“Help keep us on this fantastic voyage” 

As we begin the Jewish new year, 5786, I find it valuable to reflect on the events of the past year. While some years have posed more challenges than others, I remain deeply grateful for the many positive aspects of my life, including the unwavering support of my wife and daughter. Serving as President of this congregation is both an honor and a responsibility, and while it brings its share of challenges, maintaining an optimistic outlook—shaped by over four decades as an Optimist—has been instrumental in navigating any difficulties encountered during my tenure at Temple Judah.

It was rewarding to witness the celebration of some milestones this past year. I had a wonderful experience representing the Board by giving out gifts at two recent Bar Mitzvahs. I was delighted to observe a Bar Mitzvah dance and two young men who were taller than the Rabbi. Over the past year we have also attended outdoor shabbat services in the Silber Outdoor Sanctuary (a truly reflective, and wonderful experience to pray in an outdoor setting), two seders, the Chanukah dinner, and the annual meeting BBQ. All have been positive experiences and well attended.

I am overwhelmed by the improvements that have been made to the Temple over the last year. I am proud to announce that the Homeland Security updates are completed. It is great to have them finally come to fruition, marking a significant improvement for our congregation’s safety and wellbeing.

Also, if you stand in the parking lot and look up, you will see brand new shingles on the roof. I am told by a source close to the project there is still work to be done. It is only 94.6% finished. However, I think it really is 95% finished…but who’s going to quibble over .4%? Seriously, I would like to thank our house chairman, Tony Smith, for the job he has done overseeing this major project. He has literally been “up on the roof,” making sure the installation is being done properly. As someone who previously chaired this committee when the roof was last replaced over 35 years ago, I appreciate the significance of this accomplishment and the alleviation of ongoing maintenance concerns. The most important thing about this project being done is I won’t have to be haked by Tony each month at board meetings telling us the roof needs to be replaced!

I would like to take a minute to thank all the members of the board, all the committee members, the Sunday school teachers, our Hebrew school teacher, the house chairman, the Trust Supervisory Board and the people who do all the work to keep Temple Judah moving along, steady and smoothly like a sailboat on the water. We are a small congregation, and it takes everyone in the Temple Judah family to make this journey possible.

Temple Judah continues to thrive thanks to the generosity and foresight of families—both Reform and Orthodox—who established our building and endowed a trust to sustain Judaism in Cedar Rapids for future generations. Although I have been a member for 41 years, some of their descendants remain part of our community, and their enduring commitment deserves our deepest thanks.

As we gather in the sanctuary, I am reminded of the importance of every individual’s involvement in fostering a vibrant future for Temple Judah. I encourage each member to consider how they might contribute to sustaining our congregation’s journey, especially as we approach a time of reflection and renewal.

As I looked around the sanctuary on Rosh Hashana and saw all the wonderful faces, I am reminded that everyone could help in some way to continue to encourage a thriving Temple Judah as we move into the future. Take this to heart… next week on Yom Kippur when you are pounding your chest asking for forgiveness…remember there is something you can contribute to keeping us sailing on this fantastic voyage.

I encourage you to get involved in some way. Use your personal expertise to help our congregation in some way. There are many committees, and they are always in need of help. 

Participate, donate, be an active member of OUR CONGREGATION, our family.

L’Shana Tovah Tikatevu
May you all be inscribed for a happy and good new year!
Tzom Kal
May you have an easy fast!

Shalom,
Brian D. Cohen
President