Greetings!  I hope that everyone was able to stay dry this past weekend.  If you were planning to come to Temple Israel Religious School this past Sunday to learn how to swim, you would have been successful.  If however, you were looking to learn something about Judaism, unfortunately, that was not occurring.  I am happy to report, however, that we are getting back to a normal state of affairs here, and we are all set for this weekend's events.

We will begin this Friday evening with Shabbat services at 7:30 PM.  You might have read a recent article in the paper which raises the question of who actually is considered a Jew.  Are so-called "Messianic" Jews really Jews at all?  I will discuss this question during our services this Friday.  I look forward to hearing your thoughts as well.

On Saturday AM, during our services at 10:15, we will call Leah Wiener to Torah as a bat mitzvah.  Mazel tov to Leah and to all of her family.  We look forward to celebrating with you.

Now is a great time to join in our Saturday morning Torah study.  We are about to begin the book of Numbers, the 4th book of the Torah.  We will begin introductory material to Numbers and discuss an overview of the book this Saturday during Torah study at 9 AM in the Turner Adult Education room.

Our other weekly class is now in full swing.  Every Wednesday, noon in the Turner Adult Education room a dedicated group brings a brown bag lunch and we engage in wide ranging discussions based on whatever text we are reading.  Currently we are reading the Book of Ecclesiastes, which contains thoughts and philosophies that have given rise to some great discussions.  Who would have thought that a Biblical book could give rise to a discussion of local politics?  If you want to join in the fun, come any Wednesday at noon.

Our Sunday of Religious school for the pre-K through 3rd grades as well as 7th grade is Sunday, September 7.  All other grades should come tonight and next Wednesday (September 3).  We are ready to launch an exciting new year of Religious School.

The Adult Hebrew classes will begin on Sunday September 7 as well.  The class room will be announced just prior to that Sunday.  If you are interested in Adult Hebrew classes, please contact Janette in the Temple office.

This coming Monday is not only the first day of September, but also the first day of the Hebrew month of Elul.  This is significant because the month of Elul is the month leading up to our High Holy Days.  During this month we are supposed to look within ourselves, do an accounting of our souls, and see what needs repairing.  If there are relationships that need fixing, this is the time to begin.  If you know you have hurt someone, this is the time to make the apology.  On Sunday, September 7, the annual Elul workshop will be held from 10 AM until noon in the Adult Education Room.  The workshop explores the meaning of the season and helps to focus us on a process of turning back to God and healing our relationships.  The workshop is open to everyone.

Have a Shabbat of peace and blessing,

Jack Romberg
Rabbi