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September 2006

Dear Friends,

As we reflect upon the dedication of our synagogue, we notice within ourselves a renewal and rebirth of spirit. This is how is should be, as our synagogue is a refection of ourselves as a community. It is one of many mirrors of who and what we are.

There are many other mirrors, some of which reflect brightly at this time of year. Our upcoming High Holiday services mirror the breadth and depth of our community as we pray, sing, learn and share our hearts together. Our Hebrew school mirrors our love of learning and love of children, as well as our commitment to our history and our future. Our social action work and our bond with the interfaith communities in our region mirror our commitment to be part of the larger communities outside of BAJC, working with others to repair the world. Our Adult Education program mirrors our belief in growing individually and together through shared learning, singing, dancing, and studying. We will be celebrating the gift of a Torah during Simchat Torah, a gift from a congregation that no longer exists, by way of a congregation that has long existed, to a congregation that has just celebrated its dedication. Surely this mirrors the bonds we share with other Jewish communities—present, past and future.

President Paul Berch at the 2006 Greenleaf Dedication Open House

When we look at the BAJC mirror, we see volunteers. Volunteers-R-Us. Even those to whom we pay a small amount are volunteers, in every real sense of the term. Our Dedication was organized by volunteers. Our High Holiday services are brought together by volunteers. Our Board of Directors are volunteers. Our Congregation has put forth an immense effort over many years to move to our new home. People have volunteered money; people have volunteered time; people have volunteered expertise—and even learned subjects totally removed from their day to day lives. And in doing so, volunteers have created a caring and growing community.

With our renewed spirit, I would like to encourage a rebirth of volunteerism. I would like to see an Education Committee overflowing with parents and non-parents who have ideas and energy for our youth. I would like to see small groups of members volunteer to create interesting Friday night potluck/services or volunteer to paint the outside of our synagogue and office. Or assist our Gardening Committee to make our home beautiful beyond measure. Or create a library with the books that are increasingly being donated.

As we look into the many mirrors of BAJC, we see all the volunteers of the past 36 years since our founding. We remember them; we honor them; we thank them.

B’Shalom,
Paul