I find myself at a loss for words this week. I am saddened by the events in Orlando over the weekend and yet inspired by the way our country seems to find a way to unite in the face of such tragedies. If only we could just love each other this way all the time instead of only when something too horrible to imagine occurs. How nice it is that, at least for a while, we forget our petty differences and just appreciate each other for our unique gifts.
Last night I attended the candle light vigil that was held at Wilson Park and organized through the joint efforts of the leaders of the Shoals LGBT community and the Interfaith Council. A number of our members and friends were also in attendance. It was a beautiful ceremony. Rabbi Nancy was a big part of the service – sharing words of inspiration and unity as well as her beautiful voice – and I would like to personally thank her for her participation – and for taking her personal time to travel here to do so.
While our hearts and minds are so focused on those in Orlando, we must also remember that there are individuals in our own community that need our love and support. So, along those lines, I want to remind you that this Saturday, June 18, is our day to provide desserts for the Soup Kitchen! Please plan to bring homemade (a favorite) or store-bought dessert items to the Temple no later than 9:30am, Saturday, June 18. If you prefer, you can also make a financial donation that will be used to purchase any additional desserts needed. (Make all checks payable to Temple B’nai Israel.)
In addition, I want to extend a heart-felt thanks to Howard Zeff, Stephanie Coleman and all the members of our Social Committee for organizing such a special event last Friday night, as we celebrated Erwin Coleman’s 96th birthday. According to Howard, we had approximately 80 people in attendance and I can personally attest to the fact that we had some fantastic food – and wine, of course! Thank you, Erwin, for all you have done for our Temple, the Shoals community and our country! It is because of people like you, that we have the freedoms we do in this country and we are forever in your debt!
| Do you have Temple-related events that need to be added to our calendar? Let Traci know and she’ll be happy to add it. See the calendar on our Website now, at: www.florencetemple.org. |
The following dates have been set as the Fridays that Rabbi Nancy will be leading our services and they have also been added to the calendar on our Website:
- June 17
- July 8 and 22
- August 12 and 26
As always, everyone is also invited and encouraged to attend the weekly Torah Study group that meets each Saturday morning at 9:30, at the Temple.
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 Friday night!
Shalom!
Traci Welch
