March 2026
Letter from the Rabbi
Dear Temple Israel Community,
We welcomed March with joyous celebration of Purim! Thanks to everyone who participated in a full day of celebration with readings of the Megillah, costume, hamentaschen, raising money for Tzedakah, and a collection of comedy! When we come together, we can persevere through difficult times and find great joy and light – like our ancestors who were saved from near destruction in the days of Mordechai and Esther!
The rest of March will be a unique month for our community. At the beginning of April, we will celebrate Pesach, so March will be a season of preparations. On Shabbat March 28th, Shabbat HaGadol, I will offer a special learning opportunity over kiddush to prepare ourselves for the celebrations and practices of Passover. Leading up to April 1st, you will have the chance to authorize me to sell your hametz on your behalf.
In March, Temple Israel will also have two critical opportunities to meet two candidates to succeed me as Rabbi of Temple Israel. I hope everyone will make an effort to join these events and get to know two kind and capable recent musmakhim (rabbinic ordainees) who have been selected by the search committee.
Nissan – the month when we celebrate Pesach – is the first month of the Jewish calendar according to the book of Shemot (Exodus). With Spring on the horizon, we can feel this sense of the renewal of the year. Purim and Pesach, each in their own way, offer us opportunities to be renewed and embrace a new period of vitality. May we build upon the joy of Purim as we prepare for a joyous and liberatory Pesach!
L’shalom,
Rabbi Micah R. Friedman
הרב מיכה שמחה פרידמן
