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Happy New Year by Susan Falk
"I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine." The Hebrew initials of these words from the Song of Songs, Ani Le-dodi, Ve-dodi Li, when read consecutively, read Aleph-Lamed-Vav-Lamed, spelling Elul, the month in the Jewish calendar when we Jews prepare ourselves for the Yamim Noraim, the Days of Awe, our most important holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. We take this time to examine our lives, our deeds of the past year, and we allow ourselves to be transformed by the power of teshuvah, of returning to our best selves, to love, and to God. In the month of Elul, God and the human soul attempt to return to one another like old lovers renewing their vows. Ani Le-dodi, Ve-dodi Li. "I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine."
Over the past year, our community, the GLBT community, has continued to fight for our right to love and to live like every other member of our society. And I don't just mean our right to marry. I also mean our right to be protected against all forms of discrimination, hatred, and violence. It is still the case that 36 states have laws denying same-sex couples the freedom to marry. It is also still the case that it is perfectly legal in 36 states to fire persons based on their sexual orientation.
True, we have come a long way in many areas. We have come a long way in most liberal Jewish communities' attitudes and acceptance of us, and many large American cities include sexual orientation in their anti-discrimination laws. We have come a long way with the removal of the sodomy laws in 2003, and with the decision this year in Massachusetts to allow same-sex couples to marry.
But we still have a long way to go. There are current assaults on us and on other members of our society, and on all our hard-won civil rights and values - on affirmative action, on the right to privacy, on a woman's right to choose, on the Clean Air and Water Acts, and on a whole host of social programs for children and adults in need. We must continue to work to reverse all these attacks on our civil liberties and on our environment.
Why - and how - can I bring up these social and political issues during the month of Elul, when we are busily preparing for the holiest time of the year? I bring these issues up because working to bring justice and compassion into the world has always been a Jewish endeavor. I bring these issues up because working to make the world a better, safer, cleaner place for all is an act of teshuvah no less important or powerful than the individual penitence we seek at this time of year. In fact, in Judaism, the concerns of the individual are seen as inextricably intertwined with the concerns of the community. From the sayings of the ancient Rabbis to the homilies of the Kabbalists, to the treatises of the Jewish philosophers of modern times, no single act of kindness is considered too trivial to tilt the balance for another's life; no one good deed considered too small to have cosmic repercussions.
The ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates, once said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." In the twentieth century, Rabbi Irving Greenberg re-wrote this Socratic saying as he imagined the Torah would have phrased it. He wrote, "To live the unexamined life is not really living." In Greenberg's version, life is not tossed aside when considered unworthy; rather, it is the living of it that is the focus. And the way to live is to act; to be reborn each year; to allow oneself to change and to grow - whether spiritually, intellectually, physically, or emotionally. This is where teshuvah comes in. Teshuvah is where action is conceived. Action for our individual betterment, and action for the betterment of the world.
I ask you to remember these things as we gather together during the High Holidays in our second year in the National Constitution Center. I invite you also to join us on the Saturday before Rosh Hashanah for Selichot services, on September 11th at 8:00PM. And finally, I hope you will consider becoming more active in our community at Beth Ahavah this year - whether to attend Sabbath or holiday services, to participate in one of our social events, or to join our Social Action Committee to help make positive changes in the larger GLBT and Jewish communities, and in the world.
L'Shana tova tikateivu.
May we all be inscribed for a year of blessing and deep fulfillment.
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Freedom Rings Campaign Marks One Year by Naomi Segal
When Congregation Beth Ahavah decided to have High Holiday Services at the Constitution Center, a series of light bulbs went off at BA. We could view constitutional rights through a Jewish and GLBT lens with programming at BA. The programming would culminate with BA's 30th anniversary in June 2005. From those ideas grew the Freedom Rings for Everyone Campaign with six modules of programming at BA based on six fundamental rights from the Constitution: Freedom of Religion, Speech, Petition, Press, Assembly, and the Right to Vote.
Now it's a year later. What have we seen and where are we going? There has been a terrific series of relevant high quality FREE movies, followed by some really interesting discussions. Mark your calendars now, as more movies are scheduled for October 30, November 20 and December 18, 2004.
We've brought in speakers, starting with Marina Furman, a former Russian Refusenik, who reminded us of what it's like to be without freedom. Larry Frankel of the ACLU was our keynote speaker for the Equality Forum. We are already planning guest speakers for November 5th and December 17th.
Our rabbinic intern, Susan Falk, led a special educational program and dinner, and later facilitated a Friday night discussion on Why Freedom of Choice is a GLBT Jewish issue. Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell led a workshop on Coming Out Rituals, and last April we had a comedy night at BA. On October 30th at BA, we are having a pre-election "political party": two movies with pizza in between! We're also planning a "how to lobby" workshop for late fall, and a trip to see the exhibits at the National Constitution Center.
We've traveled to see a movie and concert at the Jewish Film Festival, and then to see Parade at Villanova University. We sent a group to the March for Women's Lives in Washington, collected food for a shelter for homeless people, and are taking to the streets to help register people to vote.
From Hanukah through Purim, Pesach and Pride Weekend, we've emphasized how important these constitutional freedoms are to us, and how we can't take them for granted. For Thanksgiving we ran a special ad in the Jewish Exponent, Jewish Voice, and PGN, which generated lots of positive feedback. We have a great logo and brochures, which have been mailed to most synagogues in the area, and other groups.
All of this has happened through the work of the Freedom Rings for Everyone Committee - especially Shelly, Leslie, Karen, Jocie, and Rie, plus Scott C., Mike V., Abbe and others whom I'm sure I've forgotten to name. To move forward, to do all of the exciting things we want to do - more social action, joint events with other synagogues and GLBT groups, more fun events like a proposed private Duck Tour - we need your help. You don't need to feel like you have to join the committee and give up all of your spare time to the cause. But even an hour a week, or taking on one special project, however small, will let you have a taste of the rewarding experience that we've had planning and implementing this campaign. Help us make the coming year leading up to our 30th anniversary a fun, exciting and worthwhile time for all in the BA community. Shanah Tovah - Naomi Segal, Chair of the Freedom Rings for Everyone Committee.
Contact me at naomirie@aol.com, or 215-222-4453 (before 9:00 PM) to get involved.
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President's Message by Shelly Komito
As I write this article, we are more than halfway through our "Freedom Rings for Everyone" Campaign. The Campaign was launched last year during High Holy Day services, which we held in the National Constitution Center for the first time. The Campaign was conceived to honor the rights guaranteed to every American under the United States Constitution. To date, we have highlighted the Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, and the Right to Petition the Government. We have showcased relevant movies, interesting speakers, heated discussions, and more.
Ironically, as we were celebrating our constitutional rights, we were also witnessing a potential threat to the Constitution. This threat may write discrimination into the Constitution and specifically limit the rights of same sex couples to marry.
As Jews and as gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender individuals, we recognize that the United States Constitution serves as the cornerstone upon which our rights are guaranteed. The events of recent months clearly remind us that the Constitution makes possible our rights to love each other and to worship freely.
It is the duty of each of us to ensure that these rights remain intact. We have to appreciate the rights and freedoms we have, while we monitor efforts to limit or destroy them.
At this year's High Holy Days, 5765, we begin a new module of the "Freedom Rings for Everyone" Campaign, the Right to Vote. Congregation Beth Ahavah will focus its programming around this important freedom and we invite you to join us. But the most important thing each of us can do, as Jews and as GLBT individuals, is to exercise one of our most precious rights, the right to vote. It is not only our right, but our obligation.
As we observe the High Holy Days as a community, again at the National Constitution Center, let us remember that together we can make a difference. And when it comes to November, every vote counts!
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A Commitment to the Future of BA
BA offered me the opportunity to do all types of things," said Ruth Schachter, a Beth Ahavah member for many years. "Before Beth Ahavah, I never would have had the nerve to stand up in front of a group and do anything." That all changed for Ruth when she became involved at BA. And BA was changed due to Ruth's volunteer efforts and considerable artistic talents.
After graduating from college in upstate NY, Ruth took a job in the art department of a Madison Avenue greeting card company. When the company relocated to West Chester, PA, Ruth followed. Seeking a new challenge, she and a friend left the greeting card company to start the first mobile catering van (yes, lunch truck) on the campus of West Chester University. It was a large 16' step van, and "was quite an operation," according to Ruth. Ruth later sold the lunch truck and obtained a Master's Degree at Drexel University. She is currently the library director of the Art Institute of Pennsylvania.
While living in Chester County, and between relationships, Ruth drove to Center City Philadelphia to attend Shabbat services at BA. Rather terrified and not knowing Hebrew, Ruth sat in the back of the sanctuary and didn't talk with anyone. Ruth joined the Women's Chavurah (no Hebrew required!) and later became a member of BA. And what a lucky day that was for BA!
Since becoming a member, Ruth has volunteered extensively, from mailing parties to serving on the Board of Directors. She chaired the Adult Education Committee for several years, chants Torah and Haftarah at the High Holidays, and has been a member of the cast of the last three Purim Shpiels. She is now The Shofar editor.
Ruth met her partner, BA member Gloria Becker, during the adult B'nai Mitzvah classes offered by BA, where Gloria was the teacher. Ruth joined five other congregants for two years of intensive Jewish studies, culminating in a joint B'nei Mitzvah celebration by the class.
Perhaps Ruth is best known at BA for her artistic talents. An accomplished potter, Ruth's works have been on display in the BA gift shop. She has made menorahs, Miriam's cups, and seder plates that grace the homes of several BA members. During High Holiday services two years ago, Ruth thought that the Torah covers looked "tired." Not having tried her talents at sewing, Ruth spent months designing and sewing new covers. These elegant new covers were shown for the first time during 5764 High Holiday services at the National Constitution Center.
Asked about her views for the necessity of a GLBT synagogue, Ruth says, "It's incredibly important to have a safe, welcoming place for GLBT Jews to go and make or renew their connection with Judaism and with other Jewish GLBT people."
Ruth recently took steps to ensure the future of BA. She included BA in her estate plan. "I never thought twice about doing this. A will is for taking care of the people and things that you love, and for me, that includes BA."
Become a Pillar of Pride for BA. If you want information about how to include BA in your estate plan, or if you have already included BA in your estate plan, please contact President Shelly Komito.
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Visit to the Progressive Islam Congregation
On Friday, July 16th, some members of Beth Ahavah visited the Progressive Islam Congregation here in Philadelphia. This mosque is an outgrowth of Al Fatiha, an organization of GLBT Moslems with groups in many cities across the United States and Canada. In Arabic, Al Fatiha means "The Opening." The Progressive Islam Congregation offers monthly communal prayer meetings. The group is a mixture of Middle-Easterners, South Asians, African-Americans, and Caucasians. There are also a number of liberal heterosexual Muslims, because the progressive nature of the mosque is a breath of fresh air for many liberal Muslims.
We were warmly greeted by Khalida, a young Afghani woman who proudly introduced us to her girlfriend and confessed that she would be unable to validate her relationship with the girlfriend, or pray side-by-side with men in a traditional mosque. Khalida has aspirations of leading Muslims in prayer and would really like to see the Philadelphia group grow. We all took off our shoes, and sat on a large blanket. I expressed our wish for friendship and solidarity between their congregation and ours. We talked openly. Light shone through the big windows from the direction of Mecca. We were led in prayer.
Afterwards, a young Caucasian convert to Islam named Johnny introduced some parts of the Koran he wished to discuss. These related to treatment of women, including a passage which permitted beating women under some circumstances. The discussion was frank. Many of us, Jews and Muslims alike, had a great deal of difficulty with these passages. Torah was used as a bridge to relate the Koran verses for us Jews. Johnny, a student of Arabic, searched for deeper meaning through the original Arabic.
As the visit ended, we agreed that we had accomplished a good thing. There was a great deal of mutual respect between us and interest regarding the common heritage of Muslims and Jews. Members of the Progressive Islam Congregation have been informally invited to visit Beth Ahavah at the Shabbat of August 6th. We are investigating the possibility of a formal welcome into the GLBT religious community after the High Holy days. In the spirit of tikkun olam (repairing the world), we should support this group of GLBT and forward-thinking Muslims. In a world where there is so much friction between Muslims and Jews, a relationship between the Progressive Islam Congregation and Beth Ahavah would be a tremendous blessing for both our groups.
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What Is Bikur Holim?
The Bikur Holim Committee of Beth Ahavah reaches out to those congregants who are in need of healing or assistance.
The Committee embraces the Jewish tradition of helping those in crisis, letting them know that the community remembers them in their time of need, and can help them in specific ways.
When a congregant has a death in their family - partner, sibling, or parent, the BH Committee can be their link to resources to help ease the stress of remembering all that there is to do.
When a congregant is hospitalized or diagnosed with a serious illness, the Bikur Holim Committee serves as "command central" for arranging for telephone contacts, and hospital or home visits, as appropriate.
Whether a member suffers the loss of a beloved person or pet, or a serious illness, the committee will send an appropriate card.
It is only with your assistance that we can be responsive to this critical time in a member's life. If you know of someone in need of help or experiencing a problem, please call the synagogue at 215-923-2003 or email BikurHolim@comcast.net and let us know, so that we may respond. Give us your name and phone number and/or email address, indicating the best way to contact you, the name of the person you are calling about, and as much detail about the situation as you have. The committee will contact the congregation by email. If you do not wish to be included, please let us know.
One of our challenges this year has been contacting members who do not have easy access to email. Our plan is to reach out to those members via phone tree.
The Committee needs help in carrying out its mission. If interested in helping out with this important work, email us at
BikurHolim@comcast.net
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New Theatre Company Set to Open in Philadelphia
This October, an exciting and different theatre company will debut. Robin Eisenberg, Co-Artistic Director of the Philadelphia Theatre Workshop, describes it as one where diverse theatre artists and audiences will meet to see the kinds of plays rarely seen in Philadelphia. "We're targeting the Philadelphia GLBT community in the works we select. Our plays won't be just about the GLBT experience, but they'll certainly have that sensibility." The first season will feature Postcoital Variations by local playwright Alex Dremann, and Kimberly Akimbo by award-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire.
"Both plays challenge the ideal of what is 'normal'," says Robin. In Postcoital Variations, which opens on October 14th, 3 characters - one woman and two men - live together as "a triple." They love each other, build their lives together, and have sex together. In their world, their relationship is perfectly normal and satisfying. But when they begin to think about whether the relationship can last, things begin to fall apart. A romantic comedy, with a twist.
Bill Felty, a Philadelphia-based acting teacher and the casting director at the Wilma Theatre is the other Co-Artistic Director. Carol Murray, an Emmy award-winning producer is the Managing Director.
"I appreciate all of the support I've received from Congregation Beth Ahavah and our members over the years for all of my theatrical "outings." says Robin. "I look forward to seeing you again at the Philadelphia Theatre Workshop."
For more information and to order tickets visit the web site www.philadelphiatheatreworkshop.org
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Inside the Board Room
Summer board meetings are very busy as this is when much of the planning for the coming year takes place. This year, as we sat around the table talking about the coming year, two things kept coming up. First, that Congregation Beth Ahavah is on a roll and second, that Congregation Beth Ahavah needs help.
The mood at BA is as good as it has ever been. In June, we elected a full slate of officers to the Board of Directors. The Freedom Rings for Everyone Campaign has been moving forward with many well attended and exciting programs. Members of the congregation are stepping forward to volunteer their time and effort to making things happen. It is amazing.
At the same time, we need to meet the many needs of our congregants. The desire for engaging programs grows each time another terrific program happens. The creativity is flowing and we are only limited by the number of people who are willing to help turn these dreams into reality. Can you be one of these people who helps BA fulfill its mission? Can you help make some of our programming happen? Do you have a great idea that you'd like to make real? Can you design a flyer? Make some phone calls? Can you help plan a program? Can you do a little shopping?
Starting this fall, we will post a "job board" in the lobby. Check it out...you can be a part of this amazing phenomenon known as Congregation Beth Ahavah!
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BA Visits the Barnes
On May 16th, about 20 members of BA dined at Appleby's at the Adam's Mark Hotel and took a shuttle bus to the famous Barnes Foundation. The food and conversation were delicious and delightful...
Here's a bit of history about The Barnes in case we've piqued your interest:
Dr. Albert C. Barnes established The Barnes Foundation in 1922 to "promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts." Born in a working class Philadelphia neighborhood in 1872, Barnes received a B.S. degree from Central High School in Philadelphia and, at the age of twenty, his M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. With a German colleague, Barnes developed a new antiseptic silver compound, Argyrol. Barnes later bought out his partner and in 1908 established the very successful A.C. Barnes Company in Philadelphia.
Barnes' extensive personal studies in psychology, philosophy and art -- particularly his reading of John Dewey, George Santayana, and William James -- led him to form his own theories about art and education. Combining his educational concepts and his compassion for the working man with his burgeoning interest in the arts, Barnes hung paintings in his Argyrol factory to be studied and discussed by his workers, and held educational seminars.
In 1918, Dr. Barnes attended John Dewey's seminars at Columbia University to study the scientific method in education. Dewey and Barnes quickly became close friends and collaborators. Dewey's influence, and a desire to provide nondiscriminatory access to art and education, led Barnes to create The Barnes Foundation in 1922, on a 12-acre arboretum in Merion, PA. A new force had entered the world… a self-made man with substantial financial and intellectual resources, combative intensity, relentless curiosity, a keen eye for art, and a deeply-rooted respect for the common man.
The Barnes Foundation is home to one of the finest collections of French early-modern and post-Impressionist paintings in the world. The institution's gallery walls are literally cluttered with great pieces. A number of them -- including Cezanne's Card Players and Girl, Van Gogh's Postman, Seurat's Models, and Monet's House Boat -- are among the masterworks of the 20th century. Other artists include Paul Gauguin, Peter Paul Rubens, Paul Cezanne, Amedeo Modigliani, Henri Rousseau, and his favorite painter, Renoir.
If you haven't yet had the opportunity, visit this local treasure!
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