Dear Friends, Tonight, is the last Shabbat of 2022. As we look back over the past year we can see there has been moments of darkness, and there have been times of light and hope. Last January, the attack on the Reform Temple in Colleyville, TX, the invasion of Ukraine, and the recent spike in antisemitism have given us all moments of pause. Despite these dark clouds, here at Shaaray Tefila we strive to improve our corner of the world with deeds of loving kindness. This year we have joyfully welcomed our first Cantor, Ines Kapustiansky, revitalized our choir, introduced Social Action Sundays, opened our new Teen Center, and reinvigorated our Bar and Bat Mitzvah program with new meaningful programs. There is so much to be optimistic about here at Shaaray Tefila. The good strongly outweighs the bad. We want the successes of the past year to motivate us to achieve our deepest wishes for our congregation in the coming year. As we move from 2022 to 2023 may we live to see the words of Psalm 128 come true, “This year may we be blessed to see the good in life. May we live not just to see our children, may we live to see our children’s children, and may we live to see peace upon Israel and upon all the earth.” May this be for us all in the coming year. Wishing you all a healthy and happy 2023. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi David Wilfond |