A Few Words From Rabbi Craig
Shalom Chevrei:
I want to take this moment to reassure you that we will be working full-speed ahead in these last six weeks of my rabbinic leadership at Emanuel. I’ll be working closely with you, our staff, and our lay leaders to make sure we maximize our output in these coming days. In that spirit, I’d like to take a moment to focus on three matters of particular importance.
Firstly, we have the opportunity to kick off another Melton class, and I’d like you to join me for one “last dance” as it were - or if you prefer, a swan song. We will begin immediately this Thursday, May 6 at 7pm and go for ten weeks. (A makeup session for the first week will follow, if you can’t make it on such short notice.) I will teach 5-6 weeks of the course, and then one or more of my colleagues will take the rest. I am working to underwrite a large portion of the class cost, which is $295 per student. Of course, if you want to make a contribution toward the class, please feel free. Information about the class follows including a link that will take you to the Melton site.
This ancient-era version of reality TV gives you a front-row seat to the drama, gossip, legal transactions, and other daily intrigues – straight from the Middle Ages. This course brings to life an exotic era in Jewish history, revealing the inner thoughts of real-life characters exploring the daily interactions and behaviors of Jewish men, women and families living along the Mediterranean more than 1,000 years ago. All of this has been uncovered through the discovery of a collection of worn-out scraps, text fragments, and documents from ancient times. Join us for a journey of intrigue and adventure!
Please let me know right away if you’re interested: rabbimarantz@emanuelcong.org.
The second matter of great significance is my general invitation to teens (and their families) to participate in our online Confirmation Sunday morning, May 16. We’ll hold a short service with the rest of our student body in attendance. It should be a wonderful moment of celebration, affirmation, and role-modeling. We have six students preparing so far. Those eligible are current tenth graders & eleventh graders, and any 12th graders who have yet to be confirmed. Please connect with me if you have questions or want to participate: rabbimarantz@emanuelcong.org.
Last but not least, we have several task forces which have been moving along little by little. Prayer & Spirituality, B’nei Mitzvah, Sacred Spaces (Sexual & Power Abuse Prevention) and Keshet (LGBTQ+ inclusion) are all in motion, and I am grateful to all our volunteers and staff involved. I also know other teams like Tikkun Olam, Adult Learning, Engagement & Retention (ALERT), and CHESED are looking to move forward. Stay tuned for surveys, updates, and invitations.
I am proud of our progress as a congregation during our near five years together. I look forward to a good finish, and I am grateful for our opportunities to advance Emanuel’s mission and heighten its impact.
Early wishes for a Happy Mother’s Day for all celebrating. And, may the memories of those we are remembering always be for a blessing.
Make it a day of blessing, be a force for good, and stay in the fight!
Zei gezunt (Be well):
Rabbi Craig Marantz
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