From the Presidents – Sept. 21, 2023

L’Shana Tova Everyone!

It was so wonderful to see everyone at our Rosh Hashana services this past weekend.  Somehow it seems even more special when we are able to witness the new year alongside Shabbat.  A special thank you to Rabbi Dean and Cantor Marney for leading our services along with everyone who helped put together the social gathering in the courtyard after the service.  And soon we will reach the next important event in our calendar: Yom Kippur.  This holiday always seems so hard because we have to abstain from food and drink for an entire day.  Nevertheless, there is something quite profound in the exercise because, at least in one interpretation, the reason for this abstention is because on the Day of Atonement we can be so engaged in the study of Torah that an entire day passes without even thinking about eating and drinking.  This week, take a moment to think about a time in your life when you were so engrossed in an activity hours flew by like minutes.  That kind of engagement brings pure joy and contemplation, which is at least partly what Yom Kippur is all about.  

Looking ahead,  the High Holiday services will continue with our Yom Kippur services starting next week.  Kol Nidre services will be on Sunday, September 24, at 7:00 p.m. and Yom Kippur morning services will occur on Monday, September 25 at 10:00 a.m., with afternoon services beginning at 4:30 p.m. and Yizkor services at 6:30 p.m.  We hope to see everyone there.  And the following week on October 1, we invite all congregants to attend the Urban Tilth lecture at 2:00 p.m. We can use some assistanceassist in putting up our Sukkah in the morning. Please join us at 10:00 AM to help.   Perhaps we can set a new record this year!

And for those who wish to make a difference in our own community, we highly encourage you to consider joining the Temple Beth Hillel Board of Directors next year.  Our Board is always on the lookout for members who have ideas for the future of the temple and the ability to carry out that vision.  And as we have discovered, serving on the Board makes us appreciate how much Temple Beth Hillel means to us and our children.  In addition, we would like to thank all those who have made donations for our High Holiday project of replacing the window coverings in the sanctuary.  And for those who wish to volunteer for Food for Thought this year, there is a sign up sheet in the main hallway.   

Finally, our regular services will continue through the rest of the year.  Our next regular Shabbat Service will take place on Friday, October 6, at 7:30 p.m.  Torah Study will continue every Saturday at 10:15 p.m.  And of course, our wonderful Religious School will be restarting on September 24 every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.  Lastly, the Family Shabbat service will be held on Friday, September 22.  Please help spread the word.  We’ll see y’all at the High Holiday Services!  Thank you everyone!

  

If I am not for myself, who will be for me?

If I am not for others, what am I?

And if not now, when? -Rabbi Hillel

~ Anna B Stein and David Zimring, Co-Presidents, Temple Beth Hillel