Judaism

Rosh Hashanah in Prison: TBS Helps Collect Jewish Books, Funds for Meals

By Mary Klaus

Temple Beth Shalom members are helping their rabbi brighten Rosh Hashanah for Jewish inmates at the State Correctional Institute in Camp Hill.

The congregation is assisting Rabbi Carl Choper by collecting Jewish books, as well as funds to mail the books and to pay for Rosh Ha…

Drawing Close: New Community Organization Engages Unaffiliated Jews

By Adam Grobman

According to the Pew Research Center’s recent study, Jewish Americans in 2020, more than a third of American Jews are unaffiliated with a congregation. Yet, the vast majority are proudly Jewish.

A new organization in our area is helping to address the needs of these Jews …

Kesher Israel Breaks Ground on New Uptown Home

By Adam Grobman

Kesher Israel Congregation is on the move.

After purchasing the former Riverside United Methodist Church at 3200 N. 3rd St. in 2020, the congregation broke ground last month on construction that will transform the building into its new home.

The two-level building will be …

Gesher Names Mandy Cheskis Director of Lifelong Learning

By Mary Klaus

A beloved Jewish community educator has been appointed as the Gesher Lifelong Learning Director.

Mandy Cheskis, longtime member of Chisuk Emuna and a teacher at Gesher Religious School, will succeed Hilary Greenberg in the position beginning on July 1.

Gesher is a collaborat…

Chisuk Emuna Takes Steps Toward COVID-Era New Normalcy

By Mary Klaus

Chisuk Emuna is slowly starting to meet in person for Shabbat morning services, the first step toward a new normalcy.

After more than a year of pandemic-induced Zoom services and limited in-person brit milahs, baby namings, bat and bar mitzvahs, and other special ceremonies, …