Hello again!
I want to give a HUGE “Shout Out” to the Membership Committee this week. This small group, made up of Michelle Bernstein (Chair), Wendy Roddy and Shelley Cohen has been hard at work this year and I wanted to share with you a few of the things they have done and are in the process of doing:
- Implemented a process to monitor and respond to all calls/messages into the Temple Office (they can check these remotely and, because if these efforts, messages can be responded to more quickly than in the past).
- Implemented a process to monitor and respond to all email messages coming in via the Website (People are starting to find us through this route and we have had a number of inquiries for additional information as well as several young people that have joined us for services).
- Well on the way to completing a TBI Membership and Information Package – this will be available to share in both hard copy (initially) and soft copy format. The package will include a Welcome Letter, General Information Sheet (currently available and in use, look for a copy of it on the bulletin board at the Temple), as well as a membership application information.
- They have/are doing a LOT of work to reach out to our community and raise awareness of the fact that we are here! I just received a copy of the UNA Student Planner for 2016-2017 and we have two listings (one under “Religion” and one under “Synagogues”) as well as a great looking ad. All students will receive a copy of this planner. Also related to UNA, they have arranged for us to have a table at the “Big Deal” happening on August 25 which will allow us to participate in a fair that provides students with information on clubs and organizations throughout the campus and the community that they might want to learn more about. They have contacted the Times Daily and: 1) added the Temple Website address to our ad, and 2) made plans for a feature article on the Temple sometime close to the High Holidays. And, finally, are working to bring a Jewish author, Debrah Goldstein, to the area to speak at the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library about her mystery books – all with a Jewish “twist” of some sort.
They also have a number of other items in the works – like an outreach to known Jewish families in the area as well as communication/reminders on Yahrzeit anniversaries. I think you will agree that this is a very active group and I hope you will make an effort to reach out to these three dynamic ladies and thank them for all the work they are doing to help us find ways to increase our membership!
The Temple Rummage Sale is still on track for August 19 (6am-3pm) and 20 (6am-2pm)! If you have items to donate, that can be done each of the next two weekends (see the specifics, below). Many thanks to the Social Committee and other members of our congregation that have worked so diligently to be sure this will be a success! The important dates/times for you to be aware of are:
- Donations – Will be accepted at the Temple the weekends of August 6-7 (from 1pm-3pm each day) and, again, on August 13-14 (10am-noon each day). Note> The committee asks that you please make every effort to bring your donations during one of these designated dates/times, however, if none of these dates work for you, please reach out to Howard Zeff to discuss other options.
- Preparation of donated items – Volunteers are needed to help separate and check pricing on the items (August 15-18, specific times yet to be determined)
Here is some information on what to donate (or not):
- Suggested types of items to donate: household items from the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom; games, books, lawn equipment, electric or hand tools, CDs, DVDs, movies, in-door and out-door furniture, working electronics. Please ensure all items are in good, working condition!
- Items we ask you NOT to bring – clothing, old style TVs and computers
- Everyone is asked to place prices on all items before bringing them to the Temple on the donation days (Price them to SALE!)
Please support our Rummage Sale with both contributions and your volunteer time!!!
Temple Board Meeting Held
Our Temple Board met on Sunday, July 31 and discussed a range of issues. However, because this message is already rather lengthy, look for more information on that in my message next week. Suffice it to say, our Board is doing a lot of work and I greatly appreciate the efforts of each and every one of the Board members as well as our various Committee Chairs and their related committees!
Services and Torah Study:
Because the Rummage Sale is both Friday and Saturday (August 19 and 20), a decision has been made to cancel services that Friday eveing (August 19) The Website calendar as been updated to reflect/communicate this change but please be sure that others that might have planned to attend are made aware of this change! Rabbi Nancy will be back in August, see the dates below, and I should have dates for Septemeber and October (including the High Holidays schedule) to publish soon. The weeks that the Rabbi is not in town, the Ritual Committee will ensure services are led by a member of the congregation. Please plan to join us every week! The dates that Rabbi Nancy will be leading our services in August are:
- August 12 and 26
Torah Study will also need to be held in an alternate location both the week prior to and the week of our Rummage Sale. Therefore, it has been determined that the group will meet at the Florence Public Library on Saturday, August 13 AND Saturday, August 20. The meetings will held in the Genealogy Room, at the usual time of 9:30am. It has been confirmed that the coffee shop WILL be open for business at that time. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the flexibility of our study leader, Dick Peshkin.
Reminder items:
- Temple Rummage Sale is scheduled for Friday, August 19th and Saturday, August 20th. Please drop donations off on Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7 from 1pm-3pm or Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14 from 10am-noon.
- We are responsible for desserts at the Soup Kitchen Saturday, August 20th. Please plan to bring homemade (a favorite) or store-bought dessert items to the Temple no later than 9:30am, Saturday, August 20th.
- We now have Temple Cards that can be mailed out on your behalf. Contact Barbara Sherr for more details. Check the Temple Directory for her contact information.
If you are aware of something in the community that you would like me to draw some attention to in my message, please let me know! And, as always, if you have any announcements you would like for me to share with our membership, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
I look forward to seeing everyone this Friday! Until then, I wish you all well and I hope you have a wonderful week!
Shalom!
Traci Welch
