This week we move from Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance) to Yom Hazikaron, (Israel’s Memorial Day for the fallen soldiers) and on to Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) – from a time of remembering the unimaginable losses of the Holocaust, to the memorial of the soldiers that sacrificed their lives for an independent Israeli State and finally to a time of celebrating the formal establishment of the State of Israel. If my math is correct, this is the celebration of 68 years of independence.  Happy birthday, Israel!

I really don’t have much to share this week so I won’t write a long note just for the sake of writing.  I will say, however, if you were not able to join us last Friday, you missed a very meaningful and moving commemoration of Yom HaShoah. Jane Zeff provided a beautiful table display and set up candles to be lit as various members shared stories and remembered family and friends that experienced the horrors of the Holocaust. Robert Adler shared a story that he had heard when he attended a service in Birmingham the prior Sunday. Jean Schulman and Emily Kelley also shared stories.  Thanks to all who participated and shared – it made it a memorable evening for all of us!

We have the pleasure of having Rabbi Nancy here to lead our services again this week.  After this Friday, she won’t be back again until June 10, so don’t miss out on her music and message!  (Of course, if you do, you can always find a printed version of the message on our website!)   June dates for Rabbi Nancy services are:

• June 10 and 17

Please note > It has been decided that, due to the Memorial Day weekend, we will NOT have services Friday night, May 27! Please mark your calendar accordingly!

As always, on those nights when Rabbi Nancy is not able to join us, the Ritual Committee will ensure services are provided. If you would like to participate in any part of our services, please reach out to our Ritual Committee Co-Chairs, Ken Wolf and Robert Adler, to let them know.

Everyone is also invited to attend the weekly Torah Study group that meets each Saturday morning at 9:30, at the Temple. (Note> Torah Study WILL be held on Saturday, May 28.)

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 and…

I hope you all have a wonderful week and I look forward to seeing you Friday evening!

Shalom!

Traci Welch