As I prepare to write this message, I am in awe of the many activities and accomplishments of the NCJCC & Congregation B’nai Harim in recent months. It would be disingenuous to define us as anything less than fully engaged in promoting the values that define us as being part of the Jewish tribe. It’s not always easy to describe the details of such a statement...but consider the following examples of our community engagement during the past few months:
•Annual Member Meeting held in May 2018;
•Celebrated Purim and the courage of Esther as only the Beatles can do;
•Election and seating of 2018-2019 Board of Directors;
•Annual Community Picnic in June;
•Yolanda Lerner led us in a well attended and delightful Social Event with a Thai Culinary Theme;
•Jerry Waxman and Ralph Remick Directed and tended to our wonderful volunteers who staffed the Corner Deli for Five Days of the Nevada County Fair Annual Fundraiser;
•High Holy Day Worship & Memorial Services were led by Rabbi David and Lay Cantors SharonJoy Jahoda and Iola Gold, with support by Arnie Adicoff on the Shofar and Ted Zalkind with Kol Nidre's Learning Session. We had a Tashlich Walk, a “Break the Fast” Potluck and initiated Sukkot, rounding out the Ten Days of reflection and Shana Tova. Joshua Lichterman, Challah Maven, created the beautiful Round Challahs used during this time;
•Kinneret Vinitzky, Principal and Director of Educational Programs, initiated the 2018-19 School Year on September 9 with 30 Children (ages 3-12) enrolled in Sunday School. We welcome two new Teachers: Dana Valensky and Lori Cohen;
•Rabbi’s Kids with Rabbi David began with six Young People aged 13+ for the first session; Dan Kalt will soon begin adding Social Activities to the venue;
•Garrett and Teresa Eckerling with Eli Okrent and Ed Strongin took responsibility leading a team in charge of the content, Ad solicitation, editing, and publication of the Annual Directory;
•Note in the “Annual Directory” the addition of a Memorial Page for those who have been part of our community and have moved on... we know there are a few people that we missed and sincerely apologize. Please advise us of those you remember so we may ensure they are added to all future acknowledgments of those who were a part of our “Community Family”;
•In the past two months, we've added ten new and three returning individuals and families with children to our “Community Family”;
•Our Sunday School Kids and Teachers decorated the Sukkah and shared a tasty, joyful and rambunctious luncheon;
•David Cohen and Patricia Smith took on Leadership of “Deli Nite” a Major Annual Fundraising Event with rave reviews;
•Participating with the InterFaith Community in the March for Peace, Downtown Grass Valley and Leadership, and the recent International Day for Peace Service.
Moves, Retirements, and Welcomes
•Farewells of Gratitude to Long Time Active Members who moved to other geographic areas. Plans are in the works for a more robust opportunity to express sincere appreciation for their many years of dedication and commitment to our Community;
•Harriett Kroot, Arnie Adicoff, Jay and Shirley Sondheim;
•Retirement: After 10 Years Serving as Administrative Assistant for the Nevada County Jewish Community Center, Bobbi has retired. We had a mini "Send Off of Gratitude" and plan a time for our community to offer our thanks and best wishes in the future;
•Welcome to Jolene Shif: We are excited to introduce our new Office Manager, Jolene Shif, and her family who have recently moved to the area from Virginia. Jolene previously worked as a religious school office manager at Beth El Hebrew Congregation in Alexandria, Virginia. Jolene and her husband have two children, the youngest of whom is attending our Religious School. Please feel free to stop by the office and meet Jolene!
New Construction, Upgrades, and Improvements to Facility
•Construction of a new redwood fence to the back of the new Property with emergency access gate;
•Improved protection of property with an upgrade to the Security Alarm System infrastructure;
•Removal of old deck, and construction of new deck and ramp off the side of the Sanctuary leading to our newly purchased land;
•Upgraded pavement and striping of parking lot
;
•Commitment of directed, set aside Funds to support the construction of a staged area for celebrations, observances, and performances of Life Cycle, Worship, and other Special Events;
•Initiation of talks to secure funding for our future with potential Private Philanthropists, Foundations, and Grant Makers... in progress.
This list is not exhaustive--there are many more actionable items to be initiated and accomplished which I will share in upcoming publications and in-person accounts.
**Please contact me directly at (530) 613-2363, a board member, or Jolene in our Office at (530) 277-0922 for additional information and to Volunteer to HELP with one or more of our many services, activities and raising funds to effectively keep moving forward!
"May we continue to grow from Strength to Strength"
Sincere Appreciation
B’ahava and Shalom,
