Kol Shearith Israel…Welcoming Community

As a member of Kol Shearith Israel I have attempted to be involved in program offerings as much as I can in support of the congregation and have witnessed steady growth in activities along with an increase of visitors on Shabbos who seem to be mostly English speaking. 

Two Shabbats ago we had a group of 23 college students and staff from Vanderbilt University, Hillel and the Be’chol Lashon Institute visiting us for the purpose of experiencing Jewish life in Latin America.

Since returning to the United States the following communication was received on behalf of the students and staff:

“Thank you to KSI for welcoming us into your country, your community and your home! We loved Panama, especially learning about the Jewish history of the region and more importantly the vibrant Jewish community that is there now! We look forward to seeing you all again soon and hope that this is only the beginning! 

A special thank you goes to Rabbi Kraselnik, Robert Jacobvitz and Ozzie Dietez McKail for helping make our trip not only possible, but amazing!"

Most sincerely,

Aryeh Weinberg, Program Manager

Be’chol Lashon: A Global Jewish Community

Institute for Jewish & Community Research

                           Students and Staff with Panamanian friends

        Students being given an overview of Panamanian Jewish History

Then this past Shabbat we welcomed  23 participants from the San Francisco (CA) Jewish Community Center (SFJCC) whom after visiting the foundations of Sephardic Jewish life in Curacao, visited KSI. And as one visitor commented “I was amazed  by the vitality of the congregation and the number of young people and babies attending services was so gratifying, I only wish my synagogue in the U.S. was so full of the joy in being Jewish I witnessed .”  

As a matter of fact, I too was amazed, since the sanctuary was totally filled last Friday night!

And this Friday we will again have a group of American college students visiting us in the form of the combined choral group PIZMON representing the Jewish Theological Seminary and Columbia University both from New York City.

The program is being brought to KSI by Book Club member and Panama Jewish Oral History Project sponsors Lyanne Lindo Wassermann and her husband Barry.  Additionally, their nephew Jacob Wassermann sings bass with the JTS Choral group. 

They will be performing three times this Shabbat; Friday night, Saturday morning and Saturday evening at Havdalah.

And writing about Havdalah, I had the opportunity to attend last Saturday night the “Introduction to Judaism” class wide Havdalah celebration at the social room of one the class member families. This class has set the record for more participants of 38 than ever before in the congregation’s history, as I have been told, and so it was not a surprise that I counted over 50 attendees, including family member’s children,  and of course Rabbi Gustavo, Ruthy and Dan.

                                                   Havdalah Lighting    

                                                    Havdalah Dinner 

What I observed and heard was that this was the first Havdalah service for many and it was an awe inspiring experience. What I further heard from one of the class participants was: “I know of the beauty of lighting the Shabbat candies, but I never knew of the equal beauty of the Havdalah candle lighting!  

If I had not been related to a class member, I would have never known such an event happens in our congregation. It was truly a wonderful introduction to what is a part of Jewish life as well as being an excellent experience in creating community…

So, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to experience the musical concert by PIZMON in complement to prayer as a part of our life, and experience the beauty of Havdalah as well.

Thank you to Rabbi Gustavo and Ruthy for your leadership and to Lyanne Lindo Wassermann and husband Barry for their generosity in sponsoring this weekend’s musical treat.

Any question, comments or interest in being active as members of the English Speaking activities group, let me know at: robert.jacobvitz@sbcglobal.net.

And remember by being bilingual, speaking both Spanish and English, you are always welcome. 

And those wanting to practice speaking English are welcome as well.

The goal of the English Speaking activities group is to better have all members of the congregation come closer together!