By Michele Salomon
Congregation Keneseth Israel

Relationships are the foundation of our communities, particularly our Jewish communities. They are the ground upon which our synagogues, community centers and other institutions of Jewish and community life are built upon. With generous support from the Sylvia Perkin Charitable Trust and the Dr. Ray and Bonnie Singer Education Fund, Congregation Keneseth Israel, Temple Beth El and Muhlenberg College Hillel are delighted to welcome Dr. Ron Wolfson to the Lehigh Valley on April 1 and 2. Dr. Wolfson is an author, educator, and humorist and will be speaking at various events to highlight the importance of relationships – to each other, to our Judaism, to our spirituality – as the means to strengthen our Jewish institutions. The weekend includes worship, food, fun and reflection, take your pick. 

The weekend kicks off on Friday evening at Congregation Keneseth Israel with “The Spirituality of Welcoming: First Step in Building Relationships,” which includes a kosher Shabbat dinner followed by Shabbat services. 

Saturday morning Shabbat services find Dr. Wolfson across town at Temple Beth El for the continuation of the program, “Using the Power of Relationships to Transform the Jewish Community.” 

The weekend culminates on Saturday evening at Temple Beth El for an evening of music and reflections. Muhlenberg’s premier cross cultural A Cappella group, The Chaimonics will kick things off. Dr. Wolfson will conclude his program with, “The Power of Stories to Shape Jewish Identity,” based on his memoir, “The Best Boy in the United States of America: A Memoir of Blessing and Kisses.”

The complete schedule of events is as follows. The entire community is invited to attend.

FRIDAY, APRIL 1: 
Congregation Keneseth Israel
•  6 p.m. – Kosher Shabbat dinner ($20 per adult/$10 per child age 13 and under; 4 and under are free; RSVP by March 25 to KI or TBE)
•  7:30 p.m. – Shabbat services

SATURDAY, APRIL 2: 
Temple Beth El
•  9 a.m. – Shabbat services and kiddush
•  7:30 p.m. – Refreshments, Havdalah, Chaimonics and humor

To buy Dr. Wolfson’s books (available at KI or TBE at discounted rates) or for more information, contact KI at 610-435-9074 or TBE at 610-435-3521.