Greetings and Shalom!
On behalf of myself and my family, Carol Nis-senson, Josh Saltzman and Hagar Sadan, and Michael Saltzman, I wish to offer greetings to the members of Sha’are Shalom of Waldorf, Maryland as I begin my association with this Congregation and Temple.
This year during the interview process, and when I participated in leading a Shabbat morning service, I had the opportunity to meet with members of Sha’are Shalom and to observe how special Sha’are Shalom is as a congregation. At the Board meeting when I was interviewed, and at the service, it was so pleasing to see that members have a sense that there is a role for them in the congregation and that they participate with enthusiasm.
The concept that everyone has a share in the congregation as well as a practical responsibility is an ideal which seems to be working very well. This is true in the School, the Library, the Service and Oneg I attended, and which can also been seen in the building itself which is both impressive and functional.
It is my hope that my role as Rabbi of Sha’are Sha-lom will evolve and grow. It is also my hope that through our shared services, educational programs, Jew-ish Life Cycle, deep learning, and mutual presence and recognition, that together we will continue to build a strong, modern Jewish religious community.
In our prayers we read: Talmidei Chachamim Mar-bim Shalom BaOlam – “Scholars, increase peace in the world!” Together, through our Avodah, our ‘work’ here, may we work to improve our lives and the lives of others as we walk together affirming our faith, tradition, and culture.
Beirachnuchem MiBeit Adonai
May you be blessed from the House of God!