It was just a few months ago I wrote about waiting until the High Holy Days were over and then we would get to everything! Everything is here and the fast pace at Temple Sinai is not slowing down! There is so much going on, so get out your calendars!
First and foremost, Temple Sinai’s leaders and board wish you all a very special Happy Chanukah! Please join us as we celebrate together with our community Chanukah service on December 27. The festivities begin with our Tot Shabbat Service at 5:30 pm. We hope you will then join all of the families and young children for a potluck dinner at 6. I have heard a rumor that there will be mountains of latkes. My mouth is watering already! Our main service begins at 7:30. We will all light the candles together, so be sure to bring your menorahs and at least 7 candles.
On Sunday, January 26, at 10:15 am, the Temple Sinai Board will hold our annual Mid Year Membership Forum. There, we will share the details of our finances and strategic goals. We are also very interested in hearing from you all on how you think we are doing and would love to answer any questions, concerns, or any feedback you might have for us.
If you have not already done so, mark your calendars for our Introduction to Judaism class. You might be thinking, “Nah, I already know everything!” But, do you really know…everything? There’s only one way to know for sure. Beginning February 4 through April 28, from 7-9 pm, the Rabbis and a few special guest teachers will enlighten us with some very important teachings.
One final note, and no, it is not for your calendars. We have made some changes to our donation envelopes. If you want to donate to Temple Sinai and aren’t sure what it will be used for, here is a breakdown of our funds.
- General Fund – This account supports the general operations of Temple Sinai and allows the Board to direct it to the areas that it feels need it the most.
- Capital Fund – This account supports capital improvements to the synagogue and the Temple property.
- Cemetery Fund – This account supports the maintenance of the Hebrew cemetery.
- Community Education Fund – This account supports community-wide programs and events.
- Emergency Reserve Fund – This money is reserved for the Board to use when large, unexpected expenses arise.
- Jewish Practice Fund – This account supports the needs of the Jewish Practice Committee, including the sanctuary and religious supplies, as well as holiday celebrations like Chanukah, Purim, and Passover.
- Library Fund – The account supports the needs of the Sinai library.
- Maintenance Fund – This account supports the maintenance of our building and grounds, as well as security, like that provided during the High Holy Days.
- Marsha Cohen Memorial Fund for Jewish Education – This account supports Jewish learning, as well as providing scholarships for needy Sinai School students.
- Oneg Fund – This account supports the cost of Oneg food and drink, as well as kitchen supplies.
- Rabbis’ Discretionary Fund – This account supports our Rabbis’ tzedakah efforts.
The next time you make a donation, if you have a preference, please let us know how you would like us to use your donation. If you are still not sure or have other ideas, please feel free to speak with our CFO Jay Goldberg and I know he will point you in the right direction. Thank you for your continued support of Temple Sinai.
Chag Sameach!
Michael