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Steptember 2020 President's Message

Did you ever notice how time can go so quickly but also so very slowly? It seems that the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine, not being able to attend services with everyone, or meet in person, has been going on forever. But I also think, how can it be September already and the High Holidays are right around the corner?
Time is really funny. Actually my PhD dissertation was on time estimation and perception. That’s a long story which I won’t bore you to tears with, but if you ever need help falling asleep, ask me and I’ll be glad to fill you in. The bottom line is that usually when time is filled with unpleasant things it goes very, very slowly. However when time is filled with enjoyable things we perceive that it passes much more quickly.
For me, the summer always goes too quickly. And it always seems that the High Holidays sneak up on us. There’s so much to do. The Kol Rinah office and staff have been working overtime to get all the materials out and put the Yizkor book together. The High Holiday committee as well as the Reopening Task Force have been very busy trying to figure out how to hold High Holiday services this year in a way that is spiritual, personal and meaningful, but also very safe. That’s quite a task.
Our new building is finally really coming together. Our offices will be able to move by the end of this secular year. Our new library and youth lounge will also be completed at that time. The main floor of Kol Rinah, including the new sanctuary addition, is completed and stunning. Besides the sanctuary addition, this floor contains the Guller Chapel, the Shirley and Gene Barken (z”l)
Education Center, the Geller Lobby, the Bill Solomon (z”l) Gallery and our fabulous Community Hall.
Our next big task is funding the expanded Early Childhood Center construction, which will allow us to increase the number of children that we can accommodate, since we are bursting at the seams. As always, if you are interested in serving on any Committee, please contact us.
There are so many people that make Kol Rinah what it is and function the way that it does. Today I’m just going to call out one special person, but of course there are so very many people doing wonderfully dedicated and amazing work. I’ve chosen this month to honor Elizabeth Collins, our Early Childhood Center Director. She has gone above and beyond to make sure that our children and staff are safe and receiving great education and care during these difficult times. Liz has stepped up at a very difficult time, from the position of co-director to sole director, when her co-director made the difficult choice to stay home to care for her young children during the pandemic. Thanks Liz for being the role model you are!
May you all have healthy, meaningful and peaceful holidays and be inscribed in the book of life for another year.
Z’ei Gesundt,
Randi Mozenter
Fri, March 29 2024 19 Adar II 5784