Temple News

Well, my joy from this weekend’s Gala unfortunately did not last as long as I had hoped.  I want to thank everyone who planned and worked so hard to make the annual event happen.  I want to thank everyone who attended and who supported Temple Sinai again this year.  I know that everyone had a wonderful time and enjoyed being altogether at Temple for our Casino Night on the Avenue fundraiser.

I am also excited because finally we are able to announce our plans for the position of Cantor at Temple Sinai moving forward.  We are so pleased to tell everyone that Cantor Rebecca Garfein will be joining Temple Sinai this summer.  She and her family cannot wait to get here and to get started.  Cantor Garfein will be an incredible addition to Temple Sinai – we are fortunate that she has chosen to become part of the Sinai family and community.

That’s the good news.  Now the bad news.

I am saddened to read the news of the storms and tornadoes that caused such devastating damage in our neighboring Mississippi.  I feel for all the families that lost lives and homes.  I hope that we can find ways to be good neighbors and to lend a helping hand.

I was heart-broken once again by the news of the school shooting in Nashville.  I just do not understand how we can allow these mass shootings, especially in our schools, to happen again and again and again – and not seem to do anything about them.  We need new gun laws, and we must find ways to keep our children safe.  Even sadder to me: how unsurprised our kids are when they here such news, and how surprised they are that I continue to be surprised when another school shooting takes place in our country.  We must demand change from all of our leaders.

I am saddened and worried about the news from Israel.  The last few months, since the election, have been filled with conflicts and rising fears.  The reactions within Israel have been fascinating to watch.  Hundreds of thousands of Israelis have protested in order to make sure the Israeli government hears their voices and keeps Israel a strong democracy.  I am grateful that Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu has temporarily stalled his government’s plans for judicial reform.  I hope that this will lead to rethinking and compromise, but I have my doubts.  I hope that you are following the news from Israel.  I want to encourage you to read the statement put out yesterday by our Reform Movement’s leadership: the link is https://urj.org/press-room/reform-jewish-leaders-respond-netanyahus-conciliation-delay-judicial-overhaul?_gl=1*1hixfvr*_ga*MTgxOTQ0MzYwNi4xNjM4MzEwMjk5*_ga_6WX143SJW5*MTY4MDExNzUzMC4yOC4wLjE2ODAxMTc1MzAuMC4wLjA.

I also want to encourage you to join Jews throughout the United States in a campaign to fight anti-Semitism in our country.  Go to www.standuptojewishhate.org for more information.  It is a clear and straight-forward approach – now we all need to help spread the word.

Finally, what I thought the theme of this week’s message was going to be – Passover is around the corner.  Passover begins next Wednesday evening, April 5.  Our Congregational Seder will be held on the second night of Passover, Thursday, April 6 at 6:00pm.  I hope you will consider participating as we celebrate our springtime Festival of Freedom together.  Please make your reservations by Monday, April 3.  There are more details and information about Passover 5783 in our April Bulletin and on the Temple website.

I want to wish everyone a very happy and meaningful Passover!  Chag Sameach!