It seems like every day when I turn on the news there is another story about an anti-Semitic act somewhere in this country. From bomb threats at Jewish day schools, community centers and synagogues to vandalism in Jewish cemeteries. The good news, as far as I have heard, is that all the bomb threats have been just that, only threats. However, no one ever knows if there is a bomb or not so classes are disrupted, children and adults are frightened and, in general, our peaceful way of life is disrupted. It breaks my heart to hear of these things going on (even as close as Birmingham)! And, I have to imagine that many of you have similar feelings and, understandably, concerns about our community, specifically.
While we have not received any threats to our Temple, and there are no known threats in the Shoals area, I want you all to know that I hear your concerns and have, therefore, asked the appropriate people in the Temple to reach out to the Florence and Sheffield Police Departments. While we have confirmation that the Sheffield PD has agreed to patrol the Jewish cemetery more frequently, including during the nighttime hours, we have not yet reached the Florence PD to request that they increase their patrol in the neighborhood around the Temple on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings (but this is in the works). In addition, as you are aware, we have had a general security system installed for quite some time and we installed three new security cameras on the Temple property last year.
Obviously, it is hard to predict what people who are (sadly) so filled with hatred may do, but I want to reassure you that the Board is aware of the concerns and we are taking the steps that we deem are prudent at this time. Certainly, if any direct threats were to arise, we would work with law enforcement and act accordingly.
Passover is just around the corner!
Believe it or not, Passover is just a little over a month away and planning for our Seder is already underway. Every year we find ourselves having to decide the best location to hold the Seder, understanding that we all have an opinion one way or the other on that. Last year we chose to have it at the Temple and it was a beautiful event, however, because our space is limited, so too were the number of seats we could make available. So, this year we are going to try another option – holding it just down the street in the fellowship hall of our friends at the First Christian Church. This venue will comfortably hold up to 150 people and, while we certainly don’t expect those kinds of numbers, it will be nice to be able to open it up for you to invite friends as part of your reservation – and have no concerns about space limitations!
Based on that, we want to ask that you share names and addresses of any individuals (beyond Temple members) that you believe would like to receive a reservation form. Note> If you plan to invite them and include them along with your reservation and payment, we do not need their contact information. But, if you simply know of someone who would probably want to join us, we ask for names and addresses as soon as possible!
We plan to have another beautiful (and fun) event this year and we are excited to be able to include more of your friends, family and neighbors! We will share more as details are confirmed but, for now, please get us those names and addresses!
Please email names and addresses to Buddy Bernstein.
Services and Torah Study
Our service schedule for the remainder of February and for March is as follows:
- March 3 – Ken Wolf
- March 10 – Rabbi Nancy
- March 17 – Robert Adler
- March 24 – Rabbi Nancy
- March 31 – Buddy Bernstein
As always, congregants and members of the Shoals community, at large, are invited to attend the weekly Torah Study session which is held each Saturday morning at 9:30, at the Temple.
Reminder items:
- Annual Pledge – if you have not already done so, please return your 2017 dues pledge card to Marty as soon as possible.
- Purim – Friday evening, March 10 – Rabbi Nancy asks that you “bring the kids along” to enjoy the fun! And, bring the kid in you too! In addition, the Rabbi has challenged all to a hamantaschen bake-off so bake up your best batch and bring it along!
- Social Event – Sunday evening, March 19 – Start making plans to whip up your favorite chili or soup recipe to share and prepare to have some fun!
- Community Seder – Monday evening, April 10 – we will hold the Seder in the Fellowship Hall of the First Christian Church, just down the street from the Temple. Reservation forms and more details will be forthcoming.
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 hope you all have a wonderful week and I look forward to seeing you this Friday night!
Shalom!
Traci Welch
