Today is December 11, 2024 -

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

From the President, November 2018

How do you even start to write an article with the horrific tragedy we saw unfold this past Shabbat in Pittsburgh? A city
known for its diversity and tolerance where no one would have thought such an event could happen at a Shul.
Much has been written in the past couple of days about this tragedy. We are all stunned and saddened, but I hope we
will refuse to let negativity rule our community. I hope all our members will participate in our joint Community Service
this coming Friday evening November 2, at Temple Beth Israel to stand strong as a community and let all of Middle
Georgia hear that we will not allow any form of hate or terror to rule this community.

As we move into November, we have had a chance to catch our breathes after the High Holidays and it is now time to
get back into full gear with various programs. We have a lot of things lined up.
Our religious school continues to provide diverse programming and amazing learning opportunities for our kids. We are
very fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers who all go the extra mile to provide a phenomenal educational
experience for our kids.

We have the Book Fair running from November 4-11th with a special program on November 4th at 9:45 in the
Chapel. Dylan Dickson, a 10-year-old author, will be coming from Atlanta to talk to our Sunday School students about
the book she wrote when she was 8 years old. Her book, Why Can’t I Read?, is the story of a young girl with challenges
in school, diagnosed with dyslexia, and how she worked to overcome it. Come and meet Dylan and her mom, Jessica!

On November 5th we have Allison Gaudet Yarrow discussing and signing her newly released book, 90s Bitch Media, Culture,
and the Failed Promise of Gender Equality. We are especially excited to have one of our “alumni” back in town to
review her book.

On November 11th at 4:00 pm we will have an Adult Education Movie Night at our house to view the movie GI Jews.
This is an excellent movie which was shown at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival earlier this year. Since November 11th is
Veterans Day, this is a timely movie to review.
As mentioned in previous articles, we will be winding down our Gift Shop and will only handle Jewish Ritual items after
the first of the year. Everything in the Gift Shop is marked down 40%. Please visit the Gift Shop for all your holiday
shopping.

It is really important that we get everybody’s participation in our Annual Fund Drive. If you have not yet made a donation
to our annual drive, please do so.

Lastly, with Thanksgiving coming at the end of the month, take an extra minute to love and hug all your family and
friends. As bad as it may feel at times, we do have a lot to be thankful for living in our Middle Georgia Community.

Evan “Elmo” Koplin