April 2022
Cantorial – June 2025
June
| June 2025
Our very dedicated President, Armi Rowe, reminded me that next month, I’ll be stepping into my 25th year as part of the clergy team here at Temple Emanu-El. I have been blessed with being able to work with two very dedicated Rabbis, who continue to inspire me, Rabbi Emeritus Aaron Rosenberg, and Rabbi Marc Ekstrand, and an extra special congregation. I guess time really does fly when you love what you do. Right after I became an adult Bat Mitzvah in 1989, I started teaching in the Religious School and have been teaching for 35 years. In 2000, I began working with our Bar/Bat Mitzvah students, when I split time on the bimah and in the classroom with Cantor I really enjoy working with my adult students, who love learning and continue to want to learn even more. Whether they are just beginning to learn the Hebrew Aleph-Bet, looking to read prayers in Hebrew, wanting to learn some Hebrew vocabulary and grammar, have a goal of learning to chant from Torah and Haftarah, or even wanting to delve into translating Hebrew so they can understand what they are reading, I love their enthusiasm, and dedication. The adults and our Religious School students always put a smile on my face and continue to ask great questions that keep me on my toes. I am excited to be attending Rabbi Marc’s class on Wednesdays. It’s nice being on the learning side of a class and he makes it interesting and fun. This year, Barbara Senges, on behalf of Sisterhood, asked if I would be interested in leading a women’s Rosh Chodesh program. I have enjoyed our discussions, meditation, and getting to know everyone better. I’m looking to schedule a couple over the summer. Maybe one at a beach and one in the evening under the new moon. So watch for the July/August Bulletin for those dates. Speaking of summer, Shabbat Summer Services will be beginning on Friday, July 4 and ending on Friday, August 22. If you are interested in participating in a Shabbat Summer Service, please contact me. Hope you’ll join us. Many thanks to all of you for enriching my life over the 36 years that I have been involved at Temple Emanu-El. 36, a double chai! You have truly been a blessing in my life, and I am very grateful for all of you. B’shir,
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President – June 2025
| June 2025
Our Annual Report represents the best in ALL OF US. It is our third time publishing this special annual report which doubles as our June Bulletin. What a spectacular way to end each fiscal year; to see the fruits of our labor all year, because we all sincerely want to help make our Temple the best it can be to serve not only each other, but also those in need within and beyond our community. Every year the Board of Trustees sets goals and goes about working toward accomplishing them. The Annual Report bears witness to the progress our committees make each year. It’s not just about balancing the budget. It’s about reaching more and more of us with the message that we are all builders of this truly vibrant community. It’s a mitzvah to help organize and run activities and events, but more importantly, it’s a mitzvah to embrace each day despite how difficult the week has been and choose to participate in the community. Sometimes we help each other find solutions to challenges and other times, it’s just great to see each other again, pray for our world, and wish each other well. Please check out the Annual Report when it arrives in your mailbox. This president’s message is my last for the monthly Bulletin. It has been my honor and pleasure to have served my two-year term as your president. Many thanks to all the members of our Board of Trustees and our Committee Chairs; I am proud of all the wonderful work we collectively accomplished this past year. We continue to improve our Temple life. I am so grateful for the trust you have bestowed upon me and in each other. See you at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, June 8 at 10:00. Armi
Board Meeting Highlights from May
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Rabbi – June 2025
| June 2025
Friends, How is it possible that at sixty-five, we are thriving and growing? 5785 has been a year surrounding us with turmoil. The political and economic scene in the United States has changed drastically, antisemitism is still increasing in the US and worldwide, and the war in Gaza continues with hostages still in captivity. In the face of these headwinds, we are thriving and growing because we have a mission to build a vibrant community through Reform Judaism. The mission is just six simple words that are easy to remember. Through these simple words, we continue to be an island for Jews in Southeastern Connecticut. Our island is not about hiding from the difficulties in our world. Rather, it is a haven where people can get out of the wind, feel safe to focus on religion, spirituality, education, and healthy relationships. When anyone walks through our doors, they see a bustling religious school, adult education programs, spirituality groups, a thriving Sisterhood, Mah Jongg groups, arts programs, community programs, religious services, and Shabbat dinners. We strive to be a supportive community responding to our community’s social and spiritual needs. I’ve heard from many of our congregants that they are pleasantly surprised by the number of new faces and young families. I’m encouraged by the number of people who come to us to explore Judaism and seek to join the Jewish people through conversion. In the following pages, you will see and read about many of the programs at Temple Emanu-El. All of this was possible through the hard work of our staff, the many volunteers on our various committees, and a dedicated Board of Trustees…and most importantly, because of your ongoing support of our mission. L’Shalom, |