We are a curious group. We seek the answers to our problems. We find solutions we can live with. We journey to the light and back again to try and make our World a better place.

That was the message delivered at last Friday’s Shabbat Service as Dr. Harold Goldfarb gave a Sermon detailing his experience at the recent AIPAC Conference held in Washington, DC. Harold shared what he and his wife Sandy learned from a variety of speakers dealing with the situation in Israel, the Middle East and the shared values Israel has with the United States.

What we learned is how AIPAC’s mission, to strengthen the ties between the United States and its ally Israel, is uniquely positioned to bring the issues of Israel to the attention of the United States Congress. Harold related the thoughts and opinions of many key U.S. officials on the U.S. and Israel partnership.

This thought provoking and informational Sermon demonstrates how all of us can be a part of the solution. Become curious about the World we live in. Seek answers from our leaders. Gain influence and share your ideals with others. We are all in this World together. And no matter what our political views are … we all want the same thing. We all want peace.

Thank you to Harold and Sandy for sharing your experience.

In celebration of Passover this week, we bring you a picture of a Seder conducted at the White House along with some well wishes tweeted by some famous celebrities.

Barack Obama: Chag sameach: “Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to all those celebrating Passover.”

Brett Ratner: Hag Sameach to all those that understand!! Happy Passover!
Paula Abdul: Happy Passover! Who’s spending precious quality time with their family? NOTHING is more significant than family. xoxoP

Zach Braff: Jews!!!! Happy Passover.

Michael Bloomberg: Wishing everyone peace and happiness this Passover. Chag Kasher V’Sameach.

Katie Couric: Happy #Passover! Chag Sameach! Heading to Seder, where’s the afikoman??

Harry Styles: Looking forward to seder night. Always get a bit nervous when I have to sing ma’nish ta’na. But do love a shmorreh matzah. Happy pesach.

Leonard Nimoy: We celebrate the release from bondage that most of us take for granted. Some are still enslaved. Wishing freedom for all. Good Passover LLAP (Live long and prosper).

There certainly was a lot to sing about at last Friday’s Shabbat Service. Cantor Sussman blessed the marriage of Leslie Kritzer, daughter of Robert Kritzer, and her new husband, Vadim Feichtner. The newly married couple stood before the congregation with Robert and Roberta Kritzer to receive well wishes, warm hugs and heartfelt prayers for a happy life together.

The night continued with a Jewish Opera recounting the story of Ruth. Susan Bingham and her Children’s and Liturgical Opera Company performed a beautifully sung and well-played drama that left congregants speechless.

The Oneg following the Service was an extraordinary feast sponsored by Robert and Roberta Kritzer, celebrating the happy occasion.

This Service was a welcome respite to the long week of weird weather, stress at work and the strains of our every day life. The attendees left the night happy, smiling, singing and warm hearted. Mission accomplished.

Attending a Shabbat Service leaves us renewed and awakened to face the week ahead. The warm, friendly environment is conducive to the sense of community that our congregation enjoys. If you haven’t made this part of your routine, you are missing the spirit of joy and the sense of belonging that surrounds our being and provides us with a profound peace.

If you have something to celebrate or share, let us know how we can do it together at a Shabbat Service. There is nothing more enjoyable than joining together to offer good wishes, joy, love and support.

“Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them – work, family, health, friends and spirit and you’re keeping all of these in the air.

You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back.

But the other four Balls – Family, Health, Friends and Spirit – are made of glass. If you drop one of these; they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for it.”

Speech by Bryan Dyson (CEO of Coca Cola)