The Charlotte Jewish News - August 2011 - Page 7 Temple Israel A Message from Rabbi Noam Raucher As I was driving that ribbon of highway, I saw above me that end less skyway, and below me that golden valley. While I roamed and rambled I eould only really think about two things: Woody Guthrie and Abraham. I wonder about Abraham’s thoughts while he roamed and rambled aeross those plains of the desert. You remember, on the “go forth” from everything that was familiar to him to a plaee he eould only imagine-trip. What were his prayers? What were his hopes? he ventured eagerly. And why not? He knew, that the trip he was about to take was in no way mundane. This trip was going to bring with it promise and opportunity in any number of avenues. He knew everything that would go into that journey would have purpose and meaning. I realize now, even though I was exeited to start a new ehapter with the Temple Israel, I wasn’t exeited about the road trip. I knew it was going to be long and intense, but it also needed to hap pen - so I embraeed it. This wasn’t some ordinary road trip I was about to take. For eaeh aggravation I had one saered aspeet for eounterbalanee - one thing to give me meaning in the journey. Now we are in Charlotte, set tling into our new home and sur roundings. We have met so many wonderful members of the eom- munity already and ean’t wait until we meet the rest. We know the trip out here will lead to some saered moments. Thank you for weleoming my family and me, as we beeome part of the Temple Israel eommunity. ^ Even with those questions in mind Then I thought like Abraham. Creating a Community of Learners That Lead By Example By Stephanie Glasser- Alfieri, TIRS Education Director We, as Jewish parents need to be partieipatory and engage in our ehil- dren’s Jewish edueational proeess so we ean mentor them in developing their own eonneetions to Judaism. My goal as Edueation Direetor of Temple Israel is to build upon and strengthen the foundation of the three pillars of sueeessful Jewish edueation; the home, sehool and the Synagogue. We, as parents and teaehers have a tremendous impaet on our ehildren. Their eagerness to learn, grow and be valued is often sparked by us, the parents and teaehers who show enthusiasm, a love for everyday mira- eles, and a belief that they will sueeeed at whatever they set out to do. I ean’t tell you how thrilled I am to have been given this opportu nity to be the TIRS Direetor. I look forward to sharing a year filled with ehallenges and blessings. I feel eonfident in shar ing with all our parents that I will personally support your families’ Jewish edueational journey. It is a long road ahead, with eurves and bumps that make the journey more interesting and sueh a worthwhile trip. May it be a journey of peaee, happiness and enlightenment. I wish all our TIRS families and the Temple Israel families a Shanah Temple Israel News The Vav Class stops for a group photo in front of the US Holocaust Museum. TIRS Vav Class Visits DC Twenty-four Temple Israel fam ilies journeyed together to Washington, DC over Memorial Day Weekend to eomplete their 6th grade TIRS Holoeaust eduea tion unit. The trip ineluded a visit to the US Holoeaust Museum and Memorial, an ineredible personal bonding opportunity, and more. For pietures and details, go to www.templeisraelmen.eom. Speeial thanks to Temple Israel’s Kristallnaeht Fund and the Men’s Club for eo-sponsoring the 17th annual trip. TI Sisterhood Judaica Shop Summer Gift Shop Hours Open Tuesday and Thursday, 10 AM-1 PM For your eonvenienee, we are happy to open the shop outside of regularly seheduled hours. Just eall us to arrange an appointment. Contaet Lisa Strunin at 704-281- 9150 or Tess Berger at 704-708- 4857. Temple Israel Social Club We invite eouples and singles, affiliated with Charlotte area syn agogues, to join. Meet friend- lypeople and enjoy our interesting programs and trips. Call Janine Rosner at 704-366-5631 for more information. On Thursday, September 1 at 10:45 AM, we will tour WCNC TV-News Channel 36 and have luneh afterwards. Flyers will be sent. For more information eall Marvin Barman, 704-364-4683.^ Tovah, Shanah Metukah, Shanah Mutzlaehat. A Happy, Sweet, and Sueeessful New Year. ^ For Sale Beverly Crest Townhome 3.5 miles to Shalom Park Complete information at: www.LepowRealtors.com •O' [mm Steve ' r LePOW Executive Realty Charlotte, NC LEADING THE WAY TO YOUR SUCCESS 704-926-2544 office ~ 704-975-8500 cell M MANN TRAVELS a MEMBERSHIP., a rewards for more info www.MannTravels.com/Spotlight Holland America Line A Siifiuiliire of E.\'celU’iicc Book your Holland America Cruise & receive over $450 in Savings! 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