“… above and beyond the call of duty”

In case you hadn’t heard, Steven Eckert bequeathed a large sum of money to Temple Judah and we are now in the process of polling members of the congregation on soliciting ways to spend this windfall. I have heard of some great ideas on what we can do to further Steven’s memory as a photographer, videographer and graphic whiz! It is truly a wonderful thing he did by thinking of Temple Judah. If you have ideas, please let Carolyn know at [email protected] or call the office at 319-362-1261.

Yom Kippur gates closed at the beginning of this month, and I am proud to mention that there was great attendance for services upstairs and downstairs. I need to mention, we had a new ba’al toke’a (master of the blast) for the downstairs services. Great job blowing the shofar, Zach … and I am looking forward to your Bar Mitzvah next month. There was a great crowd breaking the fast. The caterer did a good job, but I missed real bagels. Thanks to all who helped put it together!

Also, later in the month Simchat Torah was celebrated. There was a great turnout for this service. There were 6 students (of seven) who celebrated their consecration. It truly is a blessing Religious School is growing in numbers … maybe we should consider going back to weekly Religious School!

I need to thank a few people this month. Robert Becker, who has taken on the task of building a new Yahrzeit board and investigating installing solar panels for the Temple! Also, Tony Smith needs to be thanked once again for seeing through the installation of the new roof … which I am told is 100% complete. He was up on the roof, inspecting it on a daily basis when they were installing the shingles … he literally went above and beyond the call of duty!

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 Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, 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!!

Brian D. Cohen

President