Funny how there are issues which you think are someone else’s problem. Until one day it becomes yours as well. I’ve been aware of some of some of the accessibility problems in our building. A few months ago, I even recommended an accessibility expert, who came out to do an assessment of our facility. But…
At a recent inclusion committee meeting, one topic of discussion was “invisible” disability, such as mental illness, in adults. The question was what, if anything, can the synagogue do to help these adults feel more included. How we even get them to identify themselves? There has always been such a stigma around mental illness. However,…
I have volunteered at Bingo, doing almost every position and shift—bless those callers! I took on High Holiday requests for tickets and then sort of inherited the Book of Remembrance. I have been a board member, recording secretary, and then financial secretary, preferring to be a worker bee rather than chief honcho. So, without any…
13 Sisterhood women gathered at the lakeside home of Joan Charlson on a chilly Sunday afternoon, October 18. While sipping hot apple cider around the fireplace, Rabbi Amy led the women in study, prayer and singing. We observed Rosh Chodesh and donned Tallitot from the Gift Shop while Rabbi Amy taught the background and meanings of…
Great Wine Selection–Tallitot–Jewelry–Gifts! We have a white wine rack and red wine rack, and both have brief wine descriptions attached for more information. And we want to hear your reviews of the different wines we are stocking. There are great house gifts, hostess gifts, and we will wrap a bottle of wine to make it look…
Beth El’s Inclusion Committee and the synagogue’s overall inclusion practices moved one step up the ladder in early 2015 when we became one of only 15 Conservative congregations in North America selected to be a participant in a USCJ Ruderman Inclusion Action Community Initiative. The Ruderman Foundation, based in Boston, enables Jewish institutions to move…
At our Annual Meeting in June, I was asked to say a few words about volunteerism at Beth El, what I have done over the years, and what those experiences have meant to me. Without hesitation, my answer was “of course, I’ll say a few words.” Now you might be thinking, why did he say…
October 20, 2021
Americans are fashion conscious. Particularly, they like to buy new clothes. There is even a term, “retail therapy,” that is often associated with purchasing items of clothing to elevate one’s mood. Cheap clothing at mainstream retailers lets people change wardrobes and styles as frequently as their wallets allow. While these habits can help support the…
June 19, 2021
Junk mail. Its very name implies something that we don’t want or need. I know at our house, it tends to make up the majority of the mail we get any given day. What can you do with it all? Some people recycle it, either at home or bring it to the closest Abitibi bin,…
February 12, 2021
Try to imagine a day where you go without using plastic—it’s impossible. From yogurt containers to shampoo bottles to takeout containers, plastic is a part of our daily lives. Just a few years ago, this didn’t bother many people because recycling plastic was easier and more commonplace. South Hills townships used to recycle all plastics…
