Too Much Going On….

too much

I have now drafted four different columns over the last two days: (1) First I wrote about the upcoming new year; (2) Then I wrote a column thanking all the IHN volunteers and the coordinators, Shirley and Dale; (3) Then I wrote about Charlottesville and building a community; and (4) Finally I wrote about Hurricane Harvey and the people living thru it. I was not happy with any of them individually.

Ugh… there is too much going through my mind, especially for the unofficial final week of the summer. My brain is going to explode.

OK, in no special order:

1)  Thank you to the IHN volunteers, especially Shirley and Dale, the coordinators for the past 30 years. Twice a year we host homeless families in the synagogue during two of the worst two weeks for volunteers – the third week in August and Christmas week. Many people are on holiday but the need is still there. For those of you who could volunteer, many, many, thanks. To continue this wonderful mitzvah tradition of 30 years is amazing. This is not always the easiest volunteer opportunity but one of the most meaningful.

Also, thank you to those who answered the e-mail to make the minyan this past Friday night. Probably need help this Friday night also.

2)  Hurricane Harvey. I had a friend who lived in Houston whom I visited several times. To see the neighborhood now under water is disturbing. To read the post from our member Rob Brumer about his girlfriend’s synagogue now destroyed, distressing. To know these people in shelters will be going home to nothing, very upsetting. How to help? There are numerous reputable organizations asking for donations such as the American Red Cross. Just do what you are able to do.

3)  Charlottesville. I wrote a special post a couple of weeks ago. I have been inspired by the world wide response from the non-Jewish community in support. Please show solidarity with our own local community by coming to our annual Welcome Back BBQ at Shomrei beginning at 12:00pm on Sunday Sept 10. If you can help with the BBQ, please do. I promise to be behind the grill as one of the cooks.

4)  It is the month of Elul – time for contemplation and forgiveness. This is my second year of the presidency. Have I been perfect? Far from it. I will try to do better.

There are 21 days until Rosh Hashana. I look forward to wishing each of you a Shana Tovah.

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image:  “dailyimage2011 2 Mar too much” © Penny Dugmore used with permission via Creative Commons License

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One thought on “Too Much Going On….

  1. Please send name and address of synagogue in Houston. Would like to make a contribution directly to them. Thanks, Deanna London

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