President's Message - June 2022
We held our first general meeting of
the Synagogue on May 18. At this time
you were given the opportunity to vote for
the president and several new officers
and board members for the next two
years. You also received a copy of the
proposed budget for next year and were
given an opportunity to ask questions
and to vote on it. This passed. You also
had the opportunity to vote on a new amendment to our bylaws,
which also passed. This meeting was very important
and gave you the forum to help us plan for the coming fiscal
year and to make it more meaningful and personal to
each one of you. We want to welcome two new members
to our Board of Directors. Congratulations to Rachel Bess
and Sally Gevis for joining the Board.
Since this is the first general membership meeting following
the merger, it is time for us to think about being a caring
family that is concerned about each other and that wants to
work cooperatively to help our temple prosper and grow.
We are well aware that the prospects for membership are
limited and this makes it even more important that we care
what happens to each one and how we can be of help to
one another. There are several types of families. There is
the family that is dysfunctional; there is the family that occasionally
calls each other; there is the family that gets
together for special events; and there is the family that
sticks together, calls each other regularly and cares for
each other. What kind of family are we? What do we want
to be? It is up to you to make us what you want. Let’s be
a happy, cooperative and caring family and try to help us
grow to be proud of our legacy and our family. If you are
asked to do something for our temple or be a part of our
service, don’t say ‘no’. Be Happy and together. Be relevant
and be counted.
Following are many of the ways in which you can help us
continue to provide for our members. The flowers for each
Shabbat cost $65.00 and can be sponsored by up to three
people. We are bringing back the Oneg and Kiddush for
each Shabbat at a cost of $75.00 each which can be sponsored
by up to three people at a time. A Yahrzeit contribution
can be made when you are observing them for any
amount. It is generally recommended that you give at least
chai ($18). You can send a get well card, congratulations,
you are missed or many other greeting cards for a minimum
of $5.00 each, contributions can be made to the
Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, donations to Tzedakah can be
made by dropping them into the box in the front lobby, a
leaf can be purchased on the Tree of Life to celebrate a
wedding, birth, anniversary or any other special celebration
at a cost of $125.00, a Memorial Plate can be purchased to
be placed on one of our memorial plaques at a cost of
$200.00, a seat in the Sanctuary can be purchased with
your name on it for $250.00, a plate can be purchased for
the Holocaust Torah in the front hall for 300.00. There are
several other ways to contribute including participating in
activities and attending programs. Also, think about leaving
a legacy to the Synagogue which can be discussed
individually and can perpetuate your name. I hope that
this gives you an idea of how to help your Temple continue
to provide the services and programs that meet your interests
and enjoyment.
I hope that this information has been helpful and that if
you have any questions or comments, please let me know.
Meanwhile, stay safe and healthy and we look forward to
seeing you soon and often.
We wish you a happy Mother’s/Father’s Day and be
happy and celebrate with your families.
L’Hitraot
Merv Levin