A Las Vegas Jewish New Year Story: Bet Knesset Bamidbar, the Largest Senior Jewish Congregation, Brings Youthful Energy to Volunteerism…
Las Vegas, Nevada (PRWEB) September 09, 2014 -- As the Jewish New Year approaches, Bet Knesset Bamidbar (BKB), Las Vegas’ largest Senior, traditional Reform Jewish congregation, has much to celebrate at age 24. Twenty four is a long time by Las Vegas standards for an institution to be around, but importantly, it speaks to the young vitality that has kept BKB vibrant. For this group of 600 seniors, over 50 years of age, is active. Not necessarily with aerobics, but with doing good deeds, for both its fellow congregants and for the Las Vegas community at large. Without rabbinic leadership for over a year, BKB finally found its match in hiring 54-year-old Rabbi Steven Rosenberg, its new spiritual leader: http://www.bkblv.org/Rabbi_Rosenberg_Resume.php
“If Albert Einstein could do an equation on the joining of two such kinetic forces this New Year, it would be quite the formula for the energy of good will and the heart.” - Pamela Joy Ring, BKB Marketing Chair & Congregant
A Unique Sense of Permanency & Belonging…
Unique to BKB, is that it does not own its own building, yet offers Shabbat services regularly every 2nd and 4th Friday at Desert Vista Community Center in the retirement community of Sun City, Summerlin; and a full plate of activities, as if a permanent temple structure was in place. The congregation’s membership dues are remarkably low because of the absence of the costs associated with having a building, and offer great value for a growing Baby-Boomer and retiree population on a limited income.
BKB operates as a full-service synagogue because of its volunteers. There are over 100 who provide programs which enhance the social and spiritual experience of members, bringing to them a feeling of community and belonging. http://www.bkblv.org/ABOUT.html
“It never ceases to amaze me to see the energy and participation of our membership in making BKB a wonderful place of homecoming and worship. So many of us have come from other places with family far away; for such a large congregation, the community and volunteerism, gives us a sense of family and helps fill that void.” - René Colen, BKB President
A History of Energetic Give Back to Children…
Beyond its commitment to congregants and Jewish philanthropic causes, these seniors help and support children in the Las Vegas community. For example, since 2008, BKB has championed being informal, “Grandmas and Grandpas,” to the children of the neighborhood, O.K. Adcock Elementary School, by tutoring them and giving more. Many of these children have been “in-need,” with significant numbers on the school-provided lunch plan. BKB members have provided Thanksgiving meals to a number of school families, and continually give teachers supplies for the students.
A New Year…A New Leaf…A New Voice…
In the spirit of taking a scene from, “Fiddler on the Roof,” after a year in earnest of an intensive search for a permanent Rabbi, a match has been struck with the hiring of Rabbi Steven Rosenberg, who understands the spirit of “give-back,” and Tzedakah.
A seventh generation Rabbi, Rosenberg has over 27 years of leadership as a congregational Rabbi and Jewish chaplain, as well as leadership in organizational program management of synagogues and Jewish institutions. He has hands-on experience in pastoral counseling, community outreach, and success in engaging those Jews who have been unaffiliated with their Jewish Community. Creative and passionate in his knowledge and teaching of the Torah and Jewish studies, Rosenberg delivers in an engaging and entertaining fashion, as broadcast communications has been his second passion.
“What I love about BKB being an adult congregation is that its congregants have a wealth of experience, knowledge, wisdom and compassion. That unique blend lends itself to us all learning from each other, and my ability to capture those insights, and apply them to Judaic teachings for us to all benefit by. I look forward to helping enhance the current programs offered at BKB, and to adding more for our members to enjoy.” - Rabbi Steven Rosenberg
With his vision for enhancing the social and spiritual experiences of BKB’s members, and offering help and guidance to the community at large, Rabbi Rosenberg wants his services to be a heart-felt experience combining the two:
”I look forward to being a positive and warm part of the BKB family, and as we gather for Shabbat, High Holy Day and other Ritual Holiday services, I hope to help make BKB a vibrant center for Jewish life where worshipping together is inspirational, warm and welcoming.” - Rabbi Steven Rosenberg
So, a Match Has Been Made…
…between a young-senior 24-year-old, BKB, and 54-year-old, Rabbi Steven Rosenberg. A match made in heaven…maybe…but more of a match made in the Las Vegas desert, cemented by a spirit of giving…making this Jewish New Year all the sweeter for Bet Knesset Bamidbar, and the Las Vegas community at large.
For more information on Bet Knesset Bamidbar visit: http://www.bkblv.org or call 702-391-2750
Media Contact:
Pamela Joy Ring, Marketing Chair: BKB
702-338-2665
info(at)bkblv(dot)org
Pamela Joy Ring, Ring Retail Advisory, http://www.ringretailadvisory.com, +1 702-338-2665, [email protected]
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