President's Page,  Nina Paul

Shalom Chaverim (friends)

We have had a wonderful start of spring here at Adath Israel Congregation. For the first time ever in our history, we joined together with the three other USCJ member congregations—Ohav Shalom, Northern Hills & Beth Israel of Hamilton to co-sponsor a community wide FREE concert and dessert reception. Kol Sasson, a Jewish acapella group from the University of Maryland, performed Sunday evening, March 16th, to over 300 people here in our own Lerner.Fisher Hall. They were wonderful and the audience kept wanting more! Each synagogue’s baking group provided a delicious dessert reception. It was really a great “feel good” evening, and my motto of “unity of community” was widely desired and received. Many people came up to me that night to thank me and ask for more such events. We all agreed that this should be an annual event, hosting other wonderful student groups from around the country.

 Then at the end of that same week we had a blockbuster Purim celebration. The shul was full with wild costumes, 18 young people reading Megillah, followed by a lively evening in our Lerner.Fisher Hall with drinking, eating, dancing and having fun!

 We also announced the winner of our raffle for two roundtrip tickets to Israel. Mazel Tov to Dr. Larry & Joanne Essig! Nesiah Tovah (good travels). We also exceeded our goal to raise enough money to purchase our first 500 new chairs by $400. Keep your ears and eyes open for our next venture to raise money for an additional 500 chairs for the High Holy days.

 Thank you very much Dick & Laura Rinsky and Miriam Elfenbaum of Wayfarer Travel for donating one of the two tickets and to David & Sarah Wise for donating miles for the second ticket. Yasher Kochachem!

 May 14th is yet another outstanding community-wide Critical Issues event,:”Violence in our Community,” here at Adath Israel. I hope everyone will attend.

 Last, but not least, our Spring event is upon us! The Second City comedy troupe will be coming from Chicago to put on “Jewsical! The Musical”. It’s an evening not to be missed. Babysitting will be provided so there is no excuse not to come and enjoy a wonderful evening with friends on May 18th.

 Don’t forget: every Shabbat is a holiday to celebrate together!

 L’heetraot (see ya soon!)