My Facebook feed has been filled this week with first day of school pictures. What a beautiful way to mark how fast kids grow! As we look forward to a new year of Sinai School here at T.S., I am very happy that with Beth Slamowitz at its helm, the Familyhood Committee is planning some wonderful programing and meeting for the first time this at 6:00 p.m., this Monday night, August 14th in the Temple Sinai Library. All parents are welcome! We are also pleased to publish the Sinai School calendar for the year, here. Parents, please note that the first day of Sinai School is Sunday, September 10 this year. While the start date is two weeks later than in the past, we have removed some of the breaks for long weekends and we will have four more regular days of Sinai School this year than we had last year. The deadline for registering for Sinai School is August 30th! Please register your child/ren today!

With Marilyn Roberts at the helm of Jewish Practice, we are also planning a wonderful High Holy Days this year. Please see below or here for the schedule, and note that the Slichot Service this year will utilize the new Mishkan HaLev siddur for Slichot from the CCAR Press. Slichot is a service on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah that begins in earnest our personal, spiritual reflection and repentance and prepares the congregation for High Holy Days by switching out the Torah mantles. Please read here for more information. If you’ve never come to Slichot services before, please join us beginning with havdallah at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16th in the sanctuary.

Please email me at rabbibair@sinaireno.org if you are interested in joining the High Holy Day Choir this year. Rehearsal dates will be announced shortly, and we want to know if you plan to join us (once again or newly).

Finally, I want to say a special thank you to everyone who showed up to support Carol at Herb Pevney’s Unveiling yesterday, over thirty people. It was a beautiful example of what we learn in this week’s Torah portion, Eikev: “Now Oh Israel, what does God ask of you? …To love Him, and to serve Adonai, your God, with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deut. 10:12) Deeds of compassion and support to others in our community are a beautiful manifestation of our love for God and our deep respect for one another.

Shalom uv’racha,
Rabbi Bair