President’s Message
As expected, summer was not idle. Steve Lotter is our new vice president! And Dan Cossman is now our financial secretary. Thanks, guys!
Summer did fly by especially fast. Fall is approaching particularly early, and the grains of sand seem to slip through my fingers ever faster.
Rosh Hashanah starts 11 days earlier than last year. A short Erev Rosh Hoshana service will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11; you’ll be home in time for dinner with family and friends.
By now, you should have already received your High Holiday service assignments from the Honors Committee. Let Jeff New know ASAP if you can’t serve.
We observe two full days of services starting at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, including Tashlikh at 5:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon at Howard Park. Bring the kids and dogs!
Kol Nidre service starts on Sunday, September 20, at 7:00 p.m. Yom Kippur services resume the next morning at 9:30 a.m. Call Julie and RSVP for our break the fast meal.
The board of directors’ overarching concern as we enter the High Holiday period this year is Making Security a Habit. It’s not just about the antisemitism out there and bad guys getting in here. It’s about knowing what to do in any emergency, whether it be fire, medical, or weather related.
Familiarize yourself with the location of fire extinguishers and exit doors in case of fire, where to go if a tornado hits while you’re praying, or how to get your hands on a first aid kit.
If an intruder invades our space, run and hide behind a locked door with the Hebrew letter posted by it. Stay low, silent, and out of sight. In every safe space, there is something – a golf club, a pillowcase with rocks, a kitchen pan, etc. Fight hard with all you’ve got!
Remember that we have armed security professionals. Look to them first for directions and follow their lead. Several members of our board of directors sat in on SCN webinars for the holidays, and our August board meeting was devoted to safety awareness. Teachers have also been instructed and will lead your children to safety in the event of an emergency.
Feel your “Spidey Sense,” that tingling sensation when danger seems imminent. If you tingle, then give an authority a jingle! That’s the mindset for shul and anywhere you go.
From my family to yours, we wish you a sweet and peaceful new year filled with light and love, prosperity and good health.
L’shanah tovah tikateyvu u’tikhateymu.
Will Turbow