For Your Consideration - Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro 

      We had a wonderful time at Sinai’s Big Splash back in May. It was the perfect event. Lots of people participated in the JCC pool: young and old, with children and without children. We had tremendous fun. Plus our congregation’s “swimathon” raised over $3,000 to be given to Springfield’s Park and Recreation Department to provide swimming lessons for needy kids this summer.
      This is the way we should be celebrating our 75th anniversary. We should be applauding ourselves while also giving back to the community that surrounds us. That is why we have also contributed substantial funds for the creation of a playscape at Washington School in Springfield. We can’t fully celebrate until we’ve done at least part of our share in reaching out to the broken parts of Springfield.
And now comes June. Two major events with a different tone take place this month. This time we are celebrating and remembering and reminiscing.
      On June 6, I am so pleased to know that we will be honoring families who have been connected to Sinai for 50 years or more. Each family will be able to write a letter into the Torah scroll that is being refurbished by our sofer/scribe. From the thousands of photos we have in our archives, we’ll also see a slide show that gathers together some of our most beautiful visual memories. We will also be able to ratify our new Mission Statement, which I think describes our aspirations as a congregation magnificently.
      Then comes June 16 when we will honor our Temple’s past presidents. This too will be an evening rich with memories and stories. We will thank some of the congregants who have assumed major responsibility over the years to be sure that we can be here at the age of 75.
      We are doing very well as we turn 75. Our Scholar in Residence at the beginning of May even underscored for us how vibrant we are. From learning to remembering to tikkun olam, we are on the right path. I hope to see you for the celebrations this month of June.