President’s Message – September 2022

     As we prepare to celebrate Rosh Hashana and get ready for the High Holy Days, I want all of you to look back at the past year, and think about all we have accomplished in our community! We have completed two projects with our security grant and are almost done with the third project; we have continued our regular services and began resuming in-person activities, like our book club; and we have added our Havdalah Game Nights and resumed our monthly Sha’BarBQ courtyard events. 

     Then I’d like to challenge you to think about all the work that is still to be done, including helping organize and prepare for these events, helping with our security committee, and helping our building and grounds committee to prepare for our 75th anniversary celebration next year. As part of teshuvah, I’d like everyone to commit to the long-term, ongoing work of building relationships through working together. This means we can’t stay isolated, and must communicate with each other. Some may not be comfortable meeting in person, but we can still communicate with phones, texts, and emails, and help with this work. 

     I have asked for extra help recently, as I recover from my hip replacement surgery Sept. 6, just less than two weeks ago. I am thankful for those who have picked up meals for my husband and I in the weeks after surgery, and those who have celebrated my amazing recovery with me as I was able to attend Anna and Jon Brewer’s gathering, the recent Sha’BarBQ, and Saturday morning services to hear Dr. David Schiff and eat Kiddush together afterward. Many friends have helped pick up the slack as I haven’t been as mobile as usual! It has meant a lot to me that our community can pull together and work together to make sure things happen. I would challenge everyone to reflect on how they can be a part of this process as we move forward! Have you done your part? 

Cheryl Gewing