The annual Congregational Meeting is scheduled to take place Sunday, June 7, from 1 to 3 pm, in Zoom Room Aleph, at which time we will present the budget and other topics of importance to the congregation. While we will be meeting virtually, we are working to plan a meeting that includes a way for us to connect with each other through music, brief study as well as updates and opportunities for discussion with each other.
Our bylaws state that "participation in congregational meetings shall be limited to members in good standing,” meaning those who are current with their dues commitment, or have made other arrangements for payment. It is important to us that all members are able attend. If you have any questions regarding your dues or other financial commitments, please contact Karen Westerman.
As mentioned in prior notices, we will have to hold this year’s meeting electronically via Zoom. This Zoom meeting will be different from other Zoom events you have become used to and will require your understanding of and adherence to some specific instructions being provided. We ask for your patience as we work through the many details to make this first virtual Congregational Meeting one that allows us to be together, share important information, ask questions and have them answered. Click here for more information on attending the meeting via Zoom.
Due to the virtual platform, we ask that questions be written in the chat box. Someone will be monitoring the chat and they will provide the facilitators with the questions.
The budget will be presented for the 2020-21 Fiscal Year. Members may email info@havurahshalom.org for a copy of the draft budget.
As you may recall, last year the budget was reformatted by cluster. We have continued this organization this year. As a reminder, the following image depicts our different clusters and committees that occur with them.
For ease of reading, the circles are separated to show the committees within each cluster, but the reality is that all clusters are connected, as almost every committee activity impacts, strengthens, and informs the others. This is the continued goal of Gesher, that all of the parts of Havurah connect, support and engage with the others. This only makes us a stronger and more vibrant community.
While there are many unknowns about the impact of COVID-19 on our fiscal health, we have prepared a budget that takes into account a conservative growth of our membership as well as the reality that more members may need to temporarily pay less towards dues. Steering also made the decision to not increase dues this year. Even with those unknowns, we are presenting a budget that supports our core programming and acknowledges the incredible work of our hardworking and talented staff.
Our goal is to make the information shared meaningful. With that in mind, please let us know what questions you have about Havurah’s operations, programming, membership, etc. It will be our goal to address your questions during the meeting and if time does not allow, we will answer your questions through email or Hakol. If you have questions prior to the meeting you can send them to Julia at lagermes@gmail.com or Miriam at miriamreshotko@comcast.net.
We look forward to spending this time with you, hearing your questions and thoughts about what our future will look like.
B’shalom,
Julia Lager-Mesulam and Miriam Reshotko
Havurah Shalom Co-Presidents
Join Info for the Meeting
Room Aleph
Members may email info@havurahshalom.org for meeting join info, or find it in Hineinu.
[B'nei Mitzvah Run Through] Wednesday, Aug 13th 4:00p to 6:00p (This is a closed event and is included in our calendar for space reservation reasons and attendee reference.)
[B'nei Mitzvah Run Through] Friday, Aug 15th 12:00p to 2:00p (This is a closed event and is included in our calendar for space reservation reasons and attendee reference.)
Shabbat Morning with Bat Mitzvah of Natasha Raish Shabbat, Aug 16th 10:00a to 12:00p Please join us for Shabbat morning services, including welcoming Natasha Raish as a Bat Mitzvah and member of our community.
(IP) Elul Gallery Art Drop-Off Sunday, Aug 17th 12:00p to 3:00p As part of our annual holiday cycle, Havurah members are invited to share our own reflections on the themes and stories of the High Holiday season. In addition to prose or poetry that may be shared on the bima at High Holiday services, we are putting out a call for artistic expressions in any visual medium, including paintings, drawings and photography. We welcome your reflections on any aspect of the High Holidays experience, whether they arise from our tradition’s core concepts of teshuvah (return) or seliḥah (forgiveness), or from any other aspect of your own process of looking inward during the time leading into the holiday season. The Elul and High Holiday Gallery is a project of the High Holidays Committee and the Design Committee, led by Joan Peck and Marcia Suttenberg.
(ZM) Climate Change Book Group Slow Reading of "Not Too Late" Monday, Aug 18th 5:30p to 6:30p All are welcome! Havurah members and non-members alike are invited to join us in this slow, section-by-section reading of "Not Too Late: Changing the Climate Story from Despair to Possibility." Click and RSVP. Attend any or all of these HCAT (Havurah's Climate Action Team) Book Group discussions about "Not Too Late."
(ZM) Healing the Heart, Soothing the Soul: A Grief Process Support Group Tuesday, Aug 19th 5:30p to 7:00p During the month of Elul, we are guided to examine our souls, explore our relationships, reflect on our actions with God and others, and prepare ourselves spiritually to begin a new year. With the Spirit of Elul, we will journey into exploring the aspects of grief. For Havurah members only. Limited to 8 people. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions.
(IP) Israeli Dancing Wednesday, Aug 20th 7:30p to 8:30p Join us to learn Israeli dancing! We’ll teach the steps and tell the stories behind Israeli dances while you enjoy the catchy rhythms, creative body movements, and spending time with friends.
Led by Havurah members Cindy Merrill and Gail Schwartz with dance instructor Rhona Feldman.
Hakol Deadline is Thursday, August 21 Thursday, Aug 21st (All day) Havurah members, click to learn how to submit your contributions to our monthly newsletter, Hakol.
