We find ourselves smack dab in the middle of things. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are behind us and Sukkot and Simchat Torah are in front of us.  This is a great time of year.  Leaves  are  changing ( California style), the clocks are changing and hopefully new Fall television shows  are starting. Sadly, baseball has come to an end.

 

It is time to harvest what is ready and plant new things for the future.  During Sukkot and Thanksgiving, we are harvesting and sharing our bounty. As we step into the open field we need people to help us. We then bring our bounty to our tables in the sukkah.  We leave some of our harvest behind for the needy to glean. It is important for us to  do that because it is a commandment to do so.

 

In addition to opening up our fields we must open up the Torah (back to the very beginning), our hearts and our minds. One way to do that is by making a donation to Torah Fund. You make this  donation to help the schooling of our future clergy. It allows them to enhance their studies, which is then passed directly on to various Conservative congregations.   Any amount you are able to give   is wonderful.   This year’s beautiful new heart pin is available for a donation of $180.00.  The pin  can be worn as a necklace or a pin... it is beautiful.  This year’s pin highlights the word ‘arevut’ meaning that all the people of Israel are responsible for one another.

 

The Torah field is left for you to glean by donating to your favored causes, and find ways to study Torah. You can do this by attending services in person or on zoom. You can come to Early Torah Study once a month. You can study at home or with a friend or two. Any amount of learning will make you feel better.

 

In addition, keep a Tzedakah Box around the house. The Tzedakah box can be anything. Mine is a tall plastic cup with a lid.  Deposit your loose pocket change or bills whenever you want.  It is  usually done prior to lighting Shabbat/Holiday candles.  You might be surprised just how fast the money adds up.

 

On Sunday, October 22nd, Women's' League will be hosting our annual Tea Party.  I urge you to come. You will be surrounded by new and old friends.  There will be delicious food and desserts.   Susan Baum and Yvette Brooks, our Torah Fund Coordinators,  are planning a lovely event.   If you have any questions please feel free to give them a call.

 

* As we did last year, in memory of Renee Oran, feel free to wear a hat to our Tea Party.

 

Enjoy the rest of the holidays and stay healthy and safe.  Looking forward to seeing everyone on October 22nd

 

 A Special Thank You to Marion Rosenblum

 For organizing a wonderful Women’s League  Game Day.