Shalom, chaverim! I hope that all of you are enjoying the summer in your own personal ways. The weather has been hot, but I hear the beach is pleasant. Just remember the sunscreen!
From the outside, things at the East Northport Jewish Center appear very quiet. Clergy and staff are taking their vacations. Programming is limited. We have a regular service schedule, but attendance is lighter than the rest of the year. Do not be deceived. Your Board of Directors and the various standing committees are hard at work planning for the coming holiday season. I hope that you will do your part to help the process along.
As you receive this, the deadline for the High Holiday Ticket Request Form is approaching. Please get your paperwork and payments into the office by Friday, August 19th, in order to be eligible for the seating priority lottery. This lottery determines the order in which the ticket requests are filled.
If you are interested in helping out with the planning for the holidays and beyond, we have many committees, any of which would be glad for your support. The largest, most visible committees are Ritual, Education, Community Relations and Fundraising. Ritual is responsible for worship services, holiday observances and all religious activities of the synagogue. The Education committee helps run the Religious School. Community Relations organizes community meals, blood drives, Tot Shabbats, delivering meals to the sick or shut-in, as well as occasional social and entertainment programming. Fundraising raises moeny for the shul through large one-time campaigns and smaller, ongoing projects. Finally, while the Membership, Building Administration and House Administration Vice Presidents don't currently head active committees, from time to time, they also could use a little extra help. If you feel you have skills that could be useful, please contact the appropriate VP to inform them of your interest. If our interests or skill set do not seem to ally with an existing committee or department, let's talk! I'm sure we can find a place for you!