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 back to Macon after spending the beginning of Passover with family out of town.  For students, it means the end of another school year is almost over and the freedom of summer!  That word…Freedom.  So precious.  We were just reminded at Pesach that we once were slaves but now are free.  

            The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees us the right to practice his or her own religion or no religion at all.  The persecution of Jews in history and anti-semitism is well documented.  Yet here in Middle Georgia we are blessed to be free to attend weekly and holiday services, life-cycle events, and special services if we choose.  At the very beginning of the month on Sunday, May 1^st at 4pm, we are having a meaningful, approximately one-hour program to commemorate Holocaust Remembrance Day and I hope you will be able to attend.  CSI is pleased to be hosting our guest speaker for Yom HaShoah, Rachel Shankman.  Thanks in advance to Rabbi Aaron Rubinstein, our Adult Ed Chair Jan Lewis and the entire committee for adding some unique additions to the service this year.

            Closer to the end of the month is our Annual Congregational Meeting for members on May 22^nd at 4 pm.  In some ways it seems just yesterday I was elected at President and handed a gavel!  As I reflect on the first year of my term, I feel very honored to be able to serve in this capacity. Together, we as congregants collectively holdfast to our Jewish faith and traditions and work to ensure a meaningful future for Congregation Sha’arey Israel.  I’ve said it before…as grateful and appreciative as I am for our beautiful shul and grounds, the best part is the people! You are the necessary ingredient to allow CSI to thrive and endure, now and always.

See you soon!

Theresa