Message from the President
Lief D. Rosenblatt
Time Flies
Everyone knows that time flies. Yet as we approach another summer, it seems to have arrived surprisingly prematurely. Having had the privilege of serving as President of Temple Israel since January, I can report that “temple time” feels like it runs even faster than normal time. Our synagogue is a complex organism with schools, cemetery, worship, adult education, outreach, social justice and other programs and events all taking place concurrently throughout the year. The ongoing level of overall activity is acute. Sometimes things may seem a bit disorganized (and sometimes they are) but most of the time there is considerable planning, arranging, and implementing involved—in short, a great deal of hard work. So as most of us anticipate slowing down, relaxing and recharging our batteries during the summer months we might suppose that summer is likewise a quiet time at Temple Israel. But if that is what anyone thinks, then please think again!
Temple Israel will be a beehive of activity even as many of us head for the Hamptons, the Berkshires, or more distant climes. Our summer day camp program has doubled in duration from four to eight weeks. Torah Study will proceed every Saturday morning throughout the summer for the first time. The demand for these services is at an all time high. Films, talks, Shabbat services will also remain in full swing. And as in past summers, Rabbi Gelfand will preside at a number of events and services outside of NYC to meet the needs of
our many congregants who do escape the heat of the city. In addition, the High Holidays come very early this year; Rosh Hashanah occurs right on the heels of Labor Day. So the Clergy and the Staff of the Temple will be working feverishly all summer to prepare for a
set of inspiring and emotionally satisfying services and celebrations during the holiday period. As if our plates were not full enough, the Board, Clergy, and Staff will also be gearing up for a year long string of programs and initiatives surrounding the 140th anniversary of our beloved Temple Israel. So summer may be “down time” for some, but it remains a busy time for those active in the life of our synagogue.
I hope that every one of our congregants enjoys a rewarding summertime, but I also sincerely pray that each of our members appreciates and values the efforts that so many make to enrich all of our collective lives at Temple Israel. Being a member of our shul should be viewed as a distinct privilege, as we are able to join together with our friends and neighbors to continue to build a warm, welcoming, spiritually uplifting and mutually supportive Jewish community. Groucho Marx famously quipped, “Any club that would have me as a member probably isn’t worth joining!” Well, allow me to speak truth to comedy: Temple Israel is not a club but it certainly is worth joining. And as a member it is worth supporting. So why don’t we each take a few moments this summer to resolve to become even more active as Temple members, more engaged in its myriad of activities, more committed to lending a hand or even to writing a check. Let’s resolve also to reach out to others in our neighborhood to encourage them to sample our wares and to join in our fun. We have a big tent with lots of room to welcome newcomers from a variety of backgrounds, and we should let anyone glancing our way know that a warm welcome awaits them. Temple Israel will remain a busy place this summer and beyond, and we will continue to offer many ways for current, past, and prospective members to connect with our community.
By the time we are ready for my summer letter for next year-- and on “temple time” that will happen seemingly before we blink-- I have every confidence that we will be a larger, more engaged, and more fulfilled membership working to better our lives, the lives of all in the House of Israel and of people of goodwill everywhere.
My best wishes for a happy, healthy and restful summer go with you!
Lief D. Rosenblatt
