Congregation B'nai Shalom Traditionally Speaking October, 2005

From the Rabbi
From the President
Ritual
Programming
Sisterhood

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THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS - From RABBI JONATHAN GLASS

Who by Water…

I am writing these words as the newspaper headlines are still full of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Investigations are still being held-meetings of officials at all levels of government and leadership. People have been casting blame in all directions. The tragic loss of human life-the sick, the underprivileged, the elderly-has been awful and staggering. While the local and federal emergency responses may not have been adequate, the outpouring of donations, aid, and human kindness in the wake of the disaster has been incredible. We saw a flood that devastated in its destruction but we also saw a flood of compassion and kindness. While we are limited in what we can do about the first, we have boundless possibilities regarding the second.

Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot-These are all days that emphasize the transience of human life. The high holidays with their theme of judgment and uncertainty; Sukkot with its theme of “temporary dwelling;” all of these days bring home a clear message that at the end of the day we are not the masters of our own lives. True-we are responsible for our actions and our decisions but we are still not the masters. We can build buildings out of reinforced concrete, plug them up, shore them up, coat them with titanium…but there is still a chance that some earthquake or volcano or tornado or hurricane or freak occurrence will cause them to break. While we need to make every effort to improve our quality of life, it is important to remember that we are not life’s masters, for there is only One Master of life. The rabbis actually commented that the reason behind the building of the Tower of Babel was in order to plug up the heavens after the flood. It is difficult to acknowledge our vulnerability; easier to deny it.

It is difficult to acknowledge our vulnerability but it is necessary. Part of the High Holyday and Sukkot experience is to know deeply and essentially that we are vulnerable, that vulnerability is our bedrock, that there is no guarantee of health or wealth or solidity and then, with that knowledge, to live in full celebration of life’s gifts, with full open-hearted dedication to those we love, and ever-growing awareness of life’s mystery. This is the meaning of renewal, the renewal we are called to each year at this time.

Rabbi Glass

FROM THE PRESIDENT - ROB CHEIFETZ

People are fond of saying that each New Year brings new challenges.  For our shul, that is not really the case.  Our challenges are the same as always: to increase membership, participation, interest, camaraderie, and “ahavat yisrael” in our wonderful synagogue.  The difference this year is that we have new and exciting opportunities and resources to meet and conquer those challenges. 

            For the first time in a long time, our members can rejoice in a feeling of stability.  There were years when our dedicated members fought against the tide to keep Traditional Judaism alive in Buffalo Grove, not knowing whether we would succeed.  Would we ever find our “soul mate” in a Rabbi for our shul?  Would we ever be able to look to the future rather than simply avoiding the problems of the present?  Would we ever be able to sit back, relax for a second or two, and feel good about all the wonderful things that our hard work has accomplished?  The answer to these questions is “Yes!” - but with a caveat. 

            Living in the moment, life here at our shul is GREAT.  We feel comfortable and stable and more spiritual than ever before.  Rabbi Glass enriches our lives in many ways, both in his outward actions and in the way he lives his life.  Every day he is with us, Rabbi Glass demonstrates his deep commitment to education, working to give each of us the knowledge to appreciate and understand the wonders of our religion and give us a foundation to come closer to G-d.  And, in his quiet way, he shows us how to avoid conflicts and see the bigger picture, smell the roses, and focus on the good in all things.  His spiritual nature, his modesty, his musicality, and his serenity should cause each of us to aspire to lead a Torah-centered life.  I hope that each of you takes the opportunity to spend “quality time” with Rabbi Glass this year - you will not regret it.

            So, here’s the caveat.  We cannot pat ourselves on the back, say “job well done,” and get complacent.  In order to keep Rabbi Glass here for more than just the next two years, we need to increase our membership and increase each individual member’s commitment to our shul.  We need to continue to make the shul our home away from home.  We need to understand the financial commitment required to keep a large physical plant in operation.  We need to understand that we have the opportunity to build something wonderful and lasting - but it is only an opportunity; if we do not capitalize on that opportunity, a few years from now we will be talking about how great our shul once was, remembering the “good old days” when Rabbi Glass was our Rabbi.

            As I have often said, if we ALL share in the commitment to build our shul, each individual’s commitment need not be large.  If each member brings in one new member; if each member donates generously (my high school physics teacher gave 10% of his income to his church); if each member participates in the BUCKS program and commits to purchasing all of their Jewel groceries or Starbucks coffee or American Airlines tickets with coupons/gift cards obtained from the shul office, then we will all enjoy the benefits of a rejuvenated and financially healthy shul for many years to come. 

RITUAL - BEN FRANK

The holidays are upon us!  By the time you read this, we will likely be well into the chagim, and we will have had the pleasure of having our services augmented by Dr. Amir’s wonderful voice as well as OUR Rabbi’s insightful sermons and inspirational davening. Many people did lots of work in preparation for the chagim- the Ritual committee, Seating committee, Honors committee, sisterhood, office staff, custodial staff, etc.  I would like to thank everyone for their hard work.

The synagogue is a special place, a makom kadosh, designed to intensify our communication with the Almighty.  We should try to keep this in mind as we move through the holidays and spend more time than usual in this space.  As much as possible, we should try to ensure that we maintain an atmosphere conducive to talking with God.  While some talking with our friends and neighbors can be necessary for the active functioning of the service, the main reason we are there is to connect with G-d.  If we all just envision G-d actually standing on the bimah before the ark, evaluating and judging us as described in our liturgy, listening to us and answering us back, I am sure the atmosphere in our service will enhance everyone’s spiritual connections.

PROGRAMMING - JONATHAN LEVIN

The annual CBS of BG picnic was a great success this year.  On Sunday, August 28^th, over 60 shul members attended our annual fun.  It was wonderful to see parents and their children playing with one another.  The food was terrific, and along with the warm sunshine, it could not have been more perfect.

I would like to thank the following people (led by Edie R.) for their help in preparing, serving, and cleaning up our picnic meal:  Elaine G., Janice H., Janice H., Stacey L., Craig M., Marc R., Mark R., and Ruth R.  Our expert grillers, Jay and David P., cooked the hamburgers and hot dogs to perfection.  Many kids were also very helpful both in leading games and bringing a great overall spirit to the picnic.  The water balloon fight was certainly a highlight.

Thanks to all who attended; I can’t wait for next year’s picnic!! 

Upcoming event:  Pre-Chanukah party on December 11th.  Watch the bulletin for more details.

SISTERHOOD - JANICE HANDELMAN

Sponsors are still needed for kiddushes.  In addition to tuna and egg salad, we have started serving fruits and vegetables.  The Sisterhood only provides the pastries, so your donation goes for the extras.  Also, whenever pop is on sale, please remember to buy a few bottles and bring them to the Shul.

Entertainment Books are available in the Gift Shop for $25  They can be purchased during office hours or by contacting Evelyn B.

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