It’s hard for me to believe that it’s been almost two years since I was installed as President of the Mid-Atlantic Council at our last Regional Biennial. In the interim, I’ve had the privilege of working with a fantastic professional staff lead by Rabbi Scott Sperling and Lisa Helfman, as well as with a group of outstanding lay leaders within our region. Regardless of their position, geographic location, or congregational affiliation, these dedicated professional and lay leaders are committed to continually enhancing the services the Union provides to our member congregations.

And, speaking of Regional Biennials, if you’ve already registered for this year’s Biennial at the Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort in Flintstone, MD (near Cumberland) on October 24-26, I look forward to seeing and socializing with you, learning with you, and partaking of the beautiful setting and the changing of the leaves. If you’re planning to attend but haven’t yet registered, now is the time. Just log into our automated registration system (www.urj.org/mac/macbiennial) and let us know you’ll be joining your friends and fellow Reform Jews from 72 congregations in our region.

If you haven’t yet thought too much about the Biennial, check out the fantastic program and events being planned by our Biennial Committee led by Adrienne Kohn, Mary West, and Esther Starobin, together with our assistant regional director, Lisa Helfman. You’ll have the opportunity to share with others in “learnshops” with topics as diverse as Islam and the Muslim Community, Israel, Oil and Politics: Is US Policy in the Mid-East Really in Israel’s Best Interest? and Use of Technology to Enhance Synagogue Programming. Study kallot, Torah study, and Affinity Group opportunities focused on topics such as Small Congregations, Social Action/Justice and Synagogue Finance will round out the program. Adrienne and her team have also planned for children’s programs and plenty of free time for hiking, touring, playing golf on the Arnold Palmer-designed course, and much more.

My friends, as we approach the high holy days, my wish for all of us is a New Year of health, peace, justice, and understanding.

L’Shana tova,