Marni Vyn

Ahavas Israel recently welcomed Jay Weiner, United Synagogue’s Kehillah (Congregation) Relationship Manager to our synagogue. Jay met with our Executive Board and several members of the general Board. For sure, Jay’s visit provided us with the opportunity to strengthen ties with United Synagogue. But even more importantly, Jay left our leaders inspired, with a renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Instead of a formal presentation, Jay posed open-ended questions to each of us and facilitated a meaningful conversation. Here in my President’s Column, I want to share some of those questions with you. I encourage you to reflect on them and consider sharing your answers with me and other Board Members. It is my hope that we continue the conversation Jay started, adding another dimension of meaning and spirituality to our community.

• What was your entry point to Ahavas Israel? In order words, how / why did you become a part of our congregation?
• What are your connecting points at Ahavas Israel? Or, what keeps you coming back? What do you look forward to each Jewish year?
• Name one personal strength, interest and talent. We all have them. What are yours?

Knowing and sharing the answers to these questions will strengthen Ahavas Israel. It will help us implement our mission “...to create a vibrant egalitarian Conservative Jewish community, helping each individual follow his / her spiritual path using traditional Jewish practice.”

One additional question I pose to you is:

• What other ideas and suggestions do you have that you’d like to see implemented? What role will you play to make them a reality?

I look forward to hearing from you.

Marni Vyn

You’ve probably heard the old adage, “Two Jews, three opinions.”

For example, whether to eat your latkes savory or sweet... Do you prefer sour cream (savory) or applesauce (sweet) on top of your fried potato pancakes? Ask around, and you will find that there are many strong opinions on the “right” way to eat a latke!

There is a national debate, as well, that has a long-standing history. The Great Latke-Hamantash Debate originated in 1946 at the University of Chicago’s Hillel Foundation (the Center for Jewish Students).

At the time, according to Ruth Fredman Cernea, editor of The Great Latke–Hamantash Debate, "...scholarly life discouraged an open display of Jewish ethnicity. The event provided a rare opportunity for faculty to reveal their hidden Jewish souls and poke fun at the high seriousness of everyday academic life."

The event has been held annually since then, with the exception of one year. Both foods are usually served at a reception afterwards. Several long-standing customs are observed at the University of Chicago; the debaters must have gained a Ph.D. or an equivalent advanced degree, make a formal entry in academic clothing to the strains of Pomp and Circumstance, and they must include at least one non-Jewish participant. The debate is said to have arisen from a tradition of spoofing Talmudic study during Purim. It is also felt to offer a humorous relief valve from the university’s rigorous academic program.

At Ahavas Israel, we also celebrate to reveal our Jewish souls and honor our holiday traditions. We share our customs with friends, Jews and non-Jews alike. And on Hanukkah, we remember that freedom should not be taken for granted.

But unlike at the University of Chicago Hillel, Congregation Ahavas Israel requires no advanced degrees or special clothing. We welcome everyone to come and celebrate with us.

Join us for this Festival of Lights at our Annual Hanukkah Dinner on Wednesday evening, December 21. Whether you top your latkes with sour cream or applesauce, it will be a fun evening for everyone!

Happy Hanukkah!

Marni

The high holidays are almost here.  It is the end of summer… the beginning of fall…and a powerful time of reflection in the Jewish calendar.

As I reflect back on these past few months at Ahavas Israel, I think back on a summer full of celebrations – the holiday events we sponsored, such as the Kabbalat Shabbat Happy Hours, the numerous simchas (happy occasions) with our congregants, and the community-wide Israeli Scouts Caravan performance (sponsored by the Jewish Cultural Council) that we hosted.

I also am in awe of the bountiful harvest that our Corners of the Field Community Garden produced again this season. We donated the vegetables to God’s Kitchen on a weekly basis throughout July and August. Special thanks to the volunteers who made the garden a success, most notably, Diane Rayor, Allyson & Ben Strauss, Barb & Ben Christiaans, Mary Kaneti (Temple Emanuel), and Mary Blackwell (All Souls).

When we celebrate Rosh Hashana and welcome in the Jewish New Year, I encourage you to reflect on the past year.  Remember the happy times, the times spent with family and friends, your successes and accomplishments. Remember what is important to you and what motivates you.

Congregation Ahavas Israel is important to me, and I imagine that you feel the same. Each and every one of us at Ahavas plays an important role. What will be your role this year?

The High Holidays also bring the solemn holiday of Yom Kippur, when we recall the times in the last year when we “missed the mark”, didn’t follow through on commitments or hurt those we love. We apologize, make amends and learn from these errors.

In my role as President, I have been giving my best effort, but of course there are things I could have done differently or better. What will you commit to doing better in the New Year?

At this time of reflection, may you be blessed with much health and happiness in 5772. And may you reflect on the past twelve months and commit to something new that will enrich your life.

I look forward to celebrating the New Year with you.

Shana Tovah – a sweet New Year to you and yours!

Marni