From Our President, September 3, 2021
09/04/2021 11:55:07 AM
Michelle Bannon
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Next Monday evening we will gather together on Erev Rosh Hashanah to begin observing the holiest days of the Jewish year.
Gathering together in this time of Covid has a different meaning. Last year, Covid vaccines weren’t available, and the end of the pandemic was nowhere in sight. Aliyahs and other honors were prerecorded. High Holiday books were distributed. Only a few of us were present in the synagogue on the actual holidays while everyone else attended services online.
Only two months ago, our spirits rose. We thought we were seeing the end of this horrific plague which has brought untold grief and loss to millions around the world. Yet, here we are again. Numbers of Covid cases are rising and hospitals are full. Fear of infection or spreading the infection unknowingly has returned full force. In spite of that, some things are better. Effective vaccines are available at no cost, and scientists have learned much more about the Covid-19 virus. New forms of treatment have decreased the mortality rate, particularly in those who are fully vaccinated.
As a result, we are able to worship together, which some of us will do in our sanctuary. Others will join us virtually. We have adapted our thinking and our behaviors by limiting the circle of family and friends we spend time with, wearing masks, and staying home more. Only immediate family members get hugs and kisses. Although we are weary, I and many others have noticed an unexpected benefit: a renewed appreciation of the lives we have, for the nature around us, and the blessings of home, country, and community.
This Rosh Hashanah I will appreciate, more than ever, my husband, my family, and my Bnai Israel community. I will be thankful that I am not lonely, hungry, homeless, or wondering how to pay my bills. I will think about how blessed I am to live in this country, to have access to the Covid vaccine when so many others in the world do not. I am thankful for living in a country that was willing and able to subsidize the incomes due to the pandemic.
I pray that this pandemic will end soon. I look forward once again to hugging my friends and fellow congregants and sharing a smile with others, even strangers - without a face mask on. But I also will remember what I have learned during these difficult days: We are all stronger than we think. We will persevere. We will survive.
Richard and I wish all of you good health, happiness and
L’Shanah Tovah, Tikatavu, a very blessed New Year.
Stay Safe & Shabbat Shalom,
Michelle
Tue, July 15 2025
19 Tammuz 5785
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SHABBAT
Friday evening service
6:00 pm
-suspended during summer construction of our bathrooms-
Saturday morning service
9:30 am
All services on Zoom and
in-person.
Coming Events
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Thursday ,
JulJuly 17 , 2025Sisterhood Board Meeting
Thursday, Jul 17th 2:30p to 3:30p
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Sunday ,
JulJuly 20 , 2025Israeli Scouts Meet & Greet & Performance
Sunday, Jul 20th 2:00p to 4:00p
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Thursday ,
JulJuly 24 , 2025Sunshine Team Meeting
Thursday, Jul 24th 1:30p to 2:30p
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Friday ,
JulJuly 25 , 2025Share Shabbat
Friday, Jul 25th 5:30p to 8:00p
Shabbat Dinners at various homes -
Sunday ,
JulJuly 27 , 2025High Holiday Choir Rehersal
Sunday, Jul 27th 4:00p to 6:30p
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Wednesday ,
JulJuly 30 , 2025
Wednesday, Jul 30th 4:00p to 5:00p
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Friday ,
AugAugust 1 , 2025Friday Night Shabbat & Board of Directors Installation
Friday, Aug 1st 6:00p to 9:00p
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Friday ,
AugAugust 1 , 2025
Friday, Aug 1st 7:30p to 9:00p
Friday nights are back! Join us for a festive Oneg following Friday night services. August 1: ice cream -
Sunday ,
AugAugust 3 , 2025Tisha B'Av Movie and Discussion
Sunday, Aug 3rd 10:00a to 12:30p
Join together with members of BIC and TOI to mark Tisha B'Av by honoring our past and pledging to help build a brighter future. We will view The Windermere Children: https://www.pbs.org/show/windermere-children/ followed by a brief discussion and finally end with the traditional chanting from the book of Lamentations. This event is being held at a private residence in the Land Fall area. The address will be sent a few days ahead of the event. The event is limited to 30 people maximum. -
Sunday ,
AugAugust 3 , 2025High Holiday Choir Rehersal
Sunday, Aug 3rd 4:00p to 6:30p
Questions about membership?
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Bnai Israel Congregation - 2601 Chestnut St - Wilmington, NC 28405 - (910) 762-1117
Mailing Address - PO Box 7104 - Wilmington, NC 28406-7104
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