March 2014

Dear Fellow Temple Sinai Members,

I assume you have all received the invitation for March 9, which will be the first of several congregational meetings to discuss our Strategic Plan. Your input is extremely valuable to the group and Temple Sinai’s future, so I hope you will be able to attend this meeting or one of the follow up ones which will be scheduled over the next few months. The Strategic Planning group is a subcommittee of the board and they are charged with identifying goals for the future and the process to achieve those goals.

I know we are all committed to a long lasting, vibrant Temple Sinai for generations to come and we need the contributions of our entire membership. As always there are many events in the coming months and I hope you can attend and enjoy several of them. Just to mention a few — Purim on March 16 (always a fun time!), First Night Seder on April 14, and Mitzvah Day and the FoodShare Walk Against Hunger on May 4.

Social Action is one of the key principles of Reform Judaism and participating in one or more of the activities on Mitzvah Day is an easy and fun way to fulfiIl our obligation to Tikun Olam.

I know this is several months away, but please put September 13 on your calendar. The Adult Ed committee, along with several other committees, is planning a Shabbaton which will include prayer, activities (for all age goups) and, of course, food. Details will be provided in the coming months and I hope we have a great turnout from the congregation.

I know this has been a tough winter for many of you — will school be cancelled, shoveling once again, how high can the heating bills go? So in addition to one’s normal problems, the Temple has unique situations.

I would like to recognize the significant efforts that our wonderful administrator, Joyce Sturm, has made to keep Temple Sinai operational during these difficult times. We all know that she always goes above and beyond, but the last few months have been quite the challenge. Many, many thanks, Joyce, for always doing what is needed and “staying a step ahead”!

Carol Benjamin, President new-message24