Our "Competition" Across The Street

By now, you must have noticed that the Thai restaurant across the street from the Temple has been replaced by yet another Starbucks. I enjoy good coffee as well, so I have no particular objection to the latest Starbucks, although I am somewhat amazed that we now have four of them within about a quarter of a mile from the Temple. The public's thirst for Starbucks seems to be virtually insatiable.

However, I would like to call to your attention that on Sunday mornings we also serve coffee, and with some sweets or a bagel to go along with it... without charge, I might add! What I am referring to, of course, is that the Temple offers excellent learning opportunities, plus coffee, every Sunday morning. Yet most parents seem to opt for going to Starbucks and other such spots while your children are in religious school. Consider this to be a gentle prod to encourage you to spend a little more time in your Temple, learning and experiencing Judaism at the same time your children are doing so.

Sundays are Sinai are filled with possibilities. Every week, at 9:45 a.m. Rabbi Moffic and I conduct an interactive adult education course. This year's topic is "The guiding minds of Reform Judaism, past and present." I am sure you would find this series to be quite informative and interesting. You need not attend all the sessions in order to derive benefit. Just come whenever you can and you will be most welcome.

In addition, our Sunday mornings have been enhanced greatly with the addition of many fascinating programs, guest speakers and musical events. Every single Sunday offers something out-of-the-ordinary. As a single example, in October we heard from four of the "lost boys of Sudan." These four are now young men, but they had become refugees from the horrible conflict in the Darfur region of the Sudan when they were little children, ages 4 to 7. No one who was present that morning will ever forget what they heard from the four first hand. It was a moving experience for every one who was present. There are many more excellent programs planned for the entire year. I am certain that virtually everyone will find some of these programs to be worthwhile. In particular, I would like to plan on attending the presentation by Rabbi Sam Karff on November 11th. Rabbi Karff was beloved as senior rabbi of Chicago Sinai Congregation in the 1970's, and is among Reform Judaism's most admired rabbis. "Sunday at Sinai" begins promptly at 11:00 a.m. and concludes at 12:15 p.m., the same time as religious school ends.

I urge you to remain at the Temple while your children are in class. Have a cup of coffee on us and stay for the morning, whenever you can. I am confident you will be glad you did. Let me also add that when children see that their parents are also interested in Jewish learning that conveys a positive message about the importance of Jewish learning.

A final note: We still have space available for the Sinai trip to Berlin and Prague, scheduled for April 7  18, 2008. We have a most fascinating itinerary. I am sure that this will be a most memorable experience and would love for you to join us. Our travel agent Audrey Gould is most capable. She will be pleased to answer all of your questions. She may be contacted at 312-559-9495.