P
r
e
s
i
d
e
nt
s
P
Shared an Evening of Laughter
o
d
iu
m
by Howard Kalfus president
M
egilla Mia!! There’s a rumor floating out there that, a few weeks ago, I donned a dress and was pawing at a well-dressed gentleman. I’m told further that there is a video of the occasion. Until I see the video, I’m denying everything. After that time, however, I’ll proudly admit to having been part of this year’s Purimspiel. A lot of work went into its production (particularly by its director, Karen Gissendanner), but what struck me most was the atmosphere at Temple during and after the show. Congregants, both on stage and in the audience, shared an evening of laughter, celebration and, okay, a little wine. A congregant approached me later and expressed a desire to have an experience like that more often at Temple. I whole-heartedly agree. I think that most of us would anticipate a very different “vibe” when planning a social occasion
at Temple versus one outside of Temple (even if the latter included other congregants). While our building is, indeed, a house of worship, it is not exclusively so. Not every event or experience at Temple Sinai needs to be solely spiritually-enriching or educational. Why not just get together there to simply have a good time? We have a strong board and committee structure which includes a very dedicated cadre of volunteers who do great things for our Temple family as well as our greater community. Last month, I encouraged everyone to become a part of that structure. Today, however, I want to remind us all that it’s easy to get so wrapped up in the mission of the day that we forget a very important component of Temple life. I’ve concluded each of my previous President’s Podium submissions by asking you to “have fun.” I remembered at the Purimspiel what
that really means. In conducting Temple business, we sometimes tend to take ourselves too seriously. We volunteer because we want to give to others. Let’s also be a little selfish and do things because they’re fun. The important stuff will still get done; I promise. So here’s to laughing a bit more. It will make the work and our time at Temple more satisfying. I look forward to seeing all of you soon and often. Have fun.
Join a committee Now! Click Here
Book online at 1800gotjunk.com or call 1-800-468-5865.
VERMONT-11-29-small.indd 2
12/14/07 8:32:51 AM
5