July 17, 2019
We certainly celebrated our 25th anniversary in grand style. Both events were very well-attended, and a very good time was had by all. A plaque is now on the back wall of the sanctuary honoring the "Temple Treasures". These are the people who were selected by the Board of Directors because they consistently gave of their time and effort to sustain and improve the viability of our synagogue.
We are now well into the 2nd (and final) year of my presidency. So much was accomplished in 2018-2019, and for that I am truly grateful to everyone who helped to make it so successful.
Our focus right now is squarely on improving the security of our members when they come to worship in our beautiful sanctuary. After months of attending seminars, holding meetings, seeking professional advice, and brainstorming and planning, we have decided on a final master plan that will greatly improve the safety and security during the Shabbat services and the High Holydays services.
I am not at liberty to give you the details at this time, but suffice it to say that we are spending a significant amount of money to execute this plan. It will be completed prior to the High Holydays.
Also prior to the HH, we will be inviting all of our members to come to the Temple for an orientation session. You have certainly heard about the attacks in Pittsburgh and Poway. We are hoping to deflect such an attack here in Ojai, should we be unfortunate to have to deal with one. It will be in your best interests to attend this orientation.
Finally, the next time you are in the sanctuary, please take note of the 3 chandeliers that have replaced the ones that have been hanging in this great room for years. They are about 60 years old and came from a synagogue in Pennsylvania that closed its doors due to the dwindling Jewish population. I think you will agree with me that these light fixtures are not only unique in design, but are also quite beautiful and feel like they were meant to hang in our sanctuary.
We have also added additional illumination in the form of track lighting that is designed to provide better lighting for reading from the prayer books.
After the 25th celebration, things have become relatively quiet at the Temple, but they will pick up again as we get into September. In the meantime, we still have Shabbat every Friday evening at 6 pm and a pot luck on the last Friday of every month.
Should you have any questions or comments, please see the list below. Please note that we have 2 new members of the Board that were elected in May. They are Cecilia Starin and Elizabeth Hollon.
Shalom,
Alan
Feel free to contact any of your new Board members if you have a question or a comment. Here is a list for your convenience. To send an e-mail, please click on the Board member's name.
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