From the Rabbi - June/July 2005

Dear Friends,

I usually use this space to address you on a more personal and philosophical level. I try to avoid lists, since we have calendars, e-mail, Shabbat service announcements, and press releases to tell you about what takes place at Congregation Albert. This month, however, I ask your indulgence because there is so much to share with you. This time of year is full of opportunities for participation. Here are just a few highlights:

• During the summer, the first Friday of every month at 6:00 pm, we will now hold our Kabbalat Shabbat services outside in our Chuppah Garden, weather permitting. This is already a favorite service of many congregants, and our chapel has been overflowing. The opportunity to welcome Shabbat outdoors in the beauty of God's creation will make these services even more special.
   
• Saturday, June 4 at 10:00 am, the Confirmation class of 5765 will lead Shabbat morning services. This service is always inspiring and beautiful; moreover, this year's class is exceptional. If you have not been to a Confirmation service in a while, I urge you to come. You will be glad you did.
   
• Friday night, June 10, at 8:00 pm, we will install our new Congregational Officers and Trustees, along with the leadership of our Sisterhood and Brotherhood. Shawn Perry-Turner, our incoming President, will address the congregation. I hope to see you there as we celebrate our leadership and collaboration.
   
• Sunday, June 12, we will host our annual community-wide Tikkun Leyl Shavuot (Erev Shavuot Study session). This program has grown in popularity, as we combine with B'nai Israel to celebrate this major festival. We are adding two additional components: a welcome program at 5:00 pm, followed by a community-wide dinner at 6:30; the Erev Shavuot service will follow immediately, and the evening will close with an adult/ teen oriented study session. The next morning, June 13, we will hold Shavuot and Yizkor services in the Chapel at 10:30.

Finally, I want to thank Leslie Pivar for all her hard work over the years that she has served as editor of our Bulletin. Her dedication to our congregation and to this publication has been nothing short of remarkable.

B'shalom v'yididut,
Rabbi Joseph R. Black

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