Message from President Susan Baum

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As we finish the month of October with all the holidays from Rosh Hashanah to Simhat Torah, we enter November with more secular holidays. We observe Veterans’ Day and Thanksgiving as Americans more so than as Jews but I want to focus on another event. Daylight Savings Time.  Here’s a fun fact I found. In 1895, an entomologist from New Zealand named George Hudson came up with the concept of daylight savings time so he could spend more time bug hunting. Congress enacted the first daylight savings law in 1918 which also defined the time zones. I didn’t realize that it has been going on for 100 years. Sunday, November 3, Daylight Savings Time will end. How does this relate to Judaism and synagogue life?

Shabbat begins and ends when the sun goes down so the hour change can really make a difference. I always have to consult my Women’s League calendar diary to see what time to light candles Friday night. We are an aging congregation and unfortunately many members can’t drive at night. This affects events we have in that they have to end before 5:00 in the winter time so those who need to can get home before dark. Likewise, many members can’t come to evening activities or Shabbat services for the same reason. We have a senior transportation program but some are apprehensive about using it. I want to encourage our members who do drive at night to offer to help those who don’t. I’m proud to say that this is already happening so let’s keep it up.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!                                                                                                     

Susan Baum