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February was a month fraught with fabulous functions and events that filled the foundations of Temple Emanuel with fun-filled fortifications!  (Say that quickly three times.)

 On February 4, I attended a  Presidents’ Dinner in Fairfield CT, organized by Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell of the URJ.  It was a networking meeting to get to know, face to face, other Reform Synagogue Presidents (and other officers) in the area.  Including Rabbi Elwell, there were ten of us, representing Congregation B’Nai Israel (Bridgeport), Congregation Mishkan Israel (Hamden), Temple Shalom (Norwalk), and of course, Temple Emanuel.  We have gotten each others’ contact information for follow up discussions, and will have another group dinner in April.  This is an example of how we at TE are using the resources of the URJ to help us collect information about how to improve our synagogue.

On another front, as a direct result of our meeting in January with the New Haven Jewish Federation Leadership, as of February, TE will be participating in a Federation Synagogue Presidents’ meeting on March 5, to further pursue the concept of the Federation acting as a facilitator for a dialogue about resource sharing and symbiotic relationship building among congregations.  Hopefully this will result in a strengthening of individual synagogues as well as the greater synagogue community.

Our Dues Task Force is formulating a 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.  Hopefully the presentation of this proposal will also allow you to understand the basis for the decision to induce positive change.

Unfortunately, some of our February events had to be rearranged due to the blizzard which hit Connecticut the weekend of February 8-10.  Our Shabbat Friday evening service and Saturday Torah Study had to be cancelled, as was Sunday School.  The Divrei Laila program scheduled for Saturday evening was postponed.  The inability to leave our homes due to the heavy snowfall and difficulty of clearing the roads gave us all a clarified perspective on some of the things we normally take for granted, as well as a respect for priorities.  Luckily there was very little loss of power.  The cooperative spirit that I became aware of in the greater community reminded me of the same spirit that we enjoy at TE even when there is no emergency situation.  As one example, many neighbors reached out to others to either provide assistance or ask for assistance during and after the blizzard.

The Purim celebration, including the adult Purim Party and Purim Spiel, as well as the Purim for Kids of all Ages event planned for the end of February will happen after the writing of this column, and I anticipate that they will be great fun for all who participate and attend.  As you read this column, think back on the events and relate them to the spirit of cooperation displayed during the blizzard!  TempleEmanuel does not need a blizzard to develop a strong sense of community and caring – that’s part of our existence.  Join the party!  Shout “hineini!”

A lot of exciting and stimulating events have been happening at TE and in our community in the last month.  I’ll try to give you some highlights here, but cannot include everything.

• Aside from the usual Family Shabbat Friday evening service at the beginning of January, we had our “New” Shabbat Morning Torah Service.  This was a service that concentrated on the Torah reading and included interactive discussion among the congregants attending.  It was a very stimulating and enlightening educational experience. It is an event that will be continued periodically.
• There was also an Adult Education class led by Tom Bleeks, held at the home of Ed Cantor and Rise’ Siegel.  “Living Jewishly – Reform Judaism and Halachah” was the topic of discussion.  Sign up for the next one if you missed the last one!  It is a great opportunity to mix education and social interaction in an informal setting.
• The Social Action Committee’s second in the series “Divrei Laila” did instigate creative, thought provoking and respectful discussion on the history and complexity of the situation in Israel and how we relate to what is happening there.  Thanks to Debbie Elkin for inspiring it, Max Case (and his able assistant Samuel Farbman) for his skillful role as moderator, Jim Silk and Jim Graham for their inspiring and enlightening presentations, and the 30 +/- attendees who contributed many perspectives to the discussion.
• There was weekly Torah study on Saturday mornings at the House Library with Rabbi Farbman.  All are welcome!  Sign up!
• Social Action Community Service Committee sponsored the Social Justice Shabbat Service, which incorporated special readings by congregants of all ages and a short movie!
• A new adult evening Haftarah class is off to a great start and is open to all!
• TE Executive Board / Finance Committee Task Force members met with URJ Lay Leaders to discuss URJ resources and perspectives available to TE with respect to financial sustainability of congregations in the current economic climate.  A review of our dues structure is in process.  Stay tuned….
• TE Executive Board members met with New Haven Jewish Federation Leadership for a discussion regarding the possibility of the Federation serving as a forum or facilitator for area congregations and agencies to dialogue about resource sharing and symbiotic relationship building, in this age of financial awareness. Stay tuned…
• TE hosted the Debbie Friedman Memorial Concert, invited the Jewish Community to attend, and held a special bake sale.  The extraordinary TE Band and Children’s Choir were featured!

If any of this sounds intriguing to you, please consider this an invitation to attend events, participate in committee projects and otherwise increase your involvement in our vibrant TE community.  Again, many thanks to you all, who make these things possible!