|
Traditional
Congregation Phone: (314)576-5230 Fax: (314)576-1162 Rabbi Seth D Gordon |
|
|
Articles by Rabbi Gordon: September 2007 |
|
|
September 2007 Three Months It is hard to believe, but Marian and I (and the kids) have been in St Louis for only three months. From the outset it has felt so comfortable, that it feels as if I have been here for several years. Yet we are just starting. Although it is Marcheshvan, the only month in the Jewish calendar without any holydays or special observances, the recent holydays are still on my mind. Succot, from what you told me, was something special. Naomi Fishman’s “Succah City” was a big hit. In last month’s Newsletter, she listed the many volunteers who contributed and I too extend my appreciation for a superb effort and observable success. It was especially satisfying to see so many people come together for a new project, especially after the intense days of Rosh Ha-Shanah and Yom Kippur. Even God contributed great weather, enabling us to sit in the Succot for all three days of planned activities. And then on Sunday, three of the scheduled youth home-based Succah parties, hosted by Traditional families, were well represented. Marian and I enjoyed visiting each one and witnessing a small part of the festivities. And we had pictures! They were displayed proudly in our lobby. And we had a front-page article in the Jewish Light. In fact, the building, the cooking, the arranging, the parties, the publicity, and your support, all show what we can do when we come together. Unfortunately, the group picture we took just before Succot never saw the light of day, but so much of what we achieved exceeded even the grandest of expectations. Most of all we were able to truly celebrate the mitzvah of rejoicing on Succot. I am already looking forward to Succot 5769! What can we now do? (1) A strong congregation has a strong religious core, including Torah learning, and making stronger commitments to mitzvot, from Shabbat and kashrut to t’fillah (prayer). More minyan commitments are needed – you may call me, Zumi Brody or Anat Reschke. I am pleased to see that the Fall Beit Midrash has attracted 17 Monday night and 19 Tuesday night adult students with Monday and Thursday morning classes another dozen plus. Call me if you need more information. And our education committee is working hard to bring us quality programs – from our Scholar in Residence to our Knosh and Knowledges. (2) A strong congregation cares for one another. I have learned about and observed great chesed in this congregation – to one another and to others. Shelby Kopp’s words were moving; Alan Elfanbaum’s labors are bearing fruit (non-pesticidic); Bar/Bat Mitzvah projects are inspiring. Within our congregation, however, while some have family and friends right here to care for them, some still need us. I am looking for people to help build a stronger connection within – to call, visit, drive, and provide minor assistance to members of our congregation who need it. If you can help, call me. (3) A strong congregation provides well for its youth. I seek to build our youth -- educationally, religiously, and socially. Parents and children, coming together to Shabbat and weekday minyanim is important role modeling. Parents and children studying Torah together is irreplaceable. To that end, a Sunday night class has just begun. Marian and I have held one youth Shabbat afternoon at our home and intend to host others, just so the kids can spend quality social time on Shabbat. Succot brought our youth together in activities with kids of their own level. Social plans for our youth are moving forward. These years fly quickly; let us act wisely. We need parental involvement. If you can help, call Mimi Levy, Barbara Levin, or me. (4) And finally, I would like to add the best, singable melodies to our Shabbat and Holyday services. Perhaps some of you with fair-good-excellent voices would be interested in seeking out, presenting, and learning new and improved Shabbat and holyday melodies as a group. You would help lead us to a beautiful and spirited service. If you can help, call me. There is much that we can do to take this good, strong congregation to new heights. Come join us as we build an even better congregation for the present and for the future. And, as CAJE’s Hebrew School terminates this year, we will need to address the educational needs for our children. I would like to see ten once-a-month Saturday night youth programs, following se’udah shelishit. My proposal requires 10 families a year, each which would take responsibility for one Saturday night during the year. And coupled with a special event – perhaps one in the fall-winter season and one in the winter-spring months, we would have the basics for a youth social program. But it needs you!
Click here to return to Home Page
|
|