Temple Israel

Daytona Beach, Florida

President’s Message

From the Bulletin

March-April 2008

We are reminded in the Siddur Hadash, “The main purpose of the Mitzvot performed through physical action is to make us sensitive to those Mitzvot performed with the heart and mind which are the pillars of the service of God.” (Bahya)  “Rejoice so greatly in performing a Mitzvah that you will desire no other reward than the opportunity to perform another Mitzvah!” (Nahman of Bratzlov)

There are so many people at Temple Israel who live by this creed.  Without you we could not survive.  I’ll bet that every one of you has volunteered for Temple Israel, unselfishly giving your time, working in the kitchen, cleaning, setting up, stuffing envelopes, filling in when Joanie is on vacation or needs help, working in the gift shop, promoting events, and more.  Remember too that our Board and committees are all volunteers.  If you have served you know the hours spent at meetings.

Recently Marilyn Nye surprised us by announcing that she was retiring from raising funds for the Temple.  It will take six of us to replace her.  She and Saul Feldman worked incredibly long, hard, and unselfishly to make the Jackie Mason performance a success.  Over the years I imagine that together they have raised more than a million dollars for the Temple. 

In the spirit of these Super Menches each of you can answer the call for volunteers at the Jewish Heritage Festival on March 16^th at the News-Journal Center.  Some of you have already volunteered.  Help with set up or by staffing a booth even one or two hours. You will be part of the Jewish Heritage Festival Mitzvah Corps. Call me at 441-0351 if you would like to volunteer.

This festival is going to be great!  For the first time all Jews from two counties will come together as one people.  Even if you cannot volunteer, come shop the Judaica and enjoy the entertainment, the exhibits, the games, the camel rides, and the Jewish food.  You will find more varieties of delicious kosher and kosher style foods than have ever been available in Daytona Beach.  Come celebrate our proud Jewish heritage!

Temple Israel, Daytona Beach, FL. © 2006