Keys to Success 2018

I recently read an article from my friend Marc Corsini which related to keys to success for 2018. Marc, from Macon is a very successful consultant now living in Birmingham who writes some excellent pieces which I find very inspiring for all facets of life and business. In this article he speaks of having an “attitude of gratitude”. “Be thankful for who you are and what you are able to do. Identify your own individual “gift package:” limit any negative thinking; and stop comparing yourself to others.”

Reading this made me think a lot about our synagogue. We are so very fortunate to have the talented Rabbi and great indi-viduals to make a lot of great things happen in our shul! As a small group we do accomplish a lot.

Creative religious school for our kids, “Rockin Shabbat” services for our kids, Thursday morning minyans, Friday night and Sat-urday morning services with excellent Torah discussions, Shabbat dinners, engaging Adult Ed programs, cooking classes, fun holiday celebrations, Shiva minyans, meals of condolence, Annual Ad book, various fund raisers during the year and many more functions which I have probably left of the list.

Sure, we have our issues and areas that need improvement, who doesn’t. I feel that it’s important, when looking at our events, to focus on the positive. Limit negative thinking. If you are unhappy with a situation, I encourage you to communicate your concerns to myself, Rabbi, or a Board member as opposed to making comments to everyone around you. Keep in mind, we are all volunteers trying to give our best effort in being part of our Kehillah.

As far as comparing ourselves to others, as a shul for our size, we have a tremendous amount of energy and effort from great volunteers to make a lot of things happen. I do enjoy hearing ideas many of you gather from attending services at other shuls or hearing from friends and family of different functions about ideas seen at their shuls. Keep suggestions coming on how we can improve! (Recently heard a couple of great suggestions seen at other shuls we plan to soon implement)

Thanks to Rabbi and Sharona and all our phenomenal volunteers for sharing your individual “gifts” every day to make our Ke-hillah what it is!