From the Presidents – Oct. 19, 2023

Shalom Everyone!

As we enter the second week of the crisis in Israel, we, along with every synagogue and congregation across the country, along with much of the world, are asking the same questions: What happens next? Where will this all end?  What can we do?  No one has the answers to these questions but simply asking them means we are that much more prepared to face the tough road ahead.  As we mentioned last week, we must remember we are not alone on this journey.  We all have our particular fears and thoughts about what will unfold in the next weeks and months but we will be able to have them together.  For the next week, let us all pledge to reach out to one member of our congregation to see how they are and if they need any support.  It may not seem like much but it could mean everything to that person who knows someone in their community is looking out for them.  With that mind, we can face each day praying for a peaceful end to the crisis.     

On a different note, we wanted to express our deepest gratitude for all our members who volunteered to serve on the newly created search committee to look for TBH’s next rabbi.  We and the members of the committee will be working over the next few months to find a worthy successor for our beloved Rabbi Dean.  We will provide plenty of updates as the process unfolds.

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 this 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 this 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