President’s Message

As you read this, High Holy Day preparations are nearing completion! There’s a lot to be done before congregants arrive at the synagogue on Erev Rosh Hashanah, and so planning begins 4-5 months before that evening.

Rabbi Eligberg considers what topics to explore in his sermons, and he reviews the service with our High Holy Day cantor; this year we welcome Cantor Henrique Ozur-Bass. Rabbi Eligberg works with Tess Goldblatt, our Jane Fairman Director of Congregational Learning, on the new Religious School year and our new curriculum, ShalomLearning, so that our teachers have the very best support as they work with our students.

The Sisterhood Coordinating Committee makes plans for our Rosh Hashanah Oneg that we all enjoy, asking volunteers to prepare the treats that we all look forward to and also wraps up the production and distribution of the New Year’s Greeting Book. The Ritual Committee coordinates the honors to be assigned for each service throughout the High Holy Day season and makes sure that all Torah and Haftarah portions are assigned. Tess works with our teachers to develop High Holy Day programming for our students that is appropriate and meaningful for each age level. Our Social Action committee coordinates our involvement in Operation Isaiah, the Conservative Movement’s food drive in which RST has participated for many years, reminding us of the ways in which we can help provide food for those who do not have enough. And the Men’s Club discusses the details of how the sukkah will be set up for another year and works with our Security Committee in making sure that our building is secure as we are
gathered in prayer and contemplation.

In the office, our administrator, Radie Maye, assisted by Robin Levy, works with the Vice President for Buildings and Grounds, to make sure carpets are cleaned, windows are washed, and our grounds are looking their best. Radie also coordinates with Donald Goddard, our long-time custodian, in making sure that our flexible space is prepared for the many congregants who will be present for services, and she coordinates with Richard and Evelyn Mason, our long-time chefs, in preparing for the Break-the-Fast following the end of Yom Kippur. Radie also prepares the Yizkor booklet that is on our seats on Yom Kippur morning, handles the ordering of the lulov and etrog sets for Sukkot, and makes sure we have plenty of Simchat Torah flags…in between all the regular things that she does to keep our congregation running smoothly.

At the same time, the finishing touches for our Hinei Ma Tov campaign are being completed, reminding our members and guests about all of the wonderful and meaningful things we do as a community and why supporting our campaign is so important for the future of Rodef Sholom Temple.

There are many more people who help with our High Holy Day preparations, and I apologize that I cannot list everyone. A glance through the pages of the New Year’s Greeting Book will remind you of those who, day in and day out, are involved with making sure the congregation is active and vibrant. It truly takes all of us to make Rodef Sholom Temple the very best it can be.

Tsvi and I, and our entire family, wish everyone Shana Tova u’Metukah: A good and sweet year, filled with happiness and peace.

Martha Katz-Hyman
President