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# Congregation Sha'arey Israel

Virbrant Jewish Life in Macon, GA

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.csimacon.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Reflecting on February and Looking Forward to March](https://www.csimacon.org/reflecting-on-february-and-looking-forward-to-march/) - It's hard to believe it's already March. February was a wonderful month celebrating triple Bat Mitzvahs with the Brown family, and March plans to be equally busy and happy. We are looking forward to celebrating with Ed and Diane Vogel to show our appreciation for their many years and dedication to our congregation. We will
- [Thinking about Tangibles before Shabbat of Ki Tessa](https://www.csimacon.org/thinking-about-tangibles-before-shabbat-of-ki-tessa/) - I write these words shortly before the Shabbat of Ki Tissa, the portion which describes the drama of the Golden Calf and Moses smashing the Tablets he had just brought down from Mount Sinai. What might we take home from this powerful and challenging story? When I revisit this text each year, this story also
- [January and February - The Not So Quiet Months](https://www.csimacon.org/january-and-february-the-not-so-quiet-months/) - January is supposed to be a quiet month for activities, but not at CSI! We have had a busy start to 2024. This past weekend was wonderful with a great Friday night service followed by a Shabbat dinner. Both were well attended, as was the service on Saturday morning and our Havdalah and a movie
- [What's Happening in Shul These Days?](https://www.csimacon.org/whats-happening-in-shul-these-days/) - Well, this past Shabbat evening featured a tasty dinner! Shlepping down from Americus — Laurel and two wonderful students. We ushered out Shabbat with a havdallah and a thought-provoking film, Golda. Those events unfolded for me as a yeshiva lad in 9th grade. Seen through a post-October 7 lens, those events are so hauntingly relevant
- [Coming Back From Winter Break](https://www.csimacon.org/coming-back-from-winter-break/) - We hope everyone had a good winter break and enjoyed time off with their families. We want to wish a continued recovery to Rabbi Rubinstein who was under the weather this past week. Glad you are on the mend and hopefully feeling well soon. We also suffered a very sad loss to our Congregation with
- [Homework](https://www.csimacon.org/homework/) - Greetings from quarantine! It was 12/25 when the 2nd line quickly showed up on my test (Sharona also tested positive shortly thereafter), and one of the well-known lessons … you know, the one about people making plans and God laughing… smacked me upside the head. Great line within Psalm 30, part of the daily prayers:
- [Reflecting on Thanksgiving](https://www.csimacon.org/reflecting-on-thanksgiving/) - We hope everyone had a good holiday of Thanksgiving this past month. This holiday gives everyone the chance to take the time and think of all the things that they are thankful for. Both of us are thankful for our family and friends, and all of our Congregation here at CSI. We are very fortunate
- [Greetings from Los Angeles](https://www.csimacon.org/greetings-from-los-angeles/) - Greetings from Los Angeles — we’re heading back home to Macon today (11/28)! I hope everyone enjoyed a warm and uplifting Thanksgiving break. I thought I’d share a thought with you in the few minutes before all the hectic pre-flight craziness kicks in… This idea, strictly speaking, isn’t an Israel-related post. Of course, Israel is
- [The First of the High Holidays Are Behind Us](https://www.csimacon.org/the-first-of-the-high-holidays-are-behind-us/) - The First of the High Holidays are behind us as we look toward the fun, great food, companionship, and comradery that Sukkot and Simchat Torah bring with all the Sukkah Hops this week and Simchat Torah Family night. We have been blessed to continue to share the creativity on the part of the Rabbi and
- [Sukkot Joy — Yesterday (Oct 1) at Shul…](https://www.csimacon.org/sukkot-joy-yesterday-oct-1-at-shul/) - So, I just have to tell you about yesterday at shul. For the Rubinstein crew, there were two seemingly separate programs: I was leading the davenning, and Sharona was teaching Sunday school. Zohar, as always, was most helpful cranking up zoom. Truth be told, I was doubtful about a minyan coming together on the 2nd
- [The High Holidays Are Coming!](https://www.csimacon.org/the-high-holidays-are-coming-3/) - The High Holidays are coming! Some of us say they have snuck up on us. If we were really truthful, we would say we just were not paying attention and time has gotten away from us. Sunday School and Hebrew School will be back in full swing beginning on the 10th ! We want to
- [Who are We?](https://www.csimacon.org/who-are-we/) - The new year 5784 will soon begin, and every time we head into this turn, I’m struck by how profoundly different the Jewish New Year celebrations are from the atmosphere surrounding December 31 giving way to January 1. The countdown, followed by an explosion of fireworks, the televised scenes of revelers worldwide could not be
- [A Message From the Co-Presidents](https://www.csimacon.org/a-message-from-the-co-presidents/) - Summer has just flown by! It hardly seems that school has been out almost two months and our vacation is almost over. Sunday School and Hebrew will be starting back soon and our great BOE has been busy planning for a fabulous year. The High Holidays are just around the corner, and we wanted to
- [Bringing the Magic Home](https://www.csimacon.org/bringing-the-magic-home/) - Shalom, As I write these words, July is handing off to August. It’s still pretty hot and humid (I still can’t wrap my mind around school starting up at the start of August!). The big buses picked up the 2nd session campers and headed home. This summer, I had the opportunity to briefly visit up
- [June and the Second Year of my Term](https://www.csimacon.org/june-and-the-second-year-of-my-term/) - I cannot believe June is here, and the second year of my term has just flown by! I find myself thinking back about this past year and wondering where the time has gone. This coming year, CSI is trying something new! We are going to have co-presidents. I will be serving with Jan Lewis, and
- [Mountaintop View](https://www.csimacon.org/mountaintop-view/) - As I write these words, it’s the last Wednesday in May, just a few days past Shavuot. Today, I drove up to Ramah Darom in the mountains above Clayton, Georgia. Staff week is starting… soon hundreds of campers will be here — I think this is summer # 26 or 27. Flashback to a bus-ride
- [April Showers Bring May Flowers](https://www.csimacon.org/april-showers-bring-may-flowers/) - I guess the old adage about April showers bringing May flowers is true. I hope we all take time to enjoy all the beautiful flowers and trees all over Macon and especially at our own CSI. A special thank you to Laura and David Ilan for the beautiful daffodil bed gracing our corner of First
- [Counting Days, Taking Note](https://www.csimacon.org/counting-days-taking-note/) - Just a few days ago, we passed the half-way point between Passover and Shavuot. There’s a 49-day bridge connecting these important holidays. In ancient Temple times, the Omer rituals expressed the gratitude of the farmer who brought a measure of barley for the Kohen, who would wave this offering before God. All of that symbolism
- [March Winding Down](https://www.csimacon.org/march-winding-down/) - As I write my article, March is winding down. Thank you to all who helped make minyan for saying Kaddish at the Shiva minyans for Anne Bayme. We will miss her greatly. Our thoughts and memories are with the entire Bayme, Brown, and Burke families and extended relatives. Passover is on the horizon. I hope
- [Thinking About Freedom](https://www.csimacon.org/thinking-about-freedom/) - Once again Passover is right around the corner — clean-up, cooking, shopping, guest-lists, fretting over various logistics, you know the drill — it’s a lot. It’s also easy to get lost in all these details and to lose sight of the holiday’s powerful ideas that continue to challenge us. Last Shabbat evening in shul, I
- [Purim is just around the corner](https://www.csimacon.org/purim-is-just-around-the-corner/) - Purim is just around the corner and do we have a special program and meal planned for you! Our Purim family night will start off with dinner celebrating various counties of POLKA dancing and music cuisine. Our fun will not end there since the Purim Sphiel is sure to entertain and have everyone laughing as
- [Leading into Purim…But seriously, folks…](https://www.csimacon.org/leading-into-purimbut-seriously-folks/) - As I write these words, Purim is just a few days ahead. The choir has run through the shpiel, the festive Erev Purim meal is being prepared by our wonderful kitchen crew, the social hall and sanctuary will be decorated — big fun for all. And, in case we needed any fresh reminders, the villain
- [2023 Off To A Great Start!](https://www.csimacon.org/2023-off-to-a-great-start/) - Well, the year 2023 is off to a busy start. Last month, we were able to celebrate Micah’s Bar Mitzvah with the entire Cornelius family and friends. Micah did a wonderful job! February will be another busy month with this weekend coming up and the Religious School learning about Tu B’Shevat. Take the time to
- [A Minor Holiday That Really is Important - Earth Day](https://www.csimacon.org/a-minor-holiday-that-really-is-important-earth-day/) - This coming Monday marks the fifteenth day of Sh'vat, new year of the trees. We learn this from Talmud — this day is one of four different new-year markings. The Torah contains several laws relating to the produce of Eretz Yisrael, and for farmers as well as consumers in Israel, these laws are relevant. For
- [January's Busy Plans](https://www.csimacon.org/januarys-busy-plans/) - I hope everyone had a good winter break. Services were well attended in person and on zoom while the Rabbi and Sharona were gone for a much-needed vacation. Thank you to all who made the services possible - Jeff Lehman, Zohar Rubinstein, and Micah Cornelius - as well as all the participants. January plans to
- [View From The Edge](https://www.csimacon.org/view-from-the-edge/) - Over the years I’ve been fortunate to visit close friends who live in the Marais, the old Jewish quarter in Paris (roughly akin to the lower East Side of NYC; most of the Jews in Paris now live in the 17th arrondissement). Since I don’t know any French, I find myself approaching everything with Beginner’s
- [Looking Forward to Hannukah and the New Year](https://www.csimacon.org/looking-forward-to-hannukah-and-the-new-year/) - I hope everyone had a good holiday of Thanksgiving this past month. I know that the time away from Macon gave me a chance to take the time to think of all the things I was thankful for. I am thankful for my family and friends and all that I have and am able to
- [Shining a Light in the Dark](https://www.csimacon.org/shining-a-light-in-the-dark/) - Over the years, Jews have gone back and forth about the festival of Hanukkah: Are we elevating a minor league holiday because of Christmas envy? It’s way past time to put this worn-out trope to rest. The rabbis of the Talmud instructed us to light candles, the candles for the sake of ‘publicizing the miracle.’
- [High Holidays, Condolences, and the Resumption of Religious School](https://www.csimacon.org/holidays-condolences-boe/) - The High Holidays are behind us as well as Sukkot and Simchat Torah. We also were able to celebrate a wonderful simcha with the Hutten family at Lilah’s Bat Mitzvah. It truly was an enchanted evening. I want to offer a big thank you to the Rabbi, Sharona, Zohar, and all of the volunteers who
- [What's in a Name?](https://www.csimacon.org/whats-in-a-name/) - As I write these words the holiday season has passed and the Jewish calendar rocks along with the work week and Shabbat for a while. While this month is called Heshvan there’s an old tradition of calling this month MarHeshvan, which literally means “bitter Heshvan” — not a very nice thing to call this month!
- [First of the High Holidays are behind us](https://www.csimacon.org/first-of-the-high-holidays-are-behind-us/) - The First of the High Holidays are behind us as we look toward to the solemnity of Yom Kippur and the fun, great food, companionship, and comradery that Sukkot and Simchat Torah bring. We have been very fortunate this year that we are able to be together to have these services in person. Additionally, we
- [The High Holidays Are Coming!](https://www.csimacon.org/the-high-holidays-are-coming-2/) - It seems that summer was just starting and now the High Holidays are coming! All of this in a blink of the eye! We are all looking forward to in-person services for the High Holidays, but zoom will also be available for those not able to attend in person for whatever reason. I just am
- [Today](https://www.csimacon.org/today/) - The word I want to share and dig into with you is Today. On the surface, all the word conveys is the unfolding conversation or scene that is occurring in the present — So, I’ll tell you that as I write these words, it’s a cool (72 degrees!) Thursday morning, and I’m gratefully soaking in
- [Finishing the Summer](https://www.csimacon.org/finishing-summer/) - Seems like yesterday we were finishing religious school for the year and summer was something to look forward too! Now school is starting soon, and we are preparing for another great school year at CSI. It has been challenging these past two years since the pandemic began, we worked hard last year to bring things
- [How Do We Meaningfully Connect to Tragedies from Antiquity?](https://www.csimacon.org/how-do-we-meaningfully-connect-to-tragedies-from-antiquity/) - For me, August holds the sadness of Tisha B'Av, the fast day commemorating the destruction of both Temples (the first, by the Babylonians, the second by the Romans), as well as a host of tragedies that befell our people long ago. Spending summers in Jewish summer camps, there were lessons to be learned, lessons to
- [June is Here!](https://www.csimacon.org/june-is-here/) - I cannot believe June is here and the first year of my term has just flown by! I find myself thinking back on this past year and wonder where the time has gone. I am happy to be able to say that despite Covid, our Congregation has not only survived, but we have also managed
- [Your People Shall be My People](https://www.csimacon.org/your-people-shall-be-my-people-2/) - The festival of Weeks (Shavuot) is just a few days away. We’ve been counting our way through seven weeks from the second night of Passover, and day #50 — Beginning on Saturday evening — is Shavuot. When we encounter this festival within the Torah, we find a harvest celebration of the first fruits - bikurim
- [April Showers Bringing May Flowers](https://www.csimacon.org/april-showers-bringing-may-flowers/) - I guess the old adage about April showers bringing May flowers is true. I hope we all take time to enjoy all the beautiful flowers and trees all over Macon and especially at our own CSI. Aren’t they just beautiful! The daffodils planted by the Ilans are just beginning to peek out and should be
- [While We Pivot, What to Remember, What to Forget?](https://www.csimacon.org/while-we-pivot-what-to-remember-what-to-forget/) - The weathers warming up, some of us have ditched the masks, other people are trying to figure out if/when/where the masks are needed — and it’s confusing. We might have imagined some clear and definitive statement, like an old war ending with a surrender ceremony or a parade. No such luck — opinions about covid
- [March is Winding Down](https://www.csimacon.org/march-is-winding-down/) - As I write my article, March is winding down. Passover is almost here. Our little Kehilla was certainly very busy this past month here at CSI. I am sure all the “kids” big and small enjoyed the return of our Purim skit and the wonderful corn beef sandwiches and Beyond Meat burgers with all the
- [What does the Ritual Mean to You?](https://www.csimacon.org/what-does-the-ritual-mean-to-you/) - The Torah already has the child asking their parents — — מה העבודה הזאת לכeht si tahwם meal all about? Why do you take the trouble to make everything special? What are we trying to say through the celebration? I believe that our answers evolve in response to the experiences which shape us. This Passover
- [February has come and gone!](https://www.csimacon.org/february-has-come-and-gone/) - It hardly seems that February has come and gone! The weather was variable enough to make everyone sick with colds and runny noses. Thank you to all who have cooperated with wearing masks and social distancing so we could get back in person. Teamwork really makes our Kehilla strong and great. With improvements in Bibb
- [Rejoicing in the Midst of Chaos & Misery?!](https://www.csimacon.org/rejoicing-in-the-midst-of-chaos-misery/) - As I write these words Purim — the great celebration of the tables turned on our foes — is just a couple of weeks ahead. And at the same time, we’re witnessing the Covid numbers dropping precipitously, enabling those who have been vaccinated to emerge from this two- year pandemic paralysis. No, it’s not quite
- [A Not So Quiet Month For Activities](https://www.csimacon.org/a-not-so-quiet-month-for-activities/) - January is supposed to be a quiet month for activities, but not at CSI! We have had a busy start. Rabbi Rubinstein, Sharona, and Zohar have all made our Shabbat services really wonderful with the added readings and illustrations they have shared. We all experienced meaningful shares with Sharona about her mother’s memory and also
- [Indifference](https://www.csimacon.org/indifference/) - As you read these words, I’d like you to consider two current news items about books. 1 - Sales of the anti-Semitic forgery called The Protocols of the Elders of Zion — are selling quite briskly, which is another way of saying: lots of people continue to read this poison. 2 - As you must
- [Remembering Faye Paller](https://www.csimacon.org/remembering-faye-paller/) - I hope everyone had a good winter break. We were sorry to hear of the passing of Sharona’s mother, Faye Paller. May her memory continue to be for a blessing. Thank you to all who came in person or on zoom to help make a minyan for Shiva. Rabbi Rubinstein is back and due to
- [Turn of the Wheel](https://www.csimacon.org/turn-of-the-wheel/) - As I share these words I’d like to express my gratitude for family and friends whose love and kindness is our shelter from the storm. In my ears I hear an echo of torah from my Buddhist teachers who speak about the ten thousand joys and sorrows, moments on each of our journeys — here
- [Reflecting on Thanksgiving and looking forward to a prosperous 2022!](https://www.csimacon.org/reflecting-on-thanksgiving-and-looking-forward-to-a-prosperous-2022/) - I hope everyone had a good holiday of Thanksgiving this past month. I know that the time away from Macon gave me a chance to take the time to think of all the things I was thankful for. I am thankful for my family, friends, my family’s health, and all that I have and am
- [Lights in the Window - Assorted Bits of Nostalgia and Whatnot to Ponder during this wonderful Festival](https://www.csimacon.org/lights-in-the-window-assorted-bits-of-nostalgia-and-whatnot-to-ponder-during-this-wonderful-festival/) - Hanukkah (work the spelling out amongst yourselves, people) will always have a special place in my heart because I was born on the closing day of the festival (back in 1958). Until last year’s (covid) Shabbat of Hanukkah, Hillel Kaplan (who shared the same bar mitzvah haftarah with me) chanted Roni v’Simchi, the haftarah from
- [The High Holidays Are Behind Us](https://www.csimacon.org/the-high-holidays-are-behind-us-2/) - The High Holidays are behind us as well as Sukkot and Simchat Torah. I want to offer a big thank you to the Rabbi, Sharona, Zohar and all of the volunteers who helped make our holidays happen. All of you helped make our Zoom services warm, inclusive, and almost as good as if we were
- [What is Kehillah? What is Communal Prayer?](https://www.csimacon.org/what-is-kehillah-what-is-communal-prayer/) - These seem like basic questions, but covid and zoom have added some complexity to these considerations. This past Shabbat, I found myself on zoom from a hotel room near Dulles International. I was in town to officiate a Sunday night wedding, and some Shabbat plans with a host family fell through as that family tested
- [The High Holidays Are Behind Us](https://www.csimacon.org/the-high-holidays-are-behind-us/) - The High Holidays are behind us as well as Sukkot and Simchat Torah. Sadly, we were unable to share some of these services in person, but thanks to some creativity on the part of the Rabbi, we were able to have a courtyard Simchat Torah with a decent turnout. Hopefully next year, the calendar and
- [After the Holidays](https://www.csimacon.org/after-the-holidays/) - There’s a Hebrew phrase ‘acharay hachagim אחרי החגים which resonates with Jewish professionals the world over — let’s say there’s a conversation unfolding during the summer and the question is about when a certain project or meeting can be scheduled — the answer might well be: acharay hachagim, after the holidays — because Tishrei is
- [The High Holidays Are Coming!](https://www.csimacon.org/the-high-holidays-are-coming/) - The High Holidays are coming! Some of us say they have snuck up on us. I guess if we were really truthful, we would say we just were not paying attention and the time has gotten away from us. I know how much we were all looking forward to in person services for the High
- [Jewels of Elul](https://www.csimacon.org/jewels-of-elul/) - The series called Jewels of Elul has been around for quite a while, maybe 20 years. As the title suggests, these daily bits come out each day of Elul, the final month of the Jewish year. The one I’m sharing (below) caught my eye due to its musical connection, and the writer’s insights resonate with
- [Summer has just flown by!](https://www.csimacon.org/summer-has-just-flown-by/) - Summer has just flown by! After a very challenging year and a half since the pandemic first reared its ugly head, we at CSI are doing our best to bring things back to a semblance of normal. Our children are heading back to school in their secular life, and we are busy making plans for
- [Summertime Come and Gone, My Oh My!](https://www.csimacon.org/summertime-come-and-gone-my-oh-my/) - School is starting up, and the dog days of summer are here. The High Holy days (too early this season!) follow on the heels of Labor Day Weekend. And amidst all the normal, unexceptional benchmarks, there’s the elusive and disruptive (and dangerous) reality of covid. As I write these words (August 2), there are in-person
- [Looking Back Since 2017](https://www.csimacon.org/looking-back/) - In writing my final article as Shul President, I looked back at my first bulletin article from2017 and thought about all the changes we have seen in the last 4 years. If back in 2017 I would have predicted that we would have as we saw this past Friday night participants in services from Mexico,
- [Before we were so rudely interrupted...](https://www.csimacon.org/before-we-were-so-rudely-interrupted/) - Hello hello hello! Happy June & July! As the Grateful Dead sing: “Summer’s here,and the time is right for dancing in the street!” OK, I have to back up a minute —the falling covid mortality numbers and the rising vaccination rates (Hallelujah!) are certainly a cause for celebration. It’s also true that there’s so much
- [Growing into Change Together](https://www.csimacon.org/growing-into-change-together/) - Some recent glances at headlines bluntly remind me that, as a species, human beings have a painfully long road ahead ... Immediately following a headline talking about an imminent Disney World opening was a headline describing a catastrophe of biblical proportions crushing India. And right on the heels of the guilty verdict for George Floyd’s
- [Wishing Everyone a Great Pesach!](https://www.csimacon.org/wishing-everyone-a-great-pesach/) - I hope everyone is having a great Pesach! I truly look forward to having Seder next year in person with family and friends. Speaking of being back together, as we are all aware, with the roll out of vaccines, we are getting closer to being able to have services together in person. We are working
- [Taking a Measure](https://www.csimacon.org/taking-a-measure/) - Jewishly speaking, we’re in the thick of doing the numbers. As I write these words, we’re heading into the finale of Passover. The Haggadah provided us with the wonderful who Knows One Song — the numbers are powerful shorthand for core ideas that we pass along. A six-digit figure that morphs along at blazing speed
- [Macon Outreach](https://www.csimacon.org/macon-outreach/) - Macon Outreach is greatly in need of non-perishable food donations that are collected year round in a cart in the hallway near the Chapel. Items such as canned fish and beans, peanut butter, macaroni & cheese, applesauce, canned fruits and vegetables, rice and pastas are all especially helpful. Please help contribute to this Tikun Olam
- [Daybreak](https://www.csimacon.org/daybreak/) - Congregation Sha’arey Israel (CSI) is partnering with Daybreak, a daytime service center for Middle Georgia’s homeless and others who are in need. Services include housing and housing placement, case management, breakfast and snacks, laundry facilities, showers, free health clinic, access to phones and computers, transportation assistance, identification and documentation assistance. Volunteers are needed in the
- [Project Isaiah](https://www.csimacon.org/project-isaiah/) - For the last 20 years Conservative synagogues have made Operation Isaiah a part of their High Holiday observations. Inspired by the Prophet Isaiah’s words in the Yom Kippur Haftorah, “Share your bread with the hungry,” we bring non-perishable foods to synagogue on Yom Kippur. Receptacles for your donations will be located in the lobbies, and the
- [Reflecting on a Challenging Year](https://www.csimacon.org/reflecting-on-a-challenging-year/) - As we start January, we reflect back on what was a very challenging year. I received a card from a close friend that he sends out annually about all that has happened with this past year. One of the things my friend touched on was as difficult a year as it has been, there are
- [Taking Ancient Wisdom into a Challenging New Year](https://www.csimacon.org/taking-ancient-wisdom-into-a-challenging-new-year/) - Shalom & Happy New Year! The past year has been such a blur in many ways, and each of us has felt tested as we make adjustments and lean into a changed world amidst a pandemic. In every aspect of our lives — work, entertainment, prayer, dining out - we’ve made adjustments. And, no, we
- [Resolution & Dedication](https://www.csimacon.org/resolution-dedication/) - December 2020 — unlike any other that we can recall. Regarding the vaccine(quite possibly more than one), we all know that ‘help is on the way.’ In the meantime, we hope and pray for a peaceful and orderly governmental transition, and — perhaps, more daunting— the ability and desire to heal deep wounds felt by
- [Faith in the Midst of a Precarious Time](https://www.csimacon.org/faith-in-the-midst-of-a-precarious-time/) - Sukkot begins this coming Shabbat evening. Through the ages, we’ve (gently) leaned into the symbolism of faith amidst fragility — a sukkah, by its very nature, is the antithesis of a fortress. This is why the King James rendering of God’s Sukkah in Psalm 27 is a royally awkward translation — His Pavilion(!). Granted, if
- [Preparing for the High Holidays Online](https://www.csimacon.org/preparing-for-the-high-holidays-online/) - It is kind of hard to believe we are at the end of August. As we move into September, we have the High Holidays coming. Yeah, I agree it is too hot to think of the High Holidays. Looks like it will cool down a little over the next couple of weeks. Rabbi and his
- [Faith and Uncertainty](https://www.csimacon.org/faith-and-uncertainty/) - September is here, and before too long we’ll be wishing each other a sweet new year. The coming High Holy Days will, undoubtedly, feel unusual. Just as zoom has found its way to so many aspects of our lives — that will be true for Rosh HaShannah and Yom Kippur. Last week, Sharona, Zohar and I took
- [Resetting Our Priorities](https://www.csimacon.org/resetting-our-priorities/) - Hmmmmm. Where do we start. A lot has happened since my last article. On top of dealing with a major pandemic, we are seeing a major shift in issues which have needed attention for a long time. I am not sure I remember seeing a summer with so much tension and frustration on the part
- [From Grief toward Hope](https://www.csimacon.org/from-grief-toward-hope/) - As I write these words it is late in the afternoon of Tisha b’Av תשעה באב, the 9th of the month of Av. A quick, worthwhile visit to Wikipedia will yield a description of several large-scale tragic events in Jewish history — events that unfolded on this day. Long story made short: this is our
- [Is Everything OK?](https://www.csimacon.org/is-everything-ok/) - Shalom, everyone — as in greetings as well as, I hope all is ok with you. It’s June, the weather is warming up (grateful for whatever breezes float by!), and each of us is figuring out or wrestling with (or both) the new routines. Work is different, play is different, sleeping and eating — they’re
- [Securing our Future](https://www.csimacon.org/securing-our-future/) - I hope everybody is doing well. A lot has happened since our last newsletter, and I want to bring everybody up to date on one of the projects we were working on in late March. We were made aware in February of a Security Grant Program for Non-Profits available through Homeland Security. We worked with
- [Beyond Bricks and Mortar](https://www.csimacon.org/beyond-bricks-and-mortar/) - In the book of Exodus, God sets up a classic question for the Israelites shortly before they leave Mitzrayim, the place of their confinement: “And when your child asks you tomorrow, mazot — what does all this mean?” As that question made its way across many centuries from the Torah into the seder, it became a great
- [Our Children are our Builders](https://www.csimacon.org/our-children-are-our-builders/) - Hello, y’all I want to pull together a few bits of Torah from the parasha, Bo בא, as well as a piece of beautiful (sadly, overlooked) prayer, and finally, a personal thought — 1 Listen to the opening of the portion: God said to Moshe, ‘go to Pharaoh; I’ve hardened his heart and the hearts
- [Wishing Everyone a Great Chanukah and a Great Start to 2020!](https://www.csimacon.org/wishing-everyone-a-great-chanukah-and-a-great-start-to-2020/) - I hope everybody had a great Chanukah! We were treated to a phenomenal Chanukah Family Night earlier this month. Thanks to all the volunteers who put together this fun evening for the everybody. It is pretty incredible what we are able to put together with dedicated volunteers.It was also pretty incredible hearing the Rabbi this
- [Light in the Darkness](https://www.csimacon.org/light-in-the-darkness/) - 1 Our sages in the talmud strangely inquired: Mai Hanukkah מאי חנוכה —which means, What does this celebration mean? And they avoided giving the Maccabees any limelight. True, they purged the Temple of the foe (the Greeks יונים, mention in the song Mi Yemallel and in the prayer Al HaNisim), but the Rabbis emphasize the
- [Reflections on 5780](https://www.csimacon.org/reflections-on-5780/) - I apologize for not getting an article into the bulletin last month. I would like to reflect on a couple things as we are well into 5780. To start off, Mazel Tov to the Bullington family on the Bar Mitzvah of Cameron and Porter! It has been a true pleasure watching these boys grow into
- [Each Little Cluck Adds Up](https://www.csimacon.org/each-little-cluck-adds-up/) - *buildup* OK, here’s a Jewish joke you might already have heard — and maybe the punchline won’t send you into hysterical orbit — but it really does capture the current moment... *The Joke* What’s the proper bracha for internet shopping? *Hint* Grace After Meals *punchline* ברכת אמזון Birkat Amazon (Rimshot optional) So what does the
- [New Month of Cheshvan](https://www.csimacon.org/new-month-of-cheshvan/) - We just entered a new month Cheshvan, חשון( on the Jewish calendar — a month with NO holidays, just Shabbat and the rest of the week). Around the world: an audible exhale from rabbis and cantors who have completed the marathon of Tishrei, the month stuffed with special days, from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur
- [Celebrating 100 years](https://www.csimacon.org/celebrating-100-years/) - One hundred years ago our Congregation purchased the property on the corner of Plum and First Street for $7,000 for the purpose of building a synagogue. Beginning with a fund of $6,000, the forty members of the congregation raised $23,000 among themselves to begin construction. That is worth over $380,000 in today’s dollars. We owe
- [“Sleepers, Awake!”](https://www.csimacon.org/sleepers-awake/) - Last Monday was Labor Day, one last gift of Summer, an extra day, a last hurrah. Hints of Fall here and there — the bright red lycoris blooming in a few spots downtown at this time along with a touch of cool breeze. The new month of Elul was born this past Shabbat — the
- [Harnessing Positive Energy](https://www.csimacon.org/harnessing-positive-energy/) - How do we harness positive energy? That was the question the Rabbi and I discussed after our Adult Ed Meeting during the month of August. There were so many great ideas which came up. We see similar positive energy with our Board of Education meetings. Great ideas that will provide our kids outstanding educational experiences.
- [Congratulations and Looking Ahead](https://www.csimacon.org/congratulations-and-looking-ahead/) - As I write this article, the month of May is winding down. School year is ending, graduation occurs for many families, vacation plans being made, planning for upcoming year at the Shul are just some of the many events which are occurring. I have said it before. The kids in our religious school have great
- [Your People Shall Be My People](https://www.csimacon.org/your-people-shall-be-my-people/) - The custom of reading the Scroll of Ruth on Shavuot — beginning on Saturday night, June 8th — goes back a great many centuries. A Moabite woman was embraced by kindness and love, and she would become King David’s great grandmother. Faith and perseverance and Hope, sweet redemption. Here at shul we’ll bring in Shavuot
- [Happy Summer!](https://www.csimacon.org/happy-summer/) - As we roll into May we start to wind down the school year and our Fiscal Year. Time to start planning for the next year! As we start this process, we look at the various functions and aspects of running our Kehilla. While funding for our operations and staff are important, in a Shul our
- [What Does Passover Come To Teach?](https://www.csimacon.org/what-does-passover-come-to-teach/) - As I type these words it‟s Thursday, the last day of Hol HaMoed, the festival's 'in-between' days. Yesterday I taught my kids at Hebrew School; we learned a song (Adir Hu) found near the end of the Haggadah. I gently reminded students that it's still Passover, with its regulations regarding leaven — and as I
- [Reflecting on Purim, and Preparing for Pesach](https://www.csimacon.org/reflecting-on-purim-and-preparing-for-pesach/) - Wow!!! What can you say? I think we saw a Purim event which tops all that we have ever seen! The amount of work of all the volunteers to make such an event happen is something we should all be proud of. There are so many that if I tried to thank everybody individually, it
- [A Few Thoughts on Anti-Semitism and Passover](https://www.csimacon.org/a-few-thoughts-on-anti-semitism-and-passover/) - It’s a hot topic these days, for good reason. There’s the shooting at the shul in Squirrel Hill, of course.There’s the anti Semitic remarks offered in the halls of Congress. There are the reckless and cynical charges portraying the Democratic Party as anti Jewish. Uncomfortable old truths — lawmakers, celebrities, pundits across the political spectrum
- [March Happenings](https://www.csimacon.org/march-happenings/) - As most of you are aware, we have postponed Ian Altman’s Fund Raiser Concert. We will keep you posted when we have a reschedule date. Many thanks to Anne Bayme and everyone on her committee who helped with a great Super Bowl Party. A special thanks to all our sponsors for supporting our synagogue. Also,
- [Looking Forward to Purim](https://www.csimacon.org/looking-forward-to-purim/) - As I write the words, we’re a month out from Purim — the Shpiel is coming together, the choir is getting ready, a raucous new show is around the corner. I want to take a moment to reflect upon the meaning of the mitzvot associated with Purim. 1) We chant the Megillah; we recount the
- [Message from the President February 2019](https://www.csimacon.org/message-from-the-president-february-2019/) - I hope everybody has had a great start to 2019. Mazel Tov to Addie Denisar on her Bat Mitzvah!! Everyone is talking about what an outstanding job you did. Our entire Kehilla looks forward to seeing you continue to soar and grow into the special person you are! We recently formed the CSI E-Communications/IT Committee
- [Word From The Rabbi Feb 2019](https://www.csimacon.org/word-from-the-rabbi-feb-2019/) - A philosophy professor, a rabbi, and a brewery owner walk into a bar— Old-style joke opener, I know…but seriously folks… Here’s what’s happening. Oh, first I have to give you backstory. Because there’s a backstory. Backstory Charlie Thomas — philosophy professor, bandmate, good friend, frequenter of Jews & Brews as well as Shabbat evening davening
- [A Great Start to 2019!](https://www.csimacon.org/a-great-start-to-2019/) - I hope everybody had a great start to 2019! While most of us do a lot of self-reflection at the time of the Jewish New Year, some also do it again at the start of the calendar year. Being Jewish we have an opportunity to hit the reset button twice a year. What are those
- [Road Trip](https://www.csimacon.org/road-trip/) - So —as I type into my phone, my family is about to head up to NY for a winter break. These trips are uncommon for us; last NY trip was quite a ways back. So in a way, these trips also serve as markers, opportunities to reflect a bit. We’ll be spending two shabbatot at
- [Board of Education Report](https://www.csimacon.org/board-of-education-report/) - CSI RELIGIOUS SCHOOL HAPPENINGS ANNUAL BOOK FAIR WAS HELD NOVEMBER 4TH. SPECIAL GUEST DYLAN DICKSON READ HER BOOK “WHY CAN’T I READ” THANK YOU, ANNE BAYME FOR CONTINUING TO BRING JEWISH BOOKS OF INTEREST TO CSI
- [A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words](https://www.csimacon.org/a-picture-is-worth-a-thousand-words/) - A picture is worth a thousand words. Let’s soak in this heartwarming Hanukkah moment from this Sunday morning, the eve of Hanukkah —our kids and their parents are in the holiday zone, crafting clay dreidels. There’s a patrolman at our table, hands in the clay, sharing in the moment —there’s an intimate sort of Norman
- [Message from the President December 2018](https://www.csimacon.org/message-from-the-president-december-2018/) - I hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving and is now having a Happy Chanukah. We started off the month with the kids in Sunday School actually doing what is says in the song, “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel, I made it out of Clay....”. They went to the 567 Center and worked with potters to make individual
- [From the President, November 2018](https://www.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
- [This Moment in Time](https://www.csimacon.org/this-moment-in-time/) - As I write these words, members of Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue are burying their dead. A couple days earlier, two African-Americans shopping at a Kroger in Louisville, Kentucky were murdered by a man who was frustrated because he was unable to enter a Black church and kill worshippers inside. This week was also about
- [Board of Education Report October 2018](https://www.csimacon.org/board-of-education-report-october-2018/) - Sunday and Hebrew School are off to a great start with many activities celebrating the many holidays on our calendar. First and foremost, thank you so much to Louis and Emily Piassick for putting together the two youth/family services on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. Our kids had a wonderful time participating in the services
- [The Gifts of Sukkot](https://www.csimacon.org/the-gifts-of-sukkot/) - When I’m not busy being overwhelmed by the onrush of all these holidays, I remember why I have such a soft spot for Sukkot. First, there’s the (finally!) leaves starting to change, and there’s the unique pleasure of the etrog’s fragrance. There’s sensation of chanting Hallel and shaking the lulav in the small chapel, and
- [Board of Education Report - September 2018](https://www.csimacon.org/board-of-education-report-september-2018/) - Our new school year started off with a wonderful teacher planning session held on August 19th. The Board of Education and teachers, together with our ISJL fellow, Mackenzie Haun, met at CSI to prepare a years’ worth of fun, educational material and activities for the 30 students who will be attending our Hebrew and Religious
- [Strength in our Kehilla](https://www.csimacon.org/strength-in-our-kehilla/) - As I type this we have just come off a couple of jam-packed days which show the health and strength of our Kehilla. Last Wednesday night in addition to hearing our beautiful choir practicing, we had volunteers downstairs doing final cleanup in preparation for the start of Sunday School. Thursday stickers were being put on
- [What Makes for Meaning?](https://www.csimacon.org/what-makes-for-meaning/) - I’m reading ‘Being Mortal’ by Atul Gawande; a really beautiful book that asks serious questions and offers penetrating insights into living, aging, and dying. Beyond Gawande’s words — certainly worthy of a drash or two — there’s another layer of context provided by this season: the month of Elul, a hint of coolness in the
- [BOE Report Aug 2018](https://www.csimacon.org/boe-report-aug-2018/) - We are very excited about the upcoming CSI Religious School year! The CSI Board of Education has met several times this summer to organ-ize and plan. Our wonderful teachers are onboard, and we want to express our appreciation to them for their dedication to the Jewish edu-cation of our children. We were very well represented
- [Upcoming Holidays](https://www.csimacon.org/upcoming-holidays/) - With the holidays coming early this year, planning for the holidays starts a little early. You will see lots of information related to the holidays in this issue of bulletin. Erev Rosh Hashanah is in early September, so we felt it was best to get most of our informa-tion about the holidays in this bulletin.
- [Shul as a Comfort and as a Refuge](https://www.csimacon.org/shul-as-a-comfort-and-as-a-refuge/) - I write these words as we bid farewell to Shabbat Nachamu, the Shabbat of Consolation. This special name derives from Today’s Haftarah, which opens with Isaiah preaching: ‘Be comforted, my people!’ says your God.The calamities of the 9th of Av are followed by seven shabbatot, whose prophetic readings are all about consola-tion and healing. This
- [Summer BOE Report](https://www.csimacon.org/summer-boe-report/) - “So often you find that the students you are trying to inspire are the ones that end up inspiring you!” (Sean Junkins). The close of our religious school year gives us a chance to pause and reflect back over all the fun and learning we have had with our wonderful students. The remarks the teachers
- [Thoughts and Comments from Year 1](https://www.csimacon.org/thoughts-and-comments-from-year-1/) - Hope everybody is having a great start to the summer. As I wind down my first year serving as President I wanted to reflect on some experiences, thoughts, and ideas. Biggest Surprise- If you are not involved in many of the day to day operations, you miss the fact that we have a very strong
- [Our Words, Our Deeds, Our Name](https://www.csimacon.org/our-words-our-deeds-our-name/) - A memory implanted in my mind from my early teen years as a Yeshiva Boy — before we went home for summer break (it was called ‘bein haz’manim ,םינמזה ןי draeh ew ,)smret neewteb ,yllaretilב some stern talk about the way we were expected to comport ourselves during vacation. Hey, I didn’t say we absolutely
- [May 2018 BOE Report](https://www.csimacon.org/may-2018-boe-report/) - We were back from Spring Break April 8th with a regularly scheduled Religious School day. Each class participated in their own age appropriate activity for Yom HaShoah, conducted in their classrooms with their teachers. Also, the Teens took a field trip to Mercer to meet two Jewish students who took them on a guided tour
- [The End of the School Year and A Visit to Milledgeville](https://www.csimacon.org/the-end-of-the-school-year-and-a-visit-to-milledgeville/) - Recently a friend from a small South Georgia congregation shared a great article that talked about the differences you see growing up Jewish in a small town as opposed to a town the size of Atlanta. In smaller towns we all feel a responsibility to be involved. When you are in a congregation in a
- [Complicated](https://www.csimacon.org/complicated/) - Complicated I found an old button (not the kind that closed or opens a shirt, but the kind that has a printed slogan and attaches to your clothing with a pin) from college. On its face it reads ישראל ❤❤ אני — which means ‘I love Israel’; simple phrase, right? Actually, not simple. If we’re
- [March 2018 Report from the Board of Education](https://www.csimacon.org/march-2018-report-from-the-board-of-education/) - March has been a very exciting month to celebrate our connection with ISJL (Institute of Southern Life)! We began with the weekend of March 2-4 and a visit from our ISJL Education Fellow, Carley Abramson. Carley was part of Rockin’ Shabbat and the adult service Friday night, and Shabbat morning services on Saturday. On Sunday
- [Resources in our Shul](https://www.csimacon.org/resources-in-our-shul/) - I continue to be amazed at the variety of things we do with our resources! We are very fortunate to have group of volunteers always willing to pitch in and give 100+% in their efforts! I am very excited about the training Rabbi and I did with USCJ Sulam for Emerging Leaders- Very interesting ideas,
- [Reflecting on Maggid](https://www.csimacon.org/reflecting-on-maggid/) - If you’re reading the portion of the Haggadah called ‘Maggid’ , מגיד you’re surely talking about slavery and liberation — and while many people treat the biblical slavery narrative as a sacred myth rather than a chapter of history, the discussion of slavery and freedom could not possibly be more relevant. As we speak, people
- [March Board of Education Report and Upcoming Events](https://www.csimacon.org/668-2/) - We continue to be busy with our Religious School activities throughout February. Our Barton’s Passover Candy Sale got underway the first part of February. Thank you to all who helped sell the candy, and to those of you who supported our school by purchasing candy. The candy will be arriving soon so be sure to
- [Happy Purim!](https://www.csimacon.org/happy-purim-2/) - I cannot wait to see the Purim Spiel tomorrow evening. A lot of work has gone into the planning the Purim evening. Great work by all in putting this evening together. From everything I have heard, this will be one to remember! Wonderful words this past Friday with Rabbi tying together the Purim story, weekly
- [I Think I Can I Think I Can...](https://www.csimacon.org/i-think-i-can-i-think-i-can/) - I graduated from JTS in NY back in 1991 and I have to say that my proudest holiday numbers are about Purim — the amount of folks reveling in the Purim vibe is up there with the numbers of davenners com-ing together on Yom Kippur. CSI is the little engine that could. Quite amazing to
- [Board of Education Update February 2018](https://www.csimacon.org/board-of-education-update-february-2018/) - We are back from Winter Break, back to school and back to shule! We eased back into Sunday School on January 7th with our Teen Class and Seedlings. Junior Congregation met on the 7th also. Classroom lessons included a wide variety of topics. Our Teen Class is exploring world religions and discussing commonalities as well
- [Keys to Success 2018](https://www.csimacon.org/keys-to-success-2018/) - I recently read an article from my friend Marc Corsini which related to keys to success for 2018. Marc, from Macon is a very successful consultant now living in Birmingham who writes some excellent pieces which I find very inspiring for all facets of life and business. In this article he speaks of having an
- [Planting Seeds of Goodness](https://www.csimacon.org/planting-seeds-of-goodness/) - Greetings! While the temperature outside is still bouncing around, there already are budding hints of Spring and its hint of life and hope relentlessly pushing, insisting upon breaking through... A Bunch of Stuff… David Ilan presented an inspiring program about gardening with good bugs — an important reminder that each of makes choices that leave
- [December 2017 Review](https://www.csimacon.org/december-2017-review/) - The beat goes on as we come to the end of 2017. December, while filled with holidays and breaks, was also filled with a busy school schedule. On December 3rd, our celebration of Chanukah included Bible Raps Matt Bar’s return visit to CSI from Philadelphia, PA. He shared his knowledge and talent of putting religious
- [Great Things Going On](https://www.csimacon.org/great-things-going-on/) - We have some pretty great things going on at our Shul. One of the more impressive things was Sunday School activity where the students all put together a “Chanukah Bible Rap” Shine Your Light! What a neat, fun experience for all the kids! Thanks to all who helped make this happen! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCQKHBc_aYA Click on link
- [Kosher](https://www.csimacon.org/kosher/) - Kosher — What Does it Mean? You could say this piece is about a common Hebrew word with more than one important meaning. Actually, it’s about more than that — it’s a plea for us to think about the relationship between rituals and Ethics. Food The word ‘kosher’ is most often associated with food.
- [December 2017](https://www.csimacon.org/december-2017/) - Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and ready to begin the wrap up of 2017! Just thinking that this is a time of reflection, and so thankful for all of you who support our religious school. Here’s to you all who teach, carpool, plan, organize, buy books and Passover candy, attend and help! You are
- [Something Special Here in Macon](https://www.csimacon.org/something-special-here-in-macon/) - “You truly have something special here in Macon” This was a comment made recently by somebody attending a funeral for a family member in Macon. There are times we take for granted how special is our Shul. Whether it is coming together for a minyon to allow somebody to say Kaddish, or creative programming for
- [Legends, Battles, and Ideals](https://www.csimacon.org/legends-battles-and-ideals/) - Legends, Battles, and Ideals Hanukkah will be here soon; there’s yummy food (latkes and sufganiyot), decorating opportunities, and dreidel spinning — and what is it all about? In this corner... Our talmudic sages seemed most interested in the legend of the oil burning eight days. They intentionally left out the Maccabean battles (167BCE and continuing
- ["Who Are All These People?"](https://www.csimacon.org/who-are-all-these-people/) - One would think with the holidays over with, things would slow down a little. It seems the month of October has flown by and there are a lot of good things still going on. That was the same as the first paragraph for my article for the Bulletin November 2002. The second paragraph of that
- [Be Here Now](https://www.csimacon.org/be-here-now/) - As you most probably already know, I took a quick trip to Phoenix to join my family at the funeral of my father in law, Leroy Paller. The officiating Rabbi was quite solicitous as well as professional — and he was quite ready to have me co-officiate along with him. And I quickly realized that
- [CSI 2017-18 Religious School Year](https://www.csimacon.org/csi-2017-18-religious-school-year/) - Welcome to our CSI 2017-18 Religious School year! In spite of a little delay in our schedule due to Hurricane Irma, we have got ten off to a great start. We are so glad that everyone survived the challenges of the storm, with power outages and property damage. We are all safe and very thankful
- [Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur](https://www.csimacon.org/between-rosh-hashanah-and-yom-kippur/) - As I write this article we are in between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Thanks to Jeff Lehman and the Ritual Committee and all those involved for such a wonderful Rosh Hashanah service! There are many wonderful things about our little Shul! One of those we see during the holidays in our choir. Thanks to
- [From Atonement to Joy](https://www.csimacon.org/from-atonement-to-joy/) - The Torah charges us to afflict our souls on Yom and to rejoice on our festivals. In order to translate that into meaningful action we need to consider the major shift that occurs 5 days (!)—between Yom Kippur and Sukkot. Yom Kippur hones in on self denial, while Sukkot focuses on the lulav and etrog
- [2017-2018 CS Religious School Year](https://www.csimacon.org/2017-2018-cs-religious-school-year/) - Our 2017-18 CSI Religious School year is about to begin! We have already had our Teacher Planning Day this past August 13th. There was a great turn out of our teachers, and we welcomed our new ISJL Education Fellow, Carly Abramson. Thank you, Jennifer, for leading a great meeting that was packed with a ton
- [A Message from our President, Evan “Elmo” Koplin](https://www.csimacon.org/a-message-from-our-president-evan-elmo-koplin-2/) - As we start the month of Elul, we start the process of preparing for the High Holidays. Along with reflecting on the past year, for many of us this time of year coincides with many other functions at our Kehilla. One of the most important of these, educating our kids, gets started this time of
- [Totality](https://www.csimacon.org/totality/) - Totality As I write this words, it's a couple days after the Big Eclipse. Caught up in all the excitement, I hit the road, headed for the zone of totality. What a cool, nerdy term: zone of totality...the place where It happens, 100%, the mind/blowing holy grail. Yes, I have a tale to tell, a
- [A Message from our President, Evan “Elmo” Koplin](https://www.csimacon.org/a-message-from-our-president-evan-elmo-koplin/) - 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
- [Heading Into The Turn](https://www.csimacon.org/heading-into-the-turn/) - This coming Shabbat we begin chanting from Devarim — Deuteronomy, or Words/Things. The title of the book which comes from the Greek translation (Septuagint) highlights the second (deutero) appearance of the Ten Commandments (nomos - Law) within the Torah, while the Hebrew title simply scoops up the first 'significant' (as opposed to nondescript) word in
- [A Message From Our President, Elmo Koplin](https://www.csimacon.org/a-message-from-our-president-elmo-koplin/) - 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
- [Aaron Lights the Lamps](https://www.csimacon.org/aaron-lights-the-lamps/) - There are moments when — if you're paying attention — you realize that the Torah portion of the week is speaking to you personally as well as to the kehilla of Central Georgia. This coming shabbat (June 10) we chant From Beha'alotecha (Numbers, chapter 8:1 through 12:16). As this portion opens, God tells Moses to
- [May is here!](https://www.csimacon.org/may-is-here/) - 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
- [Sacred Excavation](https://www.csimacon.org/sacred-excavation/) - Sacrifice Related to Holy Sacra, Sacrificium (Latin), Sacrificus (Old French) Offering of something (especially a life) to a deity as an act of propitiation or homage; performing priestly functions or sacrifices. קרוב — קרבן Near, relation by blood The Hebrew word (korban) connects us with something else. Samson Raphael Hirsch (Germany, 1808-1888) teaches us that these rituals
- [April 2017 Board of Education Update](https://www.csimacon.org/april-2017-board-of-education-update/) - March has blown in “like a lion,” and has been really busy for our Sunday School. We began the month with Rockin’ Shabbat on the 3rd. Students made masks for Purim, and Rabbi Aaron and Sharona led them in a service. Thanks to our older students for coming and helping. Also thanks to the Piassicks
- [Passover, Freedom, and Rebirth](https://www.csimacon.org/passover-freedom-and-rebirth/) - 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
- [Between Yom Hashoah and Israeli Independence Day](https://www.csimacon.org/between-yom-hashoah-and-israeli-independence-day/) - The Amen Stone BY YEHUDA AMICHAI TRANSLATED BY CHANA BLOCH On my desk there is a stone with the word “Amen” on it, a triangular fragment of stone from a Jewish graveyard destroyed many generations ago. The other fragments, hundreds upon hundreds, were scattered helter-skelter, and a great yearning, a longing without end, fills
- [New Moon Psalm 104](https://www.csimacon.org/new-moon-psalm-104/) - Let me praise Adonai - for You, Adonai my God, are surely great; clothed in glory and majesty, wrapped in a cloak of light, You stretch out the heavens like a sheet of cloth, set the rafters of the heights in the waters above, appoint clouds as Your chariot, and ride on the wings of
- [Resident Alien - Helping the Stranger Settle In....](https://www.csimacon.org/resident-alien-helping-the-stranger-settle-in/) - Sarah lived to be a hundred and twenty-seven years old. She died at Kiriath Arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her. Abraham rose from beside his dead wife and spoke to the Hittites. He said, “I am a foreigner and stranger
- [Story of Isaac](https://www.csimacon.org/storyofisaac/) - Story of Isaac Lyrics by Leonard Cohen The door it opened slowly My father he came in I was nine years old And he stood so tall above me His blue eyes they were shining And his voice was very cold He said, "I've had a vision And you know I'm strong and holy I
- [Yehuda Amichai & The 10 Commandments](https://www.csimacon.org/yehuda/) - My father was God and didn't know it. He gave me the Ten Commandments not in thunder and not in anger, not in fire and not in a cloud, but gently and with love. He added caresses and tender words, "Would you" and "please." And chanted "remember" and "keep" with the same tune, and pleaded
- [Tazri'a-Metsora: A Story of Awareness and Healing](https://www.csimacon.org/tazria-metsora-a-story-of-awareness-and-healing/) - Tazri'a-Metsora: A Story of Awareness and Healing Yardén Raber, Conservative Yeshiva Talmud Faculty The book of Leviticus (Sefer Vayikra ספר ויקרא) entails many difficulties for the modern reader. First, it can easily be conceived as a cluster of ritual laws that have little to do with our modern Jewish experience. Second, the priestly image of the
- [Leaving Egypt is Difficult](https://www.csimacon.org/leaving-egypt-is-difficult/) - As Passover approaches we return to the annual rituals of preparation — for some folks that includes changing out dishes, shopping for Passover items (checking local selections, contemplating trips to Toco Hills), drawing up guest lists, preparing for our tribal Spring cleaning. Important as all those items are, I feel compelled to consider the more
- [The Historic City of Macon](https://www.csimacon.org/the-historic-city-of-macon/) - Congregation Sha'arey Israel is located in the “Heart of Georgia”, in the historic city of Macon! Macon which is located in Macon-Bibb County, is close to the center of the state of Georgia and is approximately 85 miles south of Atlanta. Historically, the city thrived due to its location on the Ocmulgee River. The city
- [Board of Education News for March](https://www.csimacon.org/board-of-education-news-for-march/) - We began the month of February with our annual Passover Candy Sale. Thank you to Pam Hill for spearheading this small but meaning- ful fundraiser. We appreciate all of our congregation members who responded to our Phonathon, and very generously bought candy and supported our school. The candy will arrive soon! Happy Birthday Trees! At
- [Tuning in to the Resonance of History](https://www.csimacon.org/tuning-in-to-the-resonance-of-history/) - As I write these pre-Purim words, I've been thinking a lot about the powerful play several of us (shul and Temple member, and a few other friends) took in at the Alliance Theater. I'm referring to The Temple Bombing, based on the novel (2006, same title) by Melissa Faye Greene. I confess to not having
- [CSI Gift Shop](https://www.csimacon.org/csi-gift-shop/) - Your one stop shopping destination for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, graduations, house warming gifts & more! We carry both Judaic and non-Judaic items HOURS: Open most Sundays during Religious School season from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm or by appointment Please call CSI Office to coordinate with Gift Shop Managers
- [Lev Shalem](https://www.csimacon.org/lev-shalem/) - CSI has a wonderful new Siddur, Lev Shalem, that is replacing Sim Shalom for Shabbat and Festivals services. The new siddur has beautiful commentary, poetry and prose that will add to the liturgy that is familiar to us. The language is modern, very inclusive and not gender specific. If you wish to have a book
- [Happy Purim!](https://www.csimacon.org/happy-purim/) - 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
- [Saying L'Shanah Tovah to 5777](https://www.csimacon.org/saying-lshanah-tovah-to-5777/) - 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
- [Looking Forward to 5776](https://www.csimacon.org/looking-forward-to-5776/) - Wow! Times flies. As a child, summers felt like they lasted forever, but as an adult they seem to roll by in a flash. While we might wish that summers linger a bit longer, there is also anticipation to see some relief from the heat and feel the first hint of cooler weather. For
- [Looking forward to 5777](https://www.csimacon.org/looking-forward-to-5777/) - 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
- [Tishri The Busy Season](https://www.csimacon.org/tishri-the-busy-season/) - If the Jewish Calendar Year has a “busy season”, then certainly the month of Tishri is it! From the deeply spiritual recent High Holy Days, followed by the historically and agriculturally significant Sukkot, to the separate but connected Holy Day of Shemini Atzeret and the unbridled joy of Simchat Torah...congregations the world over experience
- [Books and Looking Forward to Hanukkah](https://www.csimacon.org/books-and-looking-forward-to-hanukkah/) - Thomas Jefferson was once quoted as saying “I cannot live without books.” Well here at Congregation Sha'arey Israel, we don't need to! It's time for our Annual Jewish Book Fair Extraordinaire once again! An array of books for toddlers through adults to suit your fancy will be on display to order and purchase from
- [May and Freedom](https://www.csimacon.org/may-and-freedom/) - The month of May is one of my favorite months. Hey, a month that honors mothers has got to be good! In addition, typically the weather temperature is wonderfully moderate and pleasant. The landscape is alive with greenery and color. I was able to appreciate the tapestry of Spring scenery on the interstate traveling
- [March and Purim](https://www.csimacon.org/march-and-purim/) - The month of March heralds many things. To name a few...the start of Spring, Daylight Savings Time, Spring Breaks, March Madness, Macon's Cherry Blossom Festival and even National Goof Off Day. (Yes, that's actually a “thing” on March 22nd! Who knew?!) The Jewish holiday of Purim is also in March. Our Religious School youth
- [Reflections on a New Season](https://www.csimacon.org/reflections-on-a-new-season/) - As I write my first article as CSI President for the June/July edition of the Shofar, I know the so-called “dog days of summer” will soon be upon us. The top three things associated with summer according to a Yahoo voter poll are “heat, bugs and beach”! All good answers indeed! Yet even while
- [January and a New Year of Goals](https://www.csimacon.org/january-and-a-new-year-of-goals/) - 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
- [January and Tu B'Shevat](https://www.csimacon.org/january-and-tu-bshevat/) - January heralds the arrival of the new secular year, 2016! Seems like just yesterday it was the momentous occasion of being the year 2000, as we waited anxiously to see if the paranoia of the much talked about “Y2K bug” would crash computers worldwide as the year rolled over. Thankfully, time marched on without
- [Thoughts for February](https://www.csimacon.org/thoughts-for-february/) - 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
- [February, Month of Love](https://www.csimacon.org/february-month-of-love/) - Ah, February...a month synonymous with LOVE! For some here in the south it's a love of cooler temperatures and a chance to finally dust off the fireplace and actually use it. For some it's a love of football and getting to watch the Super Bowl with friends and family. But of course it's also the
- [Hanukkah 2016!](https://www.csimacon.org/hanukkah-2016/) - 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
- [Hanukkah December 6th](https://www.csimacon.org/hanukkah-december-6th/) - Hanukkah 2015 begins in the evening of Sunday, December 6th. The “Festival of Lights” evokes many historical and family memories such as the ancient victory in reclaiming the Temple, the “miracle” of the oil, lighting Hanukkah menorahs, savoring potato latkes, jelly filled doughnuts (sufganiyot), & chocolate gelt and spinning dreidels. Whether you use coins or
- [Endless Days of Summer](https://www.csimacon.org/endless-days-of-summer/) - The long, hot days of summer seem endless...but of course time marches on. If we are blessed to live out a generous number of years and get a perspective of the big picture, what is really important is recognizable. For most this includes family, friendships, compassion, health, perseverance, joys, knowledge, and faith. Our conscious mind
- [Friendship Day](https://www.csimacon.org/friendship-day/) - Friendship Day falls on the first Sunday in August in the United States which this year is August 2nd. The old joke is you can choose your friends but not your family! But the truth is, both can be a blessing and both are important. Our character is defined in part by these interactions and
- [Happy Passover!](https://www.csimacon.org/happy-passover/) - You know you are in the middle of Spring when Macon's Cherry Blossom trees are in bloom and pollen is wafting through the air! This is the month for April showers to bring on those May flowers as the saying goes! The rain is needed and is a reminder of how all living things need
- [Daybreak Butterfly Garden Breaks Ground and Installs the First 18 (Chai) Plants](https://www.csimacon.org/daybreak-butterfly-garden-breaks-ground-and-installs-the-first-18-chai-plants/) - Daybreak Butterfly Garden Pioneers broke ground and installed the first 18 (Chai/Life) plants, Sunday afternoon, May 22nd, 2016. The effort this team put forth is just the first stage of a three stage plan to build this butterfly garden at Daybreak over the summer of 2016. If anyone else is interested in donating any of
- [Wow! Is it Summer Already?](https://www.csimacon.org/wow-is-it-summer-already/) - At the synagogue, we just wrapped up the close of another fun, educational, and eventful Religious School year. We also had our Annual Congregational Meeting. As I noted in my President’s remarks, one of the positive qualities found in smaller congregations is certainly the warm fellowship of familiar faces. What can be challenging for leadership
- [Soon We Will Complete our Counting of the 49 Days of the Omer](https://www.csimacon.org/soon-we-will-complete-our-counting-of-the-49-days-of-the-omer/) - We will celebrate Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks. In the Torah Sha-vuot celebrates the bikurim בכורים, the first fruits. Our sages refashioned Shavuot into z’man matan torateinu זמן מתן תורתנו the time of the giving of the Torah. Each year we have an opportunity to prepare ourselves anew to receive Torah. The bimah becomes Mount
- [Together We Can Move Mountains](https://www.csimacon.org/a-famous-quote/) - A famous quote is “No man is an island” and here at Congregation Sha'arey Israel that is a good thing. Since our earliest days as a congregation, our efforts and growth as a synagogue has been reliant on teamwork. You know...the “together we can move mountains” mentality. Perhaps it sounds a bit cheesy, but it's
- [Moments of Gratitude](https://www.csimacon.org/moments-of-gratitude/) - New beginning bristle with the joy of discovery and the power of renewal. That's what moves us to rousingly chant Shehechiyanu שהחיינו שat b'nei mitzvah and anniversaries. And the first time we enjoy a fruit in season. And the moment we affix a mezuzah to the front door of a new home. Our brand new

## Pages

- [Synagogue in Macon GA | Congregation Sha’arey Israel](https://www.csimacon.org/) - Sha'arey Israel is a Conservative Jewish synagogue and congregation in Macon, Georgia, serving the spiritual needs of the Middle Georgia Jewish community.
- [Weekly Updates](https://www.csimacon.org/connect/weekly-updates/)
- [Monthly Bulletin](https://www.csimacon.org/connect/monthly-bulletin/)
- [Shabbat & Holiday Services in Macon GA | CSI](https://www.csimacon.org/connect/worship/) - Thursday Morning – 7:00 am via Zoom Friday Shabbat Services – 6:15 pm Saturday Shabbat Services – 9:30 am (Kiddush lunch following services ——————— CSI SHAVUOT SERVICE DATES & TIMES in Macon, GA Erev Shavuot – Thursday, May 21 – @ 6:15 pm Day 1 – Friday, May 22 – @ 9:30 am Day 2 – Saturday,
- [Join a Synagogue in Macon GA](https://www.csimacon.org/connect/join-us/) - Congregation Sha'arey Israel members pride themselves on being part of a friendly, vibrant, 'hamish', multi-generation congregation. Jews from a variety of different backgrounds and from all over Middle Georgia have found a spiritual home at CSI. We truly appreciate your interest in Congregation Sha'arey Israel and we look forward to having an opportunity to meet
- [About Macon/Middle Georgia](https://www.csimacon.org/about-macon-middle-georgia/) - A Welcoming Jewish Community in Middle Georgia An Ideal Place for Families and IndividualsMacon and the surrounding Middle Georgia communities offer a warm, welcoming environment with an excellent quality of life for Jewish families, retirees, and newcomers.Close to Downtown LivingOur synagogue is located just one block from downtown Macon, in a vibrant and growing area
- [Misheberach List](https://www.csimacon.org/misheberach-list/)
- [Connect](https://www.csimacon.org/connect/)
- [Programming & Events](https://www.csimacon.org/connect/programming-events/) - At Congregation Sha’arey Israel, our calendar is always full of meaningful, engaging, and fun community programming. Throughout the year, we come together to celebrate Jewish holidays, Shabbat, and special moments with events that reflect the warmth and vibrancy of our congregation.The flyers below highlight just a sampling of the programs and celebrations we’ve enjoyed over
- [Events](https://www.csimacon.org/events/) - CONTENTS
- [Past Event Photos](https://www.csimacon.org/connect/programming-events/past-event-photos/)
- [Purim](https://www.csimacon.org/connect/programming-events/purim/) - Purim is a fun, exciting time for all shuls. At CSI, we feel this is even more special. Over the years, our musically gifted and very creative Rabbi has put together a Purim shpiel that is a must-see event in our entire community. Not just the Jewish community, but many others in the Middle Georgia
- [Selichot](https://www.csimacon.org/connect/programming-events/selichot/) - A Unique Selichot Tradition at CSIBringing an Ancient Sacred Poem to LifeIn the Yom Kippur evening service there’s a beautiful poem called “Like Clay in the Hand of the Potter (כי הנה כחומר).” My dad, of blessed memory, introduced it to me around fifty years ago.While there are some educated guesses about the country and
- [Learning](https://www.csimacon.org/learning/) - We have a variety of learning opportunities for all ages. Click the links above to browse through this section.
- [Meet the Rabbi](https://www.csimacon.org/about-us/meet-the-rabbi/) - Meet the Rabbi
- [Religious School](https://www.csimacon.org/learning/religious-school/) - Rooted in Torah, United by Traditions, Inspired by Joy and ConnectionAt Congregation Sha’arey Israel Religious School, our mission is to inspire, instill, and strengthen a lifelong love of Judaism in our students and families located in Middle Georgia. Rooted in the values of the Conservative movement, we provide a joyful, meaningful, and engaging Jewish education
- [Welcome](https://www.csimacon.org/about-us/our-synagogue/) - Welcome to Congregation Sha’arey Israel! Thank you for your interest in our synagogue. Congregation Sha’arey Israel is a vibrant, egalitarian, multi-generational community with a rich history in Middle Georgia.Congregation Sha’arey Israel (CSI) is a 120 year-old community which has strengthened over the years because of our dynamic programs and worship services and because of the
- [Volunteer](https://www.csimacon.org/connect/volunteer/) - Daybreak Congregation Sha’arey Israel (CSI) is partnering with Daybreak, a daytime service center for Middle Georgia’s homeless and others in need. Services include housing and housing placement, case management, breakfast and snacks, laundry facilities, showers, a free health clinic, access to phones and computers, transportation assistance, and identification and documentation assistance. Volunteers are needed in
- [Mission Statement](https://www.csimacon.org/about-us/mission-statement/) - As the only Conservative Jewish congregation in Middle Georgia, Congregation Sha’arey Israel is committed to fostering meaningful connections with Judaism and within the Jewish community.Embracing an egalitarian spirit, we welcome individuals at every stage of their Jewish journey, including interfaith families, and strive to offer opportunities for growth that resonate personally and spiritually.Through diverse religious,
- [Families](https://www.csimacon.org/connect/families/) - In our congregation, age is never a barrier - it’s a bridge. The friendships and connections we share bring together people from every generation and background, creating a community where everyone belongs and learns from one another. We celebrate the richness that comes from these interwoven relationships, reminding us that what connects us goes far
- [Synagogue History](https://www.csimacon.org/about-us/synagogue-history/) - A Synagogue with Deep Southern Roots“In the beginning…” it was a dream: that Jewish families in Macon might transmit their heritage to their children and grandchildren, as Jews had done for generations. On November 10, 1904, Congregation Sherah Israel, received a charter incorporating and giving formal shape to that dream. In those early years, services
- [Contact Us](https://www.csimacon.org/contact-us/) - 611 First StreetMacon, GA 31201478-745-4571secretary@csimacon.org Send Us A Message "*" indicates required fields Your Name* First Last Email* Cell Phone*Subject*SelectAttend ServicesQuestion About JudaismMembershipReligious School for KidsConversionDonationsOtherComments/MessageCAPTCHA Δ
- [Recording Downloads](https://www.csimacon.org/learning/recording-downloads/) - Shabbat Morning Service Mode Ani – pg. 99Elohai Neshama, Asher Yatzar – pg. 99Ma Tovu – pg. 101Shachar Avakeshcha – pg. 101Atifat Talit (Hareni Mekabel) – pg. 102Birkhot Hashachar – pg. 103-104Hamaavir Sheina – pg. 104Leyom Hashabat, Tzadik Katamar – pg. 112Leyom Hashabat – pg. 112Habayit Ledavid – pg. 120Elecha Hashem – pg. 120Kadish Yatom
- [Adult Education](https://www.csimacon.org/learning/adult-education/) - Jewish learning for the curious mind At Congregation Sha’arey Israel, our Adult Education programs offer a rich menu of learning opportunities designed to inspire, engage, and connect our community. From our monthly book club and lively movie nights to hands-on art projects (like crafting your own yad) and our recent Hebrew Reading 101 course, there
- [About Us](https://www.csimacon.org/about-us/)
- [Leadership](https://www.csimacon.org/about-us/leadership/) - 2025–2026 Executive CommitteeCo-Presidents – Jan Lewis, Michael KrugerVice President – Lara GellerTreasurer – Evan KoplinRecording Secretary – Pamela HillCorresponding Secretary – Allison BloodworthEx-Officio – Shelley DavidsonRabbi – Aaron Rubinstein 2025–2026 Committee ChairsAdult Education – Rosalind SimsonBoard of Education – Jennifer Bernstein, Shalom KeenumCemetery – Marty KoplinGifts and Memorials – Jo HuskeyHouse – Jonathan Atzmon, Markus
- [Donate](https://www.csimacon.org/donate/)
- [Monthly Schedule](https://www.csimacon.org/services/monthly-schedule/) - March 2024 Friday, March 16:15 pm Service Saturday, March 29:30 am Service Thursday, March 77:00 am Minyan Friday, March 86:15 pm Service Saturday, March 99:30 am Service Thursday, March 147:00 am Minyan Friday, March 156:15 pm Service Saturday, March 169:30 am Service Thursday, March 217:00 am Minyan Friday, March 226:15 pm Service Saturday, March 239:30
- [Alternative Shabbat Survey](https://www.csimacon.org/alternative-shabbat-survey/) - Dear Members of Congregation Sha’arey Israel,I am writing concerning an idea that has surfaced at recent meetings of the Board of Governors. This concerns the weekly Shabbat morning service. As you may know, this service generally runs from 9:30 until 12:00 or slightly thereafter. It has been suggested that there might be some interest in
- [Hebrew Calendar](https://www.csimacon.org/services/hebrew-calendar/)
- [Services](https://www.csimacon.org/services/) - Information about our services will be published soon.
- [News](https://www.csimacon.org/news/)

## Categories

- [News](https://www.csimacon.org/category/news/)
- [General Announcement](https://www.csimacon.org/category/general-announcement/)
- [Social Action](https://www.csimacon.org/category/social-action/)
- [About Macon, GA](https://www.csimacon.org/category/about-macon-ga/)
- [Community Outreach](https://www.csimacon.org/category/community-outreach/)
- [A Message from our President](https://www.csimacon.org/category/a-message-from-our-president/)
- [A Word of Torah from the Rabbi](https://www.csimacon.org/category/a-word-of-torah/)
- [Board of Education](https://www.csimacon.org/category/board-of-education/)