I am pleased and honored that our Shul will be one of the places where all will soon gather for reflecting on this movement of life.  As your Rabbi, it is my aim to make the moment a fulfilling experience for everyone; to join with you in realizing the warmth, beauty and meaning of Judaism within a community context, and to grow together as the changes in life embrace us.

We are individual families with separate dreams and diverse attitudes, united in one congregation.  What we bring into the synagogue affects us all.  What we take out of the synagogue affects the world around us.

As your Rabbi, it is my hope that we continue to work together in making our synagogue a vibrant center of Jewish activity, a meaningful model of religious life and a place of friendship and fellowship.  It is my goal that we uphold the primacy of Torah as the basis of Jewish values.  It is my hope that our Tefillot be a source of religious inspiration and it is my goal that we all work toward a standard of decorum that reflects the respect and sanctity that is appropriate for a House of Worship.

It is my goal that we recognize Jewish education, both for children and adults, as the central concern and basic enterprise of the Jewish Community.  It is my hope that we enter into dialogue with our schools' leaders to focus on the transition of education from the classroom to the world at large; to collaborate on enhancing Jewish knowledge, prayer, mitzvot, Kashrut, and ethical behavior.

It is my goal that we continue to identify with our people the world over guarding their rights and security.  It is my hope that we continue to participate in those organizations, institutions and movements, which serve the needs and interests of the Jewish Community, both here and abroad.  It is my goal that we gather together in guiding our community and the institutions necessary for its growth such as Bikur Cholim, Kashrut and mikveh.  It is my prayer that our homes be a domain touched by the traditional standards of learning and meaningful observances.  It is my goal that the Jewish upbringing of our children furthers their moral and spiritual growth, enabling them to accept their special heritage with joy and knowledgeable conviction.

I ask you, this coming year, to help our synagogue activate our prayers and goals.  I ask you to join in making a viable contribution to the social and religious needs of our community.  Participate in our venture, accept the common challenge and enjoy the benefits.

Praying for all of you.

Rabbi Jacob S.  Rubenstein