President – May 2024

Yesterday, at our Temple’s April Writers Circle, our group discussed how poetry communicates ideas and emotions through the essence of word economy. Lately we have been inspired to each write a poem based on the same writing prompt. We found it remarkable that we each reflected and presented such unique perspectives on the same concept. That is the beauty of writing as art. We are grateful to have formed this connection over our shared interest in writing.

We also talked about how we appreciate how Rabbi Marc not only recites poetry with appropriate pacing and impactful intensity at Shabbat and other occasions, but also the fact that he always chooses just the right reading for the occasion. That demonstrates the richness of our Temple’s form of spiritual and prayer practice. There is room for art and music. We allow ideas and the history of the Jewish people to float around our minds, hearts, and souls.

This month, it’s time to recognize significant contributors to our Temple life. Please join us at the last Share Shabbat service on Friday, May 3 when we recognize all of our dedicated religious school director Lisa Marcus, her assistant director Amy Orce, all of our educators and school staff. The following week on May 10, please attend Shabbat so we can celebrate the recipients of this year’s Howard Ilson Memorial Temple Emanu-El Distinguished Service Award: Erica and Rich McCaffrey and Jennifer and Scott Zettler. There are many worker bees in our community who quietly do so much behind the scenes and we are so grateful to all of them for all of their help. Thank you to all of you.

On a more serious note, please plan on joining Rich McCaffrey and the Security Committee on Sunday, May 5 at 10:00 a.m. for an important presentation about security. It will include the viewing of a documentary about the Tree of Life Synagogue tragedy and we will discuss lessons learned. Thank you to Brotherhood for providing refreshments.

Please schedule your portrait for the 65^th Anniversary Temple Directory. Many thanks to Sue Fornara, Brian Alpert and the Directory Committee organizing this valuable publication that will help us all recognize each other and network better. Check out the additional dates, schedule your session and consider placing a celebratory ad.

Please SAVE THE DATE for June 2, when we’ll be having our Deli Day event featuring Jewish Storyteller Anna Sobel, yummy pastrami and corned beef sandwiches from Rein’s Deli, and a delicious array of Jewish festival foods!

It has been a whirlwind lately, as we fast approach the conclusion of our religious school calendar this month and our Temple’s fiscal year in June. Our Board of Trustees has been busy preparing the Annual Report we will soon share with the congregationa. We will look back on all that we have accomplished this year and look forward to continuing important work.

See you at our Spring festivities,
Armi