PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
We ended the year 2009 with a big Chanukah celebration. Our congregational dinner was very well attended and our Temple family and friends enjoyed good food, good fellowship and a good time. Thank you to Jerry Davis and the committee who organized and prepared the dinner and thank you to everyone who helped clean up afterward. Thank you to the Rabin Religious School for the program, which is always appreciated. With Chanukah barely over, the men’s group sponsored another “movie night.” Thank you to Michael Lack for taking charge of this activity. For those of us who like good movies, these evenings have been a wonderful way to expand our film repertoire. It seems that each of the movies that have been shown this year, have been “new” for some, old favorites for others, but entertaining for everyone who is there.
The new year began quietly for us. Many of our Board members took time off and were out of town in the beginning of January. Since there would not have been a quorum, it was decided to cancel the Board meeting. Our next Board Meeting is scheduled for February. The Rabbinical Search Committee under the able leadership of Sarah Brown has been very active. The committee has already received several applications and is busy following up on them. The “mission statement” committee has been taking all of the information from the focus groups (that met last spring) and is preparing a “statement” that, hopefully, will reflect who we are and what we value. As I understand it, the mission statement should give us a direction to follow as we move forward into the future.
I am pleased to report that four congregants answered the Rabbi’s call to learn how to lead services. They will be working with the Rabbi and will be joining him on the Bimah during services from time to time. Thank you for your interest and your commitment that strengthens our congregation, just as you will be strengthened by this process. In January, we tried another Friday evening “Shabbat at Home” followed by Shabbat morning services in the sanctuary. The Rabbi started his mini-series “Exploring a Reform Dietary Practice.” It’s a topic that is very timely and sure to generate lots of interest and discussion. We closed out the month celebrating Tu B’Shevat with our annual Seder. Thank you to Sharon Shenkel and Ilene Leshinsky for coordinating this.
By the time that you read this, I hope that you have made your reservation for the “Souper Shabbat” on February 5th, sponsored by the Ritual Committee. That committee works very hard all year long to provide holiday programs that are meaningful for all of us. The best way to show our appreciation is to support these events with our presence. Thank you to Andy Kaplan, chairperson, and the entire committee for all that you do on our behalf.
So, once again, you can see that Temple Beth Israel is a busy place. Don’t miss out on any of the services, holiday celebrations, or activities that are offered.
Shalom,
Carole
