Happy March! We hope you all can join us for Purim next Wednesday, February 28th, with a fun reading of the Megillah along with a delicious pizza, salad, and hamantaschen treats! A few weeks later, spring officially arrives, and then Passover follows on its heels. Our Temple Judah community Passover seder is on Saturday, March 31st at 6 pm. A delicious dinner, including vegetarian options, is planned – check the Bulletin and weekly Shaliach for details!
The Passover seder is typically concluded with the sentiment, “Next year in Jerusalem”. Although most of us probably won’t be spending Passover in Israel next year, all members in the congregation are invited to join Temple Judah and Temple B’nai Jeshurun in a joint guided trip, Iowa Goes to Israel. Highlights of the trip include exploration of Galilee, Golan Heights, Dead Sea, and Jerusalem. You can even participate in an archaeological dig and gaze upon the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. The trip is sure to be an experience of a lifetime, one made even more special with fellow Jews from your own Iowa community. Next year’s Passover, you might be physically in Iowa, but your thoughts could be with memories of your trip to Jerusalem. See the Bulletin and weekly Shaliach for more trip details.
We heard several congregants say they wanted an earlier start time for Shabbat services, and the Ritual Committee listened. Starting this month, on March 2nd, we will begin a trial period of holding regular Friday night services an hour earlier, at 6:30 pm. We encourage you to come to Friday night services at 6:30 pm and provide feedback on how well this works!
Chag Sameach and Happy Spring!
Shalom,
Jill
President