President’s Message
Shabbat at Temple Chai Ron Wolfson, our Scholar in Residence and author of “Relational Judaism” first walked into Temple Chai during a Friday night Shabbat service. I remember that he was struck by our wonderful Pre-Oneg and the sense of community that was evident in our South Social Hall. He stood at the doorway of our noisy and active Oneg and greeted and introduced himself to everyone who walked in. We were all strangers to him, yet he exuberantly welcomed us all to Temple Chai. My greatest hope is that everyone feels welcome and “welcomed” at Temple Chai, every day of the week, but especially on Shabbat. The Torah tells us that God gave Shabbat to the Israelites. This day of rest and renewal has been uniquely ours for three thousand years. Shabbat reminds us that we are in this world and of this world but not totally defined by it. It creates a distinction between what is sacred and what is ordinary. Although our American culture does not make it easy for us to remember Shabbat, there is something magical about knowing that when you step into our sanctuary for services on Friday night that you are encouraged, actually “obligated” to leave your workweek worries outside the door. I have practiced doing this over the years and now look forward to the freedom of clearing my mind on Shabbat. If you have not been to a Temple Chai Shabbat recently, imagine enjoying a glass of wine, shared with friends engaged in lively conversation . . . that’s Shabbat at Temple Chai. Imagine lighting Shabbat Candles and strolling into our beautiful sanctuary along with song and guitar . . . that’s Shabbat at Temple Chai. Imagine praying with our community as we listen to the inspirational words of our Rabbis and Cantor . . . that’s Shabbat at Temple Chai. Imagine tasting a piece of delicious challah after the service ends, its flavors filling your mouth . . . that’s Shabbat at Temple Chai. Ron Wolfson asked me a question that first night at Shabbat. He asked “Is Shabbat a doorway to relationships, or are relationships a doorway to Shabbat?” I would like to think that both are true at Temple Chai. That Shabbat maintains those friendships that have been built within our walls and that the greater sense of community forms new relationships beyond that circle of friends. I look forward to welcoming you to Shabbat, Loren Elliot, President
The Temple Chai Sisterhood has been honored with the distinguished GOLD WRJ Or Ami “Light of My People” Award for social justice programmatic achievement during 2011-2013.
Temple Chai Sisterhood Honored With International WRJ Award For Special Achievement In Programming
The Sisterhood will be recognized during WRJ’s 49th Assembly & Centennial Celebration in December. Lisa Hartman, Social Action Chairperson of Temple Chai Sisterhood, learned about the need for marrow donation and the Sisterhood held a drive to recruit donors within the Jewish community.The drive was held to increase donors ages 18-44 and to help find a match for a local young Jewish girl in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant to save her life. Matches are desperately needed within minority populations. A match can save a life and is more likely from similar genetic ancestry. Over 150 people were added to the national bone marrow registry and over $1000 was raised to support the costs of processing the cheek swabs, storing the typing information and for donor patient care. Established in 1973, the WRJ Or Ami “Light of My People” Award recognizes social justice, community service, and educational programming that is exemplary and serves as a model for other WRJ Districts and women’s groups.
Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ), founded in 1913, is the women’s affiliate of the Union for Reform Judaism, the central body of Reform Judaism in North America. WRJ represents about 65,000 women in nearly 500 women’s groups worldwide and promotes women’s issues and leadership through education, programming, and advocacy.
Negila Chavura at Ravinia Sunday, July 28.
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