As I write this, I am barely past the High Holy Days and Sukkot during which time we Jews reflected on our lives, ate (okay, we fasted too!) and enjoyed family and friends. Looking ahead to Thanksgiving, when all Americans, in unison, will be doing the same - although probably eating more than we would like - I consider those things for which I am thankful yet consider those for which I would want to be thankful. Can the words "we" and "our" be substituted for "I" and "mine" when it comes to Or Ami?
First and foremost in my life, I am thankful for my family - especially my husband Sam and son Joey. While there are times when we don't get along, we do love each other. It's not only because we are family but because we respect each other and we want to see each other be better than we are today. I look forward to all of the times we can be together - the next time at Thanksgiving. In addition, I also look forward to the time when my family will grow (Joey, are you listening?).
Or Ami is also my family - our - spiritual family. I really do love Or Ami even though I do want it to be better. I love that we have our dynamic Rabbi Ben, excellent religious school director Mr. G, all of our teachers, our Office Manager Maria, bookkeeper Peg, and that we've been given the opportunity to have Heather as an Outreach Director for this year. It is all of the members who volunteer (make no mistake even our paid employees give extra time - volunteer if you will) to make us the welcoming Kehillah Kedoshah (sacred community) for which we are known that makes me especially thankful. Every one of these people invests themselves in our spiritual family.
What would make me more thankful within our spiritual family? I would like to see our near future with almost every member investing themselves in Or Ami to make us better than we are. Below, in no particular order, are some on my wish list.
On a typical Shabbat, we have up to 75 members and guests worshipping together, socializing and eating at the Oneg. There are as many as 125 people coming together on the nights we have pot lucks. Yet besides Dell, there are maybe 3 or 4 members who, without specifically being asked, are willing to stay a little later to clean up. More will help set up, but not enough of us sponsor (alone or with other families) an Oneg during the year. Jon has done a wonderful job getting a larger percentage of members to be greeters but wouldn't it be wonderful if we all (who are able) give up 45 minutes for even 1 Friday night to show that we genuinely are glad we and others are here?
I am appreciative when someone points out something that would improve the facility, although we all win when members take the bull by the horn and get something accomplished. Just think, thanks to 3-5 members coming up with their own idea and executing their plan (it wasn't the board's but they got the board's support) to get new chairs for the sanctuary, along with about 75 who made monetary donations, we now are looking forward to the arrival next month of 125 beautiful chairs. Now think how often do you notice things that need improvement - even possibly telling someone - yet never think what you could do to improve things? Even if you do not have the resources to donate money, could you donate your time to help paint or to help plan a fundraiser so that desire for improvement could be made into a reality?
It makes me proud to see the wonderful social justice activities for which our synagogue has become the envy of the Richmond area Jewish community. This committee could use more volunteers. One person doesn't need to do everything but it's unbelievable what one person can do.
Our youth are amazing! We are so fortunate to have 2 fabulous leaders for OATY and OMG. What can each of us do to help our youth become Or Ami's leaders of tomorrow? See Nancy or Mr. G to find out.
Getting mail and/or phone calls and/or meals when I am in need, either because I or someone in my family is ill or requires help means so much. It's doubtful that I am alone in my appreciation. The KICK committee is our Caring Committee and Making a Difference is our committee that matches volunteers to a need. Either could use you - even if you feel that you only have the time to do something from home.
Our Board of Directors is made up of some wonderful people who provide leadership to Or Ami. There are other (unknown?) members who have been leaders at work, in other organizations, or even just at home. Regardless of your strengths it's never too soon to think about being a part of Or Ami's future leadership. All it takes is for you to make a board member aware of your willingness to invest in Or Ami to serve on a future administration as a member of the board.
Or Ami must grow in order to continue to offer the things for which we are known. The membership committee does so much throughout the year and is responsible for ensuring that growth. In addition, with significant growth, it's possible we can continue to pay for the position of Outreach Director. Without that growth, unless we can get additional grant monies, that position will go away July 1. What do you think would bring others to Or Ami (what brought you and what keeps you here)? Even if you are not sure how you could help, come with your ideas to a Membership committee meeting. You'll be glad you did and we can all benefit from seeing our spiritual family grow.
Growing also ensures Or Ami's future. Unfortunately there are those without the fiscal resources to make a full commitment towards membership and/or religious school. Some members can and do make extra contributions for the benefit of those members. However, providing one's own money is not the only way a member can invest in Or Ami. Like those who came up with the idea for the chairs and saw it to a successful outcome, almost all of us can invest our time (alone or with other members), come up with ideas to raise funds and help to keep and grow our spiritual family.
Franklin Roosevelt said, "The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have too much...it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little." Think of the strengths that you possess in abundance, and provide some of that to Or Ami. We would be so thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Judy