Signing Off with My Final Blog

The past three years have been both intense and inspiring. My term as President started with uncertainty as we carefully returned to in-person services, classes, and other synagogue activities after the pandemic lockdown. Looking back, I have so appreciated how important the sense of community is to so many of us. Experiencing the current attendance at services and other Solel events, I feel that the community is doing well. One of the valuable learnings of the pandemic is how we can stay connected to people who may not be able to attend activities in person, through our livestreaming, regular use of Zoom, check-in calls and the caring initiatives taken by our Rabbi, Educator, Women of Solel, Mitzvah Committee, and others.

We have also benefited from the decision to hold bet Sefer Sole classes and activities at Solel. Although space and the lack of separate classrooms remain a challenge, coming to the Solel building on Sunday has enhanced our students’ sense of being in a Jewish Centre. With children in the building and parents gathering, socializing or attending the Rabbi’s class on Sundays while school is in progress, has enhanced our sense of Solel being a community hub.

Our Safety and Security protocols required thoughtful attention, including evaluating the elements needed to foster a welcoming space while also being appropriately cautious and aware. The sense of greeting and welcoming people and having a friendly interaction as they arrive at the door helps us ensure that we are a genuinely warm and welcoming community.

Being President during the Solel at 50 celebrations was for me a special opportunity to reflect on our past and celebrate Solel’s unique and progressive Jewish role in Mississauga and the Western suburbs of Toronto. While we are all still reeling and struggling to come to terms with the events of October 7, and its aftermath. I am encouraged that through all of this, we have retained a strong sense of community and caring for each other. We are gradually but steadily attracting new members who have moved into the area or were previously unaffiliated. I am also encouraged by the number of people who have signed up for our JIC classes and chosen to explore Judaism as a life path.

On April 26th, as we celebrated the conclusion of our successful Living Torah fundraising project with the installation of our new, beautifully designed Living Torah donor appreciation board, we also recognized all donors who have generously sustained us in many ways over the years. The generosity and commitment of our Living Torah donors has not only enabled us to pay for our new Torah, but we are now looking forward to brightening our Sanctuary and Social Hall with fresh carpeting and new lighting. And we will still be able to make a significant top-up to our Solel Endowment Fund.

On a personal note, it’s been an honour and a privilege to have served as President, and I will always be grateful for having this experience. The role has provided me with a unique understanding and appreciation of our community, while also growing and strengthening my commitment to and understanding of Reform Judaism. I am delighted at the strength and commitment of our incoming leadership and look forward to watching Solel’s path in the next few years under the Presidency of Ruth Ostrower. I look forward to being there as a sounding board and resource in the same way as our now outgoing Past President, Roz Allen has been for me.

Shalom and may Solel continue growing from strength to strength.

John

Filed under: President's Message

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