FROM THE PRESIDENT

LEW RADER 

Dear Friends,

            We have all used the phrase, “How quickly time goes by.”  By the time this message reaches you, our fiscal year at Temple Ami Shalom will be coming to an end.  Where did the days and months go?

            The ritual committee is starting to make plans for the high holidays.  The education committee is discussing the Hebrew school agenda for fall.  We will be putting a slate together for election to the Board of Trustees.  In retrospect, what is most important is what has taken place at Temple Ami Shalom during the past year.

            Rabbi Rick became our full time spiritual leader.  Through his efforts, with many trials and tribulations, we now have Friday night services that cater to different segments of our community on different Friday nights of each month.  They include a service at someone’s home once a month, a guitar-accompanied service and a service for families – including the little ones, also with music.

            We have Hebrew reading courses as well as a group that meets for “Davening 101” for those who want a better understanding of what services are all about.  We have many other programs of interest that you should check out on our website.

            Speaking of websites, what an incredible job Mark Roberg has done updating our website and getting clear and concise information out to our congregants.  If it’s happening at Temple Ami Shalom, Mark has it on the web and e-mails for all of you.  If you’re not getting the e-mail, call the office or talk to Mark.

            When I read the announcements on Saturday morning shabbat, I find the list of activities endless.  Rabbi Rick has made a great effort establishing these programs and, based on the size of our congregation, they have been successful.

            For many years we could hear the comment that “We don’t have much going on at Temple Ami Shalom.”  This is certainly not the case now.  The big question is how to reach some of you who have not come to observe or participate in these new programs and services.  We are trying to reach out to you, if you would only reach out to us.

            If you think we are still missing something, let us know.  We can’t guarantee that every suggestion will become a reality, but we will listen.

            I hope to see you soon at Temple Ami Shalom.