Dear Fellow Members,

Since this is our last issue until late August, let me first offer thanks on behalf of the congregation to our editors Jacob, Bruce and Kim.  In spite of materials arriving late, they kept us on track with 9 issues over these 9 months.  Thanks also to Rob and Lisa for all their help reviewing when time permitted and added thanks to Lisa for help getting the issues distributed to you. And last but not least thanks to our contributors including Herb , Linda and Jordan.

I hope you have found this newsletter as useful and engaging as I have over the years thanks to the many editors & contributors.  However I ask you to consider this resource in your ‘spare time’ this summer, specifically what more you would like to see in it.  I’ve been enjoying the recipes and would love to see more.  I always enjoy hearing thoughts shared amongst our services and socials and wish we could all find time at some point through the year to send in a letter to the editor or any other reader interest pieces on Judaism in general or here in Southern Maryland.  Anything from perspectives to historical notes would be welcome.

Our Congregation meeting to confirm next year’s Budget is planned for Sunday August 15 (per our constitution details will be sent least 10 days prior).  Don’t forget that the summer is also a great time for help here at Beth Israel to keep our landscape and woods looking nice.  We could also use a cleaning party to clean windows, books & shelves, kitchen and possibly touch up paint.  Contact Lloyd, our House Committee chair to help out.

Next year kick’s off early with Rosh Hashanah beginning on sunset Thursday Sep 8, 2010 with Rabbi Greenstein and Cantor Norbert Zucker leading services.  Our schedule for the year is taking shape now, so this is a great time to chat with others or talk to your Rabbi or Board members to offer your interest and opinions on what other activities you’d like to see (movie night? Game night?) and what volunteering you would like to do.  Remember that nine of us in the congregation have been studying to do our part in leading services on the second of our typical two weekends of services per month.  Even if you have not been in this training, talk to the Rabbi if there is some part or a talk or discussion you would like to lead in the coming year.

Sincerely, Jerri
Congregation President