Elul 5770

Dear Congregants and Friend;

     As a kid there was no such thing as playing too much baseball. According to Jewish law we are supposed to play past sunset till the stars come out. Then we put our bat and ball to rest.. I collected and cherished my baseball cards. However, I was careful with the 2nd Commandment prohibiting making and certainly not worshipping graven images of ballplayers.. Pesach ushered in the "new year" for baseball. Braving the season opener's chilly weather, I rooted for the home team while snacking on buttered matzah. I was full of hope for the team. "This year in the playoffs!". By season's end it was once again "next year in the playoffs?".

      Thinking back I'm amazed that though we were young my mother would send us to the stadium using public transportation. We had change handy for a phone call but no cell phone.. Today, like so many things in life, this would be too much of a risk. So, for the year 5771, I ask G-d to restore us to an era of safer public transportation for our children, of food packaging not having to be tamper-proof, and of unlocked newspaper stands with a cup on top for change. Not so simple.

      At the Minsk every few years is a generation. We cherish all who have touched and been touched by, the Shul. Our minyanim and study sessions clearly strengthen Jewish affiliation and develop life choices. Talmud study for four hours a week was added this past year. A major highlight this summer has been the nightly classes after Mincha - Maariv with yeshiva students. The sound of Torah study rings till midnite.. On Shabbos we shine. Our spirited weekly Shabbos dinners both night and day ensure that a Jew has where to eat. Please join us and even stay downtown. The bringing together of locals, university students, hospital patient families, and visitors from anywhere makes the Shul a very special place. Earlier this summer at the G 20 a father and son, put minyan before protest and helped us with Shabbos afternoon minyan. Nu, the G 20 was worth it after all!..Our vital work with the homeless and disenfranchised continues daily. We appreciate and value your support for them..A big thanks and blessings to our board and all volunteers for their efforts on behalf of the Shul.

      Of course, while looking to the future, we are also influenced by our memories. Earlier this year Cantor Schwebel's wife Helen passed away. She loved coming to Shul celebrations and was especially proud of the Chazzan and their children. Their role in the Shul for over 50 years has been an important part of the legacy that will continue this Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and beyond.

     Thank you for supporting the Minsk

Lchayim and Shana Tova

Rabbi Spero