Services will be Friday, July 24, at 8 p.m.

Torah Study, 1^st and 3^rd Saturdays 8:30 am via Zoom

Torah Study Saturday July 18 at 8:30 am
July 18
August 15
September 5
No Torah Study  July 4th.

Contact Suzanne (suz_darby@hotmail.com) for information and study guide

Topic: Torah Study Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84590304211?pwd=VUY1WnltUEY0Q0xSU2JrNmJMMXYwZz09

Meeting ID: 845 9030 4211

 

Men’s & Women’s Group

Men’s and Women’s Groups to Have Joint Dinner at Thai Palace

The previous joint dinner by the Men’s and Women’s Groups was so successful that we decided to do it again–this time at Thai Palace restaurant in Waldorf on Wednesday, July 15, at 7 p.m.

Mark your paper and electronic calendars and let us know if you’d like to attend so we can make a reservation: Mark Holt at mark.edward.holt@gmail.com, or Suzanne Darby at suz_darby@hotmail.com.

Thai Palace is at 2732 Crain Hwy, Waldorf, MD. Check out its wide-ranging menu at https://thaipalacemd.com/menu. All men and women are welcome–hope to see you there!

 

Board Update: Planning for the Year Ahead

I am excited to highlight the hard work that was made this Sunday at our Social Calendar Planing Meeting! We have a full year with tons of fun activities over this coming year. In addition to a more deliberate approach to our holidays, we have some social activities that I hope everyone will join!

The Social Calendar Planning Meeting brought together committee chairs and event coordinators to develop another outstanding year of worship, education, and fellowship.

The calendar features many of our beloved annual traditions, including High Holy Day services, Sukkot and Simchat Torah celebrations, Chanukah festivities, Purim celebrations for both children and adults, our Congregational Passover Seder, Family Movie Night, Men’s Club events, brunches, educational discussions, and many other opportunities for our synagogue family to gather throughout the year. Please be on the lookout for the overview of events shortly.

This calendar is only possible because of the many volunteers who have stepped forward to organize and lead these events. Whether planning a holiday celebration, preparing a meal, coordinating an educational program, or simply lending a helping hand, your dedication is what makes Congregation Sha’are Shalom such a special place. That being said, we do have quite a few members hosting multiple events. If you see something that you would like to lead or contribute to, please reach out to the event point of contact (this will be included with the published overview I mentioned earlier).

 

Board Discusses Temporary Facility Rental Request

Earlier this month, four members of the Board met to discuss a request from a local church seeking temporary use of our facilities.

The congregation, consisting of approximately 20 members, was recently displaced following the passing of its pastor and is searching for a temporary place to worship while determining its long-term future.

The proposal being considered would allow the church to use our sanctuary on Sunday mornings from approximately 9:00 a.m. until noon, with the possibility of one choir rehearsal each month. They have also requested the use of one of our smaller classrooms to securely store supplies needed for their Sunday services.

As the Board discussed this request, we were reminded of an important chapter in Congregation Sha’are Shalom’s own history. Before we had our beautiful permanent home, a local church graciously opened its doors and provided us with a place to worship. That generosity allowed our young congregation to grow and helped lay the foundation for the synagogue we enjoy today.

While every situation is unique, and the Board carefully discussed scheduling, security, facility use, and the needs of our own congregation, many felt it was meaningful to remember the kindness that was once extended to us. Having the opportunity to potentially offer that same spirit of hospitality to another faith community reflects the values of compassion, gratitude, and mitzvot that have long been part of Congregation Sha’are Shalom.

At this time, no final decision has been made. The proposal will be presented to the full CSS Board for discussion and vote. If approved, rental terms and appropriate financial compensation will be negotiated before any agreement is finalized.

We appreciate the thoughtful dialogue surrounding this opportunity and will keep the congregation informed as discussions continue.

⸻

Celebrating Service and Looking Ahead

The Board would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to Suzanne Darby for her dedicated service as Board Secretary. As mentioned in previous newsletters, Suzanne has committed countless time and resources to our synagogue and has come up on her term limit for the secretary position. Her professionalism, organization, and an unwavering commitment to keeping the work of the Board running smoothly has been remarkable. From preparing meeting minutes to maintaining official records, much of her work has taken place behind the scenes, yet it has been essential to the success of our congregation. On behalf of the entire congregation, thank you, Suzanne, for your many years of faithful service.

Her vacancy has been graciously filled by yet another selfless volunteer. We pleased to thank Bev Hoy, who has been unanimously elected as our incoming Board Secretary. We appreciate Barb’s willingness to continue to serve and look forward to working with her as she begins this important role. I am every excited to know there continuity from Suzanne will carry on with Bev. Thank you both soooo much!

As this Board term also comes to a close, my service as President of Congregation Sha’are Shalom will conclude, leaving the position open for the upcoming term. I have been selected for full time employment and my hours are becoming more and more scarce. Serving as your President has been one of the greatest honors of my time at Sha’are Shalom. I have been blessed to work alongside an outstanding Board, dedicated volunteers, and a congregation whose generosity and commitment continue to inspire me. Together, we’ve celebrated milestones, navigated challenges, and worked to continue to build a warm, welcoming Jewish home for our members and guests.

As we look toward the future, I encourage anyone who has ever considered becoming more involved to consider serving in a leadership role. Whether as President, a Board member, or on one of our committees, your talents and perspective can help shape the future of our congregation.

If you are interested in learning more about serving or would like to nominate yourself or another member (with their permission or without; it might be interesting to hear their response!), please reach out to any current Board member. We would be happy to discuss the opportunities available and answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your continued support of Congregation Sha’are Shalom. Together, we look forward to another wonderful year of worship, fellowship, learning, and service.

Shalom,

Jacob Lindsay

President, Congregation Sha’are Shalom

 

Sha’are Shalom Plans Events for Coming Year

The congregation’s planning meeting July 12 selected events and their dates for the upcoming year, including Jewish observances and celebrations, and social events. Planned social events include the annual picnic, a hike and cookout, breadmaking, pickleball, and more. Thanks to all the volunteers who stepped up to help lead these activities and to everyone who helped plan.

 

SAVE THE DATE

Congregational Annual End of Summer Picnic
Sunday August 30th at Noon
Save the Date
Picnic will be held at Congregation Sha’are Shalom
Food & Games- Watch for more information

 

Fund Raiser For Personnel

Dear Members,

Congregation Sha’are Shalom has started a never ending Fundraiser to pay for Security at our synagogue.  We want all our members to feel safe coming to services and events at the Synagogue, so we will be having Security Personnel there at all events. There will be a tab under Donation on our website where you can make a donation for Security

Thank you in advance.

Jackie – Treasurer

 

SPOTLIGHT ON OUR MEMBERS

Save the Date

Hard Bargain Players is producing the beautiful Play Tuesday with Morrie at The Black Box Theater in Indian Head Maryland.
4185 Indian Head Highway, Indian Head, Maryland 20640
Dates are Friday and Saturday nights July 10th to 25th.
This show is starring our own Zack Ball as Mitch Albom.
Stage Managers are Joselle and Melissa Gilpin.
301-643-6129 call for tickets.

Come see our own religious school student Mayzie Mildenstein In St. Mary’s County Arts Council Summerstock Production of Frozen.  Mayzie plays young Elsa.  Dates are July 17-19 and July 24-26 at Great Mills High School.  Purschase tickets at secure.rec1.com

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Lead a Friday evening Shabbat service — we’ll help you!