I confess it’s been some time since I’ve written an article for the Chronicle but with us now in the month of Elul and the High Holidays fast approaching, it feels like an opportune time to be reflective and grateful.
This is my 25th year making CEH my spiritual home and as I reflect back on that time frame, I can scarcely imagine what Marcy’s and my lives would be without the CEH component. Our spiritual awakening, our children’s education, the life cycle events, the friendships, the social component. We have gained so much from the CEH community and have tried to give back as well.
As I look back at 1994 when we first joined and forward to 2020, I see so much opportunity for our close-knit shul. And yet, there are so many forces pulling people away. Work lives seem to be more hectic than ever, school and sport commitments are more demanding, and even how people view their spiritual lives and their relationship with a synagogue seems to be changing.
Starting this past summer, the Board began undertaking an exercise to not only continue to try and deliver what people want but to also start a discussion of who we want to be in the future.
It will be an interesting and I think, fruitful exercise.We will reach out to you for feedback, and we will keep you apprised as we travel down this road.
As you prepare for observance of the Yamim Noraim, I encourage you to reflect on your relationship with CEH, your Judaism, and our shared Jewish culture and find the time to reflect while knowing that we are all part of the CEH and Jewish communities.
Scott Burka, President