Message from Our President

This time of year, I feel as if I’ve run a marathon and finally crossed the finish line! The twenty-three days that start with Rosh Hashanah and end with Simchat Torah demand a lot of work by many people, and there is always something that requires an almost-instantaneous answer, whether it’s a question about guests for services, the necessity of an unexpected repair to the building, or a request for yahrzeit candles for Erev Yom Kippur. Throw in the remnants of a hurricane just before Yom Kippur, and it’s easy to see why I feel a sense of both relief and accomplishment this year!

Sukkot is often thought of as our Jewish Thanksgiving, and this year it coincided with Canadian Thanksgiving; our American Thanksgiving will be November 24th.  So this is the time of year when I’m very grateful: for Rabbi Dror, who, over the past two decades, has led our High Holy Day services and made them so meaningful; for Radie Maye, Frankie Levy, and Robin Levy, whose work behind the scenes in the office made for a smooth 3 weeks of observance and celebration; for Donald Goddard, who ensured that we had enough seats and machzorim (High Holy Day prayerbooks) for everyone who came to services; for Evelyn and Richard Mason, who prepared meals not only for our regular weekday morning minyan services and Shabbat kiddush lunches but also for the extra meals we provide during the holidays; for Tanya Wisoker, our religious school teachers, and our students, whose wonderful song on the first day of Rosh Hashanah brought smiles to all who saw and heard them; to our Men’s Club and Sisterhood, whose efforts added so much to our holiday season ; and to the many members—too many to name!—who led services, volunteered as ushers and greeters, put mailing labels on envelopes, handled the technology for our Zoom services and meetings, and came to High Holy Day and holiday services in person.

It takes all of us working together, in ways both large and small, to make Rodef Sholom Temple thrive, and I thank you all!

Tsvi joins me in wishing you Happy Thanksgiving and, in December, Chag Hanukkah Sameach!

Martha Katz-Hyman

President