VBI - President's Message

Shalom everyone,

Purim! Purim! What a wonderful time we had that night. It all started with a great dinner that was attended by almost 80 people. Wow! It amazes me that with such little notice for these dinners we have had large turnouts. Thank you to everyone who helped put it together (a monster task in case you aren’t aware of how much work goes into shopping, preparing, setting up and cleaning up for that many people). We didn’t turn anyone away this time but we will have to hold to the cutoff date that we set at future dinners. Please reserve early whenever there is an event requiring reservations of which there are many coming up in the following months.

Anyway, back to the story of Purim. The “shpiel” and the megillah reading went very well and the cast of characters, the reader and the large number of people in attendance made for a raucous evening. If you weren’t there you should make every effort to attend next year. Thank you to all who sent “shalach manot” treats to others; the bags that we made were very nice. We tried to be sure that guests not on anyone’s list did get a bag that night; anyone who did not pick up their bag will receive a letter indicating those that sent a treat to them because the bags are no longer available.

With Purim over you know it is time for Passover which will start on the night of April 10^th. My wish for you is a holiday of fun to celebrate with your family and friends. We’re doing something this year that we haven’t for a long, long time: we’re having a 2^nd seder at the synagogue. Knowing that most of you are joining with others for the first night seder we’re going to prepare a seder for the second night of Passover at the synagogue. The cost is $40 per person and as of this writing we have already 25 people who have signed up. We absolutely MUST (that’s MUST) know by Monday, April 3^rd if you will be attending. We need your money in by that date also (if you make a reservation and do not attend you will still be charged because we are basing our purchases on your promise). Rabbi will be leading the seder from a new hagaddah. Join us in the celebration.

There are many events, many with associated dinners, in the next few months so stay aware of what is going on here at your synagogue. In May besides Mother’s Day, there is the celebration of Lag B’Omer and at the end of the month as we finish counting the omer (beginning on Passover) we have the holiday of Shavuot. I can guess that somewhere in that timeframe we will have another dinner. In early June there is a joint celebration of Mother’s and Father’s Days with the “Mamas and Papas”. Also in the planning stages are a return of the “Big Bands” and a bus trip to San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino. So the beat goes on here at VBI and we have a lot of additional small fund raisers including night-outs at local eateries.

Join us for our daily and Shabbat services as well as holiday celebrations. See you at VBI.  

 

Ron

Ron Trachtenberg
President, VBI Temple