By the time you read this message I will be attending the Union of Reform Judaism Biennial in Toronto, Canada with our Rabbi, Cantor and some of our congregants. We will be joining clergy, Jewish educators, and lay leaders of Reform congregations from across the United States and Canada. We will spend the weekend praying together, studying together and sharing our ideas and love of Judaism.

Workshops will be held on membership, social action, worship, fund raising and finances. At a Biennial, there is something for everyone – small, medium and large congregations…. New ideas, new friends, new networks of support. I have been most fortunate to have attended the last URJ Biennial. The atmosphere of enthusiasm, spirit and commitment was so uplifting that I wanted to bottle it and bring it back to South Windsor. I am especially excited about bringing back ideas from the URJ Biennial that will help us as we get underway with Strategic Planning for Temple Beth Hillel. Stay tuned for all that we will bring back to you this year!

In our first Strategic Planning Committee meeting we addressed a number of ideas. One was how to get our members more involved in Jewish holidays throughout the year. We talked about creating more social activities for the various age groups in our Temple. We discussed ideas for fund raising outside our congregation and how to make our activities more integrated for all Temple members. This is just the beginning of our work.

Have you been wondering what Temple Beth Hillel has planned in celebration of our 50th anniversary? Good question…. Our Hebrew School has some plans underway. Teri Parrot and Marty Seefer will be working on compiling a history of Temple Beth Hillel. At High Holiday Services, Rabbi Glickman asked for your ideas and help. Our Board is looking forward to hearing from YOU! Suggestions so far have included replicating favorite events or activities from years past…. From each generation of Temple Beth Hillel members come special memories and happenings that were a reflection of those unique years. Besides a special Service and a Dinner Dance, how else do we want to celebrate throughout 2009-2010….Our 50th year? We need to hear from YOU! Please call me or any of our Board Members or Karen.

Stanley J. Goldberg
President