Spring is in the air…

Rabbi Farbman-photoSpring is in the air; the month of Adar is here – and it can only mean one thing: Purim is coming! Got your costumes? Ready to party? We got big plans on Sunday morning (March 12), so bring your family and friends! However, Purim is not just for children at TE – the Saturday night (March 11) adult Purim party should be great fun too! And once we are done with Purim, Pesach is just around the corner – with all the excitement of spring cleaning and cooking and, of course, the Seders and family time. Our annual 2nd Night Passover Seder is on April 11th this year – an opportunity to celebrate this special holiday with your extended TE family and friends. Please make sure you sign up in advance!

The TE calendar is filled with exciting opportunities this spring, as in-between the festivals and programs we get to welcome Dr. Alan Morinis to Temple Emanuel as our Scholar in Residence – a true master teacher and an incredible opportunity for all of us to learn more about the Mussar tradition that he teaches so well.

Time flies quickly, and while the High Holy Days are still a long way away (no rush!:), our ritual committee is hard at work, looking for ways to explore Mishkan HaNefesh, the High Holy Day Machzor, published by the Reform movement last year. Two focus group discussions are scheduled in March (Sunday March 5th at 10 am and Tuesday, March 21 at 6:30pm). I strongly encourage you to attend one of them and get involved in this important conversation.

It is fun to plan ahead and look forward to whatever is the next big event or occasion. But as we plan for the future, let’s all find some time to appreciate the wonderful present. See you soon, I hope – at a regular shabbat service, Hebrew school, or committee meeting!