As predicted last month, the TE Erev Purim and Adult Purim Party and the Purim for Kids of All Ages at the end of February were well attended events with lots of enjoyable performances and participation by TE members and friends. Thanks to all who helped organize, arrange and produce these activities. It was a humongous effort, and we are blessed with many talented members!
Our Family Shabbat Service in the beginning of March was heartwarming as we witnessed Rabbi Michael gathering the children around him on the floor while he read a story to them. For those of us who are grandparents, even if our own grandchildren were not in attendance, this Family Service enhanced the community family spirit that permeates TE. I urge you to bring your family, regardless of their ages, to share a Family Service in particular. They start at 6:30 usually the first Shabbat of each month, to encourage family participation.
On March 5, I participated in the Jewish Federation hosted Presidents’ Meeting for area synagogues, as noted in last month’s Shofar. We discussed such topics as Purchasing power for office supplies, custodial needs, landscaping / snowplowing, fuel purchase and health care benefits. Also we have a common interest in encouraging synagogue membership for unaffiliated families. The demographic information collected by the Federation is particularly relevant to some of the items discussed. There are synergies for physical facilities, administrative support, religious schools and youth groups. As a result of our meeting, Sydney Perry, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation will be organizing and facilitating some of the ideas and activities discussed and will be distributing contact information for the participants. Hopefully this is the beginning of a continuing effort to communicate, cooperate and creatively address common concerns. Sydney and Don Hendel, President of the Board of Directors of the Federation, have been invited to our TE Board meeting on March 21, to continue the dialogue.
TE hosted the Orange Interfaith Scholar in Residence program on March 10, which was well attended by the community and our Orange Clergy presented a “panel discussion” on the topic of Multiple Perspectives on Holiness. I was impressed by how much we all have in common! There was a potluck dinner before the presentation and everyone seemed to be impressed and enthusiastic.
Our Dues Task Force is continuing to formulate the proposal for reorganizing the way we structure our congregation membership obligations in a way that will simplify and clarify the system while at the same time enhancing the financial sustainability of our future. You will be getting more information shortly, if you have not already received it by the time you read this!
March will have ended with a great TE Second Night Seder for those who were around, and a new TE Bakes 4 You effort, to provide homemade Kosher for Passover desserts and challah.
Don’t forget to go to our website www.templeemanuel-gnh.org and see how it has been improved, with online registration and payment among other things. “Try it, you’ll like it.”
Traditional TE events and some new events and ideas have all benefited from our member volunteers as well as our Rabbinical and staff support. Your participation in both attending and in helping organize is a vital component to the successes. Keep up the great work, and think about what ideas and events best match your skills, knowledge, availability and interests. Shout “hineini!” Contact me directly at president@templeemanuel-gnh.org or contact any Board Member – perhaps your “Board Buddy!”