From the Rabbi - November 2004

Dear Friends,

On the Shabbat of November 5-6, our sister congregation, B'nai Israel, will be celebrating their 85th anniversary. This is a very important milestone, not only for B'nai Israel, but also for the entire Albuquerque Jewish community. I am delighted to be able to share in their simcha and I encourage every member of our congregation to do so as well.

Diversity is an essential aspect of a healthy Jewish community. There are many doorways into Jewish life. I have always cherished the opportunities for study, prayer and communal involvement that I have shared with B'nai Israel and its clergy over the years. Rabbi Flicker and I are committed to working together to make our community strong and our commitment to Jewish life ever greater. Our joint Post-Confirmation program, Interfaith Solidarity Mission, and ongoing partnership in community affairs are just a few examples of how working together has made our Jewish Community a better place. All of us at Congregation Albert want to wish Congregation B'nai Israel a hearty Mazal Tov on this important milestone in their history.

Our two congregations will be holding joint Erev Shabbat services on Friday night, November 5th at 8:00 PM at B'nai Israel. I know that our membership will be well represented at the service. Please see our community calendar for more information regarding other events surrounding the celebration.

In Jewish tradition, when we conclude the reading of one book of Torah and begin another, we say the words: Chazak Chazak V'nitchazeyk - let us be strong, let us be strong and let us strengthen one another.

As we look back on the past 85 years of partnership between Congregation Albert and B'nai Israel, we also look ahead to many more years of working together to ensure a vibrant and vital Jewish Community in Albuquerque.

Mazal Tov!

B'shalom V'yididut
Rabbi Joseph R. Black

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