Auction 2012: "Maxwell Street to the Gold Coast, Rags to Riches". Cutesy title, right? But what does it have to do with Oak Park Temple?
Our congregation's "first building was erected on Des Plaines Street between Madison and Washington streets..." That was only 1.3 miles from the Maxwell Street Market! You'd better believe that Maxwell Street was a big part of OUR history!
Beginning in the 1880s, "Russian" (i.e., Eastern European) Jews became the dominant ethnic group in the Maxwell Street neighborhood, which remained predominantly Jewish until the 1920s. This was the heyday of the open-air pushcart market for which the neighborhood is most famous. Given the timing of the decline of Jewish prominence in the area, it should come as no surprise that it was in 1918 that our congregation purchased the land for the Washington Boulevard Temple, 6.3 miles northwest of the market. Much further away. And, with the move to our current location in Oak Park, we're now 11 miles away.
Join us in a stroll back to the old neighborhood. And, while we're there, let's raise money for Oak Park Temple and the Glasser Preschool. Let's eat, drink and have fun in a way that would make the old neighborhood proud.
And, if the word "gribenes" doesn't make you think, "guilty pleasure" and "heartburn heaven," you haven't lived. You simply have to come to further your 'Jewish delicasies education!' (Gribenes is frequently mentioned in Jewish stories and parables. Gribenes = A favored food in the past among Ashkenazi Jews.)
SAVE THE DATE! SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2012
OAK PARK TEMPLE & GLASSER PRESCHOOL SILENT AND LIVE AUCTION!!
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT!!
COME AND BRING YOUR FRIENDS!!
THIS IS GOING TO BE "THE" FUN RAISING/FUNDRAISING EVENT OF THE YEAR!!
BE THERE OR BE SQUARE!!
L'shalom,
Jeff Blaine
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
"Hillel said: 'Separate not thyself from the community'..." Pirke Avot, 4:7
Back on Rosh Hashanah morning, I encouraged you to “be a part of what makes Oak Park Temple special. Add the secret ingredient, ‘you!’” In addition, I attempted to motivate you to join in the many wonderful programs offered by our congregation and to “make them yours.”
Many of you who are newish to our community, or even those who have been here for many years, may find joining in and making sense of how it all comes together confusing or intimidating. When we go to a new school, or begin a new job, it’s reasonable to expect an orientation of one sort or another. How else can we be expected to understand the inner workings? And, while we might be able to participate without too much effort, to lead and be an active member of any society requires an understanding of the “big picture.” Fortunately, Oak Park Temple has an exciting and effective program to help orient members and to create new leaders for our congregation. It’s called Derech Eretz (literally, “the way of the land”).
In 2009, an effort by a group of congregants, spearheaded by Monte Lewis, working with Rabbi Weiss, created a Leadership Development Program that is designed to ensure that there are well-informed volunteers to lead our congregation into the future.
Comments from prior Derech Eretz participants have included:
“Everyone should do this just to understand how OPT works.”
“Now I feel a part of things.”
“Some of the things that didn't make sense before, I now understand.
Derech Eretz is a series of workshops held on the third Thursday of each month over the six months beginning in January. Topics include the workings and history of our synagogue and the Reform Movement, being a Jewish leader, and skills of successful leaders. At the end of the series, the Derech Eretz committee will help connect participants with activities of interest within Oak Park Temple.
Everyone is welcome to participate in Derech Eretz. I encourage all congregants who are interested in becoming more actively involved to take this as their first step.
For more information, contact Anne Sperling or Sue Blaine.
At Rosh Hashanah, I said, “We all come to Oak Park Temple for different reasons. And, sometimes, we come for one reason and then find other reasons.” Perhaps you can find those other reasons here.
L’shalom,
Jeff Blaine
Back on Rosh Hashanah morning, I encouraged you to “be a part of what makes Oak Park Temple special. Add the secret ingredient, ‘you!’” In addition, I attempted to motivate you to join in the many wonderful programs offered by our congregation and to “make them yours.”
Many of you who are newish to our community, or even those who have been here for many years, may find joining in and making sense of how it all comes together confusing or intimidating. When we go to a new school, or begin a new job, it’s reasonable to expect an orientation of one sort or another. How else can we be expected to understand the inner workings? And, while we might be able to participate without too much effort, to lead and be an active member of any society requires an understanding of the “big picture.” Fortunately, Oak Park Temple has an exciting and effective program to help orient members and to create new leaders for our congregation. It’s called Derech Eretz (literally, “the way of the land”).
In 2009, an effort by a group of congregants, spearheaded by Monte Lewis, working with Rabbi Weiss, created a Leadership Development Program that is designed to ensure that there are well-informed volunteers to lead our congregation into the future.
Comments from prior Derech Eretz participants have included:
“Everyone should do this just to understand how OPT works.”
“Now I feel a part of things.”
“Some of the things that didn't make sense before, I now understand.
Derech Eretz is a series of workshops held on the third Thursday of each month over the six months beginning in January. Topics include the workings and history of our synagogue and the Reform Movement, being a Jewish leader, and skills of successful leaders. At the end of the series, the Derech Eretz committee will help connect participants with activities of interest within Oak Park Temple.
Everyone is welcome to participate in Derech Eretz. I encourage all congregants who are interested in becoming more actively involved to take this as their first step.
For more information, contact Anne Sperling or Sue Blaine.
At Rosh Hashanah, I said, “We all come to Oak Park Temple for different reasons. And, sometimes, we come for one reason and then find other reasons.” Perhaps you can find those other reasons here.
L’shalom,
Jeff Blaine
Thursday, September 29, 2011
"Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad."
It probably should not have surprised me, but serving as President of Oak Park Temple has provided me with opportunities to learn - about Judaism, about our congregation, about all of you, about myself. Probably the most important thing that I've learned though, is that I didn't need to be President of the congregation to avail myself of the many opportunities to learn and grow that are here for ALL of us at Oak Park Temple.
Earlier this year, I began a regular practice of attending Pirke Avot study (Chapters of the Fathers) on Shabbat mornings with Rabbi Weiss and a small group of thoughtful, but sometimes irreverent, fellow congregants. We wrestle with the ethical and moral principles offered by our sages, and we do so in a manner that is thought-provoking and stimulating. Laughter is common. I have come to recognize that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Learning is often thought to be the province of the young. To be sure, Oak Park Temple has stellar programs for the young beginning with the Glasser Preschool program, the OPT Religious School with Gan for our kindergarteners, primary education leading to b'nai mitzvah preparation, Kabbalat Torah study and confirmation for our high schoolers. But, it does not end there. Our OPTY group offers our kids the opportunity to stay connected to Judaism in a fun, safe, and open environment, as well as doing the work of Tikkun Olam.
Showing up is the best way to begin and, once here, the ways to learn are extensive. Listen (I mean really listen) to a sermon, attend a workshop by Rabbi Weiss, Rabbi Gerson, or one of the many speakers brought to Oak Park Temple by our committees. Attend one of the Torah Study groups, Adult Hebrew, Torah cantilation class, the annual Hausman Brunch. Listen to the excellent speakers at our JUF and Israel Bond luncheons, or attend one of the monthly "Mel's Movie Matinees." Prefer a little peace and quiet? Curl up with one of our many good books in the library.
Read, and think about, the 'parsha' summary in Cantor Green's Weekly e-mails, check out the 'Book' section on our Temple website, attend worship services and, most importantly, be curious and ask questions.
Judaism has survived for thousands of years because we are a people that cherishes learning. Indeed we are commanded, in the V'ahavta from Deuteronomy to "teach our children..." We can't teach what we don't know. If we don't continue to learn throughout our lives, we cut ourselves off from the profound richness of our Jewish heritage.
Show up. Take a taste. Be nourished.
L'shalom,
Jeff Blaine
It probably should not have surprised me, but serving as President of Oak Park Temple has provided me with opportunities to learn - about Judaism, about our congregation, about all of you, about myself. Probably the most important thing that I've learned though, is that I didn't need to be President of the congregation to avail myself of the many opportunities to learn and grow that are here for ALL of us at Oak Park Temple.
Earlier this year, I began a regular practice of attending Pirke Avot study (Chapters of the Fathers) on Shabbat mornings with Rabbi Weiss and a small group of thoughtful, but sometimes irreverent, fellow congregants. We wrestle with the ethical and moral principles offered by our sages, and we do so in a manner that is thought-provoking and stimulating. Laughter is common. I have come to recognize that you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Learning is often thought to be the province of the young. To be sure, Oak Park Temple has stellar programs for the young beginning with the Glasser Preschool program, the OPT Religious School with Gan for our kindergarteners, primary education leading to b'nai mitzvah preparation, Kabbalat Torah study and confirmation for our high schoolers. But, it does not end there. Our OPTY group offers our kids the opportunity to stay connected to Judaism in a fun, safe, and open environment, as well as doing the work of Tikkun Olam.
Showing up is the best way to begin and, once here, the ways to learn are extensive. Listen (I mean really listen) to a sermon, attend a workshop by Rabbi Weiss, Rabbi Gerson, or one of the many speakers brought to Oak Park Temple by our committees. Attend one of the Torah Study groups, Adult Hebrew, Torah cantilation class, the annual Hausman Brunch. Listen to the excellent speakers at our JUF and Israel Bond luncheons, or attend one of the monthly "Mel's Movie Matinees." Prefer a little peace and quiet? Curl up with one of our many good books in the library.
Read, and think about, the 'parsha' summary in Cantor Green's Weekly e-mails, check out the 'Book' section on our Temple website, attend worship services and, most importantly, be curious and ask questions.
Judaism has survived for thousands of years because we are a people that cherishes learning. Indeed we are commanded, in the V'ahavta from Deuteronomy to "teach our children..." We can't teach what we don't know. If we don't continue to learn throughout our lives, we cut ourselves off from the profound richness of our Jewish heritage.
Show up. Take a taste. Be nourished.
L'shalom,
Jeff Blaine
Thursday, August 25, 2011
"May you live in interesting times." Chinese proverb or curse. Sounds Jewish to me.
The world can feel like a chaotic place at times, or hadn't you noticed?
Torrential rains, flooding, oppressive heat, tornadoes, tsunamis, earthquakes ... To quote Dr. Ray Stantz of the Ghostbusters, "What he means is Old Testament, Mr. Mayor, real wrath of God type stuff!"
And then there's Washington, D.C., the financial markets...sigh... and, of course, our own personal travails of all sorts - illnesses of loved ones, losses, the vulnerabilities and challenges we all face.
An ever present reality of the human condition is that we are often powerless over forces larger and stronger than we are. No one likes to be confronted with feelings of defenselessness and uncertainty.
Whatever anxieties we carry, about things real or imagined, there are comforts, as well. The rhythm of the seasons, the end of summer and the approach of the High Holidays are comforts on which we can rely.
Whatever the challenges of the past year, and whatever the year ahead holds for each of us, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur offer us an opportunity to connect and collectively reflect on our lives. As you prepare yourself for this time emotionally, intellectually and spiritually, rejoice in the knowledge that we do this as a kehillat kedushah, a holy community.
I am grateful that we share this journey together. My family and I wish you and yours L'shanah tovah tikatevu v'taihatem. May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.
Ken y'hi ratzon. May it be God's will.
L'shalom,
Jeff Blaine
The world can feel like a chaotic place at times, or hadn't you noticed?
Torrential rains, flooding, oppressive heat, tornadoes, tsunamis, earthquakes ... To quote Dr. Ray Stantz of the Ghostbusters, "What he means is Old Testament, Mr. Mayor, real wrath of God type stuff!"
And then there's Washington, D.C., the financial markets...sigh... and, of course, our own personal travails of all sorts - illnesses of loved ones, losses, the vulnerabilities and challenges we all face.
An ever present reality of the human condition is that we are often powerless over forces larger and stronger than we are. No one likes to be confronted with feelings of defenselessness and uncertainty.
Whatever anxieties we carry, about things real or imagined, there are comforts, as well. The rhythm of the seasons, the end of summer and the approach of the High Holidays are comforts on which we can rely.
Whatever the challenges of the past year, and whatever the year ahead holds for each of us, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur offer us an opportunity to connect and collectively reflect on our lives. As you prepare yourself for this time emotionally, intellectually and spiritually, rejoice in the knowledge that we do this as a kehillat kedushah, a holy community.
I am grateful that we share this journey together. My family and I wish you and yours L'shanah tovah tikatevu v'taihatem. May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.
Ken y'hi ratzon. May it be God's will.
L'shalom,
Jeff Blaine
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Tikkun Olam
Justice, Justice shall you pursue, that you may thrive and occupy the land that Adonai your God is giving you. Deuteronomy 16:20
Ask someone you know what they hope to accomplish with their lives and you will often hear, "I want to leave the world a better place than how I found it." What better goal than to have lived a life that matters?
Oak Park Temple has a long tradition of engaging in acts of "Tikkun Olam," repairing what is wrong with the world. At Oak Park Temple, our dedicated Social Action Committee has been the most visible manifestation of that tradition. In recent years, committee members have helped heal the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, raised awareness of the on-going humanitarian crisis in Darfur and advocated for accessible and affordable health care. With the deep recession and the rising number of foreclosures, they have encouraged us to turn our attention to housing and homelessness. Mitzvah Days, Project Sandwich, P.A.D.S and our program of support for our sister community in Daugavpils, Latvia have led us to reach out to those in in greatest need in our communities, near and far.
I am certain, though, that these are not the only ways that the spirit of tikkun olam is expressed at Oak Park Temple. There are many, many members of our congregation who are engaged in daily acts of social justice and tikkun olam in their professional, volunteer and philanthopic activities. Recently, OPT member, Dr. David Ansell, published his memoir, "County: Life, Death and Politics at Chicago's Public Hospital." In his book, David describes his work addressing the healthcare inequities that have led to shortened lives and suffering born of the politics of race and poverty. Thank you for all of your efforts, David. But, I know that you are not alone in your good works. There are many others at Oak Park Temple who make tikkun olam an important part of the fabric of their lives. We just don't always know about these activities. Wouldn't it be nice to know? Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could join with others in supporting important work that will improve the world? Think of the added power that our collective efforts could bring to bear on conditions in need of repair.
To allow for this sharing of knowledge, connections and energy, we are conducting a "Tikkun Olam Inventory." Please go to the questionnaire that will be on our temple website in the very near future, http://oakparktemple.com and let us know how you express your impulse to “…leave the world a better place." Please understand, I am not encouraging this effort in order to engage in mutual self-congratulation and admiration. I make this invitation to allow us all to know of the myriad opportunities that we have within Oak Park Temple to make the world a better place. Perhaps someone in the congregation shares a passion that you have, might wish to learn more from you and would like to join you in your good works.
Rabbi Tarfon used to say: "It is not for you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it. Pirkei Avot 2:21
Let's do the work of tikkun olam together.
L'shalom,
Jeff Blaine, President
Ask someone you know what they hope to accomplish with their lives and you will often hear, "I want to leave the world a better place than how I found it." What better goal than to have lived a life that matters?
Oak Park Temple has a long tradition of engaging in acts of "Tikkun Olam," repairing what is wrong with the world. At Oak Park Temple, our dedicated Social Action Committee has been the most visible manifestation of that tradition. In recent years, committee members have helped heal the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, raised awareness of the on-going humanitarian crisis in Darfur and advocated for accessible and affordable health care. With the deep recession and the rising number of foreclosures, they have encouraged us to turn our attention to housing and homelessness. Mitzvah Days, Project Sandwich, P.A.D.S and our program of support for our sister community in Daugavpils, Latvia have led us to reach out to those in in greatest need in our communities, near and far.
I am certain, though, that these are not the only ways that the spirit of tikkun olam is expressed at Oak Park Temple. There are many, many members of our congregation who are engaged in daily acts of social justice and tikkun olam in their professional, volunteer and philanthopic activities. Recently, OPT member, Dr. David Ansell, published his memoir, "County: Life, Death and Politics at Chicago's Public Hospital." In his book, David describes his work addressing the healthcare inequities that have led to shortened lives and suffering born of the politics of race and poverty. Thank you for all of your efforts, David. But, I know that you are not alone in your good works. There are many others at Oak Park Temple who make tikkun olam an important part of the fabric of their lives. We just don't always know about these activities. Wouldn't it be nice to know? Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could join with others in supporting important work that will improve the world? Think of the added power that our collective efforts could bring to bear on conditions in need of repair.
To allow for this sharing of knowledge, connections and energy, we are conducting a "Tikkun Olam Inventory." Please go to the questionnaire that will be on our temple website in the very near future, http://oakparktemple.com and let us know how you express your impulse to “…leave the world a better place." Please understand, I am not encouraging this effort in order to engage in mutual self-congratulation and admiration. I make this invitation to allow us all to know of the myriad opportunities that we have within Oak Park Temple to make the world a better place. Perhaps someone in the congregation shares a passion that you have, might wish to learn more from you and would like to join you in your good works.
Rabbi Tarfon used to say: "It is not for you to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it. Pirkei Avot 2:21
Let's do the work of tikkun olam together.
L'shalom,
Jeff Blaine, President
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
A Moment to Reflect...
The rhythm of the academic year makes this a season filled with endings. Graduations occur, kids get promoted, parties happen and we move into the more laid back days of summer. In the midst of this hubbub, let's take a moment to reflect.
This month, a community-wide effort to fulfill one of our tradition's most sacred duties, repairing our Torah, will be completed. This year-long "Torah Project", culminates with the return of our fully repaired, Sefer Torah. Rabbi Yochanan Nathan, our sofer ("scribe"), has educated us about the intricacies of creating and repairing a torah. In the process, we've been reminded that Torah defines us as a people, ties us to one another and to our ancestors. To all who have supported this sacred task, todah rabah and yasher koach (thank you very much for using your strength in this way!)
This year has also seen creative changes in our worship. The worship initiatives suggested by our congregational survey, created by the Worship Committee, in concert with the efforts Rabbi Weiss and Cantor Green, have led to new engaging opportunities for communal worship. Our 4th Friday Kabbalat Shabbats and new Shabbat Kehillah dinners, on the 2nd Friday of each month, have filled us with ruach ("spirit"), song and connection. If you've not been to Shabbat services in a while, you're missing some very special times. Don't be a stranger. And did I say, 'you never call!'
At the High Holidays, Rabbi Weiss asked us, "Israel, Can We Talk About It?" This year we've had three, well-attended opportunities to listen, learn and discuss very difficult issues relating to Israel and peace in the Middle East. Most importantly, the dialogue that occurred was respectful and thoughtful. Thank you to all who participated and especially to the ARZA committee for its work in creating a safe place for the dialogue to occur. I look forward to many such opportunities in the future.
And finally, to James Crowder, who has faithfully served Oak Park Temple for more than 25 years, we extend our sincere gratitude. Our thanks to you for all that you do, and have done, with efficiency, warmth and good humor to make Oak Park Temple the special place that it is.
L'shalom,
Jeff Blaine
President
This month, a community-wide effort to fulfill one of our tradition's most sacred duties, repairing our Torah, will be completed. This year-long "Torah Project", culminates with the return of our fully repaired, Sefer Torah. Rabbi Yochanan Nathan, our sofer ("scribe"), has educated us about the intricacies of creating and repairing a torah. In the process, we've been reminded that Torah defines us as a people, ties us to one another and to our ancestors. To all who have supported this sacred task, todah rabah and yasher koach (thank you very much for using your strength in this way!)
This year has also seen creative changes in our worship. The worship initiatives suggested by our congregational survey, created by the Worship Committee, in concert with the efforts Rabbi Weiss and Cantor Green, have led to new engaging opportunities for communal worship. Our 4th Friday Kabbalat Shabbats and new Shabbat Kehillah dinners, on the 2nd Friday of each month, have filled us with ruach ("spirit"), song and connection. If you've not been to Shabbat services in a while, you're missing some very special times. Don't be a stranger. And did I say, 'you never call!'
At the High Holidays, Rabbi Weiss asked us, "Israel, Can We Talk About It?" This year we've had three, well-attended opportunities to listen, learn and discuss very difficult issues relating to Israel and peace in the Middle East. Most importantly, the dialogue that occurred was respectful and thoughtful. Thank you to all who participated and especially to the ARZA committee for its work in creating a safe place for the dialogue to occur. I look forward to many such opportunities in the future.
And finally, to James Crowder, who has faithfully served Oak Park Temple for more than 25 years, we extend our sincere gratitude. Our thanks to you for all that you do, and have done, with efficiency, warmth and good humor to make Oak Park Temple the special place that it is.
L'shalom,
Jeff Blaine
President
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Not an "island"...
News flash! Jews are a minority in our country and in Illinois! We make up approximately 2.2% of the populations of both the U.S. and Illinois. In 2011, it is estimated that approximately 97% of the Jewish population of Illinois is in the Chicago metropolitan area. Most of us living near Oak Park Temple know that we are a small pocket of Judaism in the Western Suburbs. Concentrations of Jews are greater North and Northwest. It's not hard to feel that OPT is a bit of an island. However, we are really not as much of an island as you might think.
In the last few weeks, I have had remarkable experiences in connecting with a much larger community of Reform Jews in North America. I had the privilege to attend the Scheidt Seminar, conducted by the Union for Reform Judaism for Presidents and Presidents-Elect of URJ congregations. I spent four days with 81 presidents, 21 of them from congregations with between 350 and 500 members, very much like Oak Park Temple. This seminar was easily one of the most meaningful professional development experiences of my entire career. I took away useful information, made valuable contacts and I feel in a much better position to understand and navigate the resources of the larger Reform Jewish community of North America for the benefit of Oak Park Temple.
Not only was this an inspiring leadership development experience, it was a meaningful Jewish experience, as well. Praying, singing and studying with my fellow Presidents and Presidents-Elect strengthened my connection to our shared spiritual heritage. The things I saw and heard moved me deeply.
The Scheidt Seminar was like getting a view of being a temple president from 35,000 feet. Many more things make sense. I was comforted to realize that there are numerous ways that Oak Park Temple excels as a congregation. However, I also was able to learn things from other presidents, and our gifted faculty, that can help us to improve. Most importantly, the problems that we face are shared by other congregations and are not unique. There is a vast network of assistance into which we can tap. If your committee has a challenge, let me know. The “wheel'” has probably been invented before, many, many times.
After the Scheidt Seminar, I flew directly to New Orleans to join the Oak Park Temple group of 25, led by Rabbi Weiss, on a "Tour of the Deep Jewish South." The South is a part of Jewish America of which many of us on the trip had had no knowledge or experience. It was informative, enlightening and fun. We saw synagogues, important sites in southern Jewish culture, places of historic significance in the civil rights movement in our country and the home of the Blues, the Mississippi Delta. Oh, and did I tell you we ate? It's a very Jewish thing to do, you know! From New Orleans to Memphis, we saw a different slice of the Jewish world and history. My view of who “we” are as a people has expanded. We’re not such an island.
So remember, Oak Park Temple is part of something big, very big, and wonderful.
L’shalom,
Jeff Blaine
President
In the last few weeks, I have had remarkable experiences in connecting with a much larger community of Reform Jews in North America. I had the privilege to attend the Scheidt Seminar, conducted by the Union for Reform Judaism for Presidents and Presidents-Elect of URJ congregations. I spent four days with 81 presidents, 21 of them from congregations with between 350 and 500 members, very much like Oak Park Temple. This seminar was easily one of the most meaningful professional development experiences of my entire career. I took away useful information, made valuable contacts and I feel in a much better position to understand and navigate the resources of the larger Reform Jewish community of North America for the benefit of Oak Park Temple.
Not only was this an inspiring leadership development experience, it was a meaningful Jewish experience, as well. Praying, singing and studying with my fellow Presidents and Presidents-Elect strengthened my connection to our shared spiritual heritage. The things I saw and heard moved me deeply.
The Scheidt Seminar was like getting a view of being a temple president from 35,000 feet. Many more things make sense. I was comforted to realize that there are numerous ways that Oak Park Temple excels as a congregation. However, I also was able to learn things from other presidents, and our gifted faculty, that can help us to improve. Most importantly, the problems that we face are shared by other congregations and are not unique. There is a vast network of assistance into which we can tap. If your committee has a challenge, let me know. The “wheel'” has probably been invented before, many, many times.
After the Scheidt Seminar, I flew directly to New Orleans to join the Oak Park Temple group of 25, led by Rabbi Weiss, on a "Tour of the Deep Jewish South." The South is a part of Jewish America of which many of us on the trip had had no knowledge or experience. It was informative, enlightening and fun. We saw synagogues, important sites in southern Jewish culture, places of historic significance in the civil rights movement in our country and the home of the Blues, the Mississippi Delta. Oh, and did I tell you we ate? It's a very Jewish thing to do, you know! From New Orleans to Memphis, we saw a different slice of the Jewish world and history. My view of who “we” are as a people has expanded. We’re not such an island.
So remember, Oak Park Temple is part of something big, very big, and wonderful.
L’shalom,
Jeff Blaine
President
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Community
This has been a time filled with activity at Oak Park Temple. So, you ask, what’s different about that? Probably not much, but I have a sense that something wonderful is afoot. The new Board of Directors convened some weeks back for a five hour retreat. Rabbi Weiss, using a verse from Pirke Avot, led us in discussion of the value of joining the study of Torah with work. We shared our personal goals for service on the Board and our visions for Oak Park Temple going forward. If there was any one common theme, it was that of our shared hope to expand, support and cultivate a strong sense of community at Oak Park Temple and, indeed, there are many indicators of that work in progress.
Our new worship initiative, 4th Friday, got off to an incredible start on February 25th with a sanctuary filled to the brim with a multi-generational congregation sharing connections of prayer, song, food and fellowship. It was thrilling to see the beginning of a new tradition at Oak Park Temple. Every month, on the "Fourth Friday", there will be an early gathering for wine, cheese, crackers, juice and cookies beginning at 6:00 p.m. A time to connect at the end of the week; a time to welcome Shabbat. A brief, but beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat service filled with music and prayer will begin at 6:30 p.m. and we will conclude at 7:15 p.m. For those with small children, the early time will prevent disrupting bed times and for those with greater flexibility, there will be time to go home, or out, for a Shabbat dinner with family and friends. Community.
Our annual Oak Park Temple Retreat at Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, was a huge success, enjoyed by all and another example of community in action. This year’s theme was “Reveal, Rejoice, Redeem: Party Hearty in the Torah!!!” One hundred and seventy-three members of our congregation fought through Friday afternoon traffic and less than ideal weather to spend two delightful days kicking back enjoying one another, participating in educational and entertaining workshops run by talented members of our congregation, and joining together in song, food, laughter, ruach (spirit) and Sabbath prayer. There are few things on our calendar that I enjoy more than the Retreat. This was my fourteenth Retreat and I’m looking forward to my fifteenth next year. I would like to extend my very sincere thanks to all who made the Retreat such a success. A great deal of work made it happen, and many relationships were created and strengthened. Community.
We are now preparing for Purim celebrations for adults and kids. We are honoring Cantor Green’s bat mitzvah year at Oak Park Temple with a 70’s style Purim Disco extravaganza, and we’ve prepared a wonderful Purim carnival, Megillah reading, and entertainment. Insider tip: Purim is one of Rabbi Weiss’s very favorite holidays; the potential for rabbinic mischief is high! Orange alert! These are all further opportunities for us to play and connect. Community.
Right around the corner, on April 18th, Passover begins. Passover is the holiday that is most observed by Jews the world over. It marks our deliverance from slavery and the beginning of our journey together as a people. Community.
So, in the days, weeks and months ahead, be a part of the Oak Park Temple kehilla kedusha. Our holy community.
Our new worship initiative, 4th Friday, got off to an incredible start on February 25th with a sanctuary filled to the brim with a multi-generational congregation sharing connections of prayer, song, food and fellowship. It was thrilling to see the beginning of a new tradition at Oak Park Temple. Every month, on the "Fourth Friday", there will be an early gathering for wine, cheese, crackers, juice and cookies beginning at 6:00 p.m. A time to connect at the end of the week; a time to welcome Shabbat. A brief, but beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat service filled with music and prayer will begin at 6:30 p.m. and we will conclude at 7:15 p.m. For those with small children, the early time will prevent disrupting bed times and for those with greater flexibility, there will be time to go home, or out, for a Shabbat dinner with family and friends. Community.
Our annual Oak Park Temple Retreat at Olin Sang Ruby Union Institute in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, was a huge success, enjoyed by all and another example of community in action. This year’s theme was “Reveal, Rejoice, Redeem: Party Hearty in the Torah!!!” One hundred and seventy-three members of our congregation fought through Friday afternoon traffic and less than ideal weather to spend two delightful days kicking back enjoying one another, participating in educational and entertaining workshops run by talented members of our congregation, and joining together in song, food, laughter, ruach (spirit) and Sabbath prayer. There are few things on our calendar that I enjoy more than the Retreat. This was my fourteenth Retreat and I’m looking forward to my fifteenth next year. I would like to extend my very sincere thanks to all who made the Retreat such a success. A great deal of work made it happen, and many relationships were created and strengthened. Community.
We are now preparing for Purim celebrations for adults and kids. We are honoring Cantor Green’s bat mitzvah year at Oak Park Temple with a 70’s style Purim Disco extravaganza, and we’ve prepared a wonderful Purim carnival, Megillah reading, and entertainment. Insider tip: Purim is one of Rabbi Weiss’s very favorite holidays; the potential for rabbinic mischief is high! Orange alert! These are all further opportunities for us to play and connect. Community.
Right around the corner, on April 18th, Passover begins. Passover is the holiday that is most observed by Jews the world over. It marks our deliverance from slavery and the beginning of our journey together as a people. Community.
So, in the days, weeks and months ahead, be a part of the Oak Park Temple kehilla kedusha. Our holy community.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Connections
As I assume the presidency of Oak Park Temple, I feel compelled to reflect on almost 32years as a member of the congregation. When I first walked in to OPT in 1979, I entered a congregation that I didn't think I needed, filled with people I didn't know.
Today, while there are many, many more people I do know, there continue to be many people who are unfamiliar to me. In such a situation, some “old timers” like me might react in dismay with, ‘where did my temple go?’ Instead, I am personally thrilled by the new faces. It means that we are a vital, ever-evolving Jewish community.
Coming in to OPT is like coming in to the middle of a conversation which has been in progress for some time and will continue into the future. We enter, become oriented, listen, contribute and learn. Long after we leave, the ‘conversation’ continues. When those in the conversation are known to us, it’s easy to join in. When they are not known, it may feel awkward and take some time to feel comfortable with the repartee.
Connections take time to create. With apologies to NIKE, “Just Do It!” Get involved in small and big ways. Show up. Come to the Congregational Retreat, this year, next year and the year after that. Wear your name tag! Allow yourself to be known and come to know others.
There are wonderful ways to be connected. On Friday, February 25th, we will inaugurate a tradition at Oak Park Temple that I think will be cherished for years to come. "4th Friday Kabbalat Shabbat" will be a wonderful way to welcome Shabbat, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with some wine, cheese, juice and cookies, a short Kabbalat service filled with song and prayer and concluding at 7:15 p.m. to allow us to have Shabbat dinner at home. In March, we have the Retreat the weekend of the 4th -6th, Purim celebrations that will include a carnival, Megillah reading, adult party honoring Cantor Green’s “Bat Mitzvah” year at OPT, social action, adult education, torah study, havurot and Sisterhood events, Bagel Boy Sunday morning bagels and “schmeers,” the list goes on and on and on… But wait, there’s more! There is a wealth of activities for our kids too.
So, as you are planning your ways to be connected, consider this. Someone who has just walked in to our rotunda for the first time may become a future president of OPT. Hopefully they will feel at home in the bosom of a thriving, welcoming Jewish community. It's not science fiction. It happened to me.
I am excited to be on this Jewish journey with all of you. Together, I believe that we can find a special kind of joy that none of us can find alone.
L'shalom,
Jeff Blaine,
President
Today, while there are many, many more people I do know, there continue to be many people who are unfamiliar to me. In such a situation, some “old timers” like me might react in dismay with, ‘where did my temple go?’ Instead, I am personally thrilled by the new faces. It means that we are a vital, ever-evolving Jewish community.
Coming in to OPT is like coming in to the middle of a conversation which has been in progress for some time and will continue into the future. We enter, become oriented, listen, contribute and learn. Long after we leave, the ‘conversation’ continues. When those in the conversation are known to us, it’s easy to join in. When they are not known, it may feel awkward and take some time to feel comfortable with the repartee.
Connections take time to create. With apologies to NIKE, “Just Do It!” Get involved in small and big ways. Show up. Come to the Congregational Retreat, this year, next year and the year after that. Wear your name tag! Allow yourself to be known and come to know others.
There are wonderful ways to be connected. On Friday, February 25th, we will inaugurate a tradition at Oak Park Temple that I think will be cherished for years to come. "4th Friday Kabbalat Shabbat" will be a wonderful way to welcome Shabbat, beginning at 6:00 p.m. with some wine, cheese, juice and cookies, a short Kabbalat service filled with song and prayer and concluding at 7:15 p.m. to allow us to have Shabbat dinner at home. In March, we have the Retreat the weekend of the 4th -6th, Purim celebrations that will include a carnival, Megillah reading, adult party honoring Cantor Green’s “Bat Mitzvah” year at OPT, social action, adult education, torah study, havurot and Sisterhood events, Bagel Boy Sunday morning bagels and “schmeers,” the list goes on and on and on… But wait, there’s more! There is a wealth of activities for our kids too.
So, as you are planning your ways to be connected, consider this. Someone who has just walked in to our rotunda for the first time may become a future president of OPT. Hopefully they will feel at home in the bosom of a thriving, welcoming Jewish community. It's not science fiction. It happened to me.
I am excited to be on this Jewish journey with all of you. Together, I believe that we can find a special kind of joy that none of us can find alone.
L'shalom,
Jeff Blaine,
President
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
This has fortunately been a pretty unstressfull year at OPT. As far as I know, there have been no major disasters, no scandals, no threats, no fires, no one on the staff has quit, and the roof hasn’t caved in. Unlike in the beginning, when I thought my entire presidency would be marked by transition, we’ve had a remarkably stable year. While our finances could always look better, we’re holding our own. People are attending services and we use every inch of space we have on Sundays. New events have brought us together and many more are planned for the future. All in all its been a pretty good year. You can read about it in my message in the Annual report, so why waste your time now?
After more than 31 months (not that I was counting), I’m finally being replaced as President of this congregation. As your next president, Jeff, mentioned at the last Board meeting, it looks as though I have held the job longer than anyone else in our congregation’s history. Sometimes it has felt like I’ve been doing this my whole life and other times, I felt as though I just took over the job. While only my hairdresser knows for sure how much grayer I’ve gotten during the last 2 ½ years, I certainly know how much I have gained from the experience. Aside from loosing my fear of public speaking, and maybe a few hours of sleep obsessing about certain issues, I have made so many new friends I couldn’t begin to count. And as I’ve mentioned time and again in speeches and in writing, I’ve truly found a home that I can’t imagine ever leaving.
There are many people that have helped make the job of the president easier, and I’d be here way passed the first kick off if I started mentioning them all, but a few deserve extra attention. I’m proud to admit that I was involved in hiring Danielle Sandler, and with out her, this place would definitely not be as stable as it currently is, both literally and figuratively. Our almost daily conversations, which often took place even on her vacation and sick days will be missed. However, I hope that now we can be friends since I will no longer be her employer. One past president, Marsha Cooper, really stepped up as my mentor and friend, thank you. And especially my friends who listened to me kvetch, especially those of you who met me for lunch weekly for “therapy”.. I owe you. Finally, I’ve been blessed with a terrific exec board who whipped this place into shape and made it almost easy to be a leader. Thank you all.
And now my final story…
At last year's URJ Biennial, I attended a gathering of congregational leaders. There, I overheard one man asking a woman, who looked to be my age, how it was that she came to be President. Well, she responded matter- of -factly, "When you join my temple you get a beautiful silk bag filled with glittering glass marbles. And each time you volunteer you return one marble to the temple office. When you have finally lost all your marbles..... they make you President!"
So, when you go home, check your bag of marbles… you may be up here soon.
After more than 31 months (not that I was counting), I’m finally being replaced as President of this congregation. As your next president, Jeff, mentioned at the last Board meeting, it looks as though I have held the job longer than anyone else in our congregation’s history. Sometimes it has felt like I’ve been doing this my whole life and other times, I felt as though I just took over the job. While only my hairdresser knows for sure how much grayer I’ve gotten during the last 2 ½ years, I certainly know how much I have gained from the experience. Aside from loosing my fear of public speaking, and maybe a few hours of sleep obsessing about certain issues, I have made so many new friends I couldn’t begin to count. And as I’ve mentioned time and again in speeches and in writing, I’ve truly found a home that I can’t imagine ever leaving.
There are many people that have helped make the job of the president easier, and I’d be here way passed the first kick off if I started mentioning them all, but a few deserve extra attention. I’m proud to admit that I was involved in hiring Danielle Sandler, and with out her, this place would definitely not be as stable as it currently is, both literally and figuratively. Our almost daily conversations, which often took place even on her vacation and sick days will be missed. However, I hope that now we can be friends since I will no longer be her employer. One past president, Marsha Cooper, really stepped up as my mentor and friend, thank you. And especially my friends who listened to me kvetch, especially those of you who met me for lunch weekly for “therapy”.. I owe you. Finally, I’ve been blessed with a terrific exec board who whipped this place into shape and made it almost easy to be a leader. Thank you all.
And now my final story…
At last year's URJ Biennial, I attended a gathering of congregational leaders. There, I overheard one man asking a woman, who looked to be my age, how it was that she came to be President. Well, she responded matter- of -factly, "When you join my temple you get a beautiful silk bag filled with glittering glass marbles. And each time you volunteer you return one marble to the temple office. When you have finally lost all your marbles..... they make you President!"
So, when you go home, check your bag of marbles… you may be up here soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)