Temple News

This week we welcome the month of Elul on the Jewish calendar.  Elul is the last month of the year – the month that comes right before the High Holy Days.  Therefore, Elul is our month of preparation.  It is a time to reflect on the year now ending and to look forward to the year about to begin.  I want to encourage everyone to take some time over the next four weeks to review the year 5783: what are you most proud of?  What did you learn?  What did you experience?  How did you grow?  What do you want to take with you into the New Year?  And also: what mistakes did you make?  What choices do you wish you could take back or change?  What do you not want to take with you into the New Year?  Now is the time to reflect and to take an accounting, as well as to start to set goals for the New Year.  The more we prepare for our High Holy Days – the more we will gain from them.  Avoid the Yom Kippur rush – now is the time to begin!

I want to remind everyone that this Sunday, August 20 is our Welcome Back Event from 10:00am – 12noon at Temple.  There will be food and activities for everyone.  It is a chance to meet Cantor Rebecca Garfein.  We are also hosting a Blood Drive, which is especially important this year as blood bank levels are low.  For those who are able, I hope you will consider donating the “gift of life.”  For our Religious School students and families this Sunday will also be an opportunity to get ready and excited for the new year of Chavurah@Sinai.

Don’t forget: Summer Union Shabbat Services continue all of this month at Touro Synagogue.

I also invite you to join me online this evening at 7:00pm for a Wednesday Night Live discussion on “Jews, News & Views.”  Let’s talk about what’s going on in our world and discuss what’s on our minds at this time of year.