It seems like ages ago that we were sharing our shul with gerbils, birds, play structures, and other cheerful yet distracting reminders of the preschoolers with whom we shared the space. When I walk into our building now, I can't imagine it as anything but our shul. I remember the crowded room during the High Holidays, the spirited dancing at Simchat Torah, the studying, the kiddushim. I wince a little as I try to figure out how we'll squeeze our offices into the building this month, but know that we'll find a way as we have with everything else on our journey toward community.
The next two months are going to be filled with new classes, programs, visiting speakers, and more opportunities to study, pray, celebrate and grow. Many new U of O students and new members have added a renewed sense of vitality to our activities. This would be a good time to try something new, so think about stopping by for one of our programs.
This year I would like to carry out much more of the shul's business by committee. Trying to coordinate everything through the office is not really efficient, especially since our office help is strictly volunteer. The same small cadre of faithful volunteers is getting worn out. So I will be organizing committees and naming committee chairs over the course of this month. The chairs will, in turn, need help to carry out their specific areas of responsibility. Please be generous with your time when someone asks you to help - if we each help a little, we can get a lot done and no one will feel overburdened.
The next few months will also be a time for us to reexamine our vision of what a traditional community in Eugene will look like, physically as well as conceptually. We need to arrange to buy our building(s) or find another location. Either course of action will require serious examination of our community goals and our role within the wider Jewish community. I encourage everyone to explore all we have to offer and help us chart our future.
I hope you and your loved ones enjoyed the High Holidays and that this year will be one of good health and happiness and success.