Show your Shomrei affiliations with pride! As a result of the generous donation of an anonymous mensch, we’re having car magnets made up. Should take a week or two to have manufactured and we’ll be handing them out left and right. Be cool! Show off Shomrei!
I’ve been working on rebranding the JLC (graphically) after hearing from Sara Birnbaum, Adrienne Lasiter and Shirley Grill about some new directions at the JLC. Sara’s working on a new, more experiential curriculum and there’s lots of changes afoot! What do you think? We’re also hoping to run some ads like this (if we can afford them). Any “advertising angels” out there?
Ad which will run in the Montclair Times and online.
Shomrei’s High Holy Day services are open to anyone. There is no charge but space is limited, please RSVP (if you are not a member) at shomrei.org/awe. Childcare services are also available.
Schedule Highlights:
Sun, Sep 13, Erev Rosh Hashanah, 6:30 pm
Mon, Sep 14, Rosh Hashanah, Day 1, 8:45 am
Tue, Sep 15, Rosh Hashanah, Day 2, 8:45 am
Tue, Sep 22, Kol Nidre, 6:20 pm
Wed, Sep 23, Yom Kippur, 9:00 am
A full service schedule is also available.
These are the days when all doors are open: the doors of prayer, song, meditation and silent introspection, of family, friendship and solitude, of exploration, seeking and of solace, of joy, pride and humility and awe, of acceptance and forgiveness and love. Continue reading
Yasher Koach to MESH Co-Chairs! (Editor’s Note)
For our Co-chairs of MESH at Shomrei, Amy Grossman and Lynne Kurzweil, I’m sure it’s a ton of work and must be more than a little nerve wracking at times. But you’d never know it! Amy and Lynne handled all the organizing and cajoling with grace and smiles! Yasher Koach for enabling our community to participate in this vital mitzvah!
-John Lasiter Continue reading
Shomrei’s recent move to a voluntary commitment model instead of a fixed dues based system has made the news!
Check out these stories (click the images):
Shomrei Emunah has become the first synagogue in the area to adopt a voluntary contribution model in lieu of set dues. Members voted and adopted the “Sustaining Share Financial Commitment” model by an overwhelming majority at Shomrei’s annual meeting May 27. With over 90 members in attendance, it was a lively and enthusiastic discussion and vote. After passage a spontaneous round of applause broke out.
According to Nick Levitin, president, the motivation for the change is that “Shomrei is seeking to align its membership model with its core value of being open and welcoming to any member – regardless of financial wherewithal – who wants to participate in a Jewish life.” Under the new system, the synagogue will not charge dues or a building fund assessment and will no longer conduct its annual Kol Nidre appeal. “Instead,” says Levitin, “we are asking our members to make a commitment to Shomrei based on each individual’s ability to pay.” He added, “This provides an opportunity for those who are unaffiliated or put off by high synagogue membership fees to find a level that is comfortable for them and to grow in their commitment to the community.”
“Rabbi” Natalie Baff
Natalie Baff sends us a news dispatch from the high seas! She and Bruce are aboard the “Ruby Princess” circumnavigating South America. She’s been leading weekly erev Shabbat services on-board and led the Purim service March 4th. Continue reading
So at the MESH Cafe (Meals for Homeless) each week at Shomrei (and other MESH host locations), it’s part of the routine to recite the rather long and dry list of official rules for the guests. It’s boring and necessary. So someone at the MESH office has set the rules to music, to great effect!
Have a listen:
click to read original, including handwritten note.
Yasher Koach to Amanda Seef-Charny for organizing Shomrei Shares! The Rabbi received the following letter from IHN thanking Shomrei for support of IHN families: Continue reading
From L to R: Aly, Josephene, Leelah, Talia, Elliot, Sebastian, Noah, Tal
Last night the STOM kids (Shomrei Teens of Montclair) and I made a GIANT dish of lasagna for next week’s MESH cafe (our program to feed the homeless every Tuesday night). Part of the STOM Reboot, the cooking was a way JLC Director Sara Birnbaum and Teacher Talia Yarmush have come up with to make Judaism more experiential for the teens. The STOM group is now meeting at Shomrei and sometimes local restaurants or coffee houses. More “rebooted” activities and venues are in the works! If you are interested in STOM or know a Shomrei teen who is, contact:
Sara Birnbaum
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(973) 746-5031 x3