Ice-Cream and God
Dear Friends,

I am thrilled to inform you of our new policy. If you are vaccinated, you can take off your mask. I want to see your smile. Come to the Temple tonight for Shabbat, friendship and Ben and Jerry’s ice-cream as we welcome new members to our community. 
Why join a Temple? Some do it for their children, to raise “Mensches” (kind people). Others join to make friends, and to build a community of shared values.

I recently read a fascinating study of 80 year-olds in North America. The seniors reported that the longest friendships they made were at synagogue or church. In Westchester, we meet people at soccer practice, ballet class, and the 2nd grade PTA. But children grow up and their activities and interests change. The Temple is a constant and can be an on-going nourishing part of your life. The people you meet at Temple can become your life-long friends. Please come tonight to welcome new members to our community. You may make a new FFE (Friend-For-Ever.).

One of the most meaningful human endeavors is to be a member of a sacred community. Community is a blessing during the happiest and saddest moments. Most people understand this in times of sorrow when we comfort each other. But the happiest moments of life are even sweeter when shared in a community. Imagine winning the lottery but not having anyone to tell. So too baby namings, B’nai Mitzvah, engagements, weddings are all made sweeter when we share our lives. This is the spiritual beauty of being in a Kehila, a community.

We also welcome new members to our professional leadership who will help us fulfill our hopes for our congregation. Please welcome Leslie Lichter our new interim Executive Director, Stephanie Ben Simon our new Director of Education, and Leah Kadosh our new B’nai Mitzvah Coordinator. A huge thanks to the Temple leadership for recruiting such talented professionals who will help our community thrive.

Next week, June 18th we will celebrate Camp Shabbat. If your children are going to sleep-away or day-camp bring them to receive a blessing and to celebrate children going off to camp.

I call tonight’s new member Shabbat, “Ice-cream Shabbat.” Yesterday, a father of a Bar Mitzvah in the presence of his son asked me for proof that God exists. Without missing a beat, I responded “Ice-Cream.” I believe that Ice-cream is evidence there is a higher benevolent force at play in the universe. I look forward to seeing you tonight, unmasked, making new friends and enjoying the blessings of our two famous friends from Vermont, Ben and Jerry. 

Shabbat Shalom with a double scoop!

Rabbi David Wilfond