I am still in awe at the accomplishments that we, as a Jewish Community, have demonstrated — especially during the nonstop pandemic. When they say it takes a community… it’s absolutely true. The hard work and dedication have proven that nothing that can keep us down, not even a pandemic. We were very successful in […]
Your Creativity – Your Congregation
Dear Friends, There are so many things that are unique and different about the times we are living in. One such thing that we seldom mention is that this is a time of great creativity and openness to new ideas. The combination of technology and need means that our options for activities during quarantine have […]
High Holy Day 5781 Thank Yous
Our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped to make our recent High Holy Day celebrations such an amazing success. Most of these names have been mentioned before, but these contributions of time and talent from Sinai members definitely bear repeating. Thanks to Marilyn Roberts and the Jewish Practice Committee for organizing the High Holy Day […]
Thank you from the Caring Committee
During our Zoom Caring Committee meeting in July, we decided to do a small gift of an apple and honey stick for each of our member/family units as a sweet outreach to our beloved congregation. Judy and Gary Schumer researched and purchased gift bags, “Shanah Tovah from Temple Sinai” stickers, and honey sticks. We then […]
Adding Thanks
Dear Friends: On certain holidays, we add special prayers of thanks into our liturgy. These “hoda’ah inserts” are part of Sukkot and Simchat Torah, Purim, and Chanukah, among other times. Somehow, considering how many thanks we have, perhaps we need a post-virtual-HHD hoda’ah insert. Maybe: “Thank you, everyone, who participated, contributed, logged in, offered words […]
Jacks of All Trades
Dear Friends, I have a fondness for what most people call useless knowledge. Random facts, esoterica, trivia, I love it all. But I often quip that it is only useless, until you find a way to use it. Part of what attracted me to the rabbinate was that I might be able to employ some […]
Soul Searching
At the start of the pandemic, I was optimistic that this would be here and gone in just a few weeks. It was exciting to be at home more with the family at first and was nice to get a lot done around the house. As some of you know, besides my position here at […]
Decisions…
There are definitely many overwhelming thoughts and ideas — covering a broad perspective, and from all our members — on whether to open Temple Sinai for regular services and events, continue to stay closed, or ease into a phased approach toward opening as our great State of Nevada is doing. Even if we were to […]
When I Turn
I don’t turn my back on the congregation very often, but when I do, it is in prayers like the Barechu or the Amidah. And when I am not facing you, I see the ark, crafted by a congregant, now of blessed memory. I see the woodwork, refinished and polished by volunteers last fall. And […]
We are the Board
Last month, at our Annual Meeting we voted on a slate of nominations for Temple Board Members at Large. I am happy to share the results with you. For this next fiscal year, I want to welcome back: Tova McGilvray, Sarah Friedman, Jeremy Gelman, Evangelyna Thurman-Silva, and I would like to welcome the newest elected […]