Dear Friends,   

I have much less news to report this month (but please do not take this to imply that I am settling into a “lame duck mentality”). The various heating systems have continued to find new and varied ways to disappoint us, but of this juncture, with yet another visit from our heating and cooling contractors (thank goodness that we have a service contract this year) we are back to all systems “A-O.K.” (we hope)!

The story of Cassie May and her incredible journey which will hopefully lead to a second set of lung transplants was featured in the Chicago Tribune. Our heartfelt wishes go out to Cassie and her entire family, as they continue on this difficult path--you are all in our prayers!

The first monthly celebration of the Temple building’s 50th anniversary was beautifully coordinated by Esther Pollock (with others also providing their able assistance). While Susan and I were unable to attend, I have heard rave reviews about both the spaghetti and the bunco. I could make a joke about Esther finding 50 year old bottles of red wine in the Temple’s wine cellar which could have helped to make the sauce especially tasty, except you would know that I was just kidding: if we had a cellar, it would be most likely filled with Rabbi’s ever-expanding overflow of books! I can’t wait to see what the next event will be!

The Egalitarian Service drew a record LOW attendance, unfortunately, and it was especially embarrassing for the congregation, as we had two visitors who drove especially from the St. Charles area for the service and to more fully “check out” the Temple! We know that some of it was the weather, some of it the season, some of it because we got out of the rhythm of these services due to the past holidays, and some of it because it was an event-filled weekend at the Temple. We clearly need someone or a few people to make some calls and get the ball rolling again, getting commitment for attendance (and participation in readings, etc.) in advance. If you have the ability to take on this worthwhile endeavor, we would all greatly appreciate it and benefit from it! Let me or Tamara know!

After this letter is written but before it is printed, David Davis will have celebrated the anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah by a Torah reading at the upcoming Renewal Service. I know that the Davis Family is excited and that David has prepared long and hard with the support and expertise of Rabbi and of Ron Ramer. I see a trend: first David learned to become an expert hagbeh (Torah lifter) and now a Torah reader--stay tuned to this channel to see what is next for this man who has not only heart (retired cardiologist) but also has Torah in his heart!

One surprise at that time which is no longer a surprise: Dr. Ron Ramer has been recognized by the Board of Directors as the 2011 Volunteer of the Year. This is well-deserved, with Ron helping others such as David to learn Torah, and also his passions in the continued co-coordination of the Renewal Service, his carving of beautiful Yadaim (Torah pointers) for all of our students who become Bar and Bat Mitzvah, his work on the Board (as the voice of fiscal responsibility and the “bottom line“) and in Strategic Planning Committee. Yasher koach, Ron, from all of the members of the Boards of Directors and Trustees as well as the rest of your Temple Family!

Best wishes for this next phase of winter. Please dig yourselves out of the snow (I hear that 9 more inches are predicted for this upcoming weekend) and get to Temple if you can!

Sincerely,
 

David Leader