On a recent Shabbat morning we completed the reading of Genesis. In accordance with tradition, after the last word, the Torah was lifted by the reader and everyone said Hazak, Hazak, Venit Hazek, “Be Strong! Be Strong! And may we all be strengthened!” Although the origins of this tradition apparently refer to the actual physical strength required to lift the Torah, the phrase has significance today. (more…)
Many of you know that I feel passionately and strongly about Shabbat observance. I am not one to judge others on what level of observance they maintain and by no means consider my personal level of observance as a gold standard. Instead, I feel that the inner peace and relaxation that accompany Shabbat and prayer are worthy of sharing and encourage people to participate at whatever level they are comfortable. For me, my favorite place to observe Shabbat is at Temple Beth Sholom. If for some reason I am not there, you will likely find me in my second favorite place – the woods.
At a recent board meeting the Ritual Committee was challenged with the following question: Why do so many people leave after the Rabbi’s sermon during the High Holidays. We all know, of course, that there is no one answer. People leave for all sorts of reasons, including some who simply get some fresh air and return. The question was obviously rhetorical, the questioner an intelligent person capable of forming the obvious answers. None the less, it is an important question. (more…)
When Joan Levine asked me take on the Presidency, she executed the approach masterfully. It was a lesson in the art of negotiation. It was a Shabbat morning, services had been peaceful and relaxing, my stomach was full from the Kiddush food, and warm from the Kiddush schnaps. My children were playing with all the other children, and I was enjoying some good conversation with some close friends. Then she struck. Like a shark circling a seal off the coast of Cape Cod, she cornered me, took an introductory bite to test the sweetness, and then went in for the kill. And I have to say, I was flattered to be asked. I consider it a great honor to be here before you.
When did a “Minute” of Silence to commemorate the dead become a “Moment” of Silence? When Governor Rell declared a “Moment of Silence” to commemorate the victims of the Manchester shooting at Hartford Distributors, I was expecting a true minute. Even when the radio announcer stated at 9:15 AM on August 9 that they were about to begin their “Moment of Silence”, I thought he misspoke. He must have meant a minute and confused it with a moment. Unfortunately, I was mistaken and he was correct. It was a moment. About 10 seconds. That’s about 1.1 seconds per person.
Rabbi, Officers, Members of the Board of Directors, and Members of the Congregation,
It is an honor to stand here before you as the next President of the Board of Directors. There have been many distinguished people here before me and they leave a tough collective legacy to follow. I want to thank Hinda for her leadership, advice, support and friendship over the past two years; and the outgoing Officers and Board Members for their years of dedicated service. I know they will all be back again to serve in one capacity or another. Last but certainly not least, I want to thank Stuart for serving as the Installing Officer. (more…)
Picture this: Ten years ago a young wife goes Temple shopping. Checking out the goods our Temple has to offer, a decision is made. This young wife and her young husband buy a home in the Spring Glen neighborhood and happily join the congregation. So, why Temple Beth Sholom? Well- she liked Rabbi Scolnic! It’s as simple as that!
As a first grade teacher, my daily professional life is planned around seasonal celebrations. Fall activities might include leaf rubbings and animal hibernation, and winter studies might discuss nature’s changes and Holidays Around the World. When the month of May approaches, I ask the class to reflect about the women in their lives. Last May, I shared with you a woman close to me, my mother, Florence Frohman. She continues to be an active synagogue member who assists in planning and implementing the programs at Arden House. She also takes on the responsibility of recruiting other women to polish the synagogue silver two times a year.
The hub of the synagogue, the arteries that lead to all parts of a body, the center cut- whatever we want to call the Temple office- our congregation is fortunate to have two extremely dedicated women working for the benefit of the synagogue. Together, Barbara Varga and Bobbie Kraus keep our business records in order, record and organize donations, answer the numerous questions that are called in and, of course, sell gift cards for our on-going fundraising project.
Steve and Sherri Sosensky joined Temple Beth Sholom in 1998. They were convinced this synagogue was the right choice for them because Susan Squire, Membership Vice President, told them that, “We are a Hamish community.” The ultimate reason why the young family joined the Temple had been because they received many personal invites to visit.