Shanah Tovah. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we welcome you back home as we celebrate Rosh Hashanah together again. We are amazed at the passion and participation of our congregants each year and this past year was no exception. Bnai Shalom is vibrant with activity, and our impact is felt throughout the greater Lehigh Valley region.
At Bnai Shalom, we gather for services, religious activities, and communal meals. We continue to have a minyan at our Shabbat and holiday services. The monthly Dinner with Rabbi is always well attended, as well as the meals in the sukkah, Tu BiShevat and Passover seders, and the Shavuot pot-luck dinner. Many of the onegs and kiddushes are sponsored by our family members, including the Rosh Hashanah luncheon enjoyed last year and again later today. Who could forget the amazing baked goods produced by our Sisterhood and members including Chanukkah cookies, Purim hamantaschen, and Passover desserts. The new Boutique B-Mitzvah program initiated by Rabbi Adrienne is gaining strength. Bnai Shalom has 9 new member families as a result.
At Bnai Shalom, we host and sponsor programs that are second to none. We welcomed Rabbi Adrienne with an installation that is still being talked about. We held an emotional farewell dinner for Cantor Jill. Bnai Shalom hosted sponsored programs including CPR training and an ADL program on antisemitism. The Rabbi led numerous classes on a variety of topics. At Bnai Shalom, we gather for social activities. The book club, knitting club, and Torah study group are enjoyed by many along with Coffee and Conversation with Rabbi. The Sisterhood is planning on starting a Mah Jong group this year. The bingo fundraisers are still going strong after three years.
Bnai Shalom is a shining beacon of Jewish life and spirit in the region. Our members volunteered at the Shuk in the Valley to support Israeli merchants. Our members' generous support of Project Hope of Easton, Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley, and the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley was recognized and appreciated. Bnai Shalom helped sponsor the Miriam's Song Community Women's Seder and the PJ Library Tot Shabbat programs. The Walker Foundation sponsored the Strings of Hope program last week. We came together volunteering at Super Sunday and celebrating Jewish Heritage Night at the Iron Pigs game.
And if you thought these highlights were impressive enough, we would be remiss if we did not mention the awesome services we will continue to enjoy over this holiday season. Rabbi Adrienne, your passion and spirit for Judaism and Jewish life radiates over us all year; your positive impact has been felt by our Bnai Shalom family and the community at large. It is hard to believe that you have only been with us for a year. Dr. Bob, once again you honor us with your beautiful voice and festive spirit. Jeff, you may be new to our family but your impact on our services is special.
Bnai Shalom is truly a special place. We cannot thank you enough for your support and commitment to this amazing congregation.
May this new year of 5786 be a year of peace throughout the world. May it be the year when all the remaining hostages in Gaza are freed. May it be a year of health, personal and spiritual growth, and meaning for our Bnai Shalom family and guests.
Shanah tovah u'mtukah.
Vickie Semmel and Howard Nathanson Co-Presidents
SERVING THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF EASTON SINCE 1839