Montgomery News, December 2007
http://www.montynews.com/07-12CongKehilatShalom.htm
On Sunday morning, Oct. 21, over 20 adult members of Congregation Kehilat Shalom gathered in the sanctuary to participate in the first adult education program of the year and the first program delivered by Rabbi Susan Falk, new spiritual leader of CKS. The program, "From Genesis to Eco-Kashrut: Judaism and the Environment" was of Rabbi Falk's choosing. It is a subject close to her heart and mind, as she did extensive coursework on environmental science prior to becoming ordained. As the morning progressed, it was clear this topic resonated with all who attended. Eventually everyone in the room seemed to have something to say about this issue resulting in a very lively discussion.

Rabbi Falk opened the discussion with a Hasidic saying that we, as Jews, are taught to keep "two truths" in our pocket - one which says "For my sake the world was created," and another very different one which says "I am but dust and ashes." This saying reminds us human beings to be mindful of our powerful role on earth on the one hand, and to have a dose of humility, on the other. The group then moved into a text study comparing the two "creation stories" of the Bible, found in the book of Genesis, chapters 1 and 2. With Rabbi Falk's guidance, a close reading of these two stories revealed some significant differences between them - especially regarding the human role in Creation. While chapter 1 appears to emphasize the primacy of human beings in the scheme of things, chapter 2 clearly introduces the idea that human beings are required to provide some stewardship for the environment.

Rabbi Falk encouraged participation in the Torah discussion. Many attendees gave insightful and often beautiful interpretations of the text, and spoke passionately and intelligently about their feelings and understanding of our role as humans, and as Jews, regarding environmental issues. There was some discussion of Jewish environmental and faith-based environmental websites and "green" possibilities for the synagogue in the future. Though there was much more for Rabbi Falk to present, in particular the relationship of kashrut (Jewish dietary laws) to the environment, the text discussion was so vibrant that time ran out. As children emerged from Hebrew School, people stopped at the café to have a bagel and coffee and schmooze and all agreed that this first program was a great success.

A follow-up session, Judaism and the Environment Part II, Eco-Kashrut and Eco-Shabbat, is scheduled for Sunday, December 2, 9 am. The discussion promises to be as spirited and dynamic as the first session.

Rabbi Falk clearly enjoys teaching people of all ages, and is interested in engaging adults as well as children and teens. With the help of the Adult Education Committee, additional curricula, including Hebrew literacy courses, will also roll out in early December. The congregation is being polled to find out what topics related to Judaism are most important to the adult community. Programs will be open to non-members of the congregation as well, so check the temple website www.ksnj.org for future programs. Either way, please join Rabbi Falk and the Adult Ed Committee as they open up this fascinating world of Jewish learning.

Congregation Kehilat Shalom is a Reconstructionist synagogue located in Belle Mead, New Jersey, serving the communities of Montgomery, Hillsborough, Rocky Hill, Kendall Park, Princeton, Plainsboro, Hopewell and more. We encourage our congregation to come together as a community to nourish the spirit, pursue Jewish literacy, explore the richness of our history, repair the world, celebrate in each other's happiness, and find comfort in time of trouble.

The Hebrew School program is led by Dori Daus, Principal, and includes Torah study, Jewish cooking, Judaic crafts, Israel, and a thorough Hebrew curriculum. The synagogue also has a Hebrew High school program for post-B'nai Mitzvah students, a non-sectarian pre-school, a Sisterhood and Men's Club, a Judaica Shop, as well as the Sunday bagel café and adult education program during Hebrew School hours.

For more information or to attend Friday night services, please go to www.ksnj.org or call the temple office at 908-359-0420.



Other notes in the 12/2007 Montgomery News
http://www.montynews.com/07-12CongKehilatSha~Environment.htm
http://www.montynews.com/07-12CongKehilatShal~HebrewClasses.htm
http://www.montynews.com/07-12CongKehilatShalom~Chan.htm

The Speaker, July 2007
Congregation Kehilat Shalom in Belle Mead announces the apointment of Rabbi Susan L. Falk. A native of Bergen County, Rabbi Falk received her BA in English literature from Barnard College, Columbia University, and her rabbinic degree from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. Prior to her apointment, Rabbi Falk served as the Hospice Director for the Jewish Family Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia. As a rabbinical student, she worked as chaplain, taught Hebre school, and for three years served as the student rabbi for Congregation Beth Ahavath in Philadelphia. Before attending rabbinical school, Rabbi Falk directed a women's HIV/AIDS and health education program in New York City. In addition, Rabbi Falk gives talks and conducts workshops on how the Jewish tradition views environmentalism, illness, death, sex, and gender, classes on science versus religion, and a variety of other topics.

Hillsborough Beacon, 7/19/07
Rabbi Susan L. Falk, of Bergen County, will join Congregation Kehilat Shalom in Belle Mead as spiritual leader on Aug. 1, leading services for the first time on Aug. 3.

"From our initial discussion with Rabbi Falk, she demonstrated that she had the qualities and capabilities that we were looking for in our next rabbi," said Eric Applegate, co-chairman of the rabbi search committee at Kehilat Shalom. "She exhibited a genuine sense of warmth, and the ability to connect with a broad cross section of our community."

Rabbi Falk has a bachelor in English from Barnard College. She directed a women's HIV/AIDS and health education program in New York City before attending the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, Pa.

While at rabbinical college, she worked as a chaplain, taught Hebrew school, and served aas a student rabbi for Congregation Beth Ahavah in Philadelphia. Prior to her appointment at Kehilat Shalom, Rabbi Falk served as Hospice Director for the Jewish Family and Children's Service of Greater Philadelphia.

More information about the synagogue - or for information about attending the Aug. 3 services - can be found at the temple Web site, www.kehilatshalomnj.org, or by contacting Robin Bengochea, temple administrator, at the temple office, 359-0420 during business hours.