relations........................ Jeff Blankman ([email protected] ) .................................
21 5-579-5947
Early Education...................................... Susan Steiner ([email protected]).................................
21 5-321 -7079
Finance...................................................Robert Siegel ([email protected])...................................
Fundraising.............................................Vacant
House..................................................... John Eichholz ([email protected] ) .................................
21 5-862-41 87
Long Range Planning............................. Ken Hampel ([email protected]) .................................
21 5-493-11 08
Membership .................................... Ronnie Fuchs ([email protected])..................................................................
Men's Club Co-President....................Josh Fishman ([email protected]) .................................21 5-321 -3059
Men's Club Co-President....................Michael Neil ([email protected] ) .................................
21 5-428-1 884
Preschool PTO Co-President.............. Lauren Templeton ([email protected] ) .................................
21 5-493-3064
Rabbi Transition Committee ................ Jill Gordon ([email protected]) ................................. ...........
21 5-295-8838
Religious Education .......................... Bob Fink ([email protected] ) ..................................................................
21 5-493-471 5
Religious School PTO Co-President...... Heather Finkle ([email protected] ) .................................21 5-968-7520
Religious School PTO Co-President..... Tabitha Peters ([email protected] ) .................................21 5-321 -31 61
Ritual ............................................. Robert Moses ([email protected]) .................................
21 5-321 -9927
Sisterhood President......................... Genevieve Shultz ([email protected] ) .................................
21 5-31 0-1 700
Social Action........................................... Howard Greenberg ([email protected] ) .................................
609-883-2524
Youth Programming .......................... Risha Neil ([email protected] ) ..................................................................
21 5-428-1 884
GENERAL CONTACT INFO
Congregation Kol Emet, 1360 Oxford Valley Road, Yardley, PA 19067
E­mail: [email protected], (phone) 215­493­8522, (fax) 215­493­3444
Find us online: www.kolemet.org and Facebook, LinkedIn, and WetPaint
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