Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania man charged with online threats against Jews, other minorities
Corbin Kauffman is accused of using aliases online to post hundreds of anti-Semitic, anti-black and anti-Muslim messages, images and videos.
Arson Suspect Arrested In Connection With Fire In Brooklyn Rabbi’s Home
He has repeatedly threatened to kill the rabbi, whom he claims molested him in a yeshiva dormitory.
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Refuses To Apologize For Selfie With White Supremacist
“We do not, nor should we, require ID or background checks as a condition for being photographed with the people of Pennsylvania.”
American-Born Biologist To Head Israel’s Ben-Gurion University of Negev
Daniel Chamovitz grew up in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, and immigrated to Israel in 1984.
Josh Shapiro
Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania’s Attorney General and a rising political star, unveiled a shocking clergy abuse scandal within the Catholic Church.
Democrat Holds Slim Lead In Jew vs. Jew Race For Pennsylvania Swing Seat
Jewish Democrat Susan Wild held a slim lead in a swing Pennsylvania Congressional race that could help determine control of the House in November.
The ‘Bar Mitzvah Boy’ Going Up Against Catholic Clergy Abuse In Pennsylvania
“The notion this is just something that happened a long time ago, and that we need to move on, is the wrong response. Child rape is child rape.”
Kol Ami Congregation - Elkins Park, PA
Name:
Kol Ami Congregation
Address:
8201 High School Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027
Denominational affiliation:
Reform
Member units (households):
185
What percentage of members are older than 50?
55%
How many people attend a regular Shabbat service?
35 for Friday night, 10 for Saturday morning
Length of typical Shabbat morning service?
1.25 hours Friday night, 2 hours Saturday morning
Shabbat dress code:
As you wish
Daily services?
No.
Does your synagogue have its own building? If not, where do you meet for services?
Yes, on a beautiful multi-acre property. During the summer, we hold our erev Shabbat services on our large lawn.
Is there an opportunity to socialize after services?
Yes – Oneg Shabbat, as well as summer BYO pre-service dinner and occasional pre-service social events, such as Martini Havdalah
Language of service:
English and Hebrew. We use Mishkan T’Fillah as our prayer book.
Is another language offered in the prayer book?
Mishkan T’Fillah offers both Hebrew and English
Children’s programming:
Yes: tot Shabbat and High Holy Day services, children’s and teen High Holy Day services, special Religious School services and children’s choir, and student social action and educational programming.
Accessibility for people with disabilities:
New sound system; large print prayer books; accessible bathrooms, outdoor services, sanctuary, classrooms and chapel. Individualized educational programming for children with special needs. We were honored this year as a model for inclusive congregations. Our bimah however is not handicapped accessible, so we move services to the main floor to accommodate individuals with physical disabilities.
Are services streamed online?
No
Are the rabbi’s sermons available online?
Some.
Percentage of members in interfaith marriages?
About 20%
Will the rabbi officiate at an interfaith wedding? Will he/she attend one?
Yes.
Are there distinct roles for men and women in your synagogue?
No.
Bookseller And Library Archivist Charged With Stealing $8 Million Worth Of Books
Will they throw the book at him?
Mishkan Shalom - Philadelphia, PA
“We embrace interfaith families, Jews by choice, Jews of color, single Jews, Jews with disabilities, Jews with limited means, and LGBTQ Jews.”