Appoint a teacher for yourself; acquire a friend for yourself; and judge everyone favorably. ~ Pirkei Avos

MIKVAH OF HARRISBURG

............. Harrisburg is pleased to inform you that we have a modern and functioning Mikvah.

When traveling through or regular appointments can be made with Varda Gewirtz. She checks the answering machine regularly.

Simply call the Mikvah hotline at 717-238-2233

KI events

KI’s Cemetery

Kesher Israel congregation covers resources not only in life but in death as well.  Kesher Israel’s dedicated cemetery is located at 3446 Oliver Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17109 (right behind Aangan Indian Cuisine at 3500 Walnut St., Harrisburg, PA 17109).  (Follow the link to see where on the map that is and to get directions).

Summer Kollel

Kesher Israel Congregation’s Kollel Zichron Dov is named in honor of HaRav Berel Dov Zafran, z"tl.  Rabbi Zafran was one of the world’s great authorities on Kashrut, especially on the slaughtering of chickens.  For many years, he was the Rav Ha’Machshir of Empire Kosher Poultry.  It was through his knowledge and expertise that Empire became one of the most important suppliers of kosher poultry in the world.  Rav Zafran was a proud member of Kesher Israel Congregation.  He devoted his life to Torah and learning. 

Kesher Israel Congregation wishes to express its sincere thanks to all who have supported the Kollel Zichron Dov since it’s inception and a special thanks to Rebbetzin Freida Zafran for her continued generous support.

You are invited to study with a kollel member on any subject of Jewish interest.  Kollel participants are available for 1-on-1 chavrusah learning 1 hour before Minchah, after Maariv, or at your convenience (but please set up through the office, 238-0763).

Kesher Connection Sivan 5770

Visiting Harrisburg

On the map below, the blue line represents the eruv.  The green arrow/star represents Kesher Israel.  To get directions to the shul, click on the green arrow/star on the map and choose the link for directions.

There are several places to stay within a few miles of our congregation.  Please note, none of the hotels are within the eruv.  To give a better sense of location, the following hotels are marked in orange on the map:

The Days Inn (717) 233-3100

Hilton Inn 717-233-6000

The Crown Plaza 717-234-5021

View eruv-hbg in a larger map

Planning on visiting for shabbat?

Contact the Kesher Israel office (717-238-0763.  E-Mail: kesherisrael@aol.com) or email Rabbi Males (E-Mail: Rabbimales@yahoo.com) for questions on how to make arrangements. 

Regional Attractions

Hershey is just 12 miles from Harrisburg.  Hershey Park is one of the main local attractions and not only offers family entertainment, but also seasonally provides a kosher food vendor within the park under strict Rabbinical Supervision (Star-K).  It is not necessary to pay park admission to go to the food stand.  See Ticket Sales at Hershey Park for details.  For more information on the kosher stand, contact or check out the Central PA Kosher Mart website.  In addition, Hershey also has Zoo America and The Outlets at Hershey.

Gettysburg, PA, home of the famous civil war battles, is a unique tourist attraction located approximately 45 minutes outside of Harrisburg, making it a simple efficient day trip experience.

The Poconos area is approximately 2 hours away and features resorts, skiing, white-water rafting, and other vacation opportunities.

Connection with other cities

Harrisburg is very centrally located.  Nestled in the Susquehanna Valley, we have a variety of opportunities within a reasonable driving radius.  In addition, Harrisburg is comfortably placed between several large metropolitan cities.

Baltimore, a mere 75 minute drive from Harrisburg, is a nice trip for going to kosher restaurants, shopping at the all-kosher market (Seven-mile), or going down to Inner Harbor.

Philadelphia, with its many attractions, including major league sports teams, is about 90 miles from Harrisburg.  Direct train lines are available between the two cities as well. 

New York City, and its surrounding areas, is approximately a 3 hour drive, depending on what specific area you are going to and traffic for the day.  Harrisburg members are frequently found to be travelling between the two cities. 

Pittsburgh is approximately 4 hours distance from Harrisburg. 

OU’s EMERGING COMMUNITY EXPO 6/14/09

We wish to thank all of the wonderful people we met at the OU’s Emerging Communities Expo in NY.  We look forward to talking more to each and every one of you.  We have met and coordinated with our employment specialist.  Let us know what we can do for you; we are dedicated to helping in any way possible while you search out a community that fits.  In an effort to coordinate the incoming messages, we have created a focal-point email where we may be reached: HarrisburgCommunity@gmail.com.  Please note that if you have already been in direct contact with any of our members, you do not need to change the email. 

Many of the participants of the OU expo placed a ballot to see if they could win family four pack tickets for Hershey Park, an attraction only 20 minutes out of town.  We now have those two winners who came closest to the actual number of Hershey Kisses in the vase.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR DRAWING WINNERS

Dorothy Omaroff

Goldie Adler

If we have been unable to get in touch with you, please contact us at HarrisburgCommunity@gmail.com.

For those who did not win, we still invite you to come down to visit Harrisburg and Hershey.  See what makes us love it here so much.

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ASK THE RABBI

HERE’S SOME QUESTIONS FOR RABBI MALES :

Hello Rabbi Males,

I noticed on your email that Candle Lighting time is listed as 7:15.  I’ve been lighting by the times listed on the Chabad website, and for this Shabbos it is listed as 7:53.  Please let me know why there is such a difference in the times.

Good Shabbos to you and Layala!

ANSWER
Good question! Here’s the basic answer:
7:53 is the real candle-lighting time for this week. (Candle lighting is always 18-20 minutes before sunset.)
Throughout the summer, Kesher Israel takes in Shabbos early on Friday nights (hence the Friday night Mincha at 7:00 PM throughout the summer.)
If one is accepting Shabbos early, candles should be lit around the same time the congregation recites the Kabbalas Shabbos prayers.
If KI begins mincha at 7:00 PM we’ll be in the middle of Kabbalas Shabbos close to 7:15 PM.
I hope this explains the consistent 7:15 PM candle lighting time for the summer.
All the best!
Rabbi Akiva Males

Good Morning, Rabbi -

Yesterday a friend of mine asked if orthodox law would allow burial of a person with a tattoo in a Jewish cemetery.  I’ve never heard anything of this before, but my guess is there is no law against it. I know it is unusual to hear from me, but perhaps you can send an answer from one of the professional staff.

ANSWER:
Although the Torah clearly prohibits one from getting a tattoo, there is absolutely no reason why one who has done so cannot be buried in a Jewish cemetery. I don’t know how this misconception has become so widespread over the years. (Perhaps it was begun by a parent who was trying to convince his/her child not to get a tattoo?)
Here is a terrific piece written on the matter: http://ohr.edu/yhiy/article.php/1474
All the best ,

Rabbi Akiva Males

Kesher Israel Congregation
2500 N. Third Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 238-0763

KEEP ASKING AND LOOK FOR MORE ANSWERS WEEKLY !

HEAR RABBI MALES ON OU RADIO WITH AN EXPLANATION OF WEARING TZIT TZIT IN A CEMETERY
Fringes in, or out, at the cemetery? The answer is uncovered when you click on “Listen Now”.
“> http://www.ou.org/index.php/takefive/tzitzit_in_the_cemtery/



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MIKVAH OF HARRISBURG

The Harrisburg Community supports, and regularly maintains, a modern mikvah within the eruv to allow women and men in the community to fulfill halachic obligations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Mikvah is available by appointment:

• Contact person: Varda Gewirtz


• Mikvah hotline: 717-238-2233


• Messages are checked regularly.



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ERUV

Spanning about 1.5-2 miles, our ERUV is inspected on a regular basis and maintained to strict halachic standards.
For more information call 717-234-ERUV.


View eruv-hbg in a larger map

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Employment

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is blessed by low unemployment, a stable economy and good jobs.  In these troubled economic times it is comforting to know that there is a place where the job market remains good and employees are reasonably assured of their jobs. 

One of the reasons for this relative job security has been that Harrisburg’s No. 1 employer is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  All state agencies are headquartered in the City of Harrisburg.  Jobs with “the State” include everything from secretaries and technicians, to jobs requiring a college background, to legal positions and many others.  Naturally, since the Seat of Government is here, so are many jobs that work hand in hand with government, such as legal, lobbying, accounting and consulting.

The Federal Government is also a major regional employer.  The Federal Building and Courthouse in downtown Harrisburg hosts the Federal Court and its related facilities and employees.  Many Federal agencies also have their regional headquarters in the City.  Close by to Harrisburg are very significant Federal facilities, such as the Letterkenny Army Depot (the Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for Air Defense and Tactical Missile Systems).  Also the Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg, Naval Inventory Control Point, Defense Supply Depot in nearby Mechanicsburg, is another major regional employer.  These Federal facilities employ thousands of area workers.

In addition, the Harrisburg region boasts many medical facilities.  These include the nationally ranked Penn State - Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, one of the nation’s finest teaching hospitals.  Also, Harrisburg Hospital, York Hospital, Carlisle Hospital and many related and off-site medical facilities are located in Harrisburg or close by.  The Harrisburg Area Community College operates a nursing school at its campus in the outskirts of the City.
A variety of top educational facilities employ thousands of local workers.  These facilities, in the City of Harrisburg and its suburbs include: Harrisburg University, Dixon University Center, Widener Law School, Penn-State-Harrisburg Campus, and private post-secondary educational facilities.  Nearby to Harrisburg, within an easy commute from the City, are many other colleges and universities, including, Bucknell College, Gettysburg College, Shippensburg University, Dickinson College, Penn State-Dickinson Law School, Penn State-York Campus, York College, Lebanon Valley College, and the U.S. Army War College.

Many corporations and manufacturers are located within Harrisburg or close by.  Examples include Hershey Foods, Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, HARSCO, Rite Aid Corporation, Giant Food Corporation, Capital Blue Cross, Highmark Blue Shield, Health America Pennsylvania, Keystone Health Care Central, Tyco Electronics and many others.

Harrisburg is also the home of many local law firms and branches of national and international law firms.  National/International Firms include Saul Ewing LLP, Morgan Lewis, Pepper LLP, Eckert Seamans, Cozen & O’Connor, K&L Gates, and others.  Locally-based law firms include McNees Wallace & Nurick, Rhoads & Sinon, Smigel Anderson & Sacks and many others.

Among accounting and consulting firms, are: Gannett Fleming Engineers, Skelley & Loy, Deloitte & Touche LLP, PriceWaterhouse Coopers LLP, and many highly respected regional and local firms.


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LOOKING FOR A JOB?  HERE ARE SOME LINKS TO THE CAPITAL REGION GOV’T JOB SITES:

www.usajobs.gov

STATE OF PENNA JOBS

FEMA JOBS

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ASK THE RABBI

HERE’S SOME QUESTIONS THAT RABBI MALES ANSWERED

Hello Rabbi Males,

I noticed on your email that Candle Lighting time is listed as 7:15.  I’ve been lighting by the times listed on the Chabad website, and for this Shabbos it is listed as 7:53.  Please let me know why there is such a difference in the times.

Good Shabbos to you and Layala!

ANSWER
Good question! Here’s the basic answer:
7:53 is the real candle-lighting time for this week. (Candle lighting is always 18-20 minutes before sunset.)
Throughout the summer, Kesher Israel takes in Shabbos early on Friday nights (hence the Friday night Mincha at 7:00 PM throughout the summer.)
If one is accepting Shabbos early, candles should be lit around the same time the congregation recites the Kabbalas Shabbos prayers.
If KI begins mincha at 7:00 PM we’ll be in the middle of Kabbalas Shabbos close to 7:15 PM.
I hope this explains the consistent 7:15 PM candle lighting time for the summer.
All the best!
Rabbi Akiva Males

Good Morning, Rabbi -

Yesterday a friend of mine asked if orthodox law would allow burial of a person with a tattoo in a Jewish cemetery.  I’ve never heard anything of this before, but my guess is there is no law against it. I know it is unusual to hear from me, but perhaps you can send an answer from one of the professional staff.

ANSWER:
Although the Torah clearly prohibits one from getting a tattoo, there is absolutely no reason why one who has done so cannot be buried in a Jewish cemetery. I don’t know how this misconception has become so widespread over the years. (Perhaps it was begun by a parent who was trying to convince his/her child not to get a tattoo?)
Here is a terrific piece written on the matter: http://ohr.edu/yhiy/article.php/1474
All the best ,

Rabbi Akiva Males

Kesher Israel Congregation
2500 N. Third Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 238-0763

KEEP ASKING AND LOOK FOR MORE ANSWERS WEEKLY !

HEAR RABBI MALES ON OU RADIO WITH AN EXPLANATION OF WEARING TZIT TZIT IN A CEMETERY
Fringes in, or out, at the cemetery? The answer is uncovered when you click on “Listen Now”.
“> http://www.ou.org/index.php/takefive/tzitzit_in_the_cemtery/



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THE JEWISH COMMUNITY


The community all comes together in the Jewish Community Center.  The services there are numerous and the site serves as a locale for many events within the community.  A kosher, shomer Shabbat facility, the JCC also serves as home base for the preschool and day school .

The JCC offers classes and social opportunities for children, adults and senior citizens.  Numerous sports facilities are available through the JCC, including an exercise gym, swimming pools, and racquetball courts.  The JCC provides ample opportunities for children of all ages to participate in competitive sports activities.  Physical and social benefits of team sports in a Jewish environment is just part of the appeal of the JCC. Adults can also participate in team sports or a variety of exercise classes from tai chi to karate to spinning. Health club facilities include sauna, steam room, and whirlpool.

During the summer, the JCC operates its Green Hills Swim Club in the beautiful Fishing Creek Valley (a 10-minute drive from the JCC). Green Hills Swim Club is a private 23 acres of land featuring a large outdoor pool, water slide, picnic tables, ga ga court, playset, and a full service concession stand.

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THE RABBI DAVID L. SILVER YESHIVA ACADEMY— Harrisburg’s Premier Hebrew Day School.  Follow the link for more information.

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MIKVAH
The community also supports and maintains a mikvah within the eruv to allow for women and men in the community to fulfill halachic obligations 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Call 717-238-2233 for further information.

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THE ERUV
Spanning about 1.5-2 miles, our ERUV is inspected on a regular basis and maintained to strict halachic standards.
For more information call 717-234-ERUV.

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KI SCRAPBOOK

Lag B’Omer 2010



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PURIM 2010!




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June 28, 2009

KI went out to participate with Habitat for Humanity. Digging, Painting, Building, Planting...everyone left feeling accomplished that day.






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To mimic the movie title, this page could be called “Rabbi Males goes to Washington”.
Our very own leader was given the opportunity to do the Benediction for Congress as it began its day.




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THANKSGIVING FOR THE FIREFIGHTERS

Every year, Mark Powers leads a group of us to show our appreciation for the local firefighters and everything they do.  Thanksgiving is a time for us when we make them a nice dinner to honor them, but there is no need to spell this out...the local news did it for us.




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Birkat Hachama (ברכת החמה, “Blessing of the Sun") 2009

This refers to the Jewish blessing that is recited in appreciation of the Sun once every 28 years, when the vernal equinox, as calculated by tradition, falls on a Tuesday at sundown. Jewish tradition says that when the Sun completes this cycle, it has returned to its position when the world was created.  [Wikipedia]

Kesher Israel participated in this momentous occasion, gathering together in the brisk morning air to offer praises to Hakadosh Baruch Hu.






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LINKS (BETA)

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CONTACT US It is easy to contact us by email.  Our secretary checks our email daily.  Please feel free to call her at 717-238-0763 or our KESHER ISRAEL GIFT SHOPPE Contact Eva Seigel @234-6056 or Louise Powers @233-1516 ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS SPONSOR A KIDDUSH or BE A SHALOSH SEDUDOS PATRON Call Cecelia in the office from 9am to 1pm @ 238-0763 or Mrs. Sadie Brenner in the evenings @ 238-0698 About Us Kesher Israel Congregation was founded in 1902 by men and women who were determined to create a religious presence in Harrisburg that focused on the study of Torah, acts of loving kindness and, foremost, a belief in the G-d of Israel. After 100 years, Kesher Israel continues to hold true to these principles and thrives as an Orthodox synagogue. We are a congregation of 250 families and individuals from many places and backgrounds. We are a community through our commitment to the values of observance of the mitzvoth, of Jewish family life and prayer. In our daily and Shabbat services, we conduct our prayers with dignity and an appreciation for the beauty of holiness. Our present synagogue is located in a lovely residential neighborhood on Third and Schuylkill streets. The sanctuary was built in 1949 and expanded in 1963 to include the kitchens, social halls and offices. The congregation supports an active sisterhood and youth program. The congregational cemetery and memorial chapel are located at 35th and Oliver Street. Kesher Israel has enjoyed strong rabbinic leadership throughout its history. Our first rabbi was Eliezer Silver, a world-renowned scholar and president of the Union of Orthodox Rabbis. His son, Rabbi David Silver, of blessed memory, was our spiritual leader from 1932 to 1983. Rabbi Silver was the driving force behind the creation of our Yeshiva Academy of Harrisburg, the Jewish Home for the elderly and a host of other community institutions. After Rabbi Silver’s retirement, Dr. Chaim E. Schertz was elected as rabbi of the congregation. Under Rabbi Schertz’s guidance, Kesher Israel has developed an intense program of Jewish learning for adults. Now a new chapter is being written under the guidance of Rabbi Akiva Males, Kesher Israel is once again becoming a leader promoting orthodox ideals. Expanding and thriving past its centennial year, Kesher Israel Congregation continues to flourish as a light of Torah learning and Jewish tradition in Central Pennsylvania. Kesher Israel also continues to welcome those who seek a warm and joyful traditional synagogue and community. JEWISH DAY SCHOOL AND ADULT EDUCATION THE RABBI DAVID L. SILVER YESHIVA ACADEMY The Rabbi David L. Silver Yeshiva Academy has been educating Jewish children for over 60 years. The school, founded by Rabbi David L. Silver z”l, is a Torah Umesorah affiliated school, grades pre-K through 8th grade. The Yeshiva has an excellent reputation for providing children with both a solid education and menschlichkeit. Graduates of the school excel at the high school level both in academics and in leadership skills. The Yeshiva educates our children in a family-like atmosphere where a child’s individualized learning needs can be met. Children learn text-based Judaics while at the same time studying Modern Hebrew and Zionism. Children graduating our school go on to become honor students in highly competitive high schools. Classroom learning is supplemented with school shabbatons, field trips, a middle school trip to Israel and other special programs. ONGOING JEWISH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES AT KI Ongoing learning is a part of any orthodox community and KI is no different.  Aside from the twice monthly siddur study classes and the weekly women’s Nevi’im classes, mishnayos and Gemorrah study is available daily.  Between Minchah and Ma’ariv on most weekdays, Rabbi Males will lead a learning session of a tractate of Mishnah.  Every shabbat, Rabbi Gewirtz, a local teacher, will hold a learning session prior to Shacharis and every shabbat afternoon there is a Gemorrah shir (currently Tractate Shabbat).  In addition, a separate group has ongoing sessions on a different tractate three times a week.  Monthly Scholar-in-Residence program As part of an ongoing series, Kesher Israel has been dedicated to bringing in scholars-in-residence to our community approximately once a month (on average).  Torah scholars and Jewish leaders from around the world have graced our shul with their knowledge and insight.  Some examples of previous guests to our shul include: Rabbi Leonard Matanky (IL) Rabbi Hanoch Teller (Israel) Rabbi Mordechi Becher (NJ) Rabbi Avrohom Horovitz (GA) Rabbi Mitchel Ackerson (MD) Rabbi Dr. Jerry Lob (IL) Rabbi Alex Israel (Israel) Dr. Elliott Bondi (NY) Dr. Aviva Zornberg (Israel) Rabbi Kenneth Brander (NJ) Rabbi Dovid Orlofsky (Israel) Rabbi Yehudah & Channah Appel (OH) Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein (CA) Rabbi Elchonon Zohn (NY) Rabbi Simcha Feuerman (NY) Judith Leventhal (NY) US Senator Ben Cardin (MD) Governor Linda Lingle (HI) Dr. Lisa Aiken (Israel) Kosher Food Harrisburg’s Jewish Community provides several opportunities to get kosher food/wine.  Whether it is through the local supermarket with its kosher bakery and imported kosher items or through the kosher food stand at Hershey Park, members of Harrisburg’s Orthodox community are able to satisfy their gustatory needs.  Below are some of the links to the places that serve these needs. Giant Foods Local Grocery Store Featuring Kosher bakery, fresh and frozen meats, cheese, and other specialty items. 2300 Linglestown Rd. Harrisburg, PA 17110 Store Phone: 717-545-0489 Giant Foods Website Some important info about Kosher Navigation at Giant Foods: 1. All items displayed in the bakery section are certified as Kosher. Customers should check any item found outside of the bakery section for Kosher certification. 2. Aside from the garlic bread (containing Dairy garlic spread), all breads are Pareve / non-Dairy. 3. Unless otherwise marked, all cakes, cookies, and donuts, etc. are Dairy. 4. Please Note: The Lower East Side Market / Deli Counter in the store is not under any Hashgacha. Kesher Israel’s Wine Cellar offers a wide array of kosher selections for all your holiday, shabbas, and Simchah needs. For more information on the current selection in the wine cellar, call: Joel Burcat 717-234-8105 Jack Lock 717-236-4810 Charles Press 717-545-1081 Mark Brodsky 717-421-8005 Norman Gras Caterers Have your event catered in style with Kosher Food. Click on the logo to the right. 717-856-5913 Challah with a Twist Enjoy fresh homemade Challahs every week! 717-234-6863 Traveling to Hershey Park this summer? Check out the Kosher Food stop.  Click on the logo to the right. Another Kosher option is at Franklin and Marshall College, located 45 minutes outside of Harrisburg. The Mashgiach of this service is Mark Powers, a member of our community.  Click the logo for more info. Cool off with a refreshing Rita’s Water Ice.  While there are several Rita’s water ice locations in Harrisburg, Kesher Israel ensures that all products sold at this Rita’s location (4151 Linglestown Rd) are Kosher certified. 100th Anniversary Celebration Kesher Israel is proud to have reached its 100th anniversary. Our synagogue has remained just as vibrant and influential in the Harrisburg Jewish Community as in its past. We have ongoing celebrations to commemorate one century of Jewish teaching, learning, and spiritual unity. We continue to make improvements to our facilities, and generous donations help to make our ceremonies enhanced through ornate tapestries and religious adornments. It is only through the loving kindness of our membership, that we are able to continue serving G-d in the manner that our fathers have exemplified for us. Kesher Israel Synagogue and its spiritual leaders applaud all those that contribute to the vibrance of our great institution of Jewish worship. We appreciate our great community atmosphere and the wonderful people that help us honor Hashem in the way that we have traditionaly done. Membership Kesher Israel Synagogue provides a warm community that accepts Jews of all backgrounds to learn and grow in a friendly Jewish environment. We strives to provide a Jewish experience for any and all Jews that desire Judaism in their lives. Our membership consists of both young and old families, many families have been with our congregation for several generations. We welcome visitors to the Jewish community of Harrisburg, and encourage visitors to take advantage of our home hospitality within our community. K.I. would like to welcome you to our congregation & our community. Here is our membership form to join our community. MEMBERSHIP_APPLICATION.doc Sisterhood The Sisterhood at Kesher Israel Synagogue holds many events throughout the year to help the betterment of the congregation. Check back soon for upcoming sisterhood events and a feature on the gift shop. Housing Please forgive us.  This page is under construction as of June 7, 2010.  If this message is still being viewed and it is after June 11, 2010, please contact b.reid@comcast.net.  In the meantime, you can get some information here: 1. Trulia.com 2. Realestate.aol.com - not as easy to isolate houses in the eruv though. Thank you LEADERSHIP Executive Board President: Norman Gras, Vice President (Membership): Barry Gordon, Vice President (Programming): Burton Morris, Secretary: Ann Rosenberg, Treasurer: Dan Schulder, Financial Secretary:  Eunyce Press, Gabai: Rabbi Barry Nussbaum, Gabai: Rabbi Moshe Yoseph Gewirtz Board of Directors Robert Lipman,, Louis Reis, Dr. Stan Lewin,, Philip Goldstein, Joel Burcat, Joel Hervitz, Val Kakramanov, Lenard Brenner, Yosef Chiger, Sadie Brenner, Marcy Flicker, Ricki Gold, Alvin Rolstosky, Sandy Silverstein-Past President, Lee Seigel-Past President, Our RABBI Rabbi Akiva Males,Rabbi Akiva Males grew up in Cleveland, Ohio.  He attended the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland and the Wisconsin Institute of Torah Study.  He received his Rabbinical Ordination (Semicha) at the Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim of Queens, NY.  He holds a B.S. from Nyack College and a Certificate in Advanced Rabbinics and Synagogue Management (Touro College).  During the academic year 2006-2007 Males served as Judaic studies instructor at the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns in Lawrence, NY. He and his wife Layala are excited to be part of the Kesher Israel Family for the next two years. Rabbi David L. Silver, of blessed memory, was our spiritual leader from 1932 to 1983. His work with the Jewish community in Harrisburg and beyond was exemplary in his time. A strong advocate of the State of Israel, Rabbi Silver initiated Harrisburg�s first hebrew day school, now his namesake, The Rabbi David L. Silver Yeshiva Academy. We are grateful to him and what he has done for our community. Organizations Kesher Israel Synagogue harbors several organizations that carry out activites for the synagogues membership, and the Harrisburg Jewish community. NCSY Harrisburg’s Youth Leader Dena Rockoff-717-578-3620 Youth Group intended for education and youth leadership in Jewish Orthodox society. Meeting other Jewish youths and performing community service are primary goals of the organization. Join NCSY’s New MSN Mailing Group Visit NCSY’s Regional Website To Learn More to See Classes & Activies for learning organizations. Admin Login | Powered by the OU