Welcome to the New Year
We hope you had a chance to share in our musically beautiful and deeply moving High Holy Days services. And then, AND THEN, you were able to join the other hundred plus people in the spectacular parade delivering our new Torah to our shul. If you were part of the festivities, how can you help but realize what a wonderful and diverse community we are so fortunate to have right here in our own backyard.
Now, however, that the holidays and celebrations are over, it is time to mark the year that has gone by since a shooter entered the Tree of Life in Pittsburg and killed 11 members of three different congregations. It is time to look at what we learned and what is important in moving forward together.
Have we yet to learn how important it is to take care of each other? What is our responsibility to the Jewish community? Are we prepared to help others going through traumatic events with our acts of loving kindness? Does attending services together and breaking bread together help alleviate some of the aloneness of living in a foreign culture, away from family and old friends? Are we a tight knit, strong community that can support each other and be there for each other? Are we a link connecting us to the past and the future of the Jewish world, the world of our profound heritage?
If you are a marginally affiliated Jew, now is the time to think about making your commitment by joining your shul. Even if you have never been to a service, now is the time to try it out. Being a member of a synagogue is much, much more than just paying your dues. It is really, HAVING SOME SKIN IN THE GAME.
Your membership gives you part ownership of our building, our services, our events and our community. You have a voice in it all. So, a big thank-you to members old and new. With you, our lives are so much more fulfilled. To those yet to join, we welcome you ….
Together we will be stronger and more secure in our own lives and in the world around us.