Dear Friend,

Each year, as the High Holy Days approach, I begin my preparation by taking time to reflect on my years as rabbi at Temple Beth Ami.  I find that no matter how many times I engage in this exercise, the most important element in that reflection is the warm feeling I have when I consider the friendships and supportive relationships I share with congregants I have known for many years.  As the new year of 5769 approaches and we anticipate celebrating together, I want to thank you for being part of our Temple Beth Ami congregational community. 

I write this letter to you with great appreciation.  You have remained members of Beth Ami through so many years and so many different phases of family life.  Now, even after your children have grown and gone off to make their own way as Jews in the world, continued support of our congregation reflects your understanding of the role each generation of our people has embraced – to enable as many as possible, young and old, to form their own Jewish identities within a supportive and nurturing congregational community.  I thank you for your ongoing dedication to Beth Ami and love of Judaism and the Jewish people. 

Over the years, I have come to consider each and every one of you as an important member of my extended congregational family.  We have rejoiced at the simchas and supported one another through the sad moments.  We have studied together, prayed together, danced together and walked together on our path of Jewish life and learning. Temple Beth Ami is our shared Jewish home – our spiritual home, our educational home, our social home.  I want to assure you that Beth Ami remains the place you can come all year long, every day of the week, and someone will be here to greet you and to help you meet your needs as best we can. 

Among my hopes for the New Year, is that you will strengthen and deepen your connection to Beth Ami.  Our congregation provides multiple worship experiences, educational opportunities and enriching programming for a wide range of interests.  We have arranged to offer programs and activities at more varied times in order make participation a little easier for those whose schedules are very busy ... and for those whose schedules are not as busy any more.  I hope you will be able to find the time to join me and your fellow congregants at a few of these wonderful events over this next year.

I look forward to seeing you during upcoming High Holyday season, and pray that the coming year – 5769 – will bring good health, peace and happiness to you and yours.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Lack Luxemburg