The spring season and the holiday of Passover are right around the corner. A time for renewal (and spring cleaning!) Here at Congregation Ahavas Israel, we are experiencing our own renewal. Did you know?

We offer a new weekly Art Group on Wednesday afternoons, thanks to the leadership of our newest member, Leah Sauer. Artists of all abilities and media are welcome.

You can join our weekly Shabbat Torah Study Group on Saturdays following services, co-facilitated by Bob Doniger and Ken Strauss.

You can give back to the greater Grand Rapids community by volunteering downtown at God’s Kitchen on the 1st and 5th Sundays of the month. Contact Guy or Theresa De Jager for more details.

We are planning for our 2nd year of the “Corners of the Field” Community Garden located on the synagogue property, where we grow vegetables to donate to area soup kitchens. We need volunteers to sow and plant, starting in May. Contact Rick Stevens or me to get involved.

If you are looking for a fun night out, we host Game Nights on occasional Saturday evenings, coordinated by Ron Sigal. Check the calendar for the next one. We look forward to seeing you there!

We are currently in search of a new website / newsletter editor, starting in Summer 2011.  If you have graphic design and/or web skills, please contact Rabbi Krishef.

Our members truly make our congregation thrive. As you know, Ahavas Israel is here for your Jewish holiday celebrations. But we are also a community in which to grow, learn and enjoy outside of, and in addition to ritual life.

Renew and reaffirm your commitment, your passion and your energy. We need each and every one of you. There are many opportunities to lead, work, or just show up and enjoy. If you have an idea for a program or event you’d like to see happen at Ahavas Israel, please let me know. We are here for you!

Wishing you a season of renewal. Happy Spring and a very Happy Passover.

Marni