Inaugural KSI English Speakers Activities Column

Dear KSI Members,

KSI is graced with many members from all over the Jewish world in addition to members of our founding families who are fluent in English. This column is being created to inform you of the many activities we are involved in and opportunities for you to be active with us in enriching Jewish life as a member of the congregation, and in outreach to our fellow Jews and Jewish community friends.

For the last few years now, a number of English speaking members have come together developing enjoyable relationships as participants in the congregational activities and have indeed developed caring friendships.

We also have become aware that the majority of Friday night Shabbat visitors are English speaking as well. Just last Shabbat I had the privilege of assisting Fredd Maduro of the congregation’s Welcoming Committee in greeting visitors and hope to continue with this activity along with  many of our members who gladly welcomed our guests as well.  

Last Friday night’s visitors were Ruth and Joel Winett from Framingham, Massachusetts. Later that night I received the following email from Ruth: “Thanks for giving us such a warm welcome tonight and for introducing us to so many people. We were very impressed with KSI.” She was particularly impressed with the number of younger couples at services and especially the number of children, teenagers and infants in attendance. I proudly said:” We represent Big Tent Judaism” and her response was” “As it should be.”

We of the English speaking members group look forward toward bringing Jewish activities which enhance Jewish life for our congregation members with detailed information about the activities of the KSI Jewish Literature Book Club titled: Living as a Jew in the Caribbean and Latin America and the progress the Panama Jewish Oral History Project is making in video recording our elders and assembling and scanning valuable historical documents and photographs.

The book club currently has 90 corresponding members in not only in Panama but also in other countries. Our last meeting had 25 attendees. We will be posting upcoming club meeting notices in this column and update you about other contemplated activities to solicit interest and volunteers.

If you wish to become active with the English speaking committee please communicate with me at: Robert.jacobvitz@sbcglobal.net.

Sincerely, Robert Jacobvitz