July 25, 2018
THE KARAITE JEWS OF AMERICA (KJA) AND CONGREGATION B’NAI ISRAEL
Letter from our KJA President:
Following our year-plus closure for renovation and expansion, we are thrilled to invite you to the re-opening celebration of Congregation B’nai Israel. This very special weekend honors all those supporters and community members who through our very successful “Campaign for the Future” have contributed countless hours and significant financial resources to make our dream of a Karaite Jewish Renaissance in the United States viable.
And, it celebrates the legacy that represents our core identity that fueled the vision behind our “Campaign for the Future”: to foster community and to build bridges to the larger Jewish world within an environment designed for meaningful worship, through the delivery of caring life cycle resources, and through inspiring social, educational, and cultural activities.
Please make your reservation(s) by August 7th through this link for the events being planned for each of the three days designed to inspire, inform, and engage you as proud members and friends of the Karaite Jewish community in the Bay Area and beyond.
We have worked hard to beautifully renovate and expand our Synagogue but space is limited. In order to ensure that adequate arrangements are made for catering, parking, and so on, we need your reservation(s) for each day you and your family plan to participate with us.
On behalf of our KJA Board of Directors, the KJA Sisterhood Committee, the Campaign Committee, and all those who have worked so hard to bring this weekend to fruition, we thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you August 17-19.
David Ovadia,
KJA Board President
Following our year-plus closure for renovation and expansion, we are thrilled to invite you to the re-opening celebration of Congregation B’nai Israel. This very special weekend honors all those supporters and community members who through our very successful “Campaign for the Future” have contributed countless hours and significant financial resources to make our dream of a Karaite Jewish Renaissance in the United States viable.
And, it celebrates the legacy that represents our core identity that fueled the vision behind our “Campaign for the Future”: to foster community and to build bridges to the larger Jewish world within an environment designed for meaningful worship, through the delivery of caring life cycle resources, and through inspiring social, educational, and cultural activities.
Please make your reservation(s) by August 7th through this link for the events being planned for each of the three days designed to inspire, inform, and engage you as proud members and friends of the Karaite Jewish community in the Bay Area and beyond.
We have worked hard to beautifully renovate and expand our Synagogue but space is limited. In order to ensure that adequate arrangements are made for catering, parking, and so on, we need your reservation(s) for each day you and your family plan to participate with us.
On behalf of our KJA Board of Directors, the KJA Sisterhood Committee, the Campaign Committee, and all those who have worked so hard to bring this weekend to fruition, we thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you August 17-19.
David Ovadia,
KJA Board President
Program Calendar for Re-Dedication and Celebration Weekend
Friday, August 17
- 5:30 pm Casual buffet dinner
- 7:50 pm Leil Shabbat Service
- Post-service Singing with Hazzan Cohen
Saturday, August 18
- 9:30 am Shabbat Service and Sanctuary Re-Consecration
- Post-service gala Oneg Shabbat lunch to celebrate our re-opening
- Following lunch - An afternoon of discussion and seminars with our distinguished visitors from Israel and other special guests to round out the day
- More details about interactive singing with Hazzan Cohen, educational opportunities, and child-friendly activities will be posted closer to the date
Sunday, August 19
An Afternoon of Learning and Celebration bringing together the Karaite Jewish Community with the larger Jewish world of the Bay Area – 1:00 to 5:00 pm.
Program follows:
- 12:15 Registration and check-in
- 1:00 Welcome by KJA President David Ovadia
- 1:30 A Panel Discussion: “The Global Future of Karaite Judaism”
With distinguished visitors from Israel and KJA Program Director Shawn Lichaa
Topic: How do we remain relevant in an evolving world and cultivate the next generation of Karaite Jews?
Moderator: Maryellen Himell-Ovadia
- 2:15 Questions and Open Discussion
Special activities for children will take place during the panel presentation and discussion.
- 2:45 “The Karaite Liturgical and Vocal Tradition”
A Musical Presentation by Celebrity Hazzan, Rotem Cohen - 3:15 Festive Reception and Open House
Hors d’oeuvres buffet and surprises!
Karaite Press books will be displayed and available for viewing and purchase.
Check this space for updates and more details as they develop.
