President’s Message – April 2023

    We heard Thursday about how this Passover was different from previous years to some people, and I thought about the changes I had noticed – how people this year were speaking up for issues that were important to them and their communities, like the protests in Israel, and the protests in Tennessee recently…

     We are called to repair the world, and starting in our own community, what do you see that needs repair? What issues call to you for change?

     I want to commend the crews that worked so hard to prepare our synagogue for the anniversary celebrations this week! They saw the need for repair and change in our own synagogue home, and have worked hard to make it happen. We need to continue working together to let our light shine.

     I want to commend the Passover team, including Ralph and Angelic Pierce, Amari Watson, Mike Watson, Missy Stevenson, Renee Morales, Alisa Danyeur, Wendy Schuplinsky, Nadine Goodban, and Fred Zola, and the many others who contributed time and money to the Seder to make it a memorable event.

      I also want to recognize the 75th Anniversary Committee, led by Robin Gross, with detailed notes kept by Lois Pierce; Gail Lamkins, Myra Binstock, Mary Schwartz, Amy Lyons, Shoshana Nurik, and Nadine Goodban have been attending most meetings and working on huge projects… It is a great commitment, and we want every board member to attend and help us show our best presence to the rest of the community at large on Thursday, and to our own Jewish community on Sunday. If you haven’t yet, please check in with a committee member I’ve mentioned and find out where you can help out.

      As we finish preparations this week, let’s also keep an eye out for relationships we can repair and change for the better. We don’t have to agree on everything, but let’s work together for the benefit of our Jewish community, and create a positive, joyful experience that we can try to continue throughout the year!

– Cheryl Gewing