A bit over eighteen years ago a stranger rang my doorbell, handed me a beautiful basket with a challah and bottle of wine, smiled, and said, “Welcome to B’nai Tikvah.” New to Temple, new to Calgary, new to Canada; her smile and that welcome basket lit up my day.
It’s an annual mitzvah now lovingly orchestrated by Deb and Paul Finkleman, with a terrific band of volunteers who assemble and deliver the baskets. I thank them, and join them in welcoming the newest members to B’nai Tikvah.
As with so much at Temple, this mitzvah reminds me that it takes a community to grow and renew a community. Our Adult Education Committee has worked to produce the new Java and Torah Saturday study sessions, the adult Hebrew class (great preparation for the upcoming adult B’nai Mitzvah class), and Rabbi Rick Kline’s course on Preparation for the End of Life. Jennifer Eiserman kicked off this year’s Lunch and Learn with a talk on the Rothko Chapel. Social Action volunteers are making school lunches for hungry kids, researching pressing social issues with MAC-G, and working at our new Satellite Food Bank. Shabbat School is humming; the Youth Group and our new Rugelach Program vibrate with youthful energy. The Caring Community is cooking away each month, and reaching out to isolated and ill members. Two short-term committees are reviewing our constitution and by-laws and assessing what we need to do to maintain our building in coming years.
The fun continues. On November 28, Yair Lootsteen, Deputy Chair of the Israel Movement for Reform Judaism, will speak at Temple on the topic “Against All Odds – The Remarkable Story of Reform Judaism in Israel Today.” Ordinarily, for the December Kol Tikvah, I’d put this talk in the past tense, but our terrific Kol Tikvah team has come in ahead of schedule recently. Whether Mr. Lootsteen will soon speak or has just spoken when you read this, please join me in thanking Lori Hartwick who worked so hard to bring him to Calgary.
Three events are definitely forthcoming. On December 6, my old friend and colleague Don Smith will speak at our next Lunch and Learn. The author of books on Grey Owl, Long Lance, Honoré Jaxon, and Calgary’s Grand Theatre, Don always entertains and informs.
I am eagerly anticipating our next contemporary Israeli music concert on December 14, an Arik Einstein Tribute concert of classic folk songs of Israel with a trio led by Miki Gavrielov, one of Einstein’s co-writers. Thanks, as always, to Steve Eichler for all he does to bring great music to Temple.
And Chanukah is coming! Please join us for the Temple Chanukah celebration, and please add a gift for our Temple Tzedakah box: toiletries for Calgary’s homeless, or food for Miriam’s Well.
I wish you all the most sizzling latkes and sufganyot, the luckiest dreidel spins, and the joy of a community enriched by your energy, interests, ideas, and spirits. Chag Chanukah sameach.
