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,.

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 is a special holiday given to women. Rosh Chodesh connects women of all backgrounds to their Jewish heritage through monthly programs. Programs include classes, workshops, ample opportunities for singing, learning and socializing, andspecial events such as ladies night out, restaurant night and shopping night.

Rosh Chodesh gatherings take place on the Tuesday closest to Rosh Chodesh at different homes and locations. If you would like to host a Rosh Chodesh event please contact Rosh Chodesh Chairs, Ellen Ross or Susan Furman at ellendross@yahoo.com

Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan Tuesday October 20
Rosh Chodesh Kislev Tuesday November 17
Rosh Chodesh Tevet Tuesday January 19
Rosh Chodesh Shevat Tuesday February 16
Rosh Chodesh Adar Tuesday March 16
Rosh Chodesh Nissan Tuesday April 1

The Rodfei Sholom Sisterhood is an organization for women to foster spiritual, intellectual and social growth.

Its 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

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.