President’s Message 12/23/16
“For six years you are to sow your fields and harvest the crops, but on the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow”
Having been President of Congregation B’nai Israel for six years, it is time to take a year of rest. A Sabbath year.
The Torah is relevant in all times and all places. As I study the Torah, I try to live according to the wisdom therein.
“Work the field for six years and let it lie fallow the seventh year.” This is good agricultural advice. When I saw this verse, I knew it would be good advice for me. A Sabbath year will give me the chance to “lie fallow”. A time to refresh, so I can do better work in the future.
This will be good for Congregation B’nai Israel. Time for fresh ideas and fresh eyes. Those who step into the leadership can bring a new perspective to B’nai Israel.
My years as President have been rewarding and fulfilling. The members of this Congregation have brought me much joy. Thank you.
Working side by side with Rabbi White has been an honor and a blessing. A great man who has taught me so much about how to live a humble life as did our greatest leader, Moses. Rabbi White is a blessing to us all.
Thank you to the Officers, Directors and Committee Chairs who have helped me through countless situations and have done so much for our Congregation. Thank you to all of our members for your support and encouragement. I ask all of you to step up and continue the good work we do here at B’nai Israel serving the Jewish Community of Solano County.
In 2019 we will celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Congregation B’nai Israel. We owe a debt to our ancestors who gave us this beautiful Synagogue. We repay that debt by passing it on to the next generation.
Fred