Jeremy Rosenstein

Chairman’s Message

Pesach 2022 — ב״פשת חספ

by Jeremy Rosenstein

Who would believe that two years have passed since the corona virus came to change our lives.

As Chairman I am very proud of the way we have kept the Kehilla running over this time, managing to continue to conduct Services, Shiurim, social activities and of course regular kiddushim, all within the guidelines of the Health Ministry rules and regulations.

We are starting to see new members joining our ranks, and seeing all the building and renewal going on in Netanya and specifically in the proximity of our shul, sense that there will definitely be a revival.

These coming Chagei Tishrei, our Kehilla will be entering into its 50th year. Since being founded in 1973, this is very special for us, and we can be very proud of what we have achieved as a Kehilla over these years, how much we have helped Klitat Aliya in Netanya, how much Hachnasat Orchim we have shown to visitors from close and afar, and what an example we have shown to our fellow citizens of Netanya of how a Kehilla can behave. Wherever I travel in the Jewish World, I always come across people who are familiar with “McDonalds” of Netanya—not referring to the restaurant of course!

Much work and energy goes into keeping our Kehilla functioning and I once again must thank all those who help. Thanks to our beloved Rav & Rabbanit Raphael & Ora Katz, Laura & Elizabeth in the office, Moshe, the caretaker, and Zvi our Baal Koreh, The Executive, Betty, and the teams from the Irgun Nashim, Bernie, our Chief Gabbai, Yisrael, for his support when needed, Meir and Ronnie for their leining during the week, Megilla reading, Teffilot and Chazanut that enhance the Services, Menashe, for his help in the building and a really special thanks to Susan, Therese, Sharon and Melissa for all they do, their new refreshing ideas, spirit and drive, support and advice to us all. I nearly forgot, Michael Ordman for keeping the regular “flow” of Whiskey every morning in the Bet Hamidrash!

As we approach the beginning of

our “Golden Jubilee” year and in light of the major construction that is taking place near our Shul we are planning some needed activities to improve the infrastructure of the Shul premises and plan for the future. It is very important that our members and friends be part of these projects. We are planning to set up shortly a “Golden Jubilee” committee to plan activities, and hope that members will feel that they want to be part of our plans and activities. We would also like to renew our governing protocols including holding an AGM this year, and hope you will attend and find ways to become involved.

The last few months have continued to surprise us, whether it was the “Omicron variant”, the senseless war in the Ukraine and the resulting influx of thousands of Olim, the passing of Great Rabbanim,

the important place that our leaders are being forced to play in trying to negotiate peace both with our neighbors and afar, and unfortunately (as I write these words), the terrorist attacks that have taken place close to us. These coming Chagei Tishrei, our Kehilla will be entering into its 50th year. Since being founded in 1973...we can be very proud of what we have achieved as a Kehilla over these years. We are definitely going through “most interesting times”, so being a strong Kehilla, together with our Tefillot, will definitely help us succeed and remain positive for the future. Keep healthy, keep smiling. Pesach Kasher V’sameach. Jeremy Rosenstein n