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
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