Dear Members,
The past few months have been a time of
re-assessing and learning for all of us here at Beth Radom. What we have
learned is the importance of keeping you all updated and in the loop about the
goings on here at shul and that is why I am writing to you today.
As of Friday, February 8th, Rabbi
Schonblum will be commencing a sabbatical which will continue for the duration
of his contract. The past few months have been difficult and have taken their
toll on everyone in our community. For this reason we have come to a mutual
agreement with him that a sabbatical for the remainder of his contract is the
best solution for everyone involved. We wish Rabbi Schonblum and his family the
very best of good health, happiness and success in his future endeavours.
We want to assure all members of our
congregation that Cantor Rosen, along with many of our lay leaders, have made
commitments to us to ensure that all services, events and simchas will continue
at the shul uninterrupted. You will continue to have a place and a community
with whom to worship, celebrate and, G-d forbid, turn to in a time of crisis. For
any life cycle event or emergency, please contact the shul office so that we
can be there for you when you need us. We also want to reassure you that our
tradition of beautiful and meaningful High Holiday Services will continue and
that we will ensure that we have a Rabbi in place to lead and enrich our
services.
It is now time for us all to move forward
and get busy with the important and sacred task of rebuilding and healing our
community. Since December, the Transition Task Force has been hard at work
ironing out a structure and a strategic plan to move forward in a way that will
ensure the highest level of participation from all members of the congregation.
On Wednesday March 6th
at 6:30PM, the Task Force will hold its first Town Hall meeting where
they will unveil their plan and show you the various ways that you can get
involved. We urge you to attend and to get involved in whatever way suits your
schedule and skills best.
As difficult as this has all been, we all
know of many synagogues that have gone through similar times of upheaval and
hardship and have not only survived, but thrived as a result. We can draw
inspiration from the founders of our congregation as people who not only
survived much greater hardships, but who healed and moved on to create vibrant
and meaningful lives for themselves and their community. Beth Radom will recover
from this difficult time, and with your help and continued involvement, I know
that we can work together to create a synagogue that not only meets, but
surpasses the expectations and needs of all members.
I hope to see you in costume on February 23rd
when we will celebrate Purim together with a Megillah reading at 7:00PM
followed by our annual D-J and dancing Purim Party. Don’t forget to order your Mishloach Manot
before February 16th !
Sincerely,
Henry Icyk,
President,
Beth Radom
Congregation
