With summer comes changes and opportunity

Stan Alliker, President

June ... the snowbirds have returned north, traffic has lightened and those of us who are year-rounders can get into restaurants easily. The Jewish Congregation of Marco Island has also transitioned to a summer schedule.

It will hold its annual 4th of July Fundraising Picnic at noon on that day. Join us for a social get-together and lunch featuring traditional hotdogs, hamburgers and pulled chicken. Beer and wine are BYOB. A $25 donation per person is required. The money raised at our barbeque is used to buy Publix gift cards, which are donated to the Food Pantry of the Naples Senior Center. The Senior Center JFCS Food Pantry provides food assistance to the residents of Collier County and surrounding areas. Call the Temple office at 239-642-0800 to make reservations. We look forward to this annual event to practice tzedukah and celebrate our country and its freedoms.

With the summer, our services become more dependent on congregant participation. In lieu of a sermon, members have the opportunity to study and present each week’s Parshat. This is an intellectually challenging and stimulating opportunity to explore various interpretations of the Torah portion and to apply these to modern life. Each week, a different member of the congregation presents their summary and interpretation.

It is our chance to delve into the Torah as a lay person and discover the significance of each word, each sentence. Those who have done so find it a unique and uplifting experience. I can attest to this personally, having participated for many summers.

Everyone is welcome to join us Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. for a beautiful service. A dessert Oneg Shabbat follows the service, allowing for social mingling and lively discussions.

Have a safe, peaceful and restful summer.