A Message from the Rabbi and Rebitzen…

We wish to personally thank all of those who have sent us letters and thoughts of good wishes, and thank Hashem for bringing us to another New Year, and new hope. The theme of this newsletter is A New Hope.

More than at any other time in our history in America and our relationship with Israel do we have the opportunity to renew our spiritual connections with our faith.  As we look toward 5769, we think of those we love and cherish, those we loved and lost, and those we have yet to meet along the way in our journey of life.

This year is a year for renovation, restoration, transformation, and life-changing decisions. Because we believe that all the children of Hashem are beloved, we know how difficult it is to continue our commitment to our house of worship. We feel at times, different; we feel at times, estranged; we may see ourselves up against expectations that exist within our deepest thoughts.

However, we are not judge and jury. Neither is anyone who has proclaimed to be so in our lives. We are proud Jewish families and people, and we know to whom alone (B”H) we atone, and to whom we mark our successes.

We are free when we know who we are and from where we came. We are free when we are part of an awesome experience that is larger than any one of us, and larger than us as a whole. We are free when we know that our heritage is as simple as a High Holiday service, or lighting a candle on Shabbat.

Our freedom here is knowing that the smallest mitzvah, may lead to the grandest gift.

Continues…

B”H

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This poem is attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson

To Have Succeeded

To laugh often and love much:

To win respect of intelligent people,

And the affection of children;

To earn the approbation of honest critics

And endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To give one's self;
To leave the world a little better,
Whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch,
Or redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
And sung with exultation;
To know even one life has breathed easier
Because you have lived...
This is to have succeeded.

We will be honored to see you for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah. Rabbis Fetman and Glazer look forward to seeing all of us attend and participate in the services.

Announcements

Temple Beth El would like to announce that __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Births - Bruce and Yuki's beautiful daughter 

Deaths

Continues…

We have lost four dear women this year, Edith Field, Nettie Garment, Ester Pineles and Phyllis Suchman. They were women of valor who were priceless to us all.

B”H

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Anniversaries

Congratulations to Nancy and Curt Buckler on their first wedding anniversary,

August 19, 2008.

Simchas

Dr. Willie and Mrs. Libby Henik are joyous with being able to play with their granddaughter Sylvia, as their daughter Erica has been promoted and moved back to the New Jersey area.

Prayers for the Sick

Mrs. Lil Stern was seriously injured when she was struck by a driver while walking. We hope that she is feeling better. Those who wish her well may contact the office for more information at (201) 869-9149.

President’s Message

On behalf of myself and the Board of Directors of Temple Beth El, I would like to thank all those who have kept life in the synagogue bright and beautiful. We appreciate all of the men, women and children who delight us each and every Shabbat with their presence and good company. We thank all of our volunteers, and would like to express our sincere gratitude to Yaffa Fetman and Annette Messing, who tirelessly work to keep us awakened and renewed.

As the leader of the synagogue, I can only communicate that we are always in need of funds – whether they be a large grant of money, or a modest sum each week or month. Every penny counts and every penny goes to keeping the synagogue open. It is a yoke of blessing unto me, as well as to the Board of Directors, to keep Jewish life in North Hudson County alive. We cannot let our community down. Please help us by pledging generously on Yom Kippur this year.

Ticket prices have not increased in four years. We are all aware of the current economy, and wish to place no further burden on any of our congregants, guests, neighbors or relatives.

Our tickets remain $100 for members and $120 for non-members. Please let us know how many seats you wish to purchase. Selichot is Saturday night, Septmebr 13, 2008 – Refreshments at 9:00 p.m. – Service at 9:30 p.m. Erev Rosh Hashanah is Monday, September 29, 2008. A full schedule is enclosed with this letter. Again, we look forward to welcoming all who wish to attend our High Holiday services, and invite you with great love.

Shalom and a Shanah Tovah to all.

With warmest regards,

Harry Gips