President’s Message

At a recent meeting of the Temple Beth Sholom Board of Directors, a motion was made (and passed) to approve a program entitled “Planting Seeds,” which aims — through modest financial incentives — to attract more non-member families to enroll in our Hebrew School program, and ultimately to join our synagogue.  This program represents a proactive measure to deal with the fact that our school enrollment seems to be shrinking, despite fairly steady membership numbers.
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Last year, I stood before you and gave many examples of how I knew that our community here at Temple Beth Sholom was thriving.  Tonight, I am pleased to say that we are still thriving.  We have had an exciting year, with innovative programming, increased ritual participation and two outstanding congregational trips to Israel with Rabbi Scolnic.  Just check out our new and constantly improving web site:  www.tbshamden.com to see how vibrant our congregation truly is. (more…)

Let me start by thanking Shira Rosenblatt for a lovely introduction, and for volunteering to serve as Installing Officer tonight & organizing the service.  While on the subject of Thank You’s, let me also thank each of the outgoing directors and trustees for their years of service to Temple Beth Sholom. (more…)

A few months ago, I wrote about the Etz Chaim synagogue in Bentonville, Arkansas.  More recently, I corresponded with Etz Chaim’s president, Betsy Rosen, because I was curious about how the synagogue has fared after receiving the publicity that accompanies a New York Times feature article.  I also asked Betsy to identify for me some of the biggest challenges facing this young synagogue, located in a much different part of the country. (more…)

A few weeks ago, I arrived late to a Shabbat morning service, to discover a full house. I knew there wasn’t a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, so I was a bit surprised. (more…)

I read the announcements at the end of services most Friday nights and Saturday mornings.  People generally like hearing the announcements, because they know the end of the service is near.  I am often told that I read the announcements too quickly – perhaps my unconscious response to the congregation silently begging me to keep it short. (more…)

I was recently asked to respond to a survey entitled “The 2006 Survey of Conservative Congregational Leaders.”  The survey is being conducted on behalf of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and its author has promised to share a copy of the results with me when he publishes them. (more…)

Shana Tovah.  Happy New Year.  As you are reading this, we have just celebrated the beginning of our Jewish New Year – 5767.  The High Holidays, though appropriately solemn and somber at times, provide a wonderful opportunity for rejoicing, reflection and renewal. (more…)

As I become president of Temple Beth Sholom, I find myself focused on the importance of continuity and “community”. (more…)

As I write this column, about a third of the Major League Baseball season has passed.  For Yankees fans, though, the season seems to be just starting.  Sure, the Yankees are 30-31, trailing the Red Sox by 9.5 games, but we’re not worried.  (Of course, by the time you read this; we might be worried then.) (more…)