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Siyyum: Conclusions, Reflections, Transitions
May 1, 2025
Rabbi Linda Potemken
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One of our many beautiful Jewish traditions is that of siyyum, the formal conclusion and celebration of the study of a division of the Mishnah or Talmud, or in our time, any large section of a Jewish text. The celebration is joyful and is accompanied by music and a feast. This tradition speaks to me as I think about how to conclude this time with you, my beloved community.
Under better circumstances, Beth Israel might be planning a...Read more...
Why is This Passover Different From All Other Passovers?
April 1, 2025
Rabbi Linda Potemken
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The answer to my title question is that it is not completely different. On all other Passovers there are trials and tribulations in the world and in our own lives, just as there are now. Some years we feel them more acutely. But when the 15th of Nisan comes along and we sit down to seder, we enter our ancient story seeking inspiration, no matter what narrow places we find ourselves and our world.
How might the rituals of the Pesach...Read more...
Rabbi's Note
March 1, 2025
Rabbi Linda Potemken
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Friends, in these challenging times, I invite you to consider the ways in which you care for yourselves, heart, body and soul. There is so much over which we have no control that it’s important to identify where we do have some control or some influence. In that vein, I invite you to think about setting some intentions for yourself, grounding yourself in your highest values, and holding your own heart with compassion as you navigate...Read more...
Rabbi's Note
January 1, 2025
Rabbi Linda Potemken
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As we turn to a new year on the Gregorian, standard calendar, we read the penultimate Torah portion in the book of Genesis. For the Jewish people, our new year of deep introspection and shifting of direction comes in the Autumn, at Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur. But living in two civilizations, at a minimum, we are primed to accept the invitation to look both inward and forward as December turns to January So what does the Torah portion in this...Read more...
A Refuge and a Match - Meditation Returns on Dec 3
December 1, 2024
Rabbi Linda Potemken
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As night falls on December 25, Jews around the world will celebrate Chanukah, bringing light into our homes during the darkest days of the year. In my family we savor the lighting of the menorah, as we enjoy eating the latkes, sharing the festival with friends and exchanging gifts that include donations to worthy organizations that help to repair the world.
The word "Chanukah" literally means dedication, in honor of the rededication...Read more...
Wisdom for November from October
November 1, 2024
Rabbi Linda Potemken
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Following the Hebrew month of Tishrei, filled with busy, meaningful Jewish holy days and festivals, comes the month of
Cheshvan. While Cheshvan is typically a quiet month on the Jewish calendar, this year it corresponds to November, a full and challenging month on the American calendar. Election day, November 5, is almost here and tensions are mounting about what the outcome will mean for us and for our country. The air is charged....Read more...
Hallelujah!
October 1, 2024
Rabbi Linda Potemken
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Nine days before Rosh Hashanah, on the 20th day of the Hebrew month of Elul, my beloved spouse completed six weeks of chemotherapy and radiation. We will now have a four week pause in treatment, time for him to regain strength and energy, time to exhale, if only for a moment.
As we prepare for the new year, we both want to thank all of you for your ongoing love and support which has raised us up through these tough times. We plan on...Read more...
Preparing for the New Year: Hiking the Narrow Bridge
September 1, 2024
Rabbi Linda Potemken
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On the High Holidays we attend to a deep truth that we spend most days fending off: We and everyone we know and love are mortal and vulnerable, and we can never know how much time we have left on this earthly journey. Our holy days provide a profound opportunity to face this fact with courage and heightened awareness. We are directed to do teshuvah, to repair what we can repair and to clarify our priorities so that we use our time wisely,...Read more...
May Graduations Celebrations
May 1, 2024
Rabbi Linda Potemken
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This month we will celebrate the graduation/ordination of our rabbinic intern, Aya Baron. Aya graduates the RRC on May 19th. We will mark her upcoming transition to rabbi at services at BI on May 4th. Two weeks later, on May 18th, we will honor and celebrate BI members who are graduating High School, also at Shabbat morning services.
At this tender and difficult time in the world and for our people it is important to mark and to savor...Read more...
Pesach: Celebrating Redemption & Facing Antisemitism
April 1, 2024
Rabbi Linda Potemken
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The first seder of Passover falls on the evening of Monday April 22, under the light of the full moon and amidst the beauty of Spring. We recount our story of liberation with props from the seder plate and songs from the Haggadah, celebrating redemption, which along with creation and revelation form the three defining narratives of Judaism. Pesach holds the message that motivates our community to work toward freedom and justice while it lends...Read more...
Tue, August 26 2025
2 Elul 5785
Upcoming Programs & Events
Aug 27 Morning Spiritual Practice (on Zoom) Wednesday, Aug 27 8:30am |
Aug 27 Fundraising Committee Meeting (on Zoom) Wednesday, Aug 27 7:00pm |
Aug 28 Book Group Meeting (in person) Thursday, Aug 28 7:00pm |
Aug 29 Shabbat Services led by Laura Lee and Randi (in person) Friday, Aug 29 7:30pm |
Aug 30 Shabbat at Home (at home and offline) Shabbat, Aug 30 9:45am |
This week's Torah portion is Parshat Shoftim
Shabbat, Aug 30 |
Contact Information
Congregation Beth Israel of Media
542 S. New Middletown Road
Media, PA 19063
p: (610) 566-4645
f: (610) 566-2240
e-mail: info@bethisraelmedia.org
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Celebrate Shabbat!
Friday Night
Candle Lighting : 7:20pm |
Shabbat Services led by Laura Lee and Randi (in person) : 7:30pm |
Shabbat Day
Shabbat at Home (at home and offline) : 9:45am |
Havdalah : 8:27pm |
Candle Lighting
Friday, Aug 29, 7:20pm |
Havdalah
Motzei Shabbat, Aug 30, 8:27pm |
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