SHOULD AULD ACQUAINTANCE BE FORGOT
Yes, I know, same title as last year, when I began my article with the opening lyrics to Auld Lang Syne to introduce the highlights which defi ned the past for us and to touch on what we can expect over the coming months of 2019. Well, just as I’m recycling last year’s title, I’m going to take a similar approach with the remainder of this year’s New Year’s article.
As for the year that was, I’m certain you’ll agree it was quite a year in the life of our congregation. Unfortunately, the year was marked with the loss of several of those dear to us, including Murray Greenspan, Stanley Wallach,Mel Bernstein, Terri Domershick, Adele Kraetz, and a number of others who were so instrumental to our history, and their loss created a void we will never be able to fi ll. We will miss them dearly.
And then there was the physical transformation of our space, which is still a work in progress. As you may recall, it began with the “Chicken Little” type demolition of our ceiling to make way for the installation of a fire sprinkler system. Never did we imagine one year ago how slowly time passes when you’re living under the construction zone conditions we were forced to endure. Let’s face it, the Berger Room was not a vision of extreme beauty without its ceiling, made worse initially with inadequate heat, although the old ceiling was not something you would rush to bring home to momma either. Well, after more months than we originally expected, we got through it and thanks to Pastor Dan and Bridge Church, we now have a modern ceiling, chock full of dimmer-controlled LED lighting, a heating system that provides heat and, best of all, the full-wall mirror is gone.
Now that the ceiling replacement is complete, the transformation of our space will continue into the coming year, with painting of parts of the Berger Room and new carpeting. Additionally, we expect to have the sprinkler system pipes in the chapel painted so they will blend in with the background of the room, making them less obvious. Additional projects to improve the appearance and comfort of our space will be undertaken and we look forward to your input, including suggestions, as we go forward.
Before I leave the year-that-was, I’d be remiss if I didn’t extend our sincere thanks to Rabbis Elkodsi and Schotz for the wonderful High Holiday services we experienced this past Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The services were meaningful, enriching and dare I say it, enjoyable. They were well-planned and truly showed the care that went into their development. And let’s not forget those who worked with Rabbi Elkodsi to make it happen. Herb Brodsky was flawless in making certain folks were where they were supposed to be when they were supposed to be there and Carl Dropkin certainly proved that he can blow shofar with the best of them. Thank you, Rabbis and thank you Herb and Carl.
So, aside from painting, carpeting and a little sprucing up here and there, what’s on the agenda for the New Year? Well, plenty. Working with Rabbi Elkodsi, Pat Sachs’ Program Committee will continue their work in giving you a diversified array of innovative, enriching, educational and fun programs. I assure you, there’ll be something to pique anyone’s interest. But more importantly, these programs will offer an opportunity to get together with your friends at MJC and maybe make a new friend or two. All you have to do is look out for our announcements, which are available on the various social media sites and your e-mail and snail mail boxes, and come and enjoy.
Speaking of programs, I’d like to alert you to a uniquely extraordinary program still in the planning stage to celebrate our 65th anniversary. It will be a true celebration and include an opportunity to work with a sofer to inscribe a Torah we presently have under repair. More information will become available as the program takes form, so be on the lookout for it.
Finally, I’d like to remind you of a service we began providing last year to enable those who are not readily able to attend our services and other events and to encourage you to use the taxi service we’ve arranged with a third-party taxi company at no cost to the person requiring such assistance. The full cost of the service will be borne by MJC. The only requirement is membership in good standing and the need to utilize such a service because an alternate means is not readily available. This service is being made available to you because we want you to be a part of MJC in every way and not having transportation readily available should not stand in the way of that desire. So please, hop a cab that we’ve arranged for and join your friends at our programs, Shabbat and Yom Tov services, or anything MJC. We look forward to seeing you.
So, as we did at the outset of 5779, Emilee and I would like to extend our very best wishes to you and your family for a year filled with nothing but good things and we look forward to spending it with you at the Malverne Jewish Center. Let’s not forget the spirit of “Auld Lang Syne” and not allow “old acquaintance [to] be forgot””.
See you at MJC.
Dave Feldman, President
