In This Issue
Branch Out in 5773
S
eptember is a month of new opportunities. For some, it marks the beginning of a new school year. For those who are new to our congregation, it may mean their first time at a Shabbat Service or at our High Holy Days services. For our congregation and Jews worldwide, it marks the beginning of a new year and, with it, renewed hope and promise for a year of blessing. So, what if, in this month of new beginnings, you committed yourself to another new opportunity – to branch out in 5773? It just so happens that September also launches the start of many of the programs that you have come to love at Stephen S. Wise or, for the newcomer, that you will be experiencing for the first time. What does that mean for you? An ideal opportunity to expand your horizons, see what your Temple and Schools have to offer you, and become more engaged with us as we work to strengthen this wonderful community every day of the New Year. We will begin our calendar year with some beautiful celebrations of our holidays and experiences of Shabbat that are meaningful for both families and adults. Opportunities for learning abound with our Center for Jewish Life, A Few Wise Men, our renowned Melton School, and our Clergy-led courses and study groups. For the lover of Israel or the budding advocate, there will be opportunities to renew and deepen your commitment to the State of Israel with our involvement in AIPAC or around Yom Ha’atzma-ut. And, if you’re dedicated to improving our world, Mitzvah Day and Freedom School will offer you quintessential examples of the kind of work you can do for our city, our country, and the world all year long. You will also see some new programs and events throughout the year: some designed to deepen your connection to the Temple and Schools; some that will create a stronger sense of community; and others that will start because you spoke up, said you wanted more, and mobilized with others to make them happen. So, whether it is sharing your hopes in our Vessels of Hope and Reflection project, supporting our Schools during the “It’s Time” events, or joining the Wise Years (60+), “Daditude”, the newly-invigorated Women of Wise (WOW), or getting in the “Mixx” with 20s & 30s singles, we invite you to “branch out” and see all that Wise has to offer. We recognize that broadening your horizons is not always an easy feat in lives where we have competing priorities or a busy routine. But, it is worth it for yourself and for your family. You have the comforts of home in your Wise community, and to really make the most of your membership and this new year, make the effort, get engaged, branch out. It is September, after all. May this month, and this New Year be – for you and your families, for our Temple and our people, for Israel and the world – a year of opportunity, hope, health, and blessing.