Fostering connections with new programs and events

By Deborah R. Fidel, JD, MAJPS

In Ecclesiastes, King Solomon wrote that there is nothing new under the sun. Well, he obviously never visited Temple Shalom!

We have so many new programs and events planned for the year in addition to our traditional worship and adult education offerings, that it is a huge challenge to fit it all into our emails and monthly magazine, The Voice! When you join

Temple Shalom, you may be drawn in by the wonderful sermons, outstanding music and yummy onegs on Friday nights, but you quickly learn that there is so much more for you here when you join “One Family.”

Do you enjoy the outdoors? Check out Kadima, our new outdoor adventure group. It meets monthly to hike, bike, kayak, paddleboard and more.

Would you like to meet other members of Temple in a relaxed, social setting? Shalom@Home is a neighborhood-based get-together in private homes.

The Empty Nesters and New Members groups dine out and get to know each other while breaking bread.

If mahjong is your thing, we have a weekly game.

Like to cook? Watch a foodie film and learn how to cook Jewish foods!

Do you have young children? Want to meet other young families? We meet at local parks and playgrounds for Shabbat Sha-play every month.

Shalom Café is a regular happening for parents at Temple Shalom on Sunday mornings. Enjoy a nosh and a hear different speakers talk about raising Jewish children while the kids are in YESh (Religious School). There is even babysitting available for your littlest ones.

Sisterhood will hold a canasta tournament and a fashion show this year, in addition to their fabulously successful mahjong tourney. This month, we are forming six new havurahs (small groups that meet monthly to socialize and celebrate holidays together)!

I could go on and on. Whether you are looking for a robust Social Action Committee, active men’s club or stimulating adult education, there is something for you at Temple.

Temple Shalom is a special place. The staff and I work overtime to keep it that way by constantly brainstorming and bouncing ideas off one another, and finding new and creative ways to fulfill our mission to “foster[ing] connections – one to another, Temple, Israel, Torah and God.” We think you will agree.

Call me at 239-455-3030 to learn more.