- Shabbat and other holidays were joyfully celebrated each month.
- Nine of our Hebrew school students became b’nai mitzvah.
- We conducted seven member meetings at which 46% of our members attended to discuss the future of BAJC.
- The Board held a retreat in which strategic issues were discussed.
- Our ad hoc brit kodesh committee completed its work with our spiritual leader.
- Our ad hoc Hebrew school director search committee completed its work
- We successfully ran our “Third Annual Israeli Film & Food Festival”
- We applied for and received a grant from the Union of Reform Judaism to conduct a “Taste of Judaism” program in 2010.
- Four of our youngsters attended the Union for Reform Judaism Eisner Camp. and enjoyed every minute!
And, on my list for this year, –
- Complete the work of the rabbinic search committee. (√ The committee has been formed, with Paul Berch as its chair).
- Conduct meaningful High Holiday services (√ Rabbi Jan Salzman and Kate Judd have been hired to help us)
- Celebrate Shabbat and other holidays (√ A list of services for which we need lay leaders can be found in this newsletter)
- Have another wonderful school year
- Begin a feasibility study for a capital campaign.
- Increase our involvement with, and knowledge about, Israel.
- Celebrate our 40th anniversary.
Our Board of Trustees and committees have many ideas for changes we would like to see—and we want your input and involvement. The Board will be calling each member over the course of the year but if you have an idea or concern, don’t wait for their call—call me.
BAJC is radiating positive energy. This energy is infectious. It is very exciting, and it influences everyone around us, not only inside the shul, but also in the greater Brattleboro community. We should all be very proud to be part of this energy and enthusiasm.
Faith spends many hours planning our newsletter. It’s filled with information about BAJC activities. Our robust website also has important information, frequently updated. Please read the newsletter and return here to the website regularly. And, fill out and send in the forms we need to keep track of everyone.
So, I have two requests for you now.
First, as we make promises during the High Holy Days, please make a promise to yourself to participate in Temple life more than you did last year. Put BAJC on your life list and make it happen in 5770. Come to one more service, one more event, or one more committee meeting this year than you did last year.
Second, even during these tough economic times, please remember BAJC. We count on your dues and your contributions to insure that the spiritual needs of our community can be met and we can continue the good work we have been doing. With your financial support, we can plan for a bright future.
I’d like to share one quick story with you. A visitor to Israel attended a recital and concert in the Moscovitz Auditorium. He was quite impressed with the architecture and the acoustics. He asked the tour guide, “Is this magnificent auditorium named after Chaim Moscovitz, the famous Talmudic scholar?” “No,” replied the guide. “It is named after Sam Moscovitz, the writer.” “Never heard of him,” said the visitor. “What did he write?” “A check,” replied the guide.
Yael, Rachel, Jessica and I wish each of you Shanah Tova Tikatevu – a sweet, happy, and healthy 5770. And may each of us have the opportunity to check many things off of our life lists in the coming year.
B’shalom,
Marty
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