| These do not make for easy reading, but all three writers are thoughtful and measured in their responses, speaking to troubling issues far better than I ever could, so if you have the urge to read these, I would encourage you to do so.
After speaking about the dire, no-end-in-sight situation in the Middle East, it’s a challenge to turn to more mundane matters here at home, but I’m glad to do so, because nearly all the news is positive. Let’s start with our fundraising initiative, L’dor V’dor.
A few weeks ago I mailed a letter to many of you, pointing out we are facing a serious financial deficit, one that the congregation’s leadership has been able to reduce but not fully address. In the time since, I’m pleased to report the “are facing situation” has now become “were facing,” given we have achieved two-thirds of our goal.
Speaking on behalf of all of us – this was a problem that required everyone to step up – I am not just grateful but proud (and a little relieved) of what we achieved.
For those of you who heard Rabbi Niles conduct a thoughtful conversation with Reverend Jay Lang – or as he likes to refer to himself, Rev. Jay – leader of the Napa Valley Center for Spiritual Living, as part of the rabbi’s Faces of Faith series, you witnessed frank, informative engagement on matters of faith, spirituality and belief, one that emphasized our similarities much more than our differences.
In a time of discord and uncertainty it is a good to hear from a friend, so much so, I am reminded of the Randy Newman song, “You’ve got a Friend in Me.” It is good to have a friend in Rev. Jay.
More good news: It’s Purim time!
Activities already are underway, but here’s the line-up: |
