In almost any other year we would all be celebrating the conclusion of the Holiday rush by looking back at the reflections and joys of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah. This year, with the greatest sadness, we must instead absorb the shock and horror of the atrocities that occurred in Israel over the weekend. On the very day of Simchat Torah, terrorists launched multiple attacks against Israel, turning a traditional day of joy into a day of sorrow. The timing was not a coincidence either, for the attack happened on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, when Egypt and Syria launched assaults against Israel during the month of holidays as well. At moments like these, regardless of politics or personal opinions, we can all come together to condemn this senseless attack and express our heartfelt prayers for the victims of this tragedy. We can also take some comfort in the outpouring of support and sympathy from all over the world for Jewish communities inside and outside Israel. Unlike so many times in the past, when Jewish communities stood alone, now we have considerable support from all corners of the globe. In our own community here in Richmond, we can all be there to support each other in this time of crisis. We will get through this because we stand strong together.
On a different note, the Board must also pass along the sad news that our beloved Rabbi Dean will be retiring next year after so many years here at TBH. Accordingly, we will be putting together a search committee to look for the next TBH rabbi. We would deeply appreciate any and all volunteers who would like to assist us in this search. You can contact Co-Presidents Anna or David, Vice President Larry, or our office manager Brandy if you are interested. Thank you for your support everyone!
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. And for those who wish to volunteer for Food for Thought this year, there is a sign up sheet in the main hallway.
As an added bonus, we have an exciting new event coming up on Sunday, October 22, at 1:00 p.m. at the main sanctuary. One of our religious school parents, Adam Bessie, will be giving a talk on his new book Going Remote, a reflection on his time as an educator during the pandemic. We invite any and all members to attend this amazing presentation. Adam will also have copies of his book available for sale, so come join us for fun and refreshments.
Finally, our next regular Shabbat Service will take place on Friday, October 20, at 7:30 p.m. That same evening we will also have our next Family Shabbat starting at 6:15 p.m. so please help spread the word. Torah Study will also continue every Saturday at 10:15 a.m. on Zoom. And of course, we encourage everyone to come to our wonderful Tefillah services at Religious School every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. 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
Our hearts are heavy with the news out of Israel. May the memories of the victims be for a blessing, may their families find comfort, and may we see peaceful times again soon.
From the Presidents – Oct. 3, 2023
October 13, 2023 by tbhrich • president
From the Presidents
Shalom Everyone.
In almost any other year we would all be celebrating the conclusion of the Holiday rush by looking back at the reflections and joys of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah. This year, with the greatest sadness, we must instead absorb the shock and horror of the atrocities that occurred in Israel over the weekend. On the very day of Simchat Torah, terrorists launched multiple attacks against Israel, turning a traditional day of joy into a day of sorrow. The timing was not a coincidence either, for the attack happened on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, when Egypt and Syria launched assaults against Israel during the month of holidays as well. At moments like these, regardless of politics or personal opinions, we can all come together to condemn this senseless attack and express our heartfelt prayers for the victims of this tragedy. We can also take some comfort in the outpouring of support and sympathy from all over the world for Jewish communities inside and outside Israel. Unlike so many times in the past, when Jewish communities stood alone, now we have considerable support from all corners of the globe. In our own community here in Richmond, we can all be there to support each other in this time of crisis. We will get through this because we stand strong together.
On a different note, the Board must also pass along the sad news that our beloved Rabbi Dean will be retiring next year after so many years here at TBH. Accordingly, we will be putting together a search committee to look for the next TBH rabbi. We would deeply appreciate any and all volunteers who would like to assist us in this search. You can contact Co-Presidents Anna or David, Vice President Larry, or our office manager Brandy if you are interested. Thank you for your support everyone!
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. And for those who wish to volunteer for Food for Thought this year, there is a sign up sheet in the main hallway.
As an added bonus, we have an exciting new event coming up on Sunday, October 22, at 1:00 p.m. at the main sanctuary. One of our religious school parents, Adam Bessie, will be giving a talk on his new book Going Remote, a reflection on his time as an educator during the pandemic. We invite any and all members to attend this amazing presentation. Adam will also have copies of his book available for sale, so come join us for fun and refreshments.
Finally, our next regular Shabbat Service will take place on Friday, October 20, at 7:30 p.m. That same evening we will also have our next Family Shabbat starting at 6:15 p.m. so please help spread the word. Torah Study will also continue every Saturday at 10:15 a.m. on Zoom. And of course, we encourage everyone to come to our wonderful Tefillah services at Religious School every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. 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
Our hearts are heavy with the news out of Israel. May the memories of the victims be for a blessing, may their families find comfort, and may we see peaceful times again soon.