EMPTY NESTERS – September 2010
As we enter the month of September, we marvel at how fast the summer seemed to pass. Not too long ago we were planning our vacation trips, without much thought of returning in the Fall…and yet, here we are! Labor Day, symbolically the end of the summer, is Monday, September 6. It is when College and Professional football are around the corner and, also, time for us to think about our plans and options for the balance of 2010 into 2011.
We begin with the “Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah,” at sunset on Wednesday, September 8, which is followed by the “Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur,” beginning with Kol Nidre at sunset Friday, September 17. Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur there are 10 days called Aseret Yemei Teshuva - Ten Days of Repentance. This is a very serious time for introspection, a time to consider the sins of the previous year and a time to repent. I know your plans include attending our beautiful and meaningful services led by Rabbi Lipson, Cantorial soloist, Allison Teisch, and our Generations Choir and, of course, checking-in with old friends. Then, at sunset on Wednesday, September 22 we begin the celebration of Sukkot (don’t forget to make your Sukkah dinner reservations), followed a week later by Simchat Torah. These holidays signal the beginning of our Temple’s year.
As we fill-in our personal calendars, I encourage you to consider adding Sisterhood, Brotherhood and, of course, the Empty Nesters to your support list. As I am certain you already know, the Empty Nesters is a mature group of individuals and couples, who are Temple members and at least age fifty-five. We provide social, cultural and religious activities geared to nurture friendships and enhance a more meaningful Jewish experience. Additionally, we strive to provide vital funding to the Temple. Annually, we sponsor the Temple’s Tu B’Shevat Seder, conduct an Empty Nesters’ Shabbat Service and schedule up to four additional social and cultural functions. Moreover, our membership is counted upon to support Temple and community cultural and fund raising activities.
Our Empty Nesters’ annual dues are $25 per person and, other than the Seder and Shabbat service, we charge the actual cost of the planned event plus a few dollars, which are added to the dues and used to cover our costs associated with the sponsorships of the Seder and Shabbat, as well as, our annual financial endowment to the Temple. If you are eligible for membership, please complete and process the Membership Application on page 16.
Our planned schedule of events for year 2010/11 is outlined below. Please note the dates on your calendar.
**Sunday, October 10 at 5:30 PM in the Temple, is our Kickoff Social, entitled “The Frailecheh Fifties.” It again will feature a wine reception, delicious dinner by our own Palm Caterers, a dinner trivia quiz and a return of one of our favorite entertainers, “Pianoman” Larry Brendler, performing a musical evening of one of his most entertaining themes. This is a member event and is priced at only $30 per person. Please add this amount to your membership dues when sending it to Art Tenenbaum.
**Thursday, December 16 at 11:00 AM in the Temple, we are tentatively planning our “Themed Brunch,” which will include a discussion group, motion picture or some other appealing presentation, TBA.
**Sunday, January 16 at 7:00 PM in Parker Playhouse is the musical “Forever Plaid.” It is a delightfully goofy and charming story of “The Plaids,” a classic 1950s all-male singing group who return from the Great Beyond to perform the show they never got to when they were alive! The cost will be $35 p/p.
**Friday, January 21 at 7:00 PM in the Temple is our annual “Tu B’Shevat Seder.” This day marks the beginning of the “New Year for Trees.” Make certain you mark your calendars and join Rabbi Lipson, assisted by Cantorial soloist, Allison Teisch, the Generations Choir and Chutzpah Band, as they lead us through the Seder, singing, eating and drinking. The evening ends with a delicious Oneg selection
**Saturday, March 12 at 8:00 PM in Parker Playhouse is the musical “S’Wonderful.” It is the new Gershwin Musical, which takes you on a ride to the different places, times, and musical styles that make the Gershwin brothers the most successful songwriting team in the history of popular music. The cost will be $35 p/p.
**Friday, March 25 at 7:30 PM in the Temple is our annual “Empty Nesters’ Shabbat Service”
**Thursday, May 5 at 6:00 PM is our annual members’ Closing Dinner, with the location to be announced.
Note: We must have feedback from those interested in each of the two shows, as a non-refundable deposit is due October 11. We need your commitment to attend, not your payment, yet. Your non-member guests are invited.
Keeping with tradition, we anticipate a very successful year for our Synagogue and the Empty Nesters, and hope you will choose to be part of our excitement. Volunteers are always welcome and appreciated, as are your suggestions. I can be reached at 954-389-8528. I look forward to your positive response to Empty Nesters’ membership and reservations for the October 10 social. See you soon at Rosh Hashanah services.
L’ Shana Tovah,
GaryHoltzman,
