I hope that you and your families are well, have enjoyed the summer, and are looking forward to the remaining long sunlit days as we transition into fall. This time of year is often busy for many of us, filled with a wide range of activities and "must-do's."

At TST, we have been working diligently to ensure that our Religious School and Early Childhood Center are ready for the new term. Rabbi Sandy Zisser and Patty Goldstick are finalizing registration, preparing the curriculum, and working closely with our teachers. We are pleased to report that registration is on track to meet or even slightly exceed our planned numbers. Everyone is excited for the new school year, with wonderful plans for learning, making friends, and personal growth.

Rabbi Ross, Cantor Szterenberg, Executive Director Howard Greenstein, and the rest of our staff are preparing for the High Holy Days and the new year 5785. This year, we will again celebrate the second day of Rosh Hashanah right here in our sanctuary and on our grounds. Our Yom Kippur afternoon Neilah services will also be held at the Temple.

In his book To Life, Rabbi Harold Kushner speaks to the significance of the High Holy Days: “I never understood why we respond to the High Holy Days the way we do… we find comfort in community, in the presence of so many of us sharing the same hopes and fears. And we find comfort in the liturgy helping us articulate hopes and fears in words more eloquent than we could have come up with ourselves.”

This year, as the Holy Days coincide with the anniversary of October 7th and as antisemitism reaches unprecedented levels, Rabbi Kushner’s words resonate more profoundly than ever. I encourage you to join us during this sacred time.

We continue to strengthen our Kehilla Kedosha, building upon the many foundational pieces we have put in place, with a renewed sense of belonging and loving kindness. During the High Holy Days, we will reflect on our progress and discuss our work moving forward.

Please enjoy the changing seasons and transitions and I hope to see you at our services and events throughout September.