Looking Back at Year’s End (January 2013)

Dear Fellow Temple Sinai Members,

As I write this column, we are all reeling from the events in Newtown and the terrible tragedy to so many innocent victims and their families. I know we are all praying for them and hope they receive comfort from the outreach throughout not only our state and country but around the world as well.

On a more positive note, I am happy to report that the many events held in November and December were all very successful in a number of ways. Our fundraiser to celebrate Rabbi Bennett’s twenty five years at Temple Sinai exceeded our monetary goal and also was an evening that was enjoyed by many of our members.

To mention just a few of the other events in the last months, our Adult Ed committee sponsored a book discussion night and a speaker on the Arab Spring. The last event was enhanced by a delicious lunch provided by our Sisterhood. Our Membership/Family committee held a Welcome New Member Breakfast as well as the annual Chanukah Shabbat complete with latkes, songs, and activities for the children. The Social Action committee participated in the Chanukah Shabbat by encouraging donations of gift cards and non-perishable food items. And speaking of food, Social Action challenged the Religious School grades for the annual Turkey and a $30 drive which was very successful — 41 turkeys and $1655 were collected. The second graders were the winners in this competition and were rewarded with ice cream cakes. Students in the other grades also received treats for their efforts.

The newly formed Men’s Club has continued to have social events which are clearly of interest to many.

As I have mentioned in previous columns, the goal of our board of trustees this year is “Member Engagement” and given the response of our members to these events, I think we are meeting our objectives. We are not resting on our successes and welcome your input for ideas for future programs.

Looking forward, we hope to have the revised website for Temple Sinai up and running in early January and hope that you will enjoy it and find it an excellent resource for a variety of topics. Special thanks go to Jerry Schwartz, Eric Jacobsen and Sara Milch who have contributed many hours on this project.

I would also like to wish you and your families a happy, healthy,and peaceful New Year in 2013.

B’Shalom,

Carol Benjamin, President