A Letter from the Prez.

As we are winding down the first full year in existence, the members of TSS have much to celebrate.

The past year has been an incredible journey. From that small group of people with an idea, to a now flourishing and vibrant spiritual community, Temple Shirat Shalom is a true success story. Surpassing any and all expectations, TSS has become a respected religious organization in the Lehigh Valley.

It would have been easier to do nothing, but like our ancient Jewish ancestors, we chose to practice our faith even when there was no stone structure defining us. We have built a foundation from the heart, using bricks made of strong moral character held together by the deep caring and respect we have for each other.

Over the past year we have provided caring clergy, a warm and wonderful place to worship and abundant activities to strengthen our bonds. Taking a look back at all we have accomplished, I feel blessed to have been given this experience and happy that I was able to share it with each of you.

Here are a few milestones:

> 85 Families
> Over 50 children in our Religious School
> Shabbat Services every Friday evening
> The Wandering Jews
> Welcome Brunch for over 60 people
> High Holy Day Services at the Scottish Rite Cathedral for over 350
people
> Sukkot at Cantor Sussman’s home
> Atzeret Simchat Torah Service
> Adult Education offering Hebrew and History
> Torah on Tilghman
> Hanukah Party
> Bar/Bat Mitzvahs for our young teenagers
> Life cycle events
> Purim Party
> Progressive Dinner
> Book Club
> Trips to the American Jewish Museum in Philadelphia
and the Matzah Factory in Brooklyn
> Create and Connect Pottery Making
> Let’s Eat!
> Mike Iorio Seminar
> Website www.templeshiratshalom.org and Facebook page

There is much more to do and many more experiences to share. As we grow in our number, I hope we can offer that much more to our members and the community we serve.

Thank you for all of your support, encouragement and enthusiasm in making this year a memorable one for us all.

Dave Goldner, President of Temple Shirat Shalom