In response to anti-Israel bias found in the reporting of the Arab-Israeli conflict, Rabbi Aryeh Scheinberg and a group of volunteers from the synagogue formed the Israel Public Action Committee (IPA) of Rodfei Sholom in 2001.

Comprised of professionals in various fields, including a retired journalist, the IPA committee works to educate the general public about Israel and the Middle East, counter anti-Israel bias in the media, expose anti-Israel propaganda and encourage action and advocacy for Israel. It sends “Action Alerts” regarding House and Senate resolutions affecting Israel and the Jewish people.

The committee last year screened the documentary “The Third Jihad” at the Bijou Theater and is planning, in conjunction with the Community Relations (CRC) of the Jewish Federation, the showing of the film “Crossing the Line, The Intifada Comes to Campus”, on Monday, May 3, at 7:30 p.m. at the Campus of the Jewish Community. Produced by acclaimed filmmaker Raphael Shore and directed by Wayne Kopping, the film explores the proliferation of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic incidents on North American college campuses.

The IPA Committee works in coordination with the CRC of the Jewish Federation.

For more information about the documentary or to join the committee please contact Bobbie Ghitis, IPA Chair, at 862-0704 or send an email to iparodfei@sbcglobal.net.

Anyone interested in receiving the Daily Alert, a compendium of news about Israel and the Middle East from around the word, please send an email to iparodfei@sbcglobal.net

Rodfei Sholom's tradition of being a caring, warm and supportive community is meaningfully expressed through its Bikur Cholim (visiting the sick) committee.

According to the Rabbis, the mitzvah of visiting the sick originates in the Torah in Genesis 18:1 when G-d appears to Avraham while he is sitting at the entrance to his tent in the plains of Mamrei. Rashi comments that G-d appears to Avraham immediately after his circumcision to inquire about his wellbeing, since he was recuperating from the circumcision. The Rabbis of the Talmud, explain that as G-d visits the sick so should we visit the sick.

The essence of the mitzvah of bikur cholim is to be with the person who is ill, to address both that person's physical and spiritual needs, and to provide comfort and support.

Members of the committee visit patients at local hospitals, and also visit the Jewish elderly at Golden Estates, (previously Golden Manor), where the residents experience a weekly class on Judaism.

Since the synagogue doesn't always know who is in the hospital (only Methodist Hospital shares its list of Jewish patients), we would greatly appreciate being notified if you are aware of someone who has been hospitalized, who might want a visit.

Anyone interested in joining the Bikur Cholim committee or helping with any of these important mitzvahs, should contact Bobbie Ghitis, chair of the committee at 862-0704 or the synagogue at 493-3557.

Rosh Chodesh: Beginning Anew
Rosh Chodesh is the holiday commemorating the new moon and is traditionally celebrated by women.

It is a special holiday given to women to reflect and look toward new growth. Sisterhood holds monthly gatherings for women of all ages. We celebrate the new month and the new moon together. We will both schmooze and learn together through text, art, or other activities.

Rosh Chodesh gatherings take place on the Wednesdays closest to Rosh Chodesh at different homes and locations. If you would like to host a Rosh Chodesh event please contact Deborah Bar-Yadin at rodfeisisterhood@gmail.com

Rosh Chodesh Adar I Sunday, February 6, 2011 Community Service Day
Rosh Chodesh Adar II Wednesday March 2, 2011 Beauty in the Beads
Rosh Chodesh Nissan Wednesday April 6, 2011 Guest Speaker Susan Gelb on The Diaspora community of Italy
Rosh Chodesh Iyar, Wednesday May 4, 2011 Being a Mother in today’s Times
Rosh Chodesh Sivan, Wednesday June 1, 2011 Torah, Yoga & Sushi
No Rosh Chodesh in July or August…Summer Vacation
Rosh Chodesh Elul, Wednesday August 31 I am my Beloved, my Beloved is mine.” New Marriage…New Year.

The Rodfei Sholom Sisterhood is an organization for women to foster spiritual, intellectual and social growth. Together we make a difference.

It’s goals are:
To unite Jewish women who have a common interest
To support and benefit the congregation and the community
To provide opportunities for friendship and service
To join please contact Deborah Bar Yadin at rodfeisisterhood@gmail.com

Sisterhood Meetings take place on the last Thursday of every month at Rodfei Sholom at 10 a.m. (Except June and July/ summer vacation)

All are welcome. Membership Dues are $25.00 a year. (August thru July)

A group of women meet every Shabbat afternoon at either the synagogue or a home nearby, for discussion and the reading of psalms. Please contact the synagogue office for the exact time and place each week.