1. Hakol March April 2013 - Hewlett E. Rockaway Jewish Center

HAROLD KISLIK
From the President
As I write this message, winter has finally arrived with frigid temperatures
and a little snow (with more predicted). I hope that by the
time you read this, we will have been spared any more disruptions
due to weather. Certainly, we have had enough to last us a while.
While the month of March is still mostly in the winter season on the
calendar, and can be as cold and wintery as January and February,
this year I expect we will be on the lookout for an early spring.
Why? Our Jewish calendar and holiday schedule is very “early”. Tu
B’Shevat and Purim are behind us, and that means Pesach is right
around the corner – March 25th is the first Seder. And if you think that’s unusual, just
wait until the High Holidays, which start right after Labor Day and even more unique,
is that this year the first day of Chanukah is actually on Thanksgiving Day, which I am
told has never happened before and never will occur again. (Thanks, Lev Herrnson.)
Spring surely will be most welcomed to our community, this year more than ever –
the warmer temperatures and regrowth, especially for those of us still laboring to
restore our houses and lives. I pray the change in seasons triggers a spiritual awakening
in our hearts, inspiring us to do more mitzvot (remember the Year of Mitzvah), and
to contribute to our community in whatever way we can.
One way to contribute is to get involved in the activities at HERJC and by doing so,
strengthen our congregation. Take a class, attend an event, come to services (gasp!),
join the dinner dance committee. Start building the future of our congregation now.
Also, please plan to attend the Mitzvah Fair on Sunday, April 21.
Another way to help keep our congregation strong is to keep your account current.
As we go into the "slow" time of the year, your financial support is critical to maintaining
the operation of our institution. Of course, new contributions are always welcome
and needed, but we certainly cannot afford to be denied access to dues, fees, and
pledges that have already been promised. So, please do your part and clean up any outstanding
balances. The congregation depends on it.
So, here's to an early spring, a great Pesach Holiday, and may the sun's warmth renew
the earth and renew our spirits.
Sandy Relief Fund
A very special thank you to all who continue to contribute to our HERJC Cares Sandy
Relief Fund: Joan and James Berkowitz, Howard Entin, Roberta and Arthur Frumkes,
Barbara and Michael Kaplan, Diane and Mark Schleifstein, Mel Schneider, UJA.
Because of your generosity, we have been able to provide substantial ongoing assistance
to some of the people who were hardest hit by the storm and we are working on a plan
for better responses in times of emergencies. (As of January 30, 2013)
HERJC MISSION
STATEMENT
Hewlett-East Rockaway
Jewish Centre–Congregation
Etz Chaim (HERJC) is a
warm, vibrant, traditionalegalitarian
Conservative congregation.
Our diverse, forward-thinking
community is
one in which learning, prayer
and social action flourish.
Since its founding in
1949, HERJC has been
recognized for creating a
welcoming environment in
which each member—regardless
of age, stage of life or
background—feels a connection
to one another, to
the Jewish people, to the
United States, to the land
and State of Israel, to
Judaism and to God.
We are committed to continuing
to provide innovative,
interesting, and thoughtprovoking
programs that:
Foster lifelong learning
from pre-school through
adulthood
Celebrate our Jewish
heritage
Deepen the sense of
community among our
Congregational family
Promote religious involvement
of all members,
and enhance their
spiritual experience
Encourage intergenerational
cooperation
Nurture the State of
Israel and our
relationship with it
Serve the needs of
our members, the local
community, the United
States, and K’lal Yisrael,
the Jewish people
throughout the world.
Pirkei Avot says the world
rests on Torah, Avodah, and
G’milut Chasadim. So too
does our Congregation.
HAKOL www.herjc.org MARCH/APRIL 2013 page 5