Chisuk Emuna

Don't miss this event!

2011-11-17T12:52:00.001-05:00

Chisuk Emuna Congregation

Family Friday Night Family Shabbat & Chanukah
Celebration

December 16, 2011

- Lighting Chanukah and Shabbat Candles

- Oh so bright!

- Together we will gather on Friday Night

- Students will lead the service and sing a song or two

- Latkes and chicken – yummy dinner for you!

- Dreidel spinning

- Gelt winning

- Family fun for all

- RSVP to Jeneen- just give a call!

- 232-4851

Please RSVP to Jeneen for this very special Shabbat
Chanukah Service and Dinner

Your check is your reservation $18 adult $10 children $ 45
Family

(note the early start time of 4:24 for the Chanukah candle
lighting)

November 10th Event with Kathleen Sheeder Bonanno

2011-10-31T23:29:00.004-04:00

Thursday, November 10, 2011 7:00 pm | The Midtown Scholar 1302 North Third Street | Harrisburg

Please join us as Kathleen Sheeder Bonanno shares some of her poems and in dialogue with Rabbi Ron Muroff and members of the audience explores questions like: How does one find strength, comfort, meaning following a devastating loss? Check out Ms. Bonnano's website at www.ksbonanno.com

Book signing and light refreshments to follow discussion. The program is free and open to all; RSVPs are appreciated. For more information and to RSVP, please contact the Chisuk Emuna office, info@chisukemuna.org, (717)232-4851.

Kathleen Sheeder Bonanno is an award-winning author and poet, who received the Beatrice Hawley Award for her book of poetry, “Slamming Open the Door,” a collection of poems recounting the true story of the murder of her daughter, Leidy Bonanno, in 2003, as a result of a domestic violence incident.

Bonanno’s heartrending collection inspires both compassion for and awe of the human spirit. Of all the losses we may be asked to bear, the murder of one’s child must be the most terrible. These poems evoke that keenly, seeking justice but transcending judgment as they grieve loss, celebrate love, and find healing.

An interview with Ms. Bonanno that appeared on Fresh Air, the NPR program, hosted by Terry Gross: www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111218053

Fire and Flood

2011-10-09T12:53:00.001-04:00

In 2009, Chisuk Emuna members were forced out of their synagogue by a devastating fire that destroyed their sanctuary just days before Passover.
They relocated to the Jewish Community Center.
Last month, Chisuk Emuna members were forced out of there by flooding, which caused at least $1.5 million damage shortly before Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, which begins at sundown tonight and ends at sundown Saturday.
They relocated their High Holy Days to Scottish Rite Cathedral, their board meetings to the president’s home and their Hebrew School and the daily prayer to the home of their educational director.
Now, most members are looking ahead to the groundbreaking for their new synagogue in uptown Harrisburg in two weeks.
It takes more than fire and flood to rattle this resilient congregation.
“The name Chisuk Emuna means strength in faith,” said Rabbi Ron Muroff, congregation spiritual director. “We get our strength from our faith. We are not alone. God is with us. We know that a congregation is more than a building.”
Chisuk Emuna, a conservative Jewish congregation, also survives its challenges by being a close-knit family, said Muroff and Carl Shuman, the congregation president.
“The fire hit us in the heart, but our congregation was intact,” Shuman said. “The fire left the main sanctuary a charred hole. Almost all of our Torah scrolls had been wrapped in heavy needlepoint mantles made by the women of our congregation. The mantles were damaged, but the scrolls inside were saved.”
The 12-inch Torah pointer that Shuman had made out of gold, sterling silver, pearls and other jewels also was damaged, but Shuman was able to restore it and return it to use.
Immediately after the fire, the Chisuk Emuna congregation was invited to move into the Jewish Community Center. Members have been having services and meetings there for two years.

Chisuk Emuna Congregation plans future after fire and flood
Chisuk Emuna Congregation was forced out of its building by a fire in 2009 and more recently had to leave the Jewish Community Center as a result of flooding caused by Tropical Storm Lee, but they continue to persevere by holding Hebrew school in a member's home.
Watch video
During this time, the congregation decided to rebuild in uptown Harrisburg so that the most observant members could continue to walk to the synagogue. Synagogue leaders searched for a site, ultimately picking the old Riverside School at 3219 Green St. Groundbreaking is scheduled Oct. 16.
“The last few years have been challenging for us,” Shuman said. “But we have an indomitable spirit. Our members are resilient.”
When the flood came and inundated the Jewish Community Center, Chisuk Emuna had to regroup. Again.
Shuman called the flood unsettling.
“We’ve been through fire and flood, so when are the locusts coming?” he joked. “The flood was right before our High Holy Days. We scrambled, but we really didn’t miss a beat.”
He said congregation leaders made arrangements to hold the services in the Scottish Rite Cathedral.
“We held Rosh Hashanah there,” he said. “Yael Muroff, our rabbi’s daughter, had her Bat Mitzvah there. It was a glorious weekend. We’ll hold Yom Kippur services there, too.” Chisuk Emuna’s portable ark on wheels has been put to good use lately, he added.
Since the flood, Shuman has hosted board meetings in his home. Mandy Cheskis, Chisuk Emuna education director, and her husband, Joel, synagogue campaign administrative manager, opened their home to both religious services and the congregation’s Hebrew School.
Earlier this week, first- through third-grade students sat around the Cheskises’ dining room table as Lynne Harlacher taught them about the Torah. Fourth- through sixth-grade students gathered around the kitchen table discussing the prophet Jonah and God’s willingness to forgive those who repent. They also made interpretive drawings.
Muroff taught sixth- and seventh-grade students how to properly wrap a Torah.
Mandy Cheskis said she and other Hebrew School teachers are using the flood as a lesson in service to others.
“We put together information about the flood damage, plus bottles of water and granola bars,” she said. “We passed them out at homes in the Green and Vaughn streets’ area. where our new synagogue will be built. We want to be good neighbors. We tell the kids that this is what you do for your neighbors.”
Muroff said his congregation’s challenges have brought blessings and lessons.
“We’ve grown closer as a family,” he said. “We’ve learned to accept the kindness of others. And we’ve been able to be of service to others, too.”

An Experience by Dr. Maggie Grotzinger

2011-10-09T12:52:00.001-04:00

Dr. Maggie Grotzinger
As a member of Chisuk Emuna Congregation, whose synagogue sanctuary was destroyed by fire in 2009, I recently participated in a workshop about designing the interior of our future home on Green and Vaughn streets in uptown Harrisburg.

Craig Match, of Harrisburg, places the last of the holy documents into a grave before burial. Chisuk Emuna synagogue was damaged by a fire April 3, 2009 and members of the congregation buried them to send them back to G-d.

JENNY KANE/ The Patriot-News

As part of the design process, we were encouraged to think about what message we wanted to present to those who walked through our doors. A large challenge within this task is that the space will be used for different purposes.

Gone are the days of a sanctuary with permanent pews and a separate hall for social events. In order to save money, be energy efficient and “green,” our new synagogue will be smaller and contain multiple moveable walls so the same space can be used for various functions.

It’s possible that during a big service, we could be praying in front of the Ark, which contains our sacred Torah scrolls, and 30 minutes later, in the same place, we could be munching on a bagel with cream cheese, schmoozing with friends, discussing the latest football game scores and where our children are applying for college. There’s something inherently disconcerting about this — when I think of our previous sanctuary, it was a sacred space to be respectful, think of G-d, and reflect.
How does one therefore define a sacred space? I think most would describe it as a place set aside for the purpose of connecting with G-d or a higher being, and accompanied by certain rituals. As I thought about this further, it occurred to me that in Judaism, chomping down a bagel with cream cheese is, in fact, a ritual act — provided one says the blessing for eating bread first, followed by the Birkat Hamazon, our grace after meals, prayers that praise G-d and thank him for providing us with food.

What I love about Judaism is that in reality it attempts to make everything in our lives a “sacred space.” In essence, everything we do or say should be in the context of creating a “sacred space” around us — certain rituals should be followed, with the ultimate goal of connecting to G-d.

As one who follows politics and elections fairly closely, I can’t help but have a sense of dread for the upcoming presidential elections in 2012. Dread, because of the kinds of things that will be said and the anticipated acrimonious debate between candidates. My wish is that each presidential candidate will think about creating a sacred space around them as they gear up their campaigns. A sacred space where they don’t delegitimize others, speak the truth and remember that they are trying to attain a position where they are responsible for the welfare of all of their constituents.

Every week when I prepare to operate on a patient, we have what is called a “Time Out” in the operating room — another ritual that I have come to realize is a sacred space in time. During the “Time Out,” the entire operating room stops and pauses.
The patient is identified, the intended procedure is announced, allergies are noted and other important information about the patient is shared so everyone is on the same page. This is a way to ensure that wrong sides are not operated on, and that the patient is not exposed to something that could be life threatening.

Dr. Maggie Grotzinger

In my eyes, it is a way to make sure that we, as an operating team, do no harm, and for me personally, that I am doing the best I can do for a patient, as G-d would want me to.

Imagine taking a “Time Out” every time you were about to participate in a meeting, a social event with friends or interacting with your family. Think about what you are going to say, how you are going to act and realize that you are setting an example for others. Taking a “Time Out” creates a sacred space around you.

I vote for a “Time Out” for all of our politicians before they speak publicly or enter a televised debate — don’t get me wrong, I am not advocating a formal prayer session before debates, because this goes against our laws of separating government from religion — rather, an opportunity to make sure that everyone participating is on the same page, as we do in the operating room.

The same page being that they are there to present facts, and their view of fixing our country, and yet to be respectful of others who are presenting their opinions. Imagine thinking of a presidential debate as a sacred space; we can only hope.
Dr. Maggie Grotzinger of Hummelstown specializes in gynecology. She is writing a monthly column through January. Due to her Jewish beliefs, she asked that the name of G-d not be spelled out in full, out of respect.

The Fire Within Us Campaign Update

2011-09-13T18:18:00.005-04:00

Come join in designing our new home!

2011-07-06T13:13:00.001-04:00

July 1, 2011
29 Sivan, 5771

To the Chisuk Emuna Family,

Together, we are all building a new spiritual home for our congregation and community. Now is the time that your input is
needed to make our synagogue welcoming,accessible, efficient and inspiring. As co-chairs of the Building Committee,
we invite you to join us for a special planning program, called a “design Charette” which will be held on Sunday July 31st

from 10 am- 4pm at the JCC. (Please note the date change from the one announced at the annual meeting.)

What is a Charrette? Architects know the concept of a “design charrette” as long days and late nights in the studio, trying
to complete a design project within a short, intense period of time. A charrette, in its simplest form, is a period of intense
design and planning for solving a design challenge. Dating back to the days of the Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, the
charrette became synonymous with students working feverishly to complete a project on a cart pulled by a friend on the
way to a professor’s home (a cart in French is a “charrette”).Today, the charrette has become one of the most powerful
and effective tools for creative and collaborative problem solving in building design communities. The charrette provides a
physical framework for our synagogue community to implement its vision and engage everyone in the process of the
design for our new spiritual home.

The Charrette Process: The charrette process is straightforward and simple. A team is assembled that has the expertise
needed to address the issues at hand. Over the course of the day, a series of sessions are held for congregational input
in various areas. These areas include:

Education/Hebrew School/Classrooms
Religious Rituals-Synagogue, Chapel and Ritual Objects Design
Building Systems (Accessibility, Security, AV, IT, HVAC, Tele/Data)
Social Hall/Kitchen
Interior Design/Finishes (Furnishings, Field Trips)
Green Initiatives
Memorial/History/Historical Artifacts
Site Amenities (Landscape, patio design, gardens)

You will be asked to choose to participate in one of these groups. At the end of the charrette, there will be a presentation
where options for the building will be presented for all of the participants to consider.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to help to design our new home. If you would like to participate, we ask
that you make a commitment to be there for the full session on Sunday, July 31st from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Please RSVP to

Jeneen Harmon - info@chisukemuna.org or 232-4851 and indicate your preferred interest group from the list above.
Attached please find a tentative agenda for the day.

We look forward to spending the day together and working to realize our shared vision of a new home for Chisuk Emuna
Congregation.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any one of us.

Sincerely,

Leah Muroff 579-0010 Steve Rubin 514-9455

Chisuk Emuna Capital Campaign Surpasses $2 Million Mark

2011-06-30T23:28:00.000-04:00

At the Congregation’s Annual Meeting on June 20th, the Campaign Co-chairs announced that the Chisuk Emuna Capital Campaign has surpassed the $2 million mark, an important milestone in moving toward securing funds to make possible our long awaited new home.

This amount, which grows daily, even increased to $2,038,000 by the end of the meeting, and comprises gifts from 80 congregants at an average of over $22,620 per congregant. These gifts are payable over as many as 5 years. This amount also includes more than $150,000 in varied gifts received since the fire from friends of the congregation that range from $5 and up. This amount also includes the first gift received as a result of the Campaign Committee’s effort to reach out to various local Foundations for financial support.

The Campaign Committee’s next goal is to reach $2.5 million by October 1, 2011, when the High Holidays start. This goal will be obtained mostly from continued visits to congregants.

Also discussed at the Annual Meeting were efforts to reach the $3.5 million mark, including a Young Adult initiative that focuses on gifts from current and former congregants between the ages of 18 and 30 years old. Stay tuned!

For more information about the campaign, please contact Stan Schneider at 657-0656, or corstan65@gmail.com, or Joel Cheskis at 232-2707, or Cheskis@aol.com. The campaign team hopes to reach out to every congregant to give everyone a personal “tour” of the plans for the new building.

Thank you for your support of “The Fire Within Us Campaign” for Chisuk Emuna Congregation.

The Fire Within Us Campaign Update

2011-06-02T13:19:00.002-04:00

Chisuk Emuna Capital Campaign reaches 50% of goal!

2011-04-29T01:12:00.001-04:00

Dear Fellow Congregant:

On April 3^rd, we honored Maggie Grotzinger and Stan & Cory Schneider; we also noted the second anniversary of the devastating fire that destroyed our building on Fifth and Division. I would now like to provide you with an update on our plans for a new home and to announce significant – and exciting – progress on our capital campaign.

Since last September, we have been in the “quiet phase” of our $3.5 million campaign. A strong campaign committee has come together, ably chaired by Joel Cheskis and Stanley Schneider, and supported by The EHL Consulting Group, Inc. Working together, the campaign – appropriately named “The Fire Within Us” -- has attracted significant commitments from congregation and campaign leaders. I am pleased to report that to date we have received donations and commitments totaling $1.78 million—more than 50% of our campaign goal. We now move into the “public phase,” poised to approach every Chisuk Emuna member as well as friends of the congregation for pledges payable over as many as five years. Our campaign team has developed some creative outreach efforts as we move ahead and we will look to every member of our congregation to become an investor in our future.

Accompanying this letter is a current report of families who have set the pace and have already committed to The Fire Within Us Campaign. In the near future, you will hear from a fellow congregant to talk about your participation in this effort. We look forward to hearing your input about the details of our future home. Together, we members and friends of Chisuk Emuna will strengthen our community spiritually and physically.

Our plans to develop and construct a new synagogue at Green and Vaughn are now being reviewed by city government. Once we receive the necessary approvals, we will complete our purchase of the site. We engaged Brawer Hauptman, an architectural firm in Philadelphia, to develop the initial design for us and most members have now seen the renderings for our building that promises to be both distinctive and a reflection of our values. The Building Committee has also been interviewing construction firms and will soon be making its recommendation to the Board so that when we close on the property and raise sufficient funds to commence construction, we will be able to hit the ground running.

In the coming months, we will keep you up to date about the status of the campaign through articles in the Bulletin, emails, and at our annual meeting in June. If everything proceeds on schedule, we plan a groundbreaking in the fall. We hope that the entire congregation will participate in this campaign and join us in celebrating other milestones to ensure that Chisuk Emuna will continue to play a unique and vital role in the life of the Greater Harrisburg Jewish community.

Most warmly,

Carl Shuman, President

Chisuk Emuna Capital Campaign

2011-03-21T13:51:00.000-04:00

December 10, 2010

Dear Fellow Congregants:

Nearly 200 Chisuk Emuna members came together only a few weeks ago to celebrate our wonderful community and to learn more about our congregation’s exciting plans for the future. At the event, we shared some exciting campaign news and unveiled preliminary renderings of our new synagogue facility. Wow!

We announced that night -- and repeat here again -- that after many months of preparation and hard work from so many members of the Chisuk Emuna family, our Capital Campaign is moving forward very successfully. We have been recruiting campaign team members and have approached a number of congregants to discuss campaign gifts. We announced preliminarily that so many members have generously made early commitments to get involved and support the building of our new home that we have truly accelerated our aggressive pace . . . all because of the dedication of so many Chisuk Emuna members. (It’s no secret but pledges and gifts have surpassed $1.0 million already.)

Plans call for a 12,870 square feet facility that will be environmentally friendly, with illuminating natural light and full accessibility, enabling all to travel through the entire building without confronting any steps. We are especially excited about a large patio that will be used for a variety of religious, educational, and social experiences. These are just some of the many design aspects that truly convey our congregation’s personality and needs!

We welcome the opportunity to tell you more about the exciting plans for the new building, as well as to discuss available giving opportunities as you determine how you’d like to play a role in this important initiative. If we have not yet spoken, please expect a call from our team in the coming months and if you would like to talk with us, please contact us at your convenience. This campaign is a community-building experience in so many ways, and with a congregation-wide investment in the future of Chisuk Emuna, it will surely be a success!

With everyone’s help, we can look forward to breaking ground in September 2011 and have a thriving operating building by the High Holidays in 2012. Thank you in advance for your support of this important endeavor to rebuild our Jewish home and strengthen Judaism in central Pennsylvania for generations to come.

Warmest Regards,

Joel Cheskis Dr. Stanley Schneider

Campaign Co-Chair Campaign Co-Chair

717-232-2707 717-657-0656

Milestones

2010-11-16T00:03:00.002-05:00

Milestones

Those who sow in tears will reap in joy. (Psalms 126:5)

On Saturday night, the Chisuk Emuna family celebrated its continued vitality and its progress towards realizing its dream of increased spiritual vibrancy in a new spiritual home. What a joyful and energizing evening!

On Sunday afternoon, we took another step in the journey of rebuilding and reenergizing by gathering to bury a Torah scroll and hundreds of prayerbooks and chumashim lost in the fire and another Torah and scores of additional books and sacred materials worn from years of use. What a poignant and powerful experience. Oh, how we worked together to pay respect to our precious scrolls and texts and Jewish tradition.

Each gathering reflected the precious qualities of our precious congregational family – warmth, camaraderie, teamwork, unity of purpose, reverence for Jewish tradition, humility and gratitude.

Below are some photos from this precious night and day.

Just as we have gathered in tears, may G-d bless us with many more opportunities to gather in joy.

Passover with Shuman Family

2010-04-04T18:53:00.001-04:00

Check out this story in the Patriot News:

http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1269917711230810.xml&coll=1

Letter to the Community

2010-04-04T18:52:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

Following the devastating fire last April that destroyed our sanctuary and made other portions of our building uninhabitable, we are pleased to give you an update about the future physical home of Chisuk Emuna Congregation.

After several months of careful deliberation and the review of a feasibility study conducted by the Philadelphia architectural firm of Brawer & Hauptman, the Chisuk Emuna Board of Directors voted in January of 2010 to acquire property at Green & Vaughn Streets as the site of our new home. That site, the long vacant T. Morris Chester Elementary (Riverside) School, is owned by the School District of Harrisburg. On March 15, 2010, the Harrisburg School Board of Control approved the terms of sale that will enable us to acquire that property. Our plan would be to demolish the school and to build a new and environmentally-friendly synagogue and modest parking lot that meets our programmatic needs.

Because the Green and Vaughn property, located in the Riverside neighborhood of Harrisburg, is public property, the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas must approve the sale. The Harrisburg School District solicitor will be submitting the purchase agreement to the court in the very near future.

Chisuk Emuna will continue to work with Brawer & Hauptman to prepare the necessary documents and to serve as the design architects for our new building. We anticipate that our fundraising campaign will begin in earnest in late spring or early summer. For more information about our efforts, please contact us at 232-4851, info@chisukemuna.org or visit our website www.chisukemuna.org

With Hashem's help and the support of our members and friends, Chisuk Emuna looks forward to continuing its service to the Greater Harrisburg community in a new building with a renewed sense of purpose. We are grateful to all of our friends who have been so supportive over the past year. We are especially appreciative of the staff and volunteer leaders at the Federation, the Jewish Community Center and the Silver Academy. We look forward to our entire community growing from strength to strength.

Wishing you a Happy Passover,

Stanley E. Schneider, President
Ron Muroff, Rabbi

Building Update

2009-11-13T12:59:00.002-05:00

We are on the last steps of our feasibility study journey and the Building Committee is hoping to make a recommendation to the Executive Board before Thanksgiving. In the meantime, below is a synopsis of some of the activity that has recently taken place:

(1) A joint meeting was held with the Building Committee and the Executive Committee to receive the results of a feasibility study of the Lakeside Church located at Green and Division. Although the architects were able to present several options, the Joint Committee voted not to pursue this option because the building is old, too large and would require too many changes to meet our programmatic needs.

(2) The Joint Building/Exec Committee voted to explore other possible site options closer to the JCC. Because of the early stages of this investigation, no concrete information is available.

(3) We continue to explore building options for 5^th and Division.

(4) We are all well aware that there is a need in the community to reuse, to the best of our ability, some of the existing facilities in the community. We are exploring rebuilding options that would enable us to share some of the JCC existing facilities.

(5) Travelers tendered a check to Chisuk Emuna for amounts that are not in dispute. We continue to work with our public adjuster to negotiate for a higher payment.

(6) We will be receiving the last 4 Torahs that were damaged in the fire. All but one has been restored and can be put back into service. Only one Torah will have to be buried once we settle with Travelers.

Reflections from Steve Mackey

2009-11-06T14:11:00.002-05:00

Recently, the Patriot-News published an article of reflections on
our fire and its aftermath. Our member, Michael Katzman, shared the
article with a childhood friend who sent an inspiring response, which
is shared below with permission. Thank you Michael and Steve.
Thanks for the e-mail.

A beautiful account of coping with adversity,
The description of dancing with the smoke-scented Torahs on Simchat
Torah reminds me of a story of the Klausenberg Rebbi, Yekuiel
Halberstam z"l.

After the war, he was celebrating Simchat Torah. During the hakafot,
as the congregation was dancing with the sifrei torah, he paused and
pointed to 5 young men. He then asked the members to lift them up and
continue dancing as if they were Torah scrolls. He explained that when
they were in Aushwitz, they were afraid the knowledge of Torah would
be lost. Each man memorized 1 book of chumash, so that if they managed
to survive they could reconstruct the Torah. He said this is the
meaning of the living Torah.

Like the phoenix, we rise from the ashes and triumph in adversity.

Hope you're all doing well and best wishes with your plans for a new
shul.

Shabbat Shalom, Chazak v'Amatz,

Steve Mackey

Dancing With The Torahs

2009-11-06T14:09:00.002-05:00

Recently, the Patriot-News published an article of reflections on our fire and its aftermath. Our member, Michael Katzman, shared the article with a childhood friend who sent an inspiring response, which is shared below with permission. Thank you Michael and Steve.

Thanks for the e-mail. A beautiful account of coping with adversity, The description of dancing with the smoke-scented Torahs on Simchat Torah reminds me of a story of the Klausenberg Rebbi, Yekuiel Halberstam z"l.

After the war, he was celebrating Simchat Torah. During the hakafot, as the congregation was dancing with the sifrei torah, he paused and pointed to 5 young men. He then asked the members to lift them up and continue dancing as if they were Torah scrolls. He explained that when they were in Aushwitz, they were afraid the knowledge of Torah would be lost. Each man memorized 1 book of chumash, so that if they managed to survive they could reconstruct the Torah. He said this is the meaning of the living Torah.

Like the phoenix, we rise from the ashes and triumph in adversity.

Hope you're all doing well and best wishes with your plans for a new shul.

Shabbat Shalom, Chazak v'Amatz,

Steve Mackey

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD

2009-10-27T09:48:00.003-04:00

Some time ago, the Patriot-News asked me to write a piece sharing reflections on what we have experienced as a congregation since the fire.

After the holidays were over, I wrote an op-ed that was printed in Sunday's paper. For those who do not receive the Patriot-News, I am sharing it with the hope that we can all reflect on where we are as a Chisuk Emuna family of members and supporters as we move onward and upward. I look forward to participating together in upcoming services, classes, social action initiatives, Jewish cultural programs and social events.

IN PARTICULAR, PLEASE JOIN US FOR:

- SHABBAT SCHOOL ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31ST

- MITZVAH DAY AT THE JCC ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST AT 9:30 A.M. AS WE PARTICIPATE WITH THE COMMUNITY IN A DAY OF SERVICE

- THE JT WALDMAN EVENT THAT IS DESCRIBED IN THE PREVIOUS POSTING. IT'S GOING TO BE GREAT!! Please contact Jeneen in the synagogue office to sign up for the dinner and workshop. (info@chisukemuna.org, 232-2707)

http://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2009/10/temple_fire.html

B'shalom - Wishing you peace,

Ron Muroff

Bessie Weintraub Memorial Program

2009-10-26T10:57:00.000-04:00

Exploring Comics and Technology: Jewish Connections
With JT WALDMAN Graphic Artist, Author and Director of JPS Interactive

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6th
5:30 p.m. Simcha Hour
6:00 p.m. Family Shabbat Service
7:00 p.m. Dinner $18 Adults | $10 Children

During services & dinner, JT will explore "People of the Comic Book", the rich history of Jews in comic books. Covering Superman and the X-Men and much more, this presentation – including many samples of comics - will cover a brief history of comic books and how their creation is related to themes and topics integral to Judaism.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7th
I. During Shabbat morning services -- JT will explore "Bible, Technology and Community", an introduction to an emerging JPS venture – "The Tagged Tanakh", a digital initiative which promises to transform the way people interact with the Bible

II. 6 p.m. – "Making Midrash Comix" -- A hands-on workshop for Kadima, teens and the young at heart
A 20-minute lively presentation of the topic of Midrash and the Jewish connections within the comic book industry, followed by a structured activity where participants create their own mini-Midrash comix about familiar biblical or historical characters. Refreshments: make-your-own ice cream sundaes!

Joyful Bat Mitzvah Celebration

2009-10-24T22:39:00.002-04:00

This morning, Caroline Rubin celebrated her becoming a Bat Mitzvah by participating in Shabbat morning services. Close to four hundred people filled the Mary Sachs Auditorium at the JCC and kvelled as Caroline led prayers, chanted the Haphtorah and shared a thoughtful dvar Torah on parshat Noah.

Caroline explored different Rabbinic explanations of what it was that made G-d so angry at the people who built the Tower of Babel. Quoting the midrash, Caroline explained that the people were so intent on building the tower that they valued the building project more than human life. If a worker fell and died while carrying a brick up the construction site, the people mourned the destroyed brick more than the dead man. They valued things more than people.

Caroline related this teaching to her feelings following the destruction of the sanctuary at Chisuk Emuna, where her sister and father had celebrated their bnai mitzvah and where Caroline was so much looking forward to celebrating her Bat Mitzvah. Upon hearing about the synagogue's destruction, Caroline's first reaction was to be upset that her Bat Mitzvah would not take place in the sanctuary she loved. Soon after, she came to realize that what mattered most was not where her becoming Bat Mitzvah was celebrated but the fact that she would share her celebration with family and friends. Caroline summarized the lesson she derived from the Torah portion: People not things are what matter most in life.

Caroline, the daughter of Stephen and Jenny, is a fourth generation member of the Chisuk Emuna family. Caroline's great-grandfather, Aaron Rubin, was instrumental in the construction of the Chisuk Emuna building at Fifth and Division Streets. Caroline's father and cousins Bert and Michael are involved in guiding the congregation through the challenges facing Chisuk Emuna in the wake of the fire. With the involvement and leadership of families like the Rubins, Chisuk Emuna has good reason to be confident about its future.

What a great simcha - a great celebration - for Caroline and her family and for the whole congregation. Mazel Tov!!!

Will Watson is fine.

2009-10-20T11:07:00.001-04:00

To the Chisuk Emuna Family

Sadly, this morning's newspaper contained an obituary for a man named
Will Watson, Jr. Several people have contacted the synagogue out of
concern that something had happened to our Will Watson, our dear
friend and beloved custodian. Our Will is doing well. If you hear
that others are confused, please help us inform our congregational
family that our Will Watson is doing fine and is very grateful for
everyone's concern.

We are sorry for the family of the deceased man and extend to them our
condolences.

Thank you for caring.

B'shalom - Wishing you peace,

Ron Muroff

High Holidays were a success!

2009-10-07T08:48:00.001-04:00

Although we acknowledge that the Mary Sachs auditorium was a bit cold during the High Holidays, we have received compliments from many congregants about the services. There was a tremendous amount of planning that went on behind the scenes to ensure that our services were inspiring and engaging. Planning the services, arranging for pulpit honors and readings, securing and arranging seats and Halachically appropriate sound equipment,making sure that we had the appropriate number and placement of ushers, ensuring that our children were engaged and cared for -- all of these (and many more) were the product of countless hours of hard work by our many volunteers and our professional staff.

The Vav Class Builds a Sukkah!

2009-10-06T08:47:00.005-04:00

The Vav Class at Chisuk Emuna under the guidance of Michael Crimmel constructed a sukkah. The 5 students drilled, nailed, and erected the sukkah from scratch. Once the sukkah was set up, the entire class decorated it.

Weekend with Neshama Carlebach

2009-08-25T16:59:00.000-04:00

Friday, September 11th 2009 and Saturday, September 12th 2009
at The Jewish Community Center
Chisuk Emuna Congregation is pleased to announce "Return Again: A Weekend of
Spiritual Renewal" with Neshama Carlebach on September 11th and 12th.
For further information, please contact the Shul office @ 717-232-4851.
All events will be held at: Jewish Community Center of Greater Harrisburg

Help us say "thank you"

2009-08-10T12:50:00.001-04:00

August 30, 2009 – Shul Picnic

The Chisuk Emuna Brotherhood will hold the annual Shul picnic at Green Hills
from 12-5 pm as we welcome and thank the firefighters who responded to the Shul
fire on April 3rd.

We will have hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salad, cole slaw,
chips, drinks and more. Join us for fun games and food.
ALL ARE WELCOME! CURRENT, NEW & PROSPECTIVE
Chisuk Emuna members cost: $6.00 per adult; $3.00 per child 4-12 (under 3 free.
No charge for Prospective Synagogue Members. RSVP by August 17, 2009 to: Rick
Rubin – Phone: 236-3941 Email: sandpirate@comcast.net or the shul office at
232-4841 Email: chisukemuna@comcast.net. Mail checks payable to C.E.
Brotherhood, P.O. Box 5507, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

Our own Indiana Jones

2009-08-06T13:27:00.002-04:00

Read about Rabbi Menachem Youlus the scribe who is restoring our torahs:

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0516/p20s01-ussc.html?page=1

Architect's Report and High Holidays

2009-08-05T11:08:00.004-04:00

The feasibility report is almost complete. Our architect has collected ton's of data for our building committee to digest. The design possibilities are exciting so stay tuned for the possibilities!

High Holiday services will take place in the Mary Sachs auditorium at the JCC. Members will be receiving letters soon about seating and other issues related to these services.

Exciting News

2009-08-03T23:06:00.002-04:00

Just one more reason to come to services:

One of the torah scrolls that was in the main sanctuary during the fire is now back in use at the JCC, during services. Take a closer at the torah and you will see that many of the panels have been cleaned and some have been repaired. You can also still see remnants of the smoke/fire damage on the scroll.

Structural Engineer and Architect

2009-06-30T11:49:00.002-04:00

Chisuk Emuna had a very successful annual meeting last evening at the JCC.

Reports were given by:

-Stan Schneider

-Faye Doctrow

-Gary Klein

-Gerry Gorelick

Stan showed slides taken by Mellon Restoration and the structural engineer of the shul. The structural engineer has submitted his report, and it is being analyzed by our architect now. Our architects, BRAWER & HAUPTMAN, have begun their feasibility study. A timeline for their study will follow shortly. In the meantime, check out their website (and their previous works) at:

http://www.brawerhauptman.com/

Article in J. Vibe

2009-06-29T18:12:00.000-04:00

Reuben Mitrani, son of Albert Mitrani and Donna Orbach, wrote a thoughtful piece on our congregation's fire for J.Vibe -a contemporary Jewish magazine for teens. http://www.jvibe.com/Action/FireandPhilanthropy.php

2009-06-21T17:34:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends,

On Shabbat morning June 13th, Sarah Yodfat celebrated becoming a Bat Mitzvah at Chisuk Emuna. Well, not exactly at Chisuk Emuna - our building remains boarded up following the devastating fire that destroyed our sanctuary and damaged our building. Sarah marked her assumption of the rights and responsibilities of Jewish adulthood as part of the Chisuk Emuna family at our temporary home at the JCC. Every life cycle event celebrated in the weeks since the fire has been particularly precious. The naming of Julia Faith Klein, the Bar Mitzvah of Nathaniel Pinskey, Confirmation, Hebrew School Graduation and now Sarah's Bat Mitzvah are all evidence of our Congregation's vitality. The ongoing weekday, Shabbat and holiday services, classes, social events and lifecycle celebrations are all indications that the life of Chisuk Emuna goes on!

Even as we lament the loss of our sanctuary and address the physical and financial challenges left in the aftermath of the fire, thanks to our gracious hosts, the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, our temporary home at the JCC is a laboratory for us to explore what our future home -- whether at Fifth and Division Streets or elsewhere -- might look like. In various rooms at the JCC, we have tried different configurations of seating for services. Members have taken turns decorating our prayer spaces. We are even getting the chance to experience "shared space". Last week, for the first time, on account of Sarah's Bat Mitzvah our services and luncheon were held in the same room. It took six minutes to transform the "sanctuary" into a "reception hall." As architects work on a feasibility study and as we continue to collect data to help us make thoughtful decisions about our congregation's future home, there is something very unique about our temporary stay at the JCC. What a gift it is to be part of the Chisuk Emuna family in our collective exploration and experiment in serving G-d, creating community and repairing the world.

I look forward to seeing members of the Chisuk Emuna family in "shul" and at the annual meeting on Monday evening, June 29th at 7:45 p.m. in the Mary Sachs Auditorium at the JCC as we update you on -- and you contribute to -- our congregation's journey of rebuilding.

Ron Muroff

FAQ

2009-06-16T09:59:00.001-04:00

What is a feasibility study?

It is the identification and review of our existing and potential sites within the eruv to determine which site will best meet our needs, the costs involved in restoring the present site or acquiring and building on a new one, and related municipal requirements such as zoning, codes, and standards.

What does a public adjuster do?

A public adjuster works for their client to assist with the insurance claim arising from the losses incurred by the fire. We hired Young Adjustment Company to protect our interests. Young Adjustment came highly recommended by several other synagogues that used them after they had a fire.

When will we no longer need to remain in our temporary quarters?

We don’t know yet. It will become more clear once we have finished the feasibility study. Other synagogues that have had similar experiences report that it took them up to two years, and sometimes longer, based on the extent of damage, their ability to acquire new property, fundraising, and what they wanted in their new synagogue. We certainly hope to have -- and are working toward a goal of having – a refurbished or new home in place as soon as possible.

What is the status of our Torah scrolls?

There were five Torah scrolls in the small chapel. Three are still at Kesher Israel where they were taken immediately after the fire. Two are being used by us at the JCC. These Torahs were subject to moisture. The scribe we hired recommends they be treated to prevent the ink from separating from the parchment over time.

The five Torahs in the sanctuary were subject to heat and water damage. We are hoping that three may be fully restorable.

What is the status of the Torah covers?

None of the covers will be able to be used. Susan Leviton will design new covers to be crafted by members of our sisterhood.

What does the project coordinator do?

The project coordinator serves as the liaison between our ad hoc committees, the congregation, and the various vendors and contractors that we need to retain. She schedules and coordinates all meetings, monitors the progress of our contractors and provides feedback, promotes efficient decision making by the executive committee and board, maintains communication between and among committees, contractors and members of the congregation.

We are very fortunate to have Judy Hirsh as our project coordinator. An attorney, Judy has a Masters degree in public administration as well as experience with building projects.

Hebrew School

2009-06-01T12:21:00.001-04:00

Thanks to the kindness of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg and the Rabbi David L. Silver Yeshiva Academy, all of our services, classes and programs are continuing at the Jewish Community Center.

Last week, Confirmation and Hebrew School Graduation took place at well-attended services, culminating a year of learning that continued seamlessly at the JCC following the fire due to the efforts of our Educational Director, Mandy Cheskis, and our outstanding Hebrew School faculty

Recently a baby naming ceremony and a Bar Mitzvah were celebrated. More Bnai Mitzvah are planned for the months ahead.

Moving Forward

2009-05-27T11:08:00.001-04:00

After interviewing and meeting with a series of architectural firms, the Building Committee and the Executive Committee have decided to hire an architect to help with feasibility studies. The architects will be collecting and analyzing data for the purpose of determining if the future home of Chisuk Emuna should be a new facility (in a new location), or if the current building should be rehabilitated, or if a new building should be created on the same site. A few of the qualities that were taken into account in the selection process, included experience with religious facilities, "green" initiatives and fire restoration. We expect work to begin on a feasibility study in the next few weeks and the study to be completed in a few months. In addition, the Synagogue has hired a structural engineer to analyze and report on the condition of our current facility.

Help Needed

2009-05-21T12:23:00.001-04:00

Sadly, virtually all of Chisuk Emuna's prayerbooks and chumashim were destroyed in the fire. With the arrival of replacement books, there are new Tzedakah opportunities. A beautiful way to honor or memorialize someone is to dedicate a chumash or siddur. A chumash may be dedicated for $72 for each volume. A siddur may be dedicated for $54 per book or 11 siddurim for $540.

Please send checks and the exact wording of the inscription for the book plate to our mailing address: Chisuk Emuna Congregation POB 5507, Harrisburg PA 17110.

Let's Pray!

2009-05-13T15:07:00.001-04:00

Good news! This week we received replacement copies of Siddur Chadah and next week we will receive replacement copies of Etz Chaim! It'll be so great to pray with our own siddurim and chumashim!

Weekly Update

2009-04-30T10:34:00.006-04:00

Judy Hirsh has been hired as Project Coordinator. Judy, a member of our congregation, has experience in the organization and planning needed to accomplish a re-build like ours. She was instrumental in the building of the new Londonderry School.

Questions from our congregation:

Q:What is going on with the books and other items in storage?

A: We have begun to examine some of the contents to determine what can be restored. We are looking for new space to move all of items so we do not have to continue to pay the restoration company for storage – We need about 5000 sq. feet if anyone would like to offer. Once we identify new space, we will have to mobilize volunteers for moving the items.

Q:How many architects are we interviewing?

A: At this point we have interviews set up with 3 firms – we may be interviewing one or two more.

Q:Any other fun facts?!

A:We hired a public adjuster to represent our interests. We have met with some of their representatives and we are confident that they will ensure that we get the best recovery.

2009-04-23T09:52:00.002-04:00

Passover's Over....let the work begin!

2009-04-19T22:32:00.004-04:00

This past weekend the fund raising committee, led by Faye Doctrow and the building committee led by Carl Shuman, met at the JCC to plan for the physical future of our synagogue.

The building committee has started the process of receiving proposals from Architects and Construction Firms. In the coming weeks these candidates will be interviewed, vetted, and a recommendation will be made.

At the same time, the fund raising volunteers are working on ensuring that any direction in which the Building committee decides upon will be financially successful. Each contribution to the shul is valued and we have a new mechanism for accpeting donations to the building fund.

At the right of the page, you will see a DONATE BUTTON. Simply enter an amount, click donate and you will be taken to a page where you can submit your donation. After you make a donation, tell your friends and family about how easy it was to use and forward them a link to this website. Where was this technology when we were roaming through the desert for 40 years!?

Last Night's Meeting.

2009-04-14T16:45:00.002-04:00

Thank you to all who attended last night's meeting. Also thank you to those who took part in planning, organizing, and speaking at the meeting.

Gerry Gorelick led an interesting exercise, where he asked our congregation to envision our own "ideal" Synagogue. Do you have wishes, ideas, or dreams about a new shul? Please share them with us in the comment section.

Meeting Reminder

2009-04-11T23:24:00.000-04:00

Please join us at the Jewish Community Center on Monday, April 13, 2009 at 7:45 p.m. for a Congregational meeting - an opportunity for you to ask questions, share feelings, memories and reflections and to help create the next chapter of Chisuk Emuna's history. Information will be provided as well. Please also join us for Minyan at 7:15 p.m.

Need a way to show your support for Chisuk Emuna?

2009-04-08T12:36:00.003-04:00

Attend Minyan!

This week's Minyan Times (all services will be at the JCC):

7:15pm Wednesday
7:15pm Thursday
7:15pm Friday
7:20pm Saturday
9:15am Thursday
9:15am Friday
9:15am Saturday

Artwork saved

2009-04-08T08:59:00.006-04:00

More amazing news comes to us from 5Th and Division Streets. We are told by the restoration company the quilts will be fine after cleaning and restoration.

HOW CAN I HELP?

2009-04-07T14:54:00.002-04:00

Members of the Chisuk Emuna family, of our community and friends and colleagues from around the country have asked how they can help. The response has been gratifying and immensely meaningful. While the clean up continues and we begin serious conversations about how to fund the restoration or rebuilding of our building (or relocation), there are a number of things people can do:

Keep Chisuk Emuna in your prayers and thoughts and continue to offer support to one another
Participate in Chisuk Emuna services and programs; being together is very healing.
Provide financial support. (Checks should be sent to Chisuk Emuna Congregation, POB 5507, Harrisburg PA 17110; in the memo section, please write “fire”)
Get involved – let Stan Schneider (corstan@aol.com, 657-0656) know if there is some particular way that you would like to help with our efforts to strengthen our congregation.
If you are interested in helping please contact Natalie Damrauer at loonsng@yahoo.com or call her at 540-7725. Natalie is compiling a list volunteers.

An update from yesterday

2009-04-07T08:56:00.001-04:00

Today was our Hebrew School’s first day in our temporary home in the Yeshiva Academy at the JCC. Kudos to Mandy Cheskis and our Hebrew School faculty for guiding our children through a special program. How powerful it was to see so many students and their parents offer reflections and prayers. Many of the children – from Kindergarten through seventh grade – were quite affected by our loss. With the help of social workers from the Jewish Family Service, students had opportunities to explore their feelings and discuss what they loved and now missed the most about our spiritual home. At the end of Hebrew School, an ice cream party was held – a party that Mrs. Cheskis had promised the students that had led the service last Friday night. It was so fitting to conclude our day with laughter and celebration. There is so much to be thankful for and so much to enjoy and look forward to.

Today was also Margie Liddick’s first day in her temporary home. The Federation has given Margie ample office space to call her own in the Federation’s suite of offices on the second floor of the Jewish Community Center. Margie is all hooked up. Feel free to email her at chisukemuna@comcast.net. Beginning tomorrow, we will be able to reach Margie by using our regular Chisuk Emuna phone number as usual – 232-4851.

Will Watson, our custodian, is being really helpful in every aspect of our transition to a new location. Will will continue to take care of us in our temporary home. If you need to contact Will, please see Margie’s contact info; it’s the same for Will.

Good news - our Torah scrolls, which were saved from the chapel on Friday night, are going to be okay. Two of them have been placed in an ark at the Jewish Community Center in the Teen Lounge, which will be our location for daily services. On Shabbat and holidays, we will pray in the Spector Lounge. The Torah scrolls from the sanctuary that were saved on Shabbat morning sustained greater damage and are still being evaluated by Rabbi Menachem Youlis, a widely renowned Torah scribe and restoration expert. We will keep you updated about our Torah scrolls.

The cleanup begins

2009-04-07T00:03:00.000-04:00

We have wasted no time in getting our spiritual home back in order. If you drive by 5th and Division Streets, you will notice that a massive cleanup project is underway. We have a team from Mellon Restoration, cleaning the air, stabilizing the building, building a temporary roof, pumping out water, and vacuuming soot. If you thought searching for the chumetz in your house was a challenge, just imagine the task that this crew from Mellon is involved in! The team from Mellon is not only highly skilled and qualified but they are sensitive to our needs as a place of worship. The emergency services cleanup team has taken great care to salvage, clean, and store all Judaica, memorial plaques, siddurim, etc, which can be saved.

More pictures

2009-04-07T00:00:00.003-04:00

The amazing and heroic Firefighters

WE WILL CARRY ON!

2009-04-05T15:55:00.000-04:00

On Friday night, April 3rd, Chisuk Emuna's sanctuary and building sustained great damage. Our building may be damaged but our spirit and faith are strengthened by the outpouring of support and kindness by members of our Jewish community and beyond. Please share your reflections, stories, pictures, videos, poems, prayers, and comments about Chisuk Emuna as we rebuild our physical home and renew our service to our congregation and community.

2009-04-05T15:50:00.000-04:00

From Stan Schneider, President

2009-04-05T15:49:00.000-04:00

Dear Chisuk Emuna family,

As you probably know, there was an accidental fire at the synagogue on Friday evening. No one was hurt but the building suffered major damage. The sanctuary was gutted. The Torahs in the chapel were removed on Friday night and are temporarily residing at Kesher Israel. The Torahs in the sanctuary were removed on Saturday morning and taken to the JCC. These Torahs were damaged and, at this time, we are not sure to what extent.

The response from the community has been fantastic. The JCC hosted our Shabbat services and are offering office space and ongoing support.

I want to commend the Harrisburg and surrounding fire departments that responded to the 3-alarm blaze. The firemen and women were incredibly respectful and sensitive to our concerns and desire to rescue the Torahs. We are also grateful to Mayor Steven Reed and Police Chief Kellar and his officers.

I will keep you updated as to the status of the building and the next steps. We may have lost our physical home for a while but our real home lies in the relationships between the members of our congregation.

If you would like to see pictures taken within the first 24 hours, go tokodakgallery.com and sign-in using the email address:chisukemuna@comcast.net and the password: picture. Click on the "My photos" tab.

If you would like additional information, feel free to contact me at 657-0656 orcorstan@aol.com.

Thank you for being part of the Chisuk Emuna family.

Stan Schneider, President