September 2019

In 2004, I worked with a consultant who recommended that we follow the advice of a large corporation – pair a younger staff member with an older one, so that the younger person could mentor the older.  This was unheard of – what could a younger person teach an older, more experienced worker?  A lot!

We are so lucky to have our new rabbi, Rabbi Allison Poirier, join us this summer.  We have learned so much from her already!  She is smart, focused, energetic, and optimistic about the world and our future. She has a lot of great ideas about how we can engage more people in Judaism and in our TBS community.  She’s working well with our staff and lay leadership.  She’s excited to meet and engage with each of you personally.  This is the beginning of a wonderful new chapter in our history.

Our summer picnics and services in the Gordon Meditation Garden were lovely and we look forward to our installation of Rabbi Poirier, our Executive Board, and our Board of Directors on Friday September 20.  We expect that will be an inspirational evening of song, prayer, and festivities! We start the evening with a Shakin’ Shabbat for the youngest members of our community and a congregational dinner for all. Thanks again to the Brotherhood for helping make every meal a festive one at TBS!

We’re also eagerly anticipating the opening of the Jewish Learning Collaborative Metrowest, our new religious school program with Congregation Or Atid, on September 15.  As you know, classes will be held at COA for the first half of the year and then move to TBS in January.  That same day, TBS will hold a challah baking class in the morning, sponsored by the Sisterhood, as well as an Open House with MWJDS in the afternoon. On September 22, we’re having an intergenerational apple picking outing at Tougas Family Farm, sponsored by TBS Tots and the Youth Committee, as well as a training class at TBS in the morning for our ushers and greeters who are helping to keep us safe.  Finally, don’t forget the launch of our Adult Ed classes on September 4 and Torah on Tap for our 20s/30s on September 19.

This year’s “late” holidays have allowed us to start the Fall with some wonderful activities and we thank all of you who planned and participate in them. We have lots of other programs in development for the year ahead.  Join us, participate, and see what moves you to do more.  If you have an idea that you would like to make happen, let us know.

We also look forward to welcoming everyone to TBS on Rosh Hashana and for the entire High Holiday season. This year, Rabbi Poirier and Rav Hazzan Sokol will lead our services as we usher in 5780. We hope that this High Holiday season, we’ll all be spiritually moved to do good in the world in the year ahead. Peace!

Evie Kintzer, President