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!!מזל טוב

עוד ישמע בערי יהודה ובחוצות ירושלים 

The Temple Israel family is pleased to announce the engagement of

Rabbi Micah Friedman
הרב מיכה שמחה פרידמן

and

Rabbi Talia Laster
הרב טליה לאסטער

A special kiddush in honor of the engagement will be held after Shabbat Morning services on Saturday, September 28

September 2024

Letter from the Rabbi

Dear Temple Israel Community,

Shalom L’Kulam! Peace to all! As Summer comes to an end, children return to schools, and patches of red and orange appear on the tree-lines, we prepare for a new year for Temple Israel and for the Jewish people! This year, we will celebrate Rosh HaShanah together towards the beginning of October followed by the rest of our Fall holidays: Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah. Many folks have put in work over the Summer to prepare for what will surely be meaningful and moving holiday observances and gatherings this year. Please, join us!

 Of course, at the same time, our holy days will be marred by the reality of the ongoing war in the Land of Israel and Gaza that began as our Fall holiday season ended already almost a full year ago. As September begins, along with all of the Jewish people, we grieve for the recent murders of the group of six hostages which included the young American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Z”L. Since the horror and shock of 10/7, the words and sincerity of Hersh’s parents Rachel and John have torn open so many of our hearts. Even in the peak of their grief, at the funeral for their son this week, Rachel Goldberg-Polin explicitly modeled the Jewish value and practice of הכרת הטוב – acknowledging the good – as she expressed what a privilege and blessing it was to be the mother to her son for the 23 years of his life. 

 Every year, at the high holiday season, our tradition guides us to acknowledge and appreciate the privilege and blessing of life. This year, in light of the darkness we have witnessed, I pray we can appreciate more deeply the gift of life and find room in our hearts for gratitude for the goodness that abounds in our world and in our community. 

 In the month ahead, we will celebrate a Bat Mitzvah and begin again with Hebrew classes for children as we also gather for Selichot and unveil a memorial in our cemetery. We will embrace life through joyous and celebratory Shabbat services and kiddush lunches while we keep in mind the hostages, soldiers, and civilians endangered by the ongoing war. 

 To put it simply, as we prepare for a new year, we prepare to be open to all of what life has to offer. Each one of us can find strength and comfort in the knowledge that no matter what the month and year ahead hold in store, the Temple Israel community is here to support each other as we look ahead to being inscribed in the book of life!

For now, A Gut Hodesh – A Good Month to All!

Rabbi Micah R. Friedman

הרב מיכה שמחה פרידמן 

September 2024

Letter from the President

Dear Members and Friends of Temple Israel,

     Sadly, another six names were just added to the horrific toll of Israeli hostages savagely murdered by Hamas terrorists, as we reach the grim milestone of eleven months of captivity for the remaining live hostages kidnapped by Hamas last October. We grieve for the families of those killed or captive, and for all the victims of  the ever-worsening humanitarian crisis resulting from this heinous terrorist act.

 Please join us in solidarity as we pray each day and every Shabbat for a peaceful resolution to free the hostages while preserving Israel’s security and relieving the humanitarian disaster. May our leaders be blessed with the wisdom to exact such a solution, and may our High Holiday celebrations invoke an era of peace in our homeland.

While we think globally, we recognize the need to act locally to preserve the safety, security and peace of mind of our fellow congregants. Under the tireless leadership of Debra Martinez, the Safety and Security  Committee (which includes Steve Malkin, Roy Paston, Joe Newmark, Sue Austenfeld, and Rita Bleier) has implemented policies and procedures, secured live and zoomed training sessions, engaged with the Secure Community Network and law enforcement resources to enhance our security and preparedness. Thanks to their efforts, we are more secure and prepared, we remain vigilant to the threats of anti-semitism and we have taken actions to secure our building. If our grant application – a major effort Debra completed last Spring – is approved by the state, we have plans for more significant physical improvements. Once again, we will have armed security present at our major gatherings and High Holiday services, funded by the Rozen Foundation. We ask for your cooperation with these initiatives.

Amidst sadness, we find joy, as well. We are delighted that our Rabbi Micah Friedman and Rabbi Talia Laster have announced their intention to marry! Please join our congregation at Shabbat morning services on September 28th when we will salute this wonderful couple with a blessing and enjoy a special kiddush in their honor.
Have you heard the buzz? Temple Israel Honeygrams are on the wing again, back by popular demand. You can send a package of sweet honey and tea to family, friends, and everyone in our Temple Israel community. If you can participate as a Queen Bee sponsor for this fundraiser, you’ll be helping us send these sweet treats to every member, including the less-fortunate We Remember You families in our community. Order yours now on the website or by contacting the synagogue office. All proceeds fund Temple Israel Programs.

Thank you for participating in the success of our fundraiser for Machzor Lev Shalem. Through your contributions, we have secured a full complement of Lev Shalem (which means “Full Heart”) High Holiday prayerbooks for our congregation, facilitating a meaningful High Holiday experience for us and for future generations. Rabbi Friedman will also be offering several educational sessions in September, helping us to prepare to make the most of this resource. You can also purchase copies of Machzor Lev Shalem for personal study or home worship from the synagogue office.

Our High Holiday preparations are well-underway, as Steve Gilbert orchestrates the many moving parts in this symphony through detailed spreadsheets and a dedicated committee. If you get a call asking for your help, or offering you an honor, please respond promptly, as we have many roles to fill. Volunteers of all skill and experience levels are always welcome to join in this effort.

The year ahead will be full of opportunities for meaningful ritual, education for young and old, and programs of fun and music for all. Throughout the month of Elul, it is traditional to blow the shofar at daily prayers to herald the impending start of the new year. Heed the call – join us! L’shanah tovah umetukah – may you be sealed for a good and sweet New Year.

b’shalom,
Art

Arthur B. Siegel
President – Temple Israel