Even though it’s vacation time, our shul has been humming with activity.  The first ever Jewish Heritage Day hosted by the Frederick Keys at Grove Stadium was a modest success.  Camp Shoresh bought 30 thirty tickets and gave them to counselors and C.I.T.s.  Several of your friends and fellow members bought groups of ten tickets and handed them out to employees, helping us raise $200 in profits.  Kristina Eyler and Katie Barr sang Hatikvah, while Rabbi Wiesenberg held the Mogen David flag.  Sanford Blum took lots of photos, as both Time and Newsweek refused to cover the festivities.  I’m canceling my subscriptions immediately!  Rabbi Wiesenberg then sang the Star Spangled Banner with his beautiful deep rich voice, and his own twist on the melody. The crowd and ballplayers were quiet and respectful.  Yours truly threw out the first ball, and, I am told, looked good doing it. 

   A few more good days are coming up.  Rabbi Kosman reminded us at the Board of Trustees meeting that the High Holy Days will be blooming like beautiful flowers in mid-September.  It’s his favorite time of year.  Aside from the obvious reasons, he loves to see the friends and family he’s missed the previous 12 months.  I agree—it’s great to see all of you dressed up and feeling good.  This year, however, there is a serious new twist.   Due to security concerns, everyone is required to bring their ticket.  (College students should bring their student ID.)  If you don’t have one, call the Beth Sholom Office NOW at 301-663-3437.  They will see that you get one.  We have hired police security guards and if the ushers do not recognize you, no admittance.  It’s not like the old days, I know, but the Board has an obligation to protect worshippers.  As you must know, the world has gone a little crazy. 

   Before I give a rundown of the Board of Trustees Meeting, I must alert all to a nagging problem that cannot be solved without you.  What has been a dull low-grade fever is becoming a hard, sharp pain.  It is a pain that we feel most sharply every Sunday and Monday night.  WE NEED YOU TO WORK BINGO to alleviate this pain.  Bingo revenue is down. The labor backbone of captains and workers is stretched to the breaking point. In addition, we cannot serve the players fast enough.  It makes some players exasperated.  Beth Sholom looks bad and we lose money.  We have done many things right with Bingo.  Players have told us that we run the best game in town.  We give the larger prizes than any other game in the area.  We have the nicest, brightest facility, and our workers are definitely the best looking.  Unfortunately we don’t have enough workers to service the players.  We are worried they will go elsewhere.  I figure the average worker adds $300 profit to each Bingo evening. When I work, the captains, workers, and rabbis are so grateful, they make me feel like I just made a $300 donation to Beth Sholom.   If you’re the type of person who needs to be needed, please help us.  Come work a Bingo night!  Now to the Board of Trustees meeting.  The Treasurer’s report is only one month into the new fiscal year and told us little.  Richard Stern and Pauline are making changes in the software so that anyone will be able to understand the budget.  Andy Mekelburg spoke regarding the Investment Committee meeting the night before.  They oversee the various accounts the shul has for the Rabbi’s retirement, building maintenance, etc.   The committee takes its responsibility seriously and is very careful about where and how to invest.  Kevin O’Hara of F&M is our account manager and made a presentation.  Jaques Reifman, Roger Strong, and Ron Segall made a few tweaks.  They will meet again in March when some bonds mature.

   Leaking water has become a nuisance lately.  The community center and Rabbi Kosman’s roof need professional attention.  It’s not surprising with the weather we’ve had.  Help is on the way. Also, the lines in the parking lot will be brightened before Rosh Hashanah.  (Carl Lazerow is mixing the paint as we speak.)

   The shul is throwing a brunch for new and prospective members on Sunday, September 12^th at 11 a.m.  I would like to invite any current members who want to come, provided they MINGLE with the newbies.  (I mean it.)  There is a small fee.  Please call the office if you are interested in attending.

   The Board approved the purchase of two new memorial boards in response to a request from the Beautification Committee.  If you are interested in having a loved one’s memory perpetuated in this appropriate manner, please call the office.

   Our Board of Education and the Day School Board are working toward becoming one body in about a year.  A Teen Club has been proposed and enthusiastically accepted by Bobbi Price, the principal of our religious school.  The teens themselves have some great ideas. We can’t wait.  On the same note, the Cultural Enrichment Committee is looking for an interested teen to sit on their board.  Also, Rabbi Wiesenberg is planning regular activities for teens. 

   Rita and Paul Gordon are underwriting the cost of installing a security system at the 2^nd Street synagogue in memory of their beloved parents.   An alarm at the old synagogue is way overdue.  All of our history is in that hallowed shrine.  The Board and all of our synagogue members say “thank you.”  Also, in the interest of safety, we are purchasing a defibrillator, and training a few members and staff in CPR. 

   So there you have the highlights of late July and early August at Beth Sholom.  Please note that all members in good standing are invited to attend our meetings. 

 Shalom,

       Andy Carpel