Well, we’re making progress with the
newsletter! The online version is just fine and any difficulties in it are a
result of those of us who have challenges getting our articles in on time.
Candice Clark may not have expected to do quite as much work in putting this
newsletter together, but she has produced a really great finished product. She
just doesn’t take what is sent to her, she actually reads and researches many
of the articles to check accuracy. The professional newsletter that you are
receiving is the result of a lot of hard work. Thank you Candice. The February newsletter was downloaded and
printed for those congregants who are unable to use an electronic format. We mailed a dozen of them but we need to
confirm who needs a hard copy since we will not be bulk mailing them to over 200
people as we did in the past. If you need one, please stop by the synagogue to
pick one up or let the office know that you wish to receive it by mail. The
cost to mail the February newsletter was 70 cents each but the cost of
reproducing them in color cost the synagogue approximately 11 cents per page –
it adds up quickly. We want everyone to get the information contained in the
newsletter whether online or mailed but understand that it does cost the
synagogue in time and money. My thanks to Judy our office manager for editing
some of the online pages to fit into the format for mailing.
Last month we celebrated Tu B’Shevat
with a seder, a dairy dinner and then the Friday night service. It was a
wonderful evening with approximately 60 people in attendance. It seems as
though everyone really enjoyed the seder and dinner. The few people that set
up, prepare and clean up for an event such as this deserve a hearty “yasher
koach”. It couldn’t be done without your dedication and hard work.
This month we celebrate Purim. That means another exciting evening! As we did for Tu B’Shevat, we will start with dinner (as of this writing it will be Israeli-themed). We encourage you to come in costume (children and adults)! Dinner will be followed by our annual Purim “schpiel” as we act out the megillah story of Esther, Mordecai and Haman led by none other than Rabbi Mark as Haman. See if your costume can fool your fellow congregants. I’m always asked if Rhonda (my identical twin sister!?) will be coming in from wherever she lives to play the part of Queen Esther. Who knows? Come and see. This event is on March 11th-a Saturday night. Be sure to get your reservations for the dinner in right away (see our flyer in this newsletter or call the office).
Now let me give you a short synopsis of what else is coming to VBI during the next few months. Along with Purim is the giving of “shalach manot” to family and friends. An order form to purchase a bag is included in this newsletter so please fill it out and return it to the office by March 5th. You can add additional names either at the bottom or on elsewhere on the form. At the end of the month on March 26th, will be the return of of Rabbi Mark starring in the opera “Don Giovanni”. The cost is very reasonable and you will be helping your synagogue as this is one of the few fundraisers that we hold. Make note of the date and get your family and friends together for a wonderful time. Finally, in April we are looking at holding a VBI seder for the 2nd night of Passover. This event – should there be sufficient interest, will be held on April 11th. Please contact Judy in the office if you would like to attend.
Our prayer
for rain during the winter season has been extremely successful this year. Who
knew? The synagogue has fared pretty well but we did have a number of small
leaks in both the sanctuary and social hall as the heavy winds along with the
pelting rain found its way into the air conditioning vents. We’ve known of the
leaks in the past; it’s just that we haven’t had much rain for a while. The bad
weather has affected attendance at services since most people don’t want to be
out on the streets. On Friday night the 17th we canceled services
which became a great idea because the rain coming down at that time would have
been treacherous to be out driving around. Saturday morning we only had 8
people in attendance and consequently we were not able to have services then
either. So we hope that as the weather improves so will your attendance at
services.
I hope to
see you at the synagogue. Be well.
Ron
