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Engagement Groups

In our Congregation’s vision to create profound connections, we find strength in our diversity of perspective, age, gender expression, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, family constellation, and socioeconomic background and we welcome interfaith families with open arms.  Through our Engagement Groups, we seek to help peers find one another in order to deepen connections, to socialize, to rejoice with each other in times of joy and comfort each other in times of sadness. All Engagement Groups are open to members and prospective members.

If you have questions about which group you might be best suited for, have suggestions for new groups or if you are interested in becoming a member, please contact Steven Share (267-930-7286/sshare@rodephshalom.org).

Young Friends

The Young Friends of Rodeph Shalom gathers members and prospective members, generally in their 20s and 30s, who want to establish and grow roots at RS and in Philadelphia's Jewish community through social events, Jewish learning, and a commitment to tikkun olam.

Chair:  Lissa Solter

Seasoned Solos

Seasoned Solos are members and prospective members over 50 who enjoy RS events, services, dinners, community service, cultural activities and camaraderie with one another. We greet at Shabbat services on Friday night, and sit together at services and congregational dinners.

Chairs:  Susan Behr and Muriel Kudera

Empty NestRS

For parents with college-aged students who have recently left the nest, those who have been on their own for some time, or those who do not have children and are looking to build Jewish connections.

Chairs: Andi Shuster and Judy Mester

Families with Young Children

Families with Young Children work to foster Jewish identity and community in families with children 5 years-old and younger. Gather for Tot Shabbats, holiday sing-alongs, pizza dinners and more. All FwYC are welcome at Buerger events.

Chair: Hillary Raskin

Israel ConnectRS

Israel ConnectRS celebrates Israel by presenting dynamic, cultural, and educational programming that strengthens the bonds between RS and Israel.

Chair: Ned Hanover

Jewish Cookbook Club

Promote the love of Jewish cooking and the pleasure of eating together. Each month, we share and prepare recipes, sample dishes, and enjoy swapping stories about the food and our lives.

Chair: Julia Williams

Knitzvot

Join the new knitting and fiber arts group and share knowledge, stories and resources.

Chair: Susan Roth

LawyeRS

A connection group for our many lawyers. Programming will be educational, entertaining and fun, giving our lawyers an opportunity to strengthen their ties with RS and each other. The group will provide opportunities for volunteers to engage in pro bono activities supporting deserving individuals or organizations.

Chairs:  Lenny Goldberger, Debbie Poul, Reid Willis

Men of RS

Men of RS focuses on social activism and recreational events that are both entertaining and engaging. Our goals are to create opportunities to share good food and conversation with men of varied ages and backgrounds, fostering social relationships, and strengthening the bonds of friendship and community within our synagogue.

Chairs: Stanley Fleishman and Dan Stamm

pRiSm

pRiSm's mission is to strengthen Jewish LGBTQA life and identity at Congregation Rodeph Shalom and in the world. Our work will focus on education, advocacy and celebration.

Chairs: Heshie Zinman and Ellen Poster

ReadRS

ReadRS is an opportunity to connect with each other and share ideas through lively discussions of books. Join in and help us select books of interest you would like to read -- fiction or non-fiction, serious or humorous, controversial or not -- that not only provide "a good read" but also help us explore the meaning and experience of being Jewish, past or present, in America and around the world.

Chairs:  Howard Green and Jordan Marks 

RS Women

The mission of RS Women is to provide opportunities to welcome, engage, learn and support one another. We focus our collective energy on women's health and our Jewish values.

Chairs: Ellen Poster and Linda Karp Rudow

Berkman Mercaz Limud Parents

RS BML Families is our parent group that organizes opportunities for families to gather outside of the synagogue, and supports the school with volunteering and providing feedback to the Director of Youth Learning and Engagement.

Chair: Kara Medow

Israel/Palestinian Discussion Group

This group provides a safe place for members to gather to learn, talk, listen and share our feelings, focusing on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, with respect for different opinions. We will hold sessions on modern history, the current crisis, and possible solutions for a lasting peace. Our emphasis is on achieving civil rights and human rights for all Palestinians, Israelis, and other groups living in the area, based on Jewish values and the humanity of all people.

Chair:  Heshie Zinman