Rabbi’s Report

Submitted by: Adam F. Miller

From Strength to Strength – Our Past to Our Future

What a fantastic year! In just one year, we have witnessed the transformation of Temple Shalom. We felt this momentum start last year with the opening of Our Torah. As each letter of our Torah was written, it grew. Every participant shared their stories connected to Torah, and became part of our story here at Temple Shalom.

We began feeling more connected to one another, as expressed by the Lego blocks at Rosh Hashanah. The sanctuary filled again when we completed Our Torah – a living legacy in our congregation. Energy continued to build at the amazing One Family Kick-Off with Dr. Ron Wolfson. We learned at that event the importance of establishing real relationship, sharing experiences, and working together toward our common goal of building One Family at Temple Shalom. Ruth Messinger inspired us this year as our Scholar-in-Residence, demonstrating the global responsibility we have as Jews to perform acts of tikkun olam across the world. Cantor Azu and her colleagues thrilled our spirits with a remarkable night of music. At the premiere of Skokie: Invaded But Not Conquered, we learned the importance of speaking truth in the face of injustice. In May our students will transform Lego blocks into a scale replica of the city of Jerusalem. And those are just some of the highlights! As in any year, there have been challenges. Changes in staff and leadership present obstacles, as well as opportunities for new prospective and growth. Our Temple Family said farewell to many dear friends. We honor their memories and legacies by sharing their stories, embracing the lessons they taught in life, and recalling their impact on Temple Shalom and the Jewish community of Collier County. As we near the end of this year, let us finish with a blessing. When one ends a book of Torah, it is done with the words, “Chazak, Chazak, v’Nitchazek” –“Be strong, be strong, and let us be strengthened.” Take strength from the blessings of this year – from our new Torah and all the joy we experienced. Draw strength from having faced challenges and moving forward. Let us be strengthened, knowing that we are One Family – building a community in which we are connected together by our relationships. May the new year be full of hope and blessing for us all.