By Bruce Spiewak, Temple Emanuel President
October, 2013
Since my last column, the Temple Emanuel Community has begun the New Year of 5774 with incredible participation and cooperation in the preparation and carrying out of the High Holiday events, which crept up quickly after the summer hiatus. As I write this column we have received our new TE Calendars and Yahrtzeit Listings, and have also successfully put together our Sukkah, which we will have populated for the Sukkot Service by the time you read this. We had a very successful BBQ, with attendance by new and longer term members.
The enthusiasm and welcoming spirit exhibited at our events continues to be contagious and invigorating. Simchat Torah will have again given us the opportunity to gather, together with the Religious School, and witness the unrolling and re-rolling of the Torah Scroll to start reading at the beginning once more! As we gathered in the Sanctuary to “lend a hand” we reflected again on the concept of how “many hands make light work!” Todah Rabah to all of you, who planned, participated in and picked up afterwards!
October is filled with events and activities including the Cook and Care Walk-a-thon, Adult Education courses, Shabbat Services, the Family Service, Torah Study, Religious School, and more! We have a Joint Sisterhood / Hadassah Program hosted at TE addressing Jewish Music, with our own Rabbi Farbman as the presenter. There is a Sunday morning study session on Genetic Testing as well as a Sisterhood Book Discussion Group. Our Long Term Planning Committee continues to study and evaluate long term options and visions for the Congregation.
The Facilities Planning Committee has made some recommendations for the short to mid-term that encourage creative use and repair of our physical plant facilities. As an integral part of the overall concept of addressing Membership, Governance and Finance issues, it is great to introduce the Community at large to our congregants, congregation and facilities. The LeaveA-Legacy Campaign continues to enlist more and more participants, eager to help ensure the TE Legacy for generations to come.
Once again, comes the opportunity to think about your participation in attending, planning and organizing for these TE events and activities, as well as with the standing Committees, as listed in your TE Directory. Also, think about friends and acquaintances who might appreciate an invitation to attend a TE event with you. Consider having a small group gather at your house to help welcome new members. Again, thank you all for standing up together and shouting “hineini.” Standing together, we are Temple Emanuel!