Shalom Chaverim -
שלום חברים
● Our programs for youth continue to flourish. Our Religious School, with a level of quality and excellence that is unmatched, is well underway. Our Kesher program for 8th and 9th graders continues to grow with enrollment surpassing the prior year. 10th graders are in store for a dynamic year engaging with Rabbi Greene about a variety of topics of ―all things Jewish.‖ And our Kivunim program for 11th and 12th graders now has its first 12th graders enrolled this year.
Friends, Our New Year begins . . .a time of renewal and a time where our thoughts and prayers are for a good year and a sweet year. As we have begun our synagogue‘s new year, many terrific things have occurred or are occurring—some brand new, some revisited and some very forward thinking. The below is just a sampling. ● At Shabbat Todah, our Shabbat of Thanks, we recognized the many members of our synagogue who help us create community. We honored at Erev Shabbat Services 100 people who have volunteered in one way or another and thanked them for their service to all of us.
● Comprehensive financial reports are made each month to the Board of Trustees at the monthly Board meetings, (By the way, come sit in; they‘re open to all congregants -- no invitation needed.) in addition to the financial report made at the synagogue‘s annual meeting. To increase communication with you about financial matters, our new treasurer, Ron Swichkow, has prepared and issued to congregants the first of periodic reports to be made to the congregation-at-large on synagogue financial matters. Ron is available for any questions you may have.
● Rabbi Greene shared with us, his first periodic video message, ―From Calamity to Hope,‘ teaching us about Tisha B'av. At last check, well over 125 people ―liked‖ this message. I know you will look forward to Rabbi‘s continued messages in this new way. ● Our 2011-2012 Adult Learning catalogue of opportunities has been published. There are numerous opportunities for you to learn something that‘s a bit new. So...look for it on our new website under Adult Learning to feed the mind, learn something new with Rabbi Greene, Rabbi Tam or Cantor Kassel, and possibly make a new friend along the way.
And of course, we celebrate Shabbat together each and every week, as our people have from generation to generation. In this New Year that we begin together, we learn about the ―turning‖ we are to do. I know you will find something of meaning for you as you turn toward the synagogue for Jewish involvement and exploration. Do come engage with us. We are here with an outstretched hand welcoming you.
● The Long Range Planning Committee completed their months of research and analysis and issued Temple Beth Tikvah‘s Long Range Plan. Several weeks ago, your Board of Trustees spent a full Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., digesting the Long Range Plan, prioritizing the recommendations in the plan and developing strategies of implementation to help our synagogue continue to grow from strength to strength.
On behalf of the Officers and the Board of Trustees, we wish you a Shana Tova Umetukah - שנה טובה ומתוקה A Good and Sweet Year!! B‘shalom. Steven C. Gerson President
NEW THIS YEAR Congregational Shabbat Dinners Save these dates:
December 2nd, February 3rd and April 20th 4
News and Happenings from Temple Beth Tikvah