Shalom
everyone and Happy Hanukkah,
Lots to
report on so hold onto your seats. As many of you know we celebrate an
interfaith service on the Monday before Thanksgiving. This year was the 22nd
annual edition and I am so pleased with the turnout from Valley Beth Israel. We
were well represented by both members and their friends. A joint choir composed
of Valley Beth Israel, Panorama Presbyterian Church and embellished by a large
group of students from the Mission College chorus provided some rich melodies
to the program. The clergy from the three religious institutions were the
highlight of the evening. Next year we will be the host for the service.
Remember the religious school program and Men’s club “latke feast” on December 18th. Hanukkah begins on the night of December 24th. Happy holidays from Mona and I and our family. See you at the temple.
Ron
Lots to
report on so hold onto your seats. As many of you know we celebrate an
interfaith service on the Monday before Thanksgiving. This year was the 22nd
annual edition and I am so pleased with the turnout from Valley Beth Israel. We
were well represented by both members and their friends. A joint choir composed
of Valley Beth Israel, Panorama Presbyterian Church and embellished by a large
group of students from the Mission College chorus provided some rich melodies
to the program. The clergy from the three religious institutions were the
highlight of the evening. Next year we will be the host for the service.
I hope
everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with either family and/or friends
or maybe both. Mona and I had been in Big Bear the week before (unchaperoned)
and had a fantastically relaxing time. Thanks to all of you for not calling
while we were away.
Once we
returned I would like to report that everything was back to normal; but that
was far from the case as I was awakened on the morning of November 22nd
at approximately 5 a.m. informing me that there was no water pressure at the
synagogue. In fact there was no water period. During the night somebody was
able to turn off the main water line from the street and then cut/remove
(steal) ten feet of 2½-inch copper pipe along with a 75-pound valve and other
associated hardware. $4500 later we were in operation again. Insurance may
cover some of the loss but with the holidays we haven’t been able to check it
all out. Never a dull moment.
Let’s talk
about some positive things as we continue to forge ahead. You should have
received a billing for your High Holiday pledges and we appreciate your rapid
response in paying them. If you did not receive yours please let the office
know. We can correct the amount by either raising or lowering what you were
billed. If you have discretionary income that you don’t know what to do with
think of your synagogue, Valley Beth Israel. Billings for your membership dues
are being prepared as I am writing this message so expect to see them soon.
We are
working hard to get the yahrzeit information into each newsletter. As I’ve
reported more than once before the computer that contains all the family
information does not spit it out in printed form including the yahrzeit letters
you have received in the past. Until we get a new program and input all the
data we have, probably at a cost of $3000 - $4000, Judy in the office has to
painstakingly go through pages of names to generate the yahrzeit list you find
in each newsletter. Since you’re not getting the notice by mail with the pink
envelope the synagogue loses out on the donations that you used to make. Help
us by sending in contributions in memory of your loved ones. Remember the religious school program and Men’s club “latke feast” on December 18th. Hanukkah begins on the night of December 24th. Happy holidays from Mona and I and our family. See you at the temple.
Ron Trachtenberg
VBI President
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