October 2006 Bulletin Message

For Your Consideration
Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro

As the New Year 5767 gets underway, here’s what I would like to do:

I’d like our “Hebrew for 75” program to see 75 congregants really learning Hebrew. In particular, I’d love the opportunity to teach a class in biblical Hebrew. It’s a class I haven’t taught in many years and I would welcome the challenge!

I’d like to lead a book discussion about a new biography of Baruch Spinoza. I’d also like to read the latest collection of short stories from Israel’s brilliant author, Savyon Liebrecht.

I’d like to see Sinai organize some kind of bike riding event: nothing to compete with the major fundraisers in our area, but maybe something easy and fun for all levels of rider.

I’d like to see Sinai organize a softball event for next Spring. Perhaps our “team” could challenge teams from other synagogues for a one-day tournament.

I’d also like to see our new Hebrew School program succeed. The program is called Mitkadem and it offers something brand new to our students by allowing each of them to progress at precisely the level right for him or her.

I’d like to see our new plans for 7th, 8th, & 9th grade exceed our expectations. Honestly speaking, I suspect some Sinai congregants think that I think achieving Bar/Bat Mitzvah status means a child has been fully launched on the path to Jewish identity. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Remaining connected to our youngsters through to Tenth Grade Confirmation is a top, top priority. The same can be said for having successful youth groups. JOY and SPFTY deserve our love and support.

And yes, I’d like our congregation to step forward and support another trip to Israel for July 2007. Details will follow, but as surely as all of us hope for calm in Israel, I also hope to visit Israel with many of you before Rosh Hashanah comes round again!

Gmar chatimah tova – May we all be sealed into the Book of Life for a year of accomplishment and satisfaction!

Prior Bulletin Messages from the Rabbi are available on this site.