“… how can we do more”

As January comes to a screeching end (hard to believe it has gone by so fast) we move into February. I hope all of you have sent in your RSVP for our Tu BiShvat Sedar, the new year for trees. This is one of my favorite holidays because of all the wonderful fruit and nuts we eat during the service. They represent the trees in the Land of Israel beginning to emerge from their winter sleep and the start of their fruit bearing cycles. Seeing as I grow a variety of fruit trees, I find deep meaning in this holiday. Although, to tell you the truth, with the weather the way it has been lately, I find it hard to believe that spring will be starting soon! However, in a sense, Tu BiShvat signifies that sometimes it is precisely from within the darkest and coldest moments of our lives that the new blossoms burst forth! Come join us at Temple on Sunday, February 1 for this wonderful dinner!

I want to thank Robert Becker, Tony Smith, Mike Heeren, the Temple Judah Board, and the members of the Temple Judah Trust Fund for having the insight to have solar panels installed at Temple prior to the end of 2025. I drive by Temple every day on my bus and noticed there was a worker on the roof shoveling snow to keep the roof ready for installation at the end of December. Having this done before the end of 2025 has allowed us to get a large rebate from the government. I am amazed to see that this project moved from idea to fruition in the course of 1 month. I think it speaks highly of the group of people who are so dedicated to keeping Temple Judah alive and well…and I always ask myself “…how can we do more?”

I know, I know, I mention this every month…but I really believe it! I always keep in the back of my mind that, as a member of Temple Judah, we are all one large family. We come together to celebrate wonderful occasions like Hanukah or Tu BiShvat, Bat and Bar Mitzvahs, baby naming’s, conversions, high school graduations and marriages. But we also support those who are ill and sit shiva with our members who have lost loved ones.

Please join the Temple Judah family and do your part and contribute to keeping the flame alive and burning bright. Don’t sit on the outside, looking in. Participate!!

Shalom.
Brian D. Cohen
President