April/May Update
Dear Friends,
I hope you have all had a very joyous Passover and had a chance to spend quality time with friends and family. In order to be responsive to our varied and diverse congregational needs at KBI, we hosted 3 wonderful Seders. Our Chocolate Seder was a huge hit with the kids. This was followed by a very significant First Seder, led by Rabbi Kenter, which was enjoyed by over 70 congregants and their families. Cantor Green led the third Seder, a very meaningful Seder for Tamir participants and their families. Yashur koach to all who helped with the organization and running of these events.
The Adult Education Learning Carousel was another smashing success - thanks to our dedicated clergy and volunteers Ilan Shapiro and Norm Ferkin. We had the opportunity, in a no-stress environment, to ask questions and learn new skills including how to properly lift the Torah during Hagbah and the proper method and meaning of putting on tefillin. We learned about the services and why certain prayers were included and even when and how to bow. Did you know that you are supposed to be upright when G-D's name is said? I would encourage you all to attend the next time this is offered as it makes the services so much more enjoyable when you are able to understand and participate fully.
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You may have noticed more children and their parents about. Temple Israel's sump pump failed and their basement is flooded. Therefore, for the next few months, we are happily hosting their Religious school.
Volunteer appreciation week was recently celebrated. I cannot thank our dedicated volunteers and Board members enough for all the many hours of work and their devotion to our Kehillah. Without their help we could not achieve the warm and welcoming environment, run our services so efficiently or put on the number of programs and activities that we do. If you have time, we are especially in need of Office Volunteers to help answer the phone, unlock the doors electronically and receive and direct visitors. As you are now aware, we are also looking for Greeters to help with security on Shabbat and events. Please visit the Volunteer section on our Website to find out about more opportunities and ways in which you can help.
Finally, we must thank and say goodbye to Neri Loves, who has been a dedicated worker in the office as the Manager of Membership Services for the last few years. Neri is moving on to new adventures. She was a wonderful resource through amalgamation and beyond and we will miss her. Laine Lazarovitz, who has served in the role of Development Coordinator since July will also be leaving and we wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
Rena is utilizing these vacancies to now better reorganize our office functions and administration to be able to serve you better. Job postings can be found on the homepage of our website at www.kehillatbethisrael.com
Respectfully submitted,
Helen Zipes, President
Thu, 18 April 2024 10 Nisan 5784