In the last year, we’ve spent a lot of time and energy on building relationships in the community. At times, it was the most difficult thing we ever did. It’s hard to be disliked for who you are. It’s hard to be dismissed for your beliefs.
But we kept going, and we stayed in those rooms, and now some of the people who were most dismissive sit at the table ready to talk about the meaning of community in a new way. (more…)
About two years ago, it was announced that Temple Beth Sholom was the recipient of a security grant from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. In the last several months, we have been able to implement many security improvements paid for from this grant. If you have been to the Temple or have driven by in the last month, you probably have seen the bollards that have been installed in front of the main entrance as well as in front of the back office doors to protect the building from a vehicle attempting to enter the building. In August, window security film was installed on all of the ground level windows (except the stain glass windows in the Sanctuary) as well as alldoors into the building. Lastly, radio walkie-talkies have been purchased that will enable those in the building to communicate in case of an emergency. (more…)
Click for December 2024 issue of Israel Matters!
Click for November 2024 Bulletin. Will open with Adobe Reader or equal.
On the High Holidays, I talked about what your Jewishness 2.0 for you might look like. I presented a very specific challenge, that I’d like to repeat and emphasize here. (more…)
A few months ago, I was sitting next to the Rabbi during a Shabbat morning service, and like she does almost every month, Gerry Ganezer was about to chant the Blessing for Rosh Chodesh. I remarked to the Rabbi how many members have their special “part” in helping our Temple. The Rabbi agreed and also said “that sounds like a great topic for a speech” – How everyone has their part. Since that conversation I have reflected on how this Temple would not succeed if not for its members and their unique roles and responsibilities, many of which have not been assigned or elected but rather taken on by their own initiative. (more…)
Once, a pilgrim set out on a long journey in search of peace, joy and love. The pilgrim
walked for many weary miles and time passed. Gradually, his young, lively steps
became slower and more labored. The pilgrim’s journey passed through landscapes
that were not always happy ones. (more…)
Having been Ritual Vice President the previous 2 years, I
know just how hectic it gets as we near the New Year. You
may not realize just how much goes into preparing for the
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. (more…)
Click for October 2024 Bulletin. Will open with Adobe Reader or equal.
TBS Social Action Committee Wishing all our members a happy and healthy New Year! Bottle Drive: Continue to collect and sort your plastic bottles and soda cans for the drive scheduled for Sunday, 10/27/24 9 - 12 pm. We continue to earn substantial funds for our programs while we perform Tikkun Olam! We Would like to give a special thanks to the Greengas family and Cynthia Popoli for already donating many bags of cans and bottles for our upcoming bottle drive. Thank you for taking the time out to bag your cans and care for our community. You “CAN” definitely make a difference. Any questions, contact Fran at (203)430-7362. Columbus House: We were able to provide a dinner for 100 clients of Columbus House the past month. A nutritious meatball and pasta dinner with fresh apples from Blue Hills Farm were purchased and delivered by our committee members.…