As we get ready for Passover each year, I enjoy each of the traditions, from creating my shopping list to cooking and hosting the first Seder. Most years, there are at least 15 family members around our table. I love cooking the dishes that my dad passed down to me, sharing stories from my childhood with my daughters, reading from the Haggadah and teaching them why we celebrate Passover. (more…)
Early in December, a member came up to me and mentioned how smoothly my presidency had been going. Little did I know that, at the end of December, we would lose heat in the majority of the synagogue. Both boilers died after a leaking pipe caused water to get into the boiler’s electronics. (more…)
As has been the case for the last few month, I am writing this message right before the submission deadline. I knew I wanted to write about the formation of the Nominating Committee this month, so I looked back at previous synagogue bulletins for inspiration. Something Lauren wrote in last year’s February bulletin really stood out to me. She talked about how becoming involved with the synagogue could take different paths, whether it is “dipping a toe in the water or jumping in with both feet.” (more…)
A few months ago, when I spoke on Yom Kippur, I mentioned two special Shabbat services that occur each month. I am writing this month’s message right after these special services were held in December. (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…)
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…)
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…)
A Mazel Tov to the new and returning Officers, Directors and Trustees. I look forward to working with each of you over the next year.
Shira, thank you so much for that wonderful installation ceremony. I know that you are already working hard on programming for the next year. (more…)
It has been one year since I was elected President-elect of Temple Beth Sholom. One of the many thoughts I have had in that time is, “What I am going to write in my first President’s Message for the Bulletin?” I am in the process of writing my speech for the Installation and I don’t want to be repetitive. So, I am going to keep this message short. (more…)
As I sit down to write my final Bulletin message as the TBS President, I find myself reflecting on my Jewish identity, particularly as May unfolds as Jewish American Heritage Month. In the spirit of self-reflection, Jewish American Heritage Month prompts us to consider what aspect of our Jewish identity fills us with the most pride. (more…)