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President’s letter, May, 2013
Tzedakah means different things to each of us. Is it a mitzvah - our honor to be able to give, an obligation that we commit to with our sense of duty and responsibility, or is it something akin to charity that is truly voluntary? Whatever it means to you, I believe that it allows for us to think of others before ourselves, to move away from the “me” and share with the “you”. All of us should be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon us and our families, even when times are bleak and harsh. We should share what we have with others.
We share our time and our financial resources. We can share unused items that we have in our homes with others who can make better use of them. Do you have time to share with Ahavas Israel and this community by helping outside with our lawn and garden care? Will you help research and catalog archival materials with the Gen and Jack Finkelstein Archival committee? What untapped abilities exist among our congregants that you can share and thus improve the lives of those around you? Let me, Rabbi or the office know of your interests.
Some of you may have noticed a leak in our sanctuary ceiling. During the rainy days of April, the leaks that we thought were completely repaired three years ago returned. We shall investigate what occurred and work to repair the leaks. That is why we have a Building Fund.
Last month, 18 of us travelled to Benton Harbor to hear a speaker at USCJ Temple Bnai Shalom share the story of the survival of members of Sue Douglas’ family in the Ukraine during WW II. Temple Bnai Shalom is a congregation formed out of four former synagogues in Benton Harbor. They are renovating their sanctuary and library to prepare for their future. To support their efforts, I am collecting (unbeknownst to them) Tzedakah that I will send to them as one congregation to another. If you wish to contribute, send a check payable to Temple Bnai Shalom to our office. We will collect the donations and send them to their President, David Ravitch, who is the son of our own Sue Douglas.
Next month on June 17, we will hold our annual meeting. I look forward to seeing many of you there. As always, please call me with any of your suggestions and ideas about your synagogue at 616-340-8782 or email me at
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Bill Lewis |
Shalom!
Congregation Ahavas Israel welcomes all persons who wish to explore a spiritual path using Traditional Jewish practice in an egalitarian Jewish setting.
Over a century of traditional Judaism in Grand Rapids
Mission Statement of Congregation Ahavas Israel:
Congregation Ahavas Israel creates a vibrant egalitarian Conservative Jewish community helping each individual follow his/her spiritual path using traditional Jewish practice.
Vision Statement:
To create connections between individuals in our Jewish community through religious, educational, and social programs that attract participation of all our members.
Congregation Ahavas Israel
2727 Michigan NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Phone: (616) 949-2840
Fax: (616) 949-6929
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Shabbat Morning Schmooze 'n Shmear:
Hosts Laurie Williams and the De Jager family along with the Religious Life Committee invite to come to shul just a little bit early to enjoy coffee and a bagel before coming into the service. Breakfast will be available from 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Located in the Meeting Room or the Library - look for the sign :)
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 Congregation Ahavas Israel welcomes all persons who wish to explore a spiritual path using Traditional Jewish practice in an egalitarian Conservative Jewish setting.
It is Ahavas Israel's membership policy, whether you are unaffiliated or currently a member of another institution, to welcome you and thank you for your membership and participation at Ahavas Israel.
It is Ahavas Israel's dues policy to ask you to set your own level of yearly dues. We'll talk to you about the actual cost of running the synagogue and encourage you to take that into account, but the final decision as to your dues offering is yours.
Interested in learning more about us or becoming a part of our community? You can download an informational brochure here, and you can download a membership application for an individual here, and for a household here. For more information, please contact the chair of our membership committee, Diane Rayor.
The story of Ahavas Israel:
At Congregation Ahavas Israel, we are committed to welcoming and providing community support to all persons seeking a spiritual path using traditional Jewish practice in a  modern, egalitarian Conservative Jewish setting. Ahavas Israel offers a warm and friendly Shabbat experience, as well as diverse religious and social activities for families and adults, including Torah study, Junior Congregation, art workshops, and a community garden. Ahavas is fortunate to have an active, thoughtful Rabbi with a great teaching manner and a mensch of a Hazzan/Cantor with a wonderful, engaging voice and a down-to-earth sense of humor. Children ages two through high school participate in an active, joint Conservative-Reform United Jewish School that has an excellent curriculum and high retention rates. Rabbi Krishef also offers special activities (including Hebrew enrichment) for Ahavas Israel children attending the religious school. A diverse group of people in business, professions, and academics from a wide variety of backgrounds enriches our congregational life. We understand that each person’s path to Jewish engagement is different, depending upon one's education, age, sexual orientation, family structure, and socio-economic status among other factors. Allow us to welcome you into our family.
For a more detailed history of Ahavas Israel, see the About Us page.
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