Rabbi's Blog

Last week we began reading the exquisite descriptions in the Torah of building the Mishkan, a special place of dwelling.  The whole community participates in this amazing project to create a very holy space.

Recently I had the opportunity to tour the new JCC across the street from us. I was so impressed with the depth of vision that has gone into this site and am excited for the grand opening in a few months time!  Part of my excitement is the anticipation of how our two organizations can benefit each other and work together.

The JCC is poised to be the best, most vibrant, creative and sustainable JCC in the country.  To be a partner, we have to be the best Bonai Shalom that we can be!

I have to be honest; from the huge windows in that magnificent space to the east, our beloved Bonai Shalom looks a little shabby and sad.  I had such a strong feeling that we need to do some beautification and renovation on our eastern face; some new signage, landscaping and frontage work.  I am challenging us as a community to do this work in time for the projected opening of the JCC.

We have some funds leftover from other work, along with a very generous $10,000 matching grant and $4000 of pledges from the board and we are ready to go!  This is our Mishkan, our holy sanctuary and we are asking everyone to offer some terumah, gifts to the sacred building fund, large or small, but with maximum participation to reach our goal.

To contribute, you can donate here and select “Building Fund” and in the “other” box write “frontage work.”

The physical structure of any building is so important, but only as a vessel for what happens inside.  Thank you for being part of a community of wonderful people with giving and generous hearts and the desire to connect and thrive as we grow together towards a bright future.

May the Divine Presence rest on the work of our hands and our hearts!

Rabbi Marc