THIS MONTH HaHodesh
AT CHIZUK AMUNO CONGREGATION AND SCHOOLS Engaging Jewish Life & Learning JUNE/JULY 2018 | Sivan / Tammuz / Av 5778
RABBI’S COLUMN
RABBI DEBI WECHSLER
In September I shared with you some thoughts on how I hoped we might spend this year of transition. Now with the year drawing to a close, I’d like to share some highlights as well as challenging us as a community as we continue to move forward.
Chizuk Amuno is so fortunate that our congregants enjoy celebrating the holidays together at the synagogue. Not only do we come together on Shabbat, but we also join in celebration of the Jewish festival cycle. We began the year with magnificent High Holy Day services which included personal reflections by community members. Hanukkah was a smash with over 1000 people celebrating, blessing, lighting, eating and enjoying fireworks. Star Wars Purim was so successful that we ran out of groggers, megillahs and beer and parents were begging us to stop the music so their children would agree to go home to bed! And just last month the Torah was welcomed with study, with play, and with procession by our littlest Torah scholars during Shavuot.
As my term as President of Chizuk Amuno draws to a close, I want to share my appreciation for the opportunity to lead our historic congregation and to do so with the support of an engaged community. I have consistently articulated my belief that “we” are much stronger and more effective than “me.” The past two years have been a period of introspection and transition, which is healthy, albeit not always easy, for any community. As I stated at my last Board meeting, we should be proud of our accomplishments during this period, as it is the continuing foundation of our future. Personally, I have witnessed how Chizuk Amuno plays a vital role in the lives of our children and adults, as well as the importance of providing a healthy environment to live, learn and grow as Jews. I will continue to be a part of the exciting endeavors of Chizuk Amuno and look forward to continuing our conversations in person. Todah Rabah.
Jason A. Blavatt President
SHABBAT MORNINGS JULY 7, 14, 21, 28 AUGUST 4, 11, 18 9:15 A.M.
Over the years we have been privileged to cultivate a group of adult learners. So we were proud to offer a range of adult education classes that took place six days a week this year with hundreds of adult learners studying Jewish Ethics, the texts of Israel, Pirkei Avot, the emergence of Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity, Talmud and Judaism and technology. Even our school parents took part in study with a special class just for them. We hosted lectures by Ron Lieber of the New York Times and our own internationally known Dr. Joy Silberg and invited published authors Rabbi Elana Zaiman and Rachel Kadish to share their new works with us at Book Talks. During this year of transition we even initiated new programming as well. Hazak, our renewed group for members over 55 enjoyed successful programs every month this spring Continued on Page 2
KRIEGER AUDITORIUM (Creating an intimate and relaxed prayer environment.) During Summer Shul everyone is encouraged to dress casually and appropriately, for Shabbat Services. Families and friends, adults and children are most welcome to share in the warm mood of Summer Shul. 9:15 a.m. Synagogue members lead our services, read Torah, and deliver Divrei Torah, supported by the clergy. The Dvar Torah theme for this year is Israel at 70. JULY 7
PARSHAT PINCHAS
RABBI JOSHUA GRUENBERG