As you walk into FHC uptown, you will see a plaque on the left hand wall commemorating SEPTEMBER 1957 (cannot recall the exact day on the plaque), as the date FHC commenced construction on the building we now call FHC. After speaking to several people over the last year or so about having a dinner dance to commemorate the 50th Anniversary date, I again brought up the subject with my wife.
She stated that she would be willing to co-chair a committee to organize a dinner dance/journal/commemorative dinner to celebrate this historic date. (Successful dinner dances have many co-chairs... victory has a thousand fathers, or mothers) In order to do this kind of event justice, we would first have to form the committee(s) very soon and pick a date and a location for the event. In addition, there should be at least two separate committees, one for the journal and one for the event. (Recently, My wife was on a committee that held a 35th anniversary dinner to raise money for my oldest son's genetic disease.)
Proper preparation for the event takes time, especially since we do not have the mechanisms in place to do the jobs. In addition, the guests of such an event must be pulled from the commercial, medical, professional and religious communities surrounding FHC. We cannot limit the scope of such an event to our usual group of members who attend FHC events. We must call upon United Synagogue for guidance and support to advance this historic event. We must pull in FHC vendors, the medical community, retailers, restaurants and businesses and potential contractors for our renovation job in our area not only to donate to silent/live auctions, but to buy journal ads and to buy tickets (tables) to the dinner.
The event should be a fundraiser with a significant financial goal and the funds raised could be earmarked for renovation/construction costs on the 50 year old building. I do not think it would be unreasonable to set a goal of at least $50,000 to celebrate the 50th anniversary.
Also important to this event would be the publicity that FHC is entering its second fifty years at this location with its eye towards renovation and growth of the Jewish community in Northern Westchester. While one does not want to say we are in "competition", Temple Israel is planning a new facility in Northern Westchester and it would be terrific if FHC was considered the Conservative movement's alternative to Temple Israel in this part of the County.
We now have a new Executive Board and Board of Trustees that were just elected. I challenge our leadership (myself included), to take this project under its wings and start planning now, not several months before the anniversary, when it will be too late to do anything other than something small and uneventful.
I know that there are individuals at FHC that have the wherewithal, expertise and confidence to make this event happen. I also know that with the right mix of individuals working on this event and the right legwork, we can make this an event worth remembering.
In the same manner that one of our members made suggestions and commentary about United Synagogue, I shall suggest that my family will commit at least $1,000. to purchasing tickets to such an event. Anyone interested?
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
TRADITIONS: Fiddler on the Roof and FHC
On Sunday June 26, 2005 FHC held a group trip to see Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway. Congrads to our Youth Director for organizing a FHC day at the theater. The performance was terrific and the seats were great.
Although most of us know the story of Fiddler, one of the underlying themes of Fiddler is Traditions. Judaism is a religion based in large part on longstanding traditions that date back thousands of years. One of the marvelous traditions that was highlighted in Fiddler was the internal discontent of the Jews in Anatevka. Some wanted to move in a certain direction, others wanted to pull in a different direction. (Noone can say that Jews all think alike.)
Sounds familiar? At FHC, we embody the same internal discontent that has been part of the Jewish people for thousands of years. Yet, through this internal discontent, we continue as a people, united in our belief in one G-D and many of the shared traditions of the Jewish people. We may bicker and quarrel and disagree on issues and directions, but we are of, or should remember we are of, one soul.
Last night, FHC, thankfully, completed its elections, voting and budget process with the same internal discontent that has been part of our longstanding Jewish tradition. But from this internal discontent comes a stronger Jewish people, hopefully a stronger FHC, joined together as one soul.... to kvetch together another day. Shalom. Jeremy
Although most of us know the story of Fiddler, one of the underlying themes of Fiddler is Traditions. Judaism is a religion based in large part on longstanding traditions that date back thousands of years. One of the marvelous traditions that was highlighted in Fiddler was the internal discontent of the Jews in Anatevka. Some wanted to move in a certain direction, others wanted to pull in a different direction. (Noone can say that Jews all think alike.)
Sounds familiar? At FHC, we embody the same internal discontent that has been part of the Jewish people for thousands of years. Yet, through this internal discontent, we continue as a people, united in our belief in one G-D and many of the shared traditions of the Jewish people. We may bicker and quarrel and disagree on issues and directions, but we are of, or should remember we are of, one soul.
Last night, FHC, thankfully, completed its elections, voting and budget process with the same internal discontent that has been part of our longstanding Jewish tradition. But from this internal discontent comes a stronger Jewish people, hopefully a stronger FHC, joined together as one soul.... to kvetch together another day. Shalom. Jeremy
Monday, June 27, 2005
Time to Vote At FHC TONIGHT JUNE 27, 2005
If you have not done so already by proxy, the time has come for the June 27, 2005 voting at FHC. There are interesting things on the ballot as well as executive committee and board of trustees positions to be filled.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
ZELIG FREE SHOWING AT FHC 6-24-05, 6:30PM, THEN SHABBAT SERVICES
Come to FHC this Friday 6-24-05 at 6:30pm for a free showing of ZELIG (directed by and starring Woody Allen) on the big screen. This movie was quite innovative and predates a similar style movie, Forrest Gump.
The movie can be viewed by all ages and is only 79 minutes long. Right after the movie there will be Friday night services.
For those of you looking for a fun and spiritual night out, this is it.
Shalom Jeremy
The movie can be viewed by all ages and is only 79 minutes long. Right after the movie there will be Friday night services.
For those of you looking for a fun and spiritual night out, this is it.
Shalom Jeremy
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
The Broadway play "Fiddler on the Roof" June 26, 2005 3pm
(I was requested to post this announcement to the blog which I am happy to do. Jeremy)
The youth group still has a limited amount of tickets available for this Sunday's 3pm performance of Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway. The tickets are center
orchestra and normally sell for $100 (plus assorted service charges!), but are being sold at the discounted price of $75.
Please contact Adam (youthdir@firsthebrew.org) or Chuck
chuck@charlesnewman.com) if you are interested. Please forward this note to anyone you know who might be interested in joining us.
Thanks!
The youth group still has a limited amount of tickets available for this Sunday's 3pm performance of Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway. The tickets are center
orchestra and normally sell for $100 (plus assorted service charges!), but are being sold at the discounted price of $75.
Please contact Adam (youthdir@firsthebrew.org) or Chuck
chuck@charlesnewman.com) if you are interested. Please forward this note to anyone you know who might be interested in joining us.
Thanks!
Monday, June 20, 2005
Events 2005-2006
Having not yet posted the Super bowl pictures, (which are now below this posting), I remembered that FHC is already planning for the next year's FHC event calendar. A planning meeting will be held on 6-22-05 at 7pm at FHC. It is important that the calendar be prepared to set up dates for all the various groups doing their events.
Here are a group of events that I think would be enjoyable.
In no particular order:
A winter and spring movie series
Super Bowl 2006 (2nd annual: I believe Detroit is the site, Cars could be the theme!)
Father's day breakfast
Mother's day breakfast
(an offsite card game fundraiser)
A "H.O.R.S.E." shooting contest
A cocktail party in Honor of .....
A FHC walkathon
Some of these events would be fundraisers, some just nice events. I plan on attending the calendar meeting and it is my hope that we can lock in some dates for some of these ideas.
Here are a group of events that I think would be enjoyable.
In no particular order:
A winter and spring movie series
Super Bowl 2006 (2nd annual: I believe Detroit is the site, Cars could be the theme!)
Father's day breakfast
Mother's day breakfast
(an offsite card game fundraiser)
A "H.O.R.S.E." shooting contest
A cocktail party in Honor of .....
A FHC walkathon
Some of these events would be fundraisers, some just nice events. I plan on attending the calendar meeting and it is my hope that we can lock in some dates for some of these ideas.
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Opt in or opt out
In response to some comments made last night at a FHC board meeting, please note that the masthead has been edited. In addition, should anyone want to opt out of the blog link and updates, please send me an e-mail with said instructions and your request will be processed ASAP.
On the other hand, anyone who knows someone who is not receiving the blog and would like it, please have them e-mail me to opt-in to receive the blog. (Since starting the blog at least 10-15 people have opted in by providing me their e-mail address.)
Thank-you. Jeremy Krantz
On the other hand, anyone who knows someone who is not receiving the blog and would like it, please have them e-mail me to opt-in to receive the blog. (Since starting the blog at least 10-15 people have opted in by providing me their e-mail address.)
Thank-you. Jeremy Krantz
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Views, by Jeremy Krantz
Below is a submission by a guest writer. As you know, I welcome differing views on this blog. Whether you disagree or agree with comments made on this blog, please contact me and I am more than willing to post respectful commentary. Thank-you. Jeremy
Budget OptionTwo should Preserve our Membership in the Conservative Movement, Guest Writer, Unedited
BUDGET OPTION TWO SHOULD PRESERVE OUR MEMBERSHIP IN THE CONSERVATIVE
MOVEMENT
By: David Kasdan
By now you--the membership--should have received the formal proxy materials for next year's budget. Before I present some thoughts, it is never my intention to detract from the efforts made by the current Board and Executive Committee or to question the sincerity of those efforts. To the contrary, if each of us only gave back a portion of the effort provided by our current leadership, we would all be truly blessed. However, I do feel strongly that FHC should never have permitted its membership in the Conservative Movement to have lapsed and I believe that the manner in which the fallout from that decision is being handled is off the mark. I hope to explain below that at this juncture a vote for budget option 2 should preserve funding for our USCJ membership while avoiding many of the possible knotty issues that are on the horizon as we vote on three different budget proposals.
The budget contains for your evaluation a three-headed proposal. The first option presents a dues structure that attempts to eliminate funding for payment of FHC's
membership dues with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism ("USCJ"); the second or middle option provides funding for an estimated cost of current USCJ dues without providing enough funding for the current one year USCJ dues arrearage; the third option includes estimated funding to cover payment of current and past USCJ membership dues.
The need to decide between three budget options may be moot. I have in the role of FHC liaison with USCJ determined that the actual annual cost of USCJ dues on a going forward basis will probably be less than $10,000 (closer to $9000) and the current one year arrearage can probably be paid in five (5) equal annual installments. Moreover, I have fundraising commitments to date of $2500 (more than enough to cover the first annual arrearage payment). Accordingly, I urge you to consider the following: if the membership votes for option 2, FHC will have more than enough money
budgeted to ensure that we can be members in good standing with USCJ if the Board then approves a tentative arrangement being floated between FHC and USCJ:(a) one year of arrears payable over 5 years and (b)USCJ dues costing less than $10,000 annually and possibly as little as $9000, calculated as followed: $60 for every FHC member paying dues over $500; $30 for every FHC member paying dues in the $200-$500 range; $0 for every FHC member paying under $200 in dues. If you are comfortable at this point with a vote for option 2, the rest of this may not matter. However,if you are still on the fence, some more thoughts.
We should question the notion that by voting on three budget options we will actually be deciding the fundamental issue of whether FHC is a Conservative Synagogue
and a member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
The fundamental issue of our affiliation with the Conservative Movement should
not be determined by a budget vote. Both our current and proposed revised By-laws state: "the Congregation intends to maintain its membership with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism". A matter of great spiritual significance such as our affiliation with the Conservative Movement should only be brought to the membership on a "stand alone basis" and should not be determined via a "coercive budget" that reduces this fundamental question to a possible reduction in a dues raise. And,we should also continue to question the notion that different dues structures can be created by including or not including in the budget the funding of USCJ dues. USCJ dues are about one percent of the almost $1 million FHC budget and there are many other "expenses" that could have been segregated from the FHC budget and selected for such "special treatment".
All of this raises a number of interesting questions. The By-Laws require that dues "be established by a majority vote of the members of the congregation in good standing". What happens if no "majority" chooses any of the three options? What happens if a combined vote for options two and three (endorsing funding for USCJ dues) creates a majority but option one (no funding for USCJ dues) gets the most
votes? If budget option one is approved by a majority is it then appropriate to assume that the membership has actually voted that our synagogue should not be affiliated with the Conservative Movement?
At this point, the best way to avoid answering these hard questions and to ensure that our FHC membership includes a Synagogue that is part of the Conservative Movement is to vote (in person or by proxy) for Budget Option Number Two: the option
representing the most fiscally constrained manner for providing a framework for FHC's reinstatement as a member in good standing in the Conservative movement.
Rest assured, that as FHC liaison with USCJ, I will dedicate next year to exploring our relationship with USCJ and hopefully an even better two-way street will emerge so that we can continue our spiritual growth as members of the Conservative
Movement.
MOVEMENT
By: David Kasdan
By now you--the membership--should have received the formal proxy materials for next year's budget. Before I present some thoughts, it is never my intention to detract from the efforts made by the current Board and Executive Committee or to question the sincerity of those efforts. To the contrary, if each of us only gave back a portion of the effort provided by our current leadership, we would all be truly blessed. However, I do feel strongly that FHC should never have permitted its membership in the Conservative Movement to have lapsed and I believe that the manner in which the fallout from that decision is being handled is off the mark. I hope to explain below that at this juncture a vote for budget option 2 should preserve funding for our USCJ membership while avoiding many of the possible knotty issues that are on the horizon as we vote on three different budget proposals.
The budget contains for your evaluation a three-headed proposal. The first option presents a dues structure that attempts to eliminate funding for payment of FHC's
membership dues with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism ("USCJ"); the second or middle option provides funding for an estimated cost of current USCJ dues without providing enough funding for the current one year USCJ dues arrearage; the third option includes estimated funding to cover payment of current and past USCJ membership dues.
The need to decide between three budget options may be moot. I have in the role of FHC liaison with USCJ determined that the actual annual cost of USCJ dues on a going forward basis will probably be less than $10,000 (closer to $9000) and the current one year arrearage can probably be paid in five (5) equal annual installments. Moreover, I have fundraising commitments to date of $2500 (more than enough to cover the first annual arrearage payment). Accordingly, I urge you to consider the following: if the membership votes for option 2, FHC will have more than enough money
budgeted to ensure that we can be members in good standing with USCJ if the Board then approves a tentative arrangement being floated between FHC and USCJ:(a) one year of arrears payable over 5 years and (b)USCJ dues costing less than $10,000 annually and possibly as little as $9000, calculated as followed: $60 for every FHC member paying dues over $500; $30 for every FHC member paying dues in the $200-$500 range; $0 for every FHC member paying under $200 in dues. If you are comfortable at this point with a vote for option 2, the rest of this may not matter. However,if you are still on the fence, some more thoughts.
We should question the notion that by voting on three budget options we will actually be deciding the fundamental issue of whether FHC is a Conservative Synagogue
and a member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.
The fundamental issue of our affiliation with the Conservative Movement should
not be determined by a budget vote. Both our current and proposed revised By-laws state: "the Congregation intends to maintain its membership with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism". A matter of great spiritual significance such as our affiliation with the Conservative Movement should only be brought to the membership on a "stand alone basis" and should not be determined via a "coercive budget" that reduces this fundamental question to a possible reduction in a dues raise. And,we should also continue to question the notion that different dues structures can be created by including or not including in the budget the funding of USCJ dues. USCJ dues are about one percent of the almost $1 million FHC budget and there are many other "expenses" that could have been segregated from the FHC budget and selected for such "special treatment".
All of this raises a number of interesting questions. The By-Laws require that dues "be established by a majority vote of the members of the congregation in good standing". What happens if no "majority" chooses any of the three options? What happens if a combined vote for options two and three (endorsing funding for USCJ dues) creates a majority but option one (no funding for USCJ dues) gets the most
votes? If budget option one is approved by a majority is it then appropriate to assume that the membership has actually voted that our synagogue should not be affiliated with the Conservative Movement?
At this point, the best way to avoid answering these hard questions and to ensure that our FHC membership includes a Synagogue that is part of the Conservative Movement is to vote (in person or by proxy) for Budget Option Number Two: the option
representing the most fiscally constrained manner for providing a framework for FHC's reinstatement as a member in good standing in the Conservative movement.
Rest assured, that as FHC liaison with USCJ, I will dedicate next year to exploring our relationship with USCJ and hopefully an even better two-way street will emerge so that we can continue our spiritual growth as members of the Conservative
Movement.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Children's movies on Schindler's List movie night
On Sunday July 10 when we are showing Schindler's List, there will also be showing of the animated Joseph and the Prince of Egypt for our younger audiences.
This will allow younger children to come to this movie night and see a movie more suitable for their age.
Thanks for the idea... Jeremy
This will allow younger children to come to this movie night and see a movie more suitable for their age.
Thanks for the idea... Jeremy
Thursday, June 09, 2005
First non-positive comment about blog content
Today I received a comment from a member of FHC that expressed the opinion that a prior blog entry comparing the three budget choices to the choices on a chinese dinner menu was inappropriate. I apologized to the individual since the person did not feel that the comment was proper. I did not mean to offend that member.
I made the comment in jest. However, in my opinion, the submission of three alternative budgets for a vote of the membership is not, solely on a procedural basis, the customary and prudent method. (Note, I did not say it was improper. I do not know.)
The customary method that I am aware of is for the submission and approval of a single budget by the voters. If the budget passes, no problem. If the budget does not pass, usually the governing body is supposed to conduct business under an austerity budget, or under the constraints of the prior passed budget until a budget is passed. That has been my experience in college, student government, other shuls, school budgets, condominiums and cooperative corporations and various governments.
I do not know how a multiple choice budget vote will work and how one will pass. I have not yet studied this issue, although I anticipate that I will review the bylaws at the appropiate time.
There is also the issue of unfunded mandates. Governments and other bodies often will require a program or other expense to be instituted yet not provide the necessary funding to run such a program. Again, I have not come to any conclusions concerning this issue.
The multiple choice budget vote (not chinese menu), creates interesting issues and things to think about. I look forward to thinking and talking with you in the future about such things. Shalom. Jeremy
I made the comment in jest. However, in my opinion, the submission of three alternative budgets for a vote of the membership is not, solely on a procedural basis, the customary and prudent method. (Note, I did not say it was improper. I do not know.)
The customary method that I am aware of is for the submission and approval of a single budget by the voters. If the budget passes, no problem. If the budget does not pass, usually the governing body is supposed to conduct business under an austerity budget, or under the constraints of the prior passed budget until a budget is passed. That has been my experience in college, student government, other shuls, school budgets, condominiums and cooperative corporations and various governments.
I do not know how a multiple choice budget vote will work and how one will pass. I have not yet studied this issue, although I anticipate that I will review the bylaws at the appropiate time.
There is also the issue of unfunded mandates. Governments and other bodies often will require a program or other expense to be instituted yet not provide the necessary funding to run such a program. Again, I have not come to any conclusions concerning this issue.
The multiple choice budget vote (not chinese menu), creates interesting issues and things to think about. I look forward to thinking and talking with you in the future about such things. Shalom. Jeremy
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
FHC Summer Movie Series: 2005
Take your Family to the Movies at First Hebrew Congregation
The FHC Summer 2005 Movie Schedule
We are pleased to announce the FHC Summer 2005 Movie Schedule:
ZELIG: Friday, June 24, 2005 @ 6:30pm
SCHINDLER'S LIST*: Sunday, July 10, 2005 @8:00pm
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF: Sunday, July 24, 2005 @ 8:00pm
EXODUS: Sunday, August 7, 2005 @ 8:00pm
BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS: Sunday, August 21, 2005 @ 8:00pm
*Mature audience
Free Admission. No reservations required.
Flyers will be sent as well as distributed. Mark your calendar for the evenings on the schedule.
Each one of these Mainstream American movies makes a statement about Judaism and/or being Jewish. We welcome members, potential members, the Youth Group, our older members and friends of members to join us this summer for this movie series. These movies were chosen to appeal to a wide range of audiences. In addition, even if you have seen these movies, you can see them anew, and moreover, it is unlikely that your children have seen them.
I believe that the FHC summer movies will help keep FHC active during the summer months. It also provides a wonderful cap to summer weekend events that can be shared by the entire family and friends.
Thank-you. Jeremy Krantz
The FHC Summer 2005 Movie Schedule
We are pleased to announce the FHC Summer 2005 Movie Schedule:
ZELIG: Friday, June 24, 2005 @ 6:30pm
SCHINDLER'S LIST*: Sunday, July 10, 2005 @8:00pm
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF: Sunday, July 24, 2005 @ 8:00pm
EXODUS: Sunday, August 7, 2005 @ 8:00pm
BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS: Sunday, August 21, 2005 @ 8:00pm
*Mature audience
Free Admission. No reservations required.
Flyers will be sent as well as distributed. Mark your calendar for the evenings on the schedule.
Each one of these Mainstream American movies makes a statement about Judaism and/or being Jewish. We welcome members, potential members, the Youth Group, our older members and friends of members to join us this summer for this movie series. These movies were chosen to appeal to a wide range of audiences. In addition, even if you have seen these movies, you can see them anew, and moreover, it is unlikely that your children have seen them.
I believe that the FHC summer movies will help keep FHC active during the summer months. It also provides a wonderful cap to summer weekend events that can be shared by the entire family and friends.
Thank-you. Jeremy Krantz
Monday, June 06, 2005
Guest posting: Salute to Israel Parade June 5, 2005
Congratulations / Yasher Koach!
To all who marched in the Salute to Israel Parade on June 5th as part of the First Hebrew marching group, the largest in recent memory!
And then, after an Israeli lunch, the group was deeply moved by the exhibits of the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Battery Park!
What a most inspiring day for:
NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM!!!
LESHANAH HABAA BIRUSHALAIM!!!
Very special thanks to all who attended:
To Young Judea and Hadassah for coordinating the logistics of transportation and the parade slot!
To all who marched in the Salute to Israel Parade on June 5th as part of the First Hebrew marching group, the largest in recent memory!
And then, after an Israeli lunch, the group was deeply moved by the exhibits of the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Battery Park!
What a most inspiring day for:
NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM!!!
LESHANAH HABAA BIRUSHALAIM!!!
Very special thanks to all who attended:
To Young Judea and Hadassah for coordinating the logistics of transportation and the parade slot!
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Two events discussed: 5/31/05 Meeting and 6/1/05 Rabbi Radler Memorial Service
Congregational Meeting May 31, 2005 (Jewish Democracy: not pretty, but it works)
On May 31, 2005 the Congregation of FHC held a meeting to continue the May 23, 2005 discussion and to start to discuss several important issues. (Certain amendments to the bylaws, the proposed renovation project and the FHC annual budget.) The proposed amendments to the bylaws will be before the congregation for a vote on June 27, 2005. You can vote either in person on that night, or by proxy and mail in your ballot. (The board of trustees and the executive committee are also up for election.)
The proposed renovation of FHC is a very important issue and as a member of FHC you should be involved and contribute your thoughts concerning the proposed changes/renovations and the corresponding costs and potential assessments.
Similarly, the congregation is to vote on June 27 and other items discussed herein, including its annual budget which may be presented for the first time, like a chinese menu (Choice of column A, B or C, choose only one) The proposed choices being presented have different price tags on each and like a chinese dinner have different items included. One should be careful not to automatically choose the cheapest dinner since it may not be the tastiest or the best for you. This issue will be further addressed in future blog entries.
Memorial Service held for Rabbi Evan Radler on June 1, 2005
Whether you knew Rabbi Radler (our family did), or you joined after Rabbi Radler left to serve another congregation, on June 1, 2005 FHC held a dignified memorial service to honor and remember Rabbi Radler. It was nice to see the many members (and non-members from the community), come together as we mourned the loss of Rabbi Radler. It was especially nice that the service, which was respectfully and warmly conducted by our Rabbi, had personal testimonials from members and friends of Rabbi Radler. The comments from individuals who shared their personal experiences with us made the evening memorable. I especially appreciated the comments about how Rabbi Radler a) gave of himself financially to help someone make a new life for himself, b) spiritually to help someone feel comfortable as a converted Jew and c) imparted his knowledge and expertise upon those that survived him. These things are, in my opinion, Rabbi Radler's living legacy, a legacy which is greater that any plaque or tree.
As I suggested in an earlier blog entry, I am glad we had this memorial service. It enriches us and it honors Rabbi Radler's memory.
It had been suggested (not by me), that for several reasons, a memorial service might not be appropriate. But in my personal opinion, nothing could be further from the truth. As one empassioned speaker stated at the service, none of us are perfect, we all have flaws.
As humans, we are not perfect and while we continue to strive for perfection, we know that only G-d is perfect and that as Jews, we are to strive to live a good and honorable life. By honoring the memory of Rabbi Radler, a Rabbi and man who had many wonderful attributes, we are, in my opinion, fufilling a mitzvah in our quest for holiness.
If anyone would like to share their respectful thoughts about Rabbi Radler they are free to do so either here, or you can e-mail me and I will make reference in another blog entry. Shalom. Jeremy Krantz
On May 31, 2005 the Congregation of FHC held a meeting to continue the May 23, 2005 discussion and to start to discuss several important issues. (Certain amendments to the bylaws, the proposed renovation project and the FHC annual budget.) The proposed amendments to the bylaws will be before the congregation for a vote on June 27, 2005. You can vote either in person on that night, or by proxy and mail in your ballot. (The board of trustees and the executive committee are also up for election.)
The proposed renovation of FHC is a very important issue and as a member of FHC you should be involved and contribute your thoughts concerning the proposed changes/renovations and the corresponding costs and potential assessments.
Similarly, the congregation is to vote on June 27 and other items discussed herein, including its annual budget which may be presented for the first time, like a chinese menu (Choice of column A, B or C, choose only one) The proposed choices being presented have different price tags on each and like a chinese dinner have different items included. One should be careful not to automatically choose the cheapest dinner since it may not be the tastiest or the best for you. This issue will be further addressed in future blog entries.
Memorial Service held for Rabbi Evan Radler on June 1, 2005
Whether you knew Rabbi Radler (our family did), or you joined after Rabbi Radler left to serve another congregation, on June 1, 2005 FHC held a dignified memorial service to honor and remember Rabbi Radler. It was nice to see the many members (and non-members from the community), come together as we mourned the loss of Rabbi Radler. It was especially nice that the service, which was respectfully and warmly conducted by our Rabbi, had personal testimonials from members and friends of Rabbi Radler. The comments from individuals who shared their personal experiences with us made the evening memorable. I especially appreciated the comments about how Rabbi Radler a) gave of himself financially to help someone make a new life for himself, b) spiritually to help someone feel comfortable as a converted Jew and c) imparted his knowledge and expertise upon those that survived him. These things are, in my opinion, Rabbi Radler's living legacy, a legacy which is greater that any plaque or tree.
As I suggested in an earlier blog entry, I am glad we had this memorial service. It enriches us and it honors Rabbi Radler's memory.
It had been suggested (not by me), that for several reasons, a memorial service might not be appropriate. But in my personal opinion, nothing could be further from the truth. As one empassioned speaker stated at the service, none of us are perfect, we all have flaws.
As humans, we are not perfect and while we continue to strive for perfection, we know that only G-d is perfect and that as Jews, we are to strive to live a good and honorable life. By honoring the memory of Rabbi Radler, a Rabbi and man who had many wonderful attributes, we are, in my opinion, fufilling a mitzvah in our quest for holiness.
If anyone would like to share their respectful thoughts about Rabbi Radler they are free to do so either here, or you can e-mail me and I will make reference in another blog entry. Shalom. Jeremy Krantz
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Various items
I have not posted recently due to a personal hectic schedule and several events. The first event was the 5/27/05 Friday night services held without electricity at FHC. The rabbi made the very best of a difficult situation and held services in the lobby under the skylights. We also went outside to welcome Shabbat.
The second event was the 5/31/05 Congregational meeting about the budget. While this meeting was not as cordial as the last, we tried. There are very important issues to be addressed at the congregational vote on June 27, 2005. More on this to follow.
I am trying to get out the door to go the Rabbi Radler service tonight at 7:30pm at FHC. Hope to see you there. Shalom Jeremy
The second event was the 5/31/05 Congregational meeting about the budget. While this meeting was not as cordial as the last, we tried. There are very important issues to be addressed at the congregational vote on June 27, 2005. More on this to follow.
I am trying to get out the door to go the Rabbi Radler service tonight at 7:30pm at FHC. Hope to see you there. Shalom Jeremy
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