We have so many celebrations this time of year – from the High Holidays to Sukkot to Simchat Torah – and our Rabbi has done such a beautiful job leading us in our celebrations throughout! If you missed it, on Friday, October 21, we celebrated Simchat Torah just a bit early. We had a wonderful time dancing around the Torahs – 7 times around – and singing! I obviously need to get more exercise, though! Thank you, Adolph Abroms, for counting our trips around!
Veteran’s Day Celebration
On Friday night, November 11, we will be celebrating our veterans. While Rabbi Nancy will not be able to join us for the event, Buddy Bernstein and his daughter, Claire Coleman, are planning a wonderful service to honor those who have served our country so unselfishly. The evening will include a video and special music as well as a celebratory oneg following the service. Please plan to bring a dessert item to share during the oneg! I hope everyone will make a real effort to be there to thank our veterans!
Board Meeting
The Temple Board met on Sunday the 23rd and had a very productive meeting. Some of the items discussed and approved include:
- The huge success of the rummage sale – bringing in a little over $2,000. Howard Zeff shared the final numbers with the Board and led us in a discussion that concluded with a decision that these funds would be used to replace the shed currently in the back of the building. If you haven’t looked at the existing storage shed, you might not be able to fully appreciate the magnitude of this decision! Thanks to all who donated to the rummage sale and worked in preparation and/or during the sale for making this possible!
- The progress that has been and continues to be made on ensuring the Temple is properly registered in Lauderdale County and the State of Alabama as well as the development of bylaws that will replace our existing constitution. All members will be provided with a copy of the proposed bylaws in ample time for review and comment prior to the annual membership meeting that will be held on Sunday, January 29. Many thanks to Buddy Bernstein for helping us get this important work done!
- The approval of finalized security procedures. While the procedures are primarily for situations where the City of Florence has determined there is a high threat concern but can also be followed, in general, any time we come together as a congregation. If you would like to see a copy of this policy, please let me know. Many thanks to Don Welch and the Security committee for developing and documenting this plan!
- The decision that we will not hold services on Friday, November 25th or Friday, December 23rd.
Services and Torah Study:
Our service schedule for the last week of October and through December is as follows:
- October 28 – Ken Wolf
- November 4 – Rabbi Nancy
- November 11 – Buddy Berstein and Claire Bernstein Coleman (Special Veterans recognition!)
- November 18 – Rabbi Nancy (Include the Unveiling Service for Alan Mammen)
- November 25 – No Services
- December 2 – Rabbi Nancy
- December 9 – Rabbi Nancy
- December 16 – Ritual Committee
- December 23 – No Services
- December 30 – Shabbat and Chanukah Party – Rabbi Nancy
Everyone is also invited to attend the weekly Torah Study session which is held each Saturday morning at 9:30, at the Temple. Everyone is welcome so come on out and participate!
Reminder items:
- If you have not already completed and turned in your Membership renewal and pledge forms to Marty Abroms, please do so as soon as possible.
- Services on Friday, November 11 will include special recognition of our Veterans. Please plan to join us for this service as well as the oneg following services! Everyone is asked to bring a dessert item to share during the oneg. Help us thank those that have served our country!
- We 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.
Hope to see you all this Friday!
Shalom!
Traci Welch
