8 Tishrei 5774

Shalom everyone and Shanah Tovah!

This past year, we had an incredible infusion of energy at Temple Beth Shalom with the wonderful Kabbalah classes taught by Rabbi Les Scharnberg and the arrangement of a new space for our services and classes in the conference room at the Curry Coastal Pilot office in Brookings.  On a regular basis, we had attendance both at Erev Shabbat services and the Kabbalah classes that exceeded anything that I have seen in the ten years I have lived in Brookings.  It was truly a joy to participate with so many engaged members.

Now, as we embark on the 30th year (yes, three decades!) in the existence of Temple Beth Shalom on the southern Oregon/northern California coast, I am confident that the value of an active Jewish community is apparent to all.  We are also incredibly lucky, in this little spit of the world, to have the knowledge and dedication of Rabbi Les for so many years.  We are truly blessed to have a Rabbi of his caliber to lead and to teach us.

So now, as is the tradition in Jewish communities all over the United States during these Days of Awe, I want to make an appeal to anyone who has found value in what Temple Beth Shalom has to offer.  We need your help in support of the only synagogue within 100 miles by making a membership donation.  This year, in the interest of fairness, I would like to make a change in what we are requesting.  As in years past, I would ask couples to contribute $300 for this new year of 5774.  And in the hope that single people will feel more justly considered and join in membership, I would like to ask that they contribute $150 for a single membership.  Of course, we have never turned anyone away from participating in our congregation for lack of funds and at the same time, we always welcome larger contributions, if folks realize that they are particularly financially blessed.  Make your checks payable to Temple Beth Shalom in any amount you feel you can afford and either bring them to services/classes or mail them to our P.O. Box at:

Temple Beth Shalom

P.O. Box 1557

Crescent City, CA 95531-1557

This Friday evening, Kol Nidre services will be held in the conference room of the Curry Coastal Pilot Building on Chetco Avenue in Brookings beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Please enter the red doors at the rear of the building on Art Walk Alley.  Also, please do not park in the Pilot's parking area or in other business lots.  There should be plenty of parking on the street within an easy walk.  On Saturday, Yom Kippur services will be held at the Temple in Crescent City at 956 "J" street.  Services begin at 10:00 a.m.

I'm looking forward to seeing you all again and wishing you all the very best for a healthy, happy, and prosperous new year.  May you be inscribed in the Book of Life!

B'shalom,

  - Marty Grodin