Even though Purim actually begins this Saturday evening, we will have our Temple celebration this Friday, during our regular service. We are looking forward to a fun shpiel, led by Rabbi Nancy and, I believe, including some accompaniment by Scott and the kids…Costumes are encouraged but not required and we hope you’ll bring along your kids or grandkids – they will have lots of fun! After all, how often are they actually encouraged to make noise? In addition, we will have a (for fun only) hamantaschen competition. Stanley Goldstein has gracious agreed to judge all entries.
Did you know that there is also a fast associated with Purim? It is called the Fast of Ester and is considered a minor fast – observed from dawn (first light) to nightfall (full dark) on Purim. It commemorates the three days that Esther fasted before approaching King Ahasuerus on behalf of the Jewish people. I might plan on taking part in that to recover from all the sweets I am likely to eat Friday night! I hope you will make plans to come join us!
Community Seder Planning Underway
Plans for our community Seder are well underway. Like any major celebration, a lot of decisions are yet to be finalized so there aren’t any specifics to share at this point – beyond the date of Monday, April 10. I thought I was accurately communicating the planned location last week but, come to find out, that was not a final decision so please forgive that miscommunication. The Seder committee meets this Wednesday so by next Tuesday I should have more accurate information to share with you. I do know that reservation forms will be mailed out very soon, though, so keep an eye out for those and get your reservation (and payment) in quickly once it arrives! Many thanks to Buddy Bernstein for chairing this committee this year!!
Services and Torah Study
Our service schedule for the remainder of March is as follows:
- 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. The 2017 budget will be drafted this Sunday and presented to the Board on April 2 so it is critical that we have all pledges in right away!
- Purim – This 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 – 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
