02/09/2023 12:40:31 PM
Shalom, Chaverim!
2023 is off to a great start at Kol Ami. This past Shabbat, young and young- at- heart alike gathered for a soulful Kol HaNeshama Friday Shabbat service in the round, followed by a delicious potluck dinner. Services outdoors the next day afforded the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful Shabbat morning in nature while celebrating the holiday of Tu BiShvat. On Sunday, families gathered at Lettuce Lake Park to continue the celebration with hiking, learning, and a picnic lunch. Shabbat School, Beginyan, Pizza and Pajamas Shabbat and Kiddush luncheons continue to enhance the Shabbat experience at Kol Ami for our young families and youth. And remember, 3-5th Graders are leading parts of this Friday Night’s service. Please try to attend to see what they are learning at Kol Yeladim and to show your support of our youngsters.
A special thank you to Staci Cross and her crew for providing the delicious food for Shabbat luncheons. The women of Sisterhood can be found each week in the Needleworkers Group, Mah Jongg Wednesdays and other special programs. On Sunday, February 12th, Brotherhood invites you to attend the World Wide Wrap during minyan. At this time, participants will have the opportunity to learn to lay T’fillin under the tutelage of “Wrapper Ron” Pross. Later that evening, they will be hosting a Super Bowl party at 5:45pm at Kol Ami.
Our Annual Congregational Meeting is set for 8:00 pm on Tuesday, February 28th in the Sanctuary. The Board of Trustees has approved a slate that you should have received a copy of. There was much time and thought put into the slate, and I believe that Kol Ami will be in the hands of excellent leadership for many years to come. I look forward to seeing everyone at the meeting, where you will hear the state of Kol Ami, where we want to be heading, and have a chance to ask questions and voice your concerns about our Kehilla. As you may have seen in the packet for this year’s meeting, we are asking the Congregation to approve a deficit budget for the third year in a row. The past two years we were fortunate to have some members step up and make significant financial contributions. Because of this, we were able to reduce expenditures to help balance the budget at the fiscal year end. However, those are things that we cannot depend on year after year. Expenses have been trimmed and are always looked at carefully as to how they can be minimized. Our Recharge Goals were created to help us retain our current congregants and attract new membership, which also helps the income side. Keep in mind that we are always looking for congregants who would like to be active in the leadership and governance of the Shul. We are also looking for those who have ideas and vision, and want to help with planning, producing, and attending events, activities, and religious, educational, and enjoyable gatherings. Our volunteers help a great deal with all the programs that are available at Kol Ami.
I hope that you realize that there are many different ways to connect and find meaning at Kol Ami. We hope some will appeal to you to become more engaged with our Kehilla and bring us all B’Yachad,
Kalman
