Spring Gala 2022 a huge success!
June 16, 2022
Rabbi David Wilfond’s Message – Friday, June 24, 2022
June 23, 2022| Dear Friends, This week’s Torah portion describes the seven lights of the menorah. I want to share seven points of light emanating from our Temple. 1. A huge thanks to all who made last week’s Gala an inspiring success and a reminder of the simcha (joy) of being in-person. 2. At the Gala, Dina Newman, our new Teen Center Director, was present, and many people got to meet her and became inspired by her plans to keep our teens engaged. 3. Also last week, I was the Keynote Speaker at the Gala of the Jewish Federation of Duchess County. I presented our congregation’s Social Action work as a model for creating community. A couple who had been founding members of Temple Shaaray Tefila and moved to Poughkeepsie were present and so grateful to hear of our successes. 4. Last Sunday, I was the guest speaker at the Methodist Church in Cold Spring. They told me this was the first time in the 155-year history of their church that a Rabbi addressed their congregation from the pulpit. They seemed eager to foster interfaith partnerships and were very appreciative. 5. This Shabbat will be Noah Chase’s last Friday service as a regular soloist. Please come tonight to say thank you. 6. Next Friday, June 24th, will be a special service to honor Rabbi MJ Newman and Alli West. Please join for a night of appreciation. 7. Our congregation’s first cantor, Inés Kapustiansky, arrives in July. Please come Friday, July 8th for a special service of welcome. Our Menorah burns brightly. May we be blessed to spread the light. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi David Wilfond |