Sisterhood

The start of the secular new year gives us another chance to look both backward and forward. Since the last newsletter, much has happened to make the world feel less safe for so many people, including us as Jews. The recent UN report on European anti-Semitism confirms both widespread ignorance of the Holocaust by many, and the rising spread of anti Jewish sentiment and actions. While much already has and will be written about this, the astonishing amount of support from within and outside of the Jewish community helped mitigate some of the horror of Pittsburgh and speaks to the importance of community to get through difficult times–personal and communal. Personally, the St. Louis vigil to the Pittsburgh killings gave us the feeling of love and support locally from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim leaders. By the next day, as we were reeling from the news, JCRC, Federation, & SLRA organized this vigil showing we are part of a shared community. Pastor Carlos Smith’s words to our congregation the following week gave us another level of comfort.

Our congregational community supports Sisterhood, which enables us to support the Shul. We want to especially thank Steve Keyser for his sponsorship of both the Veteran’s Day and the December 8th kiddushes. Thank you to Jim Singman for allowing us to help honor his granddaughter at her baby naming and a warm thank you and happy special birthday to Burton Boxerman. Also, a belated thank you to Linda Makler whose original song helped us honor Micki Kingsley on her retirement as Sisterhood President. To the tune of “How do you solve a problem like Maria”? Linda’s song proclaimed to all that “Micki is an asset to Kol Rinah” and “such a treasure.”

This January 26 is Sisterhood Shabbat, where Sisterhood shines, conducts the service and hosts the Kiddush! Also upcoming is Trivia Nite, March 2, 2019 at Temple Israel, a joint venture with Men’s Club. As usual, snacks and drinks will be provided as will interesting, thought-provoking, head-scratching, and chuckle-inducing questions. Spread the word, bring a friend, make up your table!

All the best,

Joyce & Susan