President’s Message

January 2014: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

This time of year many people are making New Year resolutions to improve their health. After the recent holidays, they are interested in restoring a daily routine. Holistically, our goal should include a spiritual as well as physical component to improving health. I hope that this brief article will provide incentive for your increased participation in TBS religious services for the coming year.

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December 2013: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

            Last spring, my daughter Sara spent a semester abroad in Granada, Spain. She enjoyed being immersed in the culture and loved the southern region of Spain. This was an opportunity for me to study the history of Jews in Spain both before and after the Inquisition. There are no Jewish synagogues or yeshivas remaining in Granada. The lasting contribution of the Jews in this region can be found in the text and writings left by the scholars. Spanish culture and Jewish history is complex and fascinating. I can’t help but wonder if my ancestors descended from Spanish Jews in exile.

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November 2013: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

            Love It or List It is a Canadian television show aired on the Home & Garden Network. I rarely watch television other than sports. I am entertained by this show; however I question its truthfulness and authenticity. Homeowners make an emotional and financial decision to choose between renovating and selling their house. A budget is arbitrarily determined in which the worn-out home is transformed into a castle that renews their love, or possibly motivates them to list the home with a realtor. Either because of my stubbornness or loyalty, I have yet to view an episode where I feel the homeowners should choose to leave their home. There must be a reason why these individuals initially fell in love with their home. So the question becomes; what has changed in their lives and altered their perspective?

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October 2013: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

            Welcome, L’Shanah Tova and good evening. I would like to wish all of you a healthy and happy New Year. I am honored to serve as President of Temple Beth Sholom, and to have the opportunity of sitting on this Bimah these past four years. I would like to thank and praise the officers, committee members, and all the dedicated volunteers who represent the various arms of the Temple, for their enthusiasm and commitment. Special praise to Rabbi Scolnic and Cantor Simon is extended for all the preparation and care taken to ensure the wonderful High Holiday services. The services are extremely special with our talented members who have read Torah, Haftorah, and volunteered to daven parts of the service. I would like to welcome our new members and families and thank them for choosing Temple Beth Sholom as their house of worship and becoming an important part of our family.

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September 2013: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

Temple Beth Sholom began as a vision in the 1940’s as a place in Hamden where Jewish life would be celebrated as a community. From generation to generation, families have relied on the spiritual, educational, and communal aspects of our Temple. It is now our challenge to see what legacy we can leave for our children’s future. It is a troubling fact that 80% of Jewish wealth is left to non-Jewish organizations. Temple Beth Sholom is a strong institution, but through our foresight and vision, we can insure our future for years to come. Our responsibility lies in meeting this challenge. Ask yourself what you value most about TBS, and we will work together to protect those interests. It always brought great pleasure to Debby and me to read the book Something from Nothing to Sara and Molly about a Jewish tailor. Through his creativity and love, the tailor altered his grandson’s worn blanket’s usefulness as it became tattered. The grandfather created a legacy by teaching his grandson that the intrinsic value of an object is maintained even when it is transformed and its purpose renewed.

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July/August 2013: From TBS President Bryan H. Pines

I would like to welcome our new Officers, Trustees, and Directors, and wish them a rewarding experience during their new term. The continued involvement of new members is the driving force that keeps our organization fresh and vibrant. New ideas and approaches are enlightening and bring enthusiasm and enjoyment to the responsibilities of the Board of Directors.

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June 2013: Shavuot

Sixty five years ago, the Jewish Community Center of Hamden was formed in Centerville. This provided the opportunity for Hamden residents to experience the beauty of Judaism within their own neighborhood. These pioneers were deeply committed to improving the lives of the local community, as well as building a future home for Temple Beth Sholom in Spring Glen.

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May 2013: Shavuot

Shavuot historically involved the ancient practice of offering bikkurim, or first fruit as part of a public celebration. The Torah describes in detail how the obligation is fulfilled. Our lives have changed from those in the Israelite’s agricultural society. Judaism has also evolved from a central theme of Temple offerings. The holiday of Shavuot has developed more into a celebration about receiving the Torah. There are, however, many lessons for us to learn from the practice of Hag HaBikkurim.

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April 2013: The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

A new museum commemorating the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising will be opening this month in Poland. The Museum of the History of Polish Jews will chronicle the 1000-year history of Polish Jews. This event will coincide with the 70^th anniversary of the uprising.

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March 2013: Passover

As Passover quickly approaches, I would like to wish everyone a joyous holiday. My daughter Sara is studying abroad this college semester and she will be missed dearly at our Seder. The excitement builds as we prepare for the holiday. It is more than just spring-cleaning as we methodically remove all traces of chametz in our house. Our kitchen is transformed as we replace all of the cooking and eating utensils with the kosher for Pesach set that has been in storage all year.  I love all the different recipes we use during the holiday. I never get tired of eating matzah. I appreciate the change in our daily life even though it is for a short time. My tefillin will get an extra kiss after the holiday since I will have missed wearing them. Our lives are so structured that the Jewish holidays allow us to pause and be thankful for our precious freedoms.

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