Sometimes small is better

Charles Flum President

We call ourselves “Th e Small Temple With a big Heart.” This motto has been reinforced by our newest members. Everyone with whom I have spoken has said the main reason they joined us was because of the friendliness and warmth of our congregants. Since we are a small congregation, most of us know the other members, at least by sight. When we see a new face, or faces, members go up to the new people to talk with them. If you are interested in joining our warm congregation, please call Shelley McCloskey at 724-747-3585 or email her at flasbm1@gmail.com.

Other than a warm and caring congregation, we have much to offer. Rabbi Howard Herman gives sermons that are both interesting and thought provoking. His great breadth of knowledge is evident in his adult education offerings. Everything from Jewish music to Jewish jurisprudence. Jane Galler, our cantorial soloist, not only uses traditional melodies, but teaches us new ones as well. Alla Gorelick, our music director, conducts an amazing choir from the piano. The three of them lead services that are prayerful and joyous at the same time.

We take “The Small Temple With a big Heart” a step further with Flamingle. Open to the entire congregation, these are informal get-togethers with activities that enable us to get to know each other better. We have had two sessions (one wasn’t enough for all the people involved) of “tell us something funny about yourself.” Upcoming, as of this writing, we are going to the Holocaust Museum in Naples followed by a box lunch.

At our Chanukah party, we are keeping couples together, but mixing and matching old and new members at the tables. Again, a way for us to learn more about each other.

Annually, we sponsor (along with Federation) an Artist in Residence. On Feb. 2 at 7 p.m., Julie Silver will be performing in concert. Check page 14A of the December Federation Star for an in-depth look at this wonderful artist. Tickets can be purchased at naplesjewishcongregation.org.

We are involved in other community activities as well. We set up a table at the community celebration at Mercato. We participated in the Empty Bowls project to help alleviate hunger. Members did their civic duty by helping to work at the polls this past election.

If this sounds like a congregation you can call home, again, please call or email Shelley McCloskey at the contact info above.