Reflections from the President

And just like that, we turn the page and welcome the holiday season with the start of a New Year. Our thoughts turn from beaches, campfires, outdoor concerts, and summer activities to back-to-school, apple picking, the beauty of the New England foliage, and pulling out sweaters for chillier days. Reflecting on the High Holiday season, I recall wonderful memories. Growing up in New York in a close-knit family, we had many opportunities to connect for holidays. By tradition, the first night of Rosh Hashanah was dinner at my parents’ home, the second at my aunt and uncle’s. There were apples and honey, challah, delicious food, and a fruit tart for dessert. If the holidays were “early,” perhaps plums; when they were “late,” apples! Much like Beth El, my childhood synagogue had a variety of services to choose from. As an adult, my father joked that he hadn’t been aware there was also an outside service. That, of course, was in reference to finding me with my friends at the small park across the street from our synagogue!

Why did I choose to share these memories with you? These memories have helped shape who I am and allow me to appreciate how meaningful it was to be part of a community of family and friends. A community takes on many flavors: your neighborhood, the people you go to school with, the people you work with, and certainly the people and experiences that connect us in our Jewish journey.

It’s no surprise that as we have emerged from the pandemic, we desire to be with people. There have been numerous studies in the past few years demonstrating that the isolation we experienced has led to increased feelings of loneliness. Our Jewish faith and traditions encourage us to gather as a community. Whether that’s to ensure there are 10 adults to make a minyan or simply coming together for a study group, music experience, or festive meal, the strength of belonging is embedded in so much of our heritage.

As we start the New Year, I encourage each of you to explore all that Beth El has to offer. Dip your toes in the water or dive in to the deep end. Details for all our services, programs, and activities can be found in Temple Topics, on the Beth El Temple website, as well as through our email communications.

On behalf of the Officers and Board of Trustees, our warmest wishes for a happy, healthy, and sweet year. We look forward to greeting you throughout our holiday season. Let’s make some new memories together. And remember, Beth El is truly a Community You Can Believe In!

~Leah Katz