Our Affiliation
We are affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the association of Conservative congregations in North America.
Presidents’ Post
Happy New Year! No, it is not January 1st or Rosh Ha- shanah. When we hear the phrase ―happy new year‖, those are the days that come to mind. There are actually four “New Years” in the Jewish calendar. First there is the one we think of as The Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. This is the “new year” for counting the age of the world or the years. Simchat Torah is the “new year” for the Torah cycle. We end and immediately begin again the reading of the Torah on this day each year. Nissan marks the third “new year” as we mark the month of our freedom as a people to worship and follow G-d’s ways. The fourth “new year” is Tu B’Shevat, which falls on February 8th. Tu B’Shevat Hegeeah Chag La Ilanote, Tu b’Shevat is the “new year” for trees. While we in Massapequa are still firmly in the grips of winter, in Israel spring is in the air. The almond trees are blooming and the land is waking up renewed for a new growing season.
With snow on the ground and low temperatures it is difficult to think about spring and renewal. Yet, that is exactly what we need to think about. It is what we need to work towards and to plan for the future.
The time is now to think of the future of Congregation Beth El! Each congregant received a survey asking for your input, for your ideas and visions for our shul as we move ahead. Town hall meetings have been held and we want to thank everyone who took the time to respond to the survey and to attend a meeting. Your feedback is essential and most welcome. It is not too late to get involved and to take ownership in the renewal of our congregation. It is up to each one of us to be part of the process. As Rabbi Hillel taught, “Eem ayn ani li me li? Oochshe-ani l’atzmi mah aani? V’eem lo achshav, aymatay?” If I am not for me, who will be?
If I am for myself alone, what am I? And if not now, when? We need to think about what we as individuals want and need in a shul, combine that with what will best serve the community and put a plan into action! Now!
In the near future we will be contacting anyone who did not respond to the survey or was unable to attend a town hall meeting. When you receive a phone call to discuss our congregation, please take a few minutes to voice your opinion. It is not up to “the few” to determine the shape of our congregation for the years to come. It is up to each of us. We are ready to listen, to learn and to then take action.
There are great things going on in our congregation right now: Torah study on Shabbat morning, increased service attendance, a guest cantor visiting each month to enhance our services with some new styles and melodies, Friday evenings with a variety of formats such as In and Around Shabbat, birthday and anniversary celebrations, theme nights and congregation dinners. Adult education Tuesday evenings and a wide variety of programs from speakers to New Years Eve parties, something for everyone’s taste if you just come and give it a try. We have an amazing group of volunteers and we want to thank each and every one of you who have enriched our community through your participation. Isn’t it time for you to become one of them? We will welcome you with open arms.
Please do not wait until it is time to cast a vote. Come join in the process of renewing our shul.
Have a happy, healthy and safe winter and remember we are open seven days a week, fifty two weeks a year. Come in from the cold and warm up among friends. Congregation Beth El – where friends become family.
