Fellow Congregants
As I am writing this message, I think where has the summer gone ? It seems like only yesterday we were getting through winter and welcoming back our many snowbirds. Since last writing you, we had many wonderful and memorable events that have taken place at Beth Zion.
Yasher Koach to our own Jack Leinwand who spoke so beautifully, bravely and meaningfully on Survivor Shabbat.
Holocaust Remembrance speaker Myra Giberovitch spoke informatively and her presentation was very moving.
Rabbi Emeritus Shoham was well received with his book review “OUT OF THE DEPTHS” and the evening of Judaism and Islam, was highly
enlightening and informative and enjoyed by all.
Our Yom Ha’atzmaut guest lecturer Rabbi Yehoshua Grunstein from Israel was warmlyreceived by our members and spoke brilliantly on a number of interesting topics.
Our scholar in residence for Shavuot, Dr. Lawrence Schiffman, spoke on the DEAD SEA SCROLLS and other interesting topics in front of large crowds and was greatly appreciated by all those in attendance.
And for those of you who attended the Lag b’Omer BBQ at Master Chef Rabbi Perton’s house, you were one of approximately 100 people who had a day of great food, beer and entertainment.
Our annual Scotch Tasting evening chaired by Allan Schneiderman and his committee went over the top this year. It was a most engaging event which raised much needed funds for the shul.
Our Tisha B’av guest speaker, Mr. Ted Bolgar was inspiring for all those in attendance and his accounting of life in the concentration camps was very moving.
And last, but certainly not least, will be our annual Rossdeutscher Family Cantorial Concert on September 30 featuring music from Bible to
Broadway. Don’t miss this event as it will be a most entertaining evening. Last year almost 700 people attended and danced in and out of their seats.
Special thanks to committee co‑chairs, Rabbi Emeritus Shoham and Joe Presser.
All of the above could not have been possible without our Executive Director, Eileen Rabinovitch who skillfully helped execute these programs and events. Thank you to her staff for their continued dedication and hard work, as well the countless volunteers who helped bring these programs to fruition.
Beth Zion undertook a pro-active membership drive under the guidance of Rabbi Perton. Door to door brochures have been handed out by our
member volunteers who visited almost 3000 homes in the vicinity. We are hoping to attract new life to Beth Zion by encouraging those not affiliated to see all that we have to offer.
As well, we are making seating changes in the Main Sidney Shoham Sanctuary by having all gentlemen sit in the center section, to allow ladies to sit in the side sectors of the main floor. We thank everyone who cooperated and accepted the move. The High Holidays will see limited parts of the services read in English.
All in all, you can feel a renewed buzz at Beth Zion. New programs, classes and a renewed pledge to bring back the youth to Beth Zion are in the air. We can accomplish our goals through your continued support and participation – come join us at events, programs and in particular our Cantorial Concert. It is important that all of our members take part and support our fund raising activities. Feel a part of Beth Zion and share in our wonderful activities together.
I thank my fellow Officers, Board of Directors, Rabbi Boruch Perton, Rabbi Emeritus Sidney Shoham for sharing with me the renewed vision for Beth Zion and helping to secure our future. Thank you as well to all those who worked so diligently in the
preparation for the High Holidays.
On behalf of my family, the Officers, Board of Directors, Clergy and Office Staff we wish you and yours a healthy, happy and peaceful New Year.
May this year see a renewed peace in the middle east and throughout Israel.
Shana Tova U’metukah
Ricky Steinberg, President
