PRESIDENTâS MESSAGE 6/21/15
This past month Congregation B’nai Israel held three events that epitomize how we are serving our membership and community. A Bat Mitzvah, a Seder to honor our Elders and the Auction and party.
Congregation B’nai Israel is a Spiritual Institution, a House of Worship, a community and a social club. Our Mission Statement is to serve the Jewish Community of Solano County and these three events reflect the fact that this is exactly what we are doing. I enjoyed partaking in these three aspects of our Synagogue.
The Bat Mitzvah of Mimi Michels was very moving and meaningful. Mimi chanted from the Torah beautifully and it was heart-warming to see her family members come up to the Bima for Aliyot and other Honors. The Sanctuary was filled with worshippers celebrating Mimi’s becoming a member of the Jewish Community. Passing the Torah to the next generation is a Mitzvah.
Next, we had a Shabbat Seder to honor the 90th birthday of Pearl Rothman. Her family was among those that founded Congregation B’nai Israel almost 100 years ago. Pearl grew up in the B’nai Israel family and was the first to be married in the new Sanctuary when our building was completed in 1948. The Social Hall was filled with Pearl’s family and friends. Rabbi White led the Shabbat Service followed by a festive dinner. The Torah teaches that it is a Mitzvah to honor our elders and that we should stand when an elder enters the room. We also honored the other members in attendance over 90 years of age, Molly Leavitt and Alan Goodban. Yes, we stood for them and all did a Mitzvah.
The Social Hall was again filled for our annual Auction. This is a fun party with great food and drink. We participated in conversation, laughter and the joy of visiting with friends. We also raised funds to help balance the B’nai Israel budget.
Reflecting on these recent events reminds me that as a Spiritual Institution, an Educational Institution, a Social Club and an extended family, B’nai Israel is a success. Each one of us, working together, has maintained this community. We inherited it from the ancestors that were here before us and we will pass it on to the generation that will follow us. Another Mitzvah.
Fred
Fred Zola
President
Congregation B’nai Israel
1256 Nebraska Street
Vallejo, Ca. 94590
707-642-6526707-642-6526bnaisrael.com
fredzola@earthlink.net