03/31/2024 02:20:37 PM
Mar31
It seemed a bit quiet around here when the year started, and then we had an outburst of activity. Where to start?
A few months ago, our member, Roza Gossage, told me about crocheting plastic grocery bags into mats to benefit people who are unhoused and sleep outdoors. I connected Roza with Becky Mollet, chair of our Tzedek committee. I figured that if the interest is here among our congregants to take on this project, Tzedek is the right team to lead it.
Roza presented the idea to the committee, and it grew into a well-organized project. We have been collecting plastic bags for several months. This week Roza led a group to learn how to crochet the bags into mats and how to teach others to do it as well. On Mitzvah Day (May 5), we will be set up in the Staenberg Family Community Hall to create the mats with a team of volunteers ready to teach others, The mats will be donated for distribution to the unhoused in our community.
Were you here for Purim? Our celebration started with the Green Purim Bash on March 17. The evening was filled with music, Israeli dancing, special drinks (thank you Barbara!) and colorful costumes. Attendance was lower than we would have liked but those that came had a good time getting together with friends for the evening. We continue to learn what kinds of events and programs our members want to attend. Please let us know if you have ideas. What sparks your interest?The Megillah reading on Sunday was very special, and it would have been hard to squeeze anyone else into the sanctuary. Our Megillah readers did a wonderful job, and the singing and dancing during the spiel was so much fun (and sometimes a bit off-key). Thanks go out to Benjamin Singer for taking the lead on organizing the spiel. If you missed it – or want to see it again – the links to the videos are on our website under the gallery tab.
I hope that everyone enjoyed their Mishloach Manot. Sharon Katz-Weintraub organized a group of volunteers to pack them all. What I enjoyed about the morning we met to pack was the conversations people had while walking in circles to collect all the items in the bags. People caught up on their kids and met members they hadn’t known. I came away thinking this is what engagement is about - having a chance to get to know each other and accomplish something together. Thank you to all that volunteered to pack the Mishloach Manot.
Purim took months to plan but before it was over we were on to planning Passover. Our mailing went out including the information from the Rabbinic Assembly, the chametz sale form, and a flyer about the second seder being held here on April 23. I hope you can join us at the seder.
Verein continues their education programs on Zoom with the upcoming series on Biblical criticism. When you RSVP you will receive the link.
Today feels like Spring filled with flowers blooming, a light breeze and lots of sunshine. I hope you get to enjoy it, and I look forward to seeing everyone soon.
Thu, May 1 2025
3 Iyyar 5785
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Thu, May 1 2025 3 Iyyar 5785