A wise colleague of mine once said that congregations are judged by how they say hello and how they say good-bye.  The May 14 Shabbat Service honoring me was an outstanding example of Temple Sinai at its best. (I am writing these words before the May 22 gala celebration.)

 The service itself represented many of the values of our congregation.  The liturgy represented the creative input of so many congregants who wrote, drew, edited, and provided music with their voices and instruments.  I was particularly struck by the strong participation of the congregation during the service, a hallmark of Temple Sinai worship.  We were praying together as a community at an important moment of transition for all of us.  By including our past presidents and other leaders, we were able to show ourselves again the importance of continuity in the community we build together. 

 There are many ways we serve our congregation.  Some people sing or write; others plan programs or see them through.  Some people take reservations or make telephone calls; others keep track of our funds.  Some people raise money; others spend it.  Some people reach out to our members who need rides; others reach out to our members in transition.  Some advocate for causes; others represent us in the community.  Some teach; others study.  Some look after our building; others monitor our security.  Some guide our religious school or nursery school; others look after our adult studies or library.

 For all of the last twenty-five years at Temple Sinai we have grappled with the eternal synagogue question:  which tasks are best accomplished by volunteers and which by staff professionals?  One of the distinguishing features of Temple Sinai is its tradition of volunteer participation, and I pray that continues. 

 On Friday, June 4, during our Shabbat Service, we will install leaders of our congregation and affiliates for the coming year and honor many of our volunteers.  I hope you will join us.

 A strong sense of community was palpable at the May 14 Shabbat Service.  That pleases me, because building and maintaining that sense of community has been one of the core values I hope will be part of my legacy to Temple Sinai.  Building community is difficult and time-consuming.  It is sometimes easier to undertake a task yourself, or hire someone, than to involve others, build a consensus, delegate responsibilities, and even allow room for disagreement.  Yet nothing is more essential to a strong congregation than to enable all to give of themselves and connect with one another. 

 As I looked out at the many faces, I remembered so many experiences with you:  weddings and funerals, accomplishments and challenges, illnesses and peak experiences.  What we celebrate and experience together, how we support and sustain one another, is the substance of synagogue life.  May it continue, and may the community of Temple Sinai remain strong.

 - Rabbi Fred N. Reiner