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Synagogues

May 6, 2021

Historic B’nai Jacob May Be Jewish Community’s Best Kept Secret

By Mary Klaus

 

Although it may not have a rabbi, a religious school, or its own cemetery, Historic B’nai Jacob has a rich heritage and a warm, welcoming congregation second to none.

Located at Nissley and Water streets in Middletown, B’nai Jacob stands as a testament to 117 years of…

Sep 17, 2020

Synagogues Adjust, Reinvent High Holidays During Pandemic

By Mary Klaus

Most years, area Jews mark the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with long services in synagogues filled with the largest crowds of the year,

Not this year.

As the Jewish calendar turns to 5781 at sunset on September 18th, Jews will experience reconfigured obser…

May 5, 2020

Harrisburg Area Sisterhoods Thrive on Service, Socialization

By Mary Klaus

One Harrisburg area sisterhood erects and dismantles the synagogue’s sukkah each year, sends gift cards to college students, and more. Another makes Shiva meals and hosts book reviews.

Still another makes hamantaschen for the Purim celebration and sends holiday packages to …

Apr 7, 2020

Statement from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association on COVID-19

Statement from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association
on Communal Gatherings during COVID-19 Pandemic
 

At this time of global pandemic and the urgent need to stop the spread of Coronavirus, we Jews find ourselves caught between a number of dearly held values.  We have the desire an…

Oct 30, 2019

Chevra Kadisha Ensures Jewish Burials Follow Rituals, Traditions

By Mary Klaus          

Although most Jews have no trouble discussing Jewish traditions, there’s an almost palpable reluctance to talk about death and burial customs.      

No wonder. Jews, like society as a whole, often seem reluctant to face the finality of death. Yet when li…