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Congregation Sha'arey Israel

A Conservative Jewish Congregation serving the spiritual needs of the Middle Georgia Jewish community since 1904

611 First Street, Macon, GA 31201
Phone: (478) 745-4571
Email: secretary@csimacon.org

A Message from our President

A Message from our President, Evan “Elmo” Koplin

  • Posted on August 14, 2017
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I hope this article finds everybody having a great summer. While on the outside there may not appear to be a lot going on, on the inside things are extremely busy. The Education Committee, Ritual Committee and Finance Committee have all be hard at work getting thing in order for this coming year. While many Continue Reading »

A Message From Our President, Elmo Koplin

  • Posted on July 10, 2017
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Hope everybody is starting off with a great summer. I appreciate the opportunity to serve the congregation for the coming two years. I was speaking with somebody recently and told them I had previously served as president a couple of years ago. Did not realize it had been 15 years! Getting back involved, it is Continue Reading »

May is here!

  • Posted on May 3, 2017
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May is here!  Another new month and another new edition of the bulletin.  For a “smaller” shul, the calendar of events at CSI is always full!  April had Passover services, a beautifully appropriate and meaningful Yom HaShoah service, two student Confirmations at the last Friday night service and another well attended film night this past Continue Reading »

Passover, Freedom, and Rebirth

  • Posted on April 1, 2017
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Passover commemorates the exodus of the Jews from slavery in Egypt.  Ultimately, it is a celebration of freedom and rebirth.  And while plenty of good food abounds at the Seder table, there are certain dietary requirements or restrictions that are followed as well.  As we celebrate we are also mindful of the bitter tears of Continue Reading »

Happy Purim!

  • Posted on March 1, 2017
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Many years ago, the rabbi who presided over my conversion to Judaism, while seated at his desk leaned forward and looked me squarely in the eyes.  He said, “You do realize you are willingly about to join a group of people that others for eons of time have generally despised throughout history?”  I said yes Continue Reading »

Thoughts for February

  • Posted on February 1, 2017
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            This is a picture of a beautiful Luna Moth who graced the outside of a window in my house one evening.  Most of it’s life is spent as a caterpillar, then in a cocoon, finally emerging as an adult moth.  But it only lives about one week  and doesn’t have a mouth or Continue Reading »

January and a New Year of Goals

  • Posted on January 1, 2017
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            So somewhere between the remaining days of Hanukkah and 2017, the flu “bug” decided to call my body home! Being highly allergic to one of the preservatives in the flu shot I’m unable to receive it. Luckily, I have been fortunate over the years not to catch the virus but once in childhood and Continue Reading »

Hanukkah 2016!

  • Posted on December 1, 2016
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So, almost time for Hanukkah again! A comparatively minor holiday on the Jewish calendar, yet with significance also. It evokes thoughts of lighting the Hanukkiah, enjoying latkes and doughnuts fried in oil, chocolate gelt, gifts, an ancient victory and miracles! When a small band of faithful Jews defeated one of the mightiest armies and drove Continue Reading »

Saying L’Shanah Tovah to 5777

  • Posted on November 1, 2016
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This time of year is filled with endings and new beginnings.   Recently, we said goodbye to a year just passed as we reflected on 5776.  The new Jewish New Year of 5777 arrived and we wished each other well at services with joyous greetings of L’Shanah Tovah!  Simchat Torah, a holiday marking the completion of Continue Reading »

Looking forward to 5777

  • Posted on October 1, 2016
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Well the High Holidays or “Hi Ho’s” as they are affectionally called are upon us once again! There is a flurry of activity at the shul…changing out Torah covers to their Holiday adornments, final edits to the upcoming Directory, updating the Yizkor book, procuring Torah and Haftorah readers, lining up gabbaim, aliyot honors, and security Continue Reading »