• Print

The Rabbi Jacob Kraft Educational Foundation

Rabbi Jacob Kraft, z"l
Rabbi Jacob Kraft, z"l		   The Rabbi Jacob Kraft Educational Foundation was established in 1988 in memory of Rabbi Kraft, who served as the Rabbi for Congregation Beth Shalom from 1930 - 1970 and as Rabbi Emeritus from 1970 - 1987 with a brief hiatus during World War II when he was a chaplain in the U.S. Armed Forces from 1943 - 1946.

The Foundation furthers Rabbi Kraft's life-long devotion to learning by funding educational programs to enrich the congregation and the community. These programs cover areas such as scholars-in-residence, congregational Kallahs, education for parents of Hebrew School students, continuing education and enrichment for teachers, scholarships for higher education and special programs like, religious camps and trips to Israel for children in the school. The fund initially raised approximately $250,000. An independent, rotating Board of Trustees governs the foundation.

Rabbi Jacob Kraft was a man of righteousness, wisdom, and love. His life inspired others to appreciate the true values in life and to achieve their full potential. He was a magnificent spiritual leader of our congregation and in our community. Through the foundation, Rabbi Kraft's influence continues to be felt by present and future generations.
 

This year The Foundation joins in our 90th Anniversary Celebration with the theme “Jewish in America.” 1922, the year of Beth Shalom’s founding was also the last year of open immigration to America. During the "Great Immigration" period from 1880 to 1922, over two million Jews came to America. Undoubtedly, many Beth Shalom members are descendants from those immigrants in this period in American History. Our program this year will include:

SUNDAY,
December 16, 2012 - 7:00PM. . .

TEDDY ROOSEVELT AND THE JEWS

Rabbi Lance Sussman, Senior Rabbi, Keneseth Israel, Elkins Park, and lecturer, Temple University.

 

SUNDAY,
FEBRUARY 17, 2013 - 7:00PM. . .

KERUV INITIATIVE OF UNDERSTANDING INTERMARRIAGE

Rabbi Charles Simon, Executive Director, Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs.

 

SUNDAY,
MARCH 10, 2013 - 7:00PM. . .

SONGS OF THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE

Susan Leviton, “Jewish Culture Worker,” Artist, lecturer, musician weaving a tapestry of Jewish Experiences.

 

COMING WINTER 2013!

DAVEN, DINE, and DISCUSS

A series of Shabbat mornings of prayer, kiddush lunch and discussion with Rabbi Beals, Cantor Abrams and Beth Shalom members on timely issues of Jewish Life in America.

   Our 5773 Kraft Scholars - Rabbi Lance Sussman, Rabbi Charles Simon, and Susan Leviton

 

All programs are at Congregation Beth Shalom, please bring a non-perishable food donation for the Hanover Church Pantry.  Watch for complete details of these and other programs in future issues of the Kol Shalom and the Jewish Voice.

Gary Harad - Chair, Marv Cytron - Publicity,  Deane Kattler, Steven Klein, Myrna Ryder, Edward Sobel, and Bonnie Zahn