Brotherhood

January 2012- Alan Shepro

For this month’s Brotherhood submission to the Tidings, I thought I would look back and reflect on my years at Temple Ohabei Shalom. It’s been about 15 years or so since Jody and me “Shul Shopped”. Our daughter was about 6 and we were actually looking for a Hebrew/Religious school for her. Judy had met Dottie Berman, then the Executive Director, who suggested, of course coming and visiting Ohabei Shalom.
Our first encounter with TOS was at an Erev Shabbat service with Rabbi Emily Lipof, who, that night was conducting a Tot Shabbat Service with her puppet friends and amazing story telling. Cantor Robbie Solomon (of Safam) was also on hand to lead everyone, and I mean everyone including the parents, in song. In both the Rabbi and Cantor, we heard something very special. In addition that night, we had met other families who, through today, continue to be some of our dearest and closest friends.
We then looked into the Ansin Religious School, at the time administered by Lauren Goldberg and Marc Lipof, and Shari Churwin was also on staff. After talking with everyone, we decided to become members and sign up our child for the ARS. Sarah actually looked forward to going to ARS and especially enjoyed the B’Yachad and the many after school activities plus of course the annual Shul-Ins. Judy and I looked forward to helping out with these activities. We also enjoyed attending the weekly Kabbalat Shabbat Services and the many opportunities for Adult Education in many areas including current events and personal enrichment.
Through the years, we have had the unique opportunities to grow and evolve with the clergy and Lay Leaders, bring us closer as to who we are as individuals as well as who we are as Jews including Jews living in these modern times. For example, I’m sure we have all been involved in the debate as to what to say had how to greet other people during the month of December. I have learned from one of our Clergy that if someone wants to wish me a Merry Christmas, let them. For in their hearts, they are really wishing me good tidings and happiness. Now how can people be offended by these wishes?
One of the ways I stay involved with Ohabei Shalom is through Brotherhood. Brotherhood can probably be summed up as serving and cooperating with Temple Ohabei Shalom in stimulating Jewish religious activities; to foster cultural and educational advancement amongst its membership, the Congregation and the Jewish community at large; to promote through social intercourse the spirit of comradeship within its midst; and to advance the work of Brotherhood through affiliation with the Men of Reform Judaism (MRJ).
This year, Brotherhood has helped sponsor many of the programs and activities including, with the Sisterhood, movie night, some of the guest speakers, the Hanukah and Latkes celebration as well as the upcoming Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle program and the Annual Spring Breakfast.
Today, I still see that which attracted us to Ohabei Shalom in the first place in Rabbi Saltzman, Cantor Schloss, and the other Congregational Leaders and know that special something that I can not explain will continue to be at TOS for a long time to come. We look forward to many more years with Ohabei Shalom for what our Community has to offer and especially for the friends we have made.
Upcoming Brotherhood Events:
January 23, 2012 – BTOS and STOS Dinner with Rabbi Saltzman
February 2012 – TBD BTOS Wine Tasting Night
March 2012 – TBD BTOS Dinner w/Dr. Ned Saltzman
 

November 2011 Brotherhood Update 

October 2011 Brotherhood update by Harvey Solomon 

September 2011 Brotherhood Update by Jon Landis  

July and August 2011 Brotherhood Update  

May and June 2011 Brotherhood Update
March and April 2011 Brotherhood Update
January 2011 Brotherhood Update
The Brotherhood of Temple Ohabei Shalom
November 2010 Brotherhood Update
Brotherhood Upcoming Events Nov/Dec
Brotherhood Calendar 2010-2011
Past Brotherhood News from Louis Goldman