Note from the President

Dear Friends,

I hope everyone has had an enjoyable summer. As we look towards the change in seasons we see changes at Etz Chaim. At the end of July we said L'hitraot to David Daniels. This was a bittersweet goodbye. Sad for our community to bid farewell to David, yet we are happy for him as he begins new opportunities with his business career in Arizona. We thank David for his involvement and dedicated service to Etz Chaim as Treasurer.

As we say L'Hitraot to David, we say Shalom and welcome to our newest members, Sophie, daughter of Lunita and Isaac Benchimol and Olivia Violet, daughter of Yoni and Bart Warfield and sister of Ben and Sabrina.

Summer brought us special events such as the muli-family baby naming ceremony in June. Mazel tov to the Bachmans, Ellgasses, DeJohns and Rubens.

The monthly Sisterhood Dinner was held alfresco at Greenbean restaurant in Rogers. Thanks to Debra Ruben for planning this special evening.

July 27 we welcomed the Israel Scouts for their second visit to NWA. Many thanks, todah rabbah, to Mark Levine for serving as the Event Chairperson. Our appreciation goes out to the Jewish Federation of Arkansas for sponsoring the Scouts' Visit.

While the summer brought a school vacation for our children, the education continued for Etz Chaim members. Carolyne Wendel traveled to Mississippi to attend the Institute of Southern Jewish Life (ISJL) Education Conference. Wynnie Hoodis planned for the September Religious School Kick-Off and our volunteer teachers geared up for the upcoming year.

I hope to see you on Friday August 10 for a special Musical Shabbat and Pot Luck dinner at 6:15 p.m.

B'Shalom,

Betsy

From The Rabbi’s Desk

Sometimes it’s not about services in the synagogue, but rather service to the synagogue.

This time of year is when we begin to think in broad terms about the ebb and flow of our upcoming daily schedule. Homes with children will have to deal with a new school calendar, practices for seasonal sports teams, piano lessons, birthday parties, martial arts and so on. Households with adults only face their own full panoply of demands: work, exercise, appointments, concerts, out of town trips, hobbies, theatre, dining with friends and the like. There are so many choices competing in the marketplace of our life’s routine. Let me urge each of you to place Etz Chaim on your "to do" list.

When we review our sacred texts, it’s quite telling to see how our ancestors in the desert addressed their responsibilities to the Tabernacle. Later, the traveling sanctuary of the Holy Ark of the Tablets and Adonai’s presence resided in the Great Temple in Jerusalem, and likewise we learn much from the dedication of the people Israel to their house of worship. Their sense of community and connectedness to a meaningful existence was in direct relation to their physical effort and commitment of their time to the actual building that was central to, and the focus of, prayer, ritual, education, custom and heritage. Now, what about Etz Chaim?

From last High Holy Day season to this one, ask yourself, "How many times have I helped spruce up the building when a request went out? Have I baked for an oneg? Assisted with the newsletter? Contacted a potential new member or volunteered to teach? Open for services, clean up and close?" Even showing up more often for services and thus supporting the institution and our mission by being present would obviously be a good thing.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will provide many, many chances to participate, so take advantage of the opportunities to do a mitzvah. We are all busy. But, we should make our spiritual needs a priority, and engage ourselves in the activities of our very special Jewish community. Our children emulate our behavior, and the feeling of personal fulfillment will enrich all of us. As the Days of Awe approach, Debbye and I pray that each and every one of you be inscribed in the Book of Life.

Or Za-ru-a La Tza-dik, ul’yish-rei lev sim-cha. Light is sown for the righteous, and happiness for the upright at heart.

Kol Tuv,

Rabbi Jack