President’s Message

‍ As we enter the month of April, we find ourselves on the threshold of one of the most meaningful and unifying moments in Jewish life—Passover. It is a time when we gather around our tables, tell our story, and reconnect with the enduring values of freedom, responsibility, and community.‍ ‍

At Sinai, we have our own stories of values, responsibilities, and community to tell. In the coming months I’d like to hear what Sinai means to you and how it enriches your life. This idea of sharing our Sinai stories resulted from our January Board of Director retreat. Telling our stories will be meaningful for us to share with one another but also serves as a connecting message to those considering membership here.‍ ‍

Speaking of our congregation and board of directors, mark your calendar for the congregational meeting to elect a new slate of leaders, a state of the synagogue address, and other business on Sunday, May 17, at 10:30 a.m. This will be a Zoom meeting only, and a link will be sent closer to the date.‍ ‍

The vice president’s spot remains open, and two people have completed their director rotations. It’s time for you to step up and have a say in how things are done around here. Contact Dan New, Dan Gezelter, or Susan Blum of the nominating committee by April 10. ‍ ‍

I know you’ve been inundated with various Sinai emails. That probably won’t change much before summer, because we just have a lot going on. I urge you to register for our Community Chat on WhatsApp. It doesn’t clog up your emails and is an immediate way to get Sinai news and to communicate with fellow members. Try it and get in on the WhatsApp action.‍ ‍

Many of those emails have been in relation to our rabbi search. We must remain patient as the process unfolds. You will be informed once a decision has been made.‍ ‍

I commend so many of you who showed up in March! Our attendance numbers were terrific as we welcomed the rabbinical candidates. On average, we recorded 80-some Jews in the pews for Shabbat services (not including those on Zoom who weren’t counted) and nearly 50 people between Zoom and in-person for the Sunday educational programs. ‍ ‍

All those who assisted in the kitchen to sponsor, prepare, serve, and clean up Kiddush lunches and the Sunday brunches – THANK YOU! Donna Richter (the blintze soufflé was a huge hit) and Betsy Rossow deserve a special shoutout for their unwavering commitment and constant coordination over three very demanding weeks. That’s why they lead Sisterhood!‍ ‍

Likewise, we would not have had the kind of success in attracting qualified candidates to Sinai without the time and expertise provided by the search committee members: Sarah Nerenberg, Harvey Weingarten, Irv Rosenberg, Katie Berlent, Sara Marcus, and Megan New. They all deserve our appreciation for their ongoing contributions.

At the risk of leaving out someone, I also want to thank the following members for all they did to welcome the candidates to Sinai and make their visits to South Bend special.‍ ‍

HOSTS

Michael Friedland and Lizzie Fagen

Alan and Terry Feldbaum

Rob and Sarah Nerenberg

SHABBAT DINNERS

Andrew Jones and Steffi Decker

Alan and Terry Feldbaum

Richard and Judy Wein

HAVDALAH AND SATURDAY NIGHTS

Steven Richter and Katie Berlent

Sarah Feldbaum and the Federation Next Gens

Allen Stenberg

Nikki Lipschultz

Max Chapnick

Julia Davidovitz

Max Kirsch

Josh Reynaud

Larissa Hertzberg 

Andrew Hertzberg

Daniel Feldbaum

Melanie Feldbaum

Natalie Gilbert

MISCELLANEOUS

Alan Brown & Tammie Blackman Brown – air fares

Irv and Ina Rosenberg – two candidate lunches and miscellaneous transpo expenses

Megan New & Katie Berlent – one candidate lunch

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Our next major congregational push is Rabbi Friedland’s retirement event. The party starts at 5:30 p.m., Sunday, May 31. Event information and registration is at  https://givebutter.com/wbKMEn‍ ‍

More importantly, Rabbi Friedland encouraged us to use his retirement event to raise needed funds for Sinai. Your donations will honor his legacy of Jewish learning and community service. When asked, please give at least as much as you do for the Yom Kippur Appeal, preferably more.‍ ‍

In addition to monetary contributions, we are asking for photos you have of Rabbi Friedland and his family throughout the years at weddings, holidays, informal events, or simply candid pictures. We’re also looking for photos of his Bar and Bat Mitzvah students studying with or celebrating with Rabbi. Tell your friends and relatives who may no longer be Sinai members. Upload all such photos to https://www.dropbox.com/request/zHJtnhkJjfZ3v6FhqZAS‍ ‍

Furthermore, the event planning committee asks you to tell RMF what he means to you and how he has affected your life. Think about it and record a video at https://www.tribute.co/rabbi-michael-friedland/‍ ‍

There you can also share more photos of you and Reb Michael and post the video so he can cherish seeing and hearing you in his retirement dotage! The deadline to share your thoughts with Rabbi and for photo uploads is April 30. ‍ ‍

(The links above don’t work in print. Contact the office for help in connecting)‍ ‍

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish you and your families a joyful and meaningful Passover. May this season bring renewal, connection, and peace to your homes and to our entire Sinai family.‍ ‍

Chag Pesach Sameach. See you at shul.

‍ ‍

Will Turbow

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