In a few short weeks, we’ll be celebrating the American Holiday of Thanksgiving. As a Jew living in Southern Maryland, I am very thankful for the Jewish community of Congrega-
tion Sha’are Shalom which allows me to celebrate and grow my Jewish identity. The previous five congregations I had belonged to over the last fifteen years were all large enough to have significant paid staff and clergy.
Many members paid their dues and never participated in the running of the temple. Other than the Rabbi, one Saturday a month, Congregation Sha’are Shalom has no paid staff or clergy. Everything that happens at Sha’are Shalom, from the religious services to the religious school, to the dinners and educational programs, happens because of volunteers. If all our members paid their dues and then chose not to participate in the running of the temple, Sha’are Shalom would cease to exist.
If, like me, you are thankful for the presence of Congregation Sha’are Shalom in our community and you value the opportunities it offers, please consider volunteering to help. Starting this month, the Gatekeeper will have a new column called Volunteer Opportunities. I encourage each of you to see if you can find the time to help with one or more of those tasks. If you have some special skills that might be put to use at temple, please contact me and let’s work together to find the best use of those gifts you are willing to share. Sha’are Shalom is a vibrant Jewish community offering many opportunities to exercise and grow our Jewish identity.
It is truly a Mitzvah, to volunteer and work for the existence and growth of our sacred community. Our board meetings can sometimes be messy with lengthy passionate debates over what to do. But make no mistake, the end result of our board meetings, standing and special committee meetings, and so many other volunteer efforts is a very precious thing. It is nothing less than the preservation of a sacred Jewish community. Will you be a dues paying member who relies on others to serve you. Or will you take responsibility for our future and volunteer to help make our sacred community one that we can all be thankful for.
May you and your family enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving and may we all be thankful for our time together at Sha’are Shalom.
George