AUGUST 2013 / 25 AV – 25 ELUL 5773 Page 1 RABBI HILLEL SKOLNIK’S MESSAGE Dear SOJC, As always seems to happen, the summer has flown by (of course, I’m still getting used to the idea summer ends in August and I suspect that will always be the case). Nevertheless, there is a serious level of excitement that comes along with this time of year. Seeing friends who have been away over the summer, resuming learning together, and the building anticipation of the Shabbat / Holiday Services High Holidays are all part of what makes every August an exciting month Friday, August 2nd, 7:30 p.m. and August, 2013 is going to be as exciting as any other. Saturday, August 3rd, 9:30 a.m. Since the High Holidays are so early this year, beginning on the night of Friday, August 9th, 7:30 p.m. September 4 (that’s right they are super early so please make sure to get your Saturday, August 10th, 9:30 a.m membership forms for the 2013-14 year in ASAP) there is much to do before Friday, August 16th, 7:30 p.m. Rosh HaShannah is upon us and the season of Jewish holidays begins. On Saturday, August 17th, 9:30 a.m Thursday evening, August 15th, I will be teaching a class called, “The ABC’s Shabbat Sha-Bang! at 11 a.m. of Sukkot” and then on Thursday evening, August 29th, I hope you’ll join Friday, August 23rd, 7:30 p.m. me for “The ABC’s of the High Holidays.” I know what you’re thinking Saturday, August 24th, 9:30 a.m. – why am I teaching a class on Sukkot before I teach a class on the High Friday, August 30th, 7:30 p.m. Holidays? The answer is that it is my hope that after coming and learning Saturday, August 31st, 9:30 a.m. about the rituals of Sukkot and things like building a sukkah, many of your Slichot Services members will be inspired and interested in partaking of these rituals in their Saturday, August 31st, time TBA own homes. Preparing to build your own sukkah takes time, so we will be at Congregation Beth Am learning about Sukkot before we learn about the High Holidays. But no Rosh Hashanah matter the order, I hope you’ll be there to learn with us. Wednesday, Sept. 4th, 7:15 p.m. I am also extremely excited that before the end of the month our Thursday, Sept. 5th, 9:00 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 5th, 7:15 p.m. incredible Religious School will be back in session. The first day of classes is Friday, Sept. 6th, 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 21st for the older grades and pre-K-2 join us on Sunday, August 25th for their first day. We are thrilled this year we will be having two Yom Kippur Friday, Sept. 13th, 7:00 p.m. new classes in our school, a pre-K and a Hebrew High School class. The Saturday, Sept. 14th, 9:00 a.m. pre-K will be meeting on Sunday mornings from 9-12 and the Hebrew High Saturday, Sept.14th, 5:25–8:15 p.m. School class will meet on Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30. As the teacher continued on next page SOJC NEWSLETTER - 11200 South Apopka Vineland Rd. Orlando, Florida 32836 407-239--5444 • www.sojc.org AUGUST 2013 / 25 AV – 25 ELUL 5773 Page 2 SOJC Continued from previous page. for the Hebrew High School class, I am extra excited to have this wonderful opportunity to teach our teenagers and to engage in meaningful discussion about our religion. It promises to be an inspiring and fun-filled year for all. So, come and join us on Sunday, August 18th at 11 AM for registration and a “Meet the Teachers” opportunity. There is, of course, much more that fills the pages of this month’s bulletin – a new year of conversion classes beginning August 14th, two fantastic Bar Mitzvahs this month, volunteer opportunities, the continued construction of the Holocaust Memorial at SOJC, the accomplishments of the Cantorial Corps and other wonderful things. I hope as this new school year begins, it is a moment of inspiration for each of us to find new ways to be involved at SOJC, new ways to learn about Judaism and new ways to appreciate each other. Sincerely, Rabbi Hillel Skolnik SOJC NEWSLETTER - 11200 South Apopka Vineland Rd. Orlando, Florida 32836 407-239--5444 • www.sojc.org AUGUST 2013 / 25 AV – 25 ELUL 5773 Page 3 SOJC PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE SOJC’s Annual Congregational Meeting It is the beginning of August and that means it is the beginning of the High Holiday season, the SOJC membership drive, youth group activities, religious school, fundraisers, social get togethers, bar and bat mitzvahs, and a renewed SOJC. Our membership continues to grow in number and commitment, our board continues to plan and work towards financial stability and exciting educational opportunities. Our men’s club and sisterhood are planning exciting new programs for the coming year, our youth bonded over the time shared at the Cantorial Michele Fischer - President SOJC Corps trip and now prepare to make new memories together in USY and Kadima, the Holocaust Memorial is ready to be hung, and we begin our Capital Improvement Campaign. I am proud to announce that major renovations have already begun. Thanks to the generosity of Karla Salvatierra and Ed Kotler, new carpet was laid in the sanctuary and because of improved insulation (by Jeff Fischer), the familiar noise as children run up and down the ramp to the bima is a thing of the past! Dr. Abe and Barbara Hardoon have also stepped up and have generously donated new floors that will be laid in the social hall, entry way, and hallways. Our community is blessed to have such generous and dedicated members! It is our hope that they serve as examples to the rest of the community as we move forward with our Capital Improvement Campaign which is designed to eliminate our second mortgage as well as revitalize our campus. Several of our families have already graciously donated to the campaign efforts and we hope to reach all of our families in the upcoming months. This Campaign will help remove our financial burdens and enable us to repair and upgrade the SOJC facility. The fortitude and strength of SOJC is due to the generosity of its families. Together, as a community, we have overcome adversities, both personal and communal, and have bonded as a community. Brett Spector and I will be in touch with all of our families in the next few months to talk about the capital campaign, and how each family can be part of our future and vitality. Thank you all for your continued support. I look forward to seeing our community during the High Holy Days, and I wish our entire SOJC family a year of health, happiness, and continued growth! Michele Fischer It’s Membership Renewal Time! June 15th began our fiscal year and it’s time to renew your membership. If you need a form, go to www.SOJC.org, click on Membership at the top menu bar and then scroll down to your application form, download and print. Every single person and family is important to help keep our synagogue here for the community and your continued support is greatly appreciated. Thank you for being a member. SOJC NEWSLETTER - 11200 South Apopka Vineland Rd. Orlando, Florida 32836 407-239--5444 • www.sojc.org AUGUST 2013 / 25 AV – 25 ELUL 5773 Page 4 SOJC 5774 2013 SOJC High Holiday Schedule and Reserved Seat Form Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation welcomes you as we usher in the New Year 5774, and wishes you L'Shana Tovah Tiketavu “May you be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life for a good year”. We are delighted that you have chosen to spend the High Holiday with us. SOJC is a community that values participation and encourages involvement, and we look forward to your joining in the ruach (spirit) of our kehillah (community). All SOJC members will receive general seating High Holiday tickets as part of membership dues. For those who are interested, we have reserved seating in the sanctuary available. The pricing is listed below. If you would like reserved seats, please fill out the bottom of this form and remit along with payment. If you had reserved seats last year and would like to reserve those same seats please let the office know and send payment before August 18th. Payment must be received in order to hold your seats. For specific location of seating in the sanctuary you may contact Michele in the office at 407-239-5444. Rosh Hashanah Day Date Service-Times Wednesday September 4 7:15 PM Thursday September 5 9:00 AM Thursday September 5 7:15 PM Friday September 6 9:00 AM Yom Kippur Friday September 13 7:00 PM Saturday September 14 9:00 AM Saturday September 14 5:25 PM - 8:15 PM SOJC’s High Holiday Reserved Seating Form Ticket Pricing: Adults - $100.00 Children (dependent) - $50.00 (Note there is a 50% discount if membership dues are paid in full by August 18, 2013) Name (Family):____________________________________________Number of Seats:______________ Address:_____________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________E-mail:_________________________________________________ Send your seating request and check to: Southwest Orlando Jewish Congregation 11200 S. Apopka Vineland Rd. Orlando, FL 32836 SOJC NEWSLETTER - 11200 South Apopka Vineland Rd. Orlando, Florida 32836 407-239--5444 • www.sojc.org AUGUST 2013 / 25 AV – 25 ELUL 5773 Page 5 SOJC Come join us for the Annual Blue and White Shabbat Family Dinner Friday, August 23rd at 6:15 PM RSVP a Must– by Tuesday, August 20 by calling the office 407-239-5444 Sponsorship for $25 will be appreciated and will be acknowleged by your family’s name on the tables.