Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilisation.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
Diversity; according to Merriam-Webster dictionary is, ”the quality or state of having many different forms, types, ideas, etc.” This was self-evident from the results, so far, on our Purim survey. I went through the responses and comments so far and they are all over the spectrum about masks, even though that was not a question asked, but obviously a hot topic. Several people said they would not come to events at SOI unless everyone wore masks, while others say masks are unreliable and unnecessary. As a good leader, I read them all and then threw my hands in the air, got a glass of wine, and came to the conclusion that, no matter what we do, some people will not agree.
Acknowledging the fact that there are differences within our own community is a value that we have embraced, publicized and is in our mission statement:
“Enhancing, enriching, and embracing the mosaic of Modern Orthodox Jewish life in Cherry Hill.”
To make a beautiful bouquet, you need many different flowers. And our shul is comprised of many beautiful, unique individuals. Realizing we do have many different opinions is always at the forefront of Board decisions and conversations. I pray everyone can bend a little, like the willow tree, for the betterment and cohesiveness of our warm and welcoming diverse community.
We are still evaluating the results of the survey and will keep it open until Sunday evening. Plans for Shaloch Manot are underway and we would appreciate you updating your account in Shul Cloud so we can deliver our members’ packages on Purim.
We are initiating a new email that will go out on Mondays listing all the events for that week along with their links to ease participation. Please participate at whatever your comfort level is. If you have any suggestions for programs and learnings within the shul, please let us know.
This week will be a very special Cocktail Kiddush thanks to donations from Adam & Flo Shulman, Harvey & Shaton Chaitoff, and the mixology expertise of Dore Provda. He will be serving: French Martini, Pineapple Mule and a Cosmopolitan. For the children, and people not wanting alcohol, non-alcoholic Lion's Eyeball and Tiger Blood Zombie. This is a teaser to the Mixology Event on February 19th where you can join along with Dore and make special drinks in the comfort of your own home. Registration is open for this event.
Our Family Musical Glow Havdallah, which was postponed from last week, will be in full swing this Saturday night at 6:30 pm. Explore your inner glow as we usher out Shabbat with musical accompaniment.
Ongoing programs are our Learnigns with Rabbi Davies on both Monday and Wednesday evenings, our Purim Food Drive benefitting the Betsy & Peter Fischer Food Pantries and our 50 Miles for 50 Years Challenge. The Red Cross Blood Drive is this Sunday, thanks to Jon Bender.
"There are only 3 primary colors, red, yellow and blue, yet in combination
they produce more hues than can ever been seen." ― Sun Tzu. I hope we can all come together, embrace our differences and uniqueness, but still paint a beautiful canvas of unity that is SOI.
Shabbat Shalom,
Donna Moskowitz
SOI President
president@soicherryhill.org