From the Presidents – March 21, 2024

Shalom Everyone!

We have once again arrived at that joyous time of year: the beginning of spring!  Although the winter chill is still with us, we can now look forward to warmer weather just over the horizon.  This past Tuesday we also celebrated the vernal equinox, which of course means that the days will now be longer than the nights for the next six months.  Celebrated in Judaism as well as many other religions and cultures, the vernal equinox represents one of the few universal observances around the world.  For thousands of years people all over the world figured out that only twice a year did the days and nights last the exact same amount of time, marking a natural progression from longer days to longer nights and back again.  An occasion like the vernal equinox symbolizes how all of us, regardless of difference, can come together as one to enjoy the same experience at the same time.   

In other news, the Rabbi Search Committee recently met to discuss the member survey and we will start submitting announcements and accepting job applications later this summer, with interviews scheduled for the fall.  The Board now plans to have a new rabbi selected by the spring of 2025, just before Rabbi Dean’s retirement.  We will provide more updates as we get closer to summer..

And please mark your calendars.  We will be holding our annual Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 24 from 12:00 p..m.-2:00 p.m.  We deeply appreciate all those members and families who have volunteered to assist with the booths, bake sale, set up, etc.  These events allow us to connect with the community, perform a mitzvah, and make the Temple Beth Hillel experience even better for all our members.  We will also be holding our annual Passover Seder on Saturday, April 27.  We will send out more information shortly.  And for those who wish to make a difference in our 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. Serving on the Board makes us appreciate how much Temple Beth Hillel means to us and our children.

Finally, our next regular Shabbat Service will take place on Friday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m.  Family Shabbat will occur two weeks later on April 19 at 6:15 p.m. and all families are welcome to join our Passover themed activities.  Torah Study will take place Saturdays at 10:15 a.m. on Zoom, and the next Adult Education class will be hosted by Rabbi Dean on March 31. And of course, we encourage everyone to come to our wonderful Tefillah services at Religious School each Sunday at 9:30 a.m.  This week especially will be eventful because all teachers and students will be dressing in costume in celebration of Purim!  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