Wishing Everyone a Great Pesach!

I hope everyone is having a great Pesach! I truly look forward to having Seder next year in person with family and friends. Speaking of being back together, as we are all aware, with the roll out of  vaccines, we are getting closer to being able to have services together in person.

We are working to be sure our HVAC system meets all the requirements in the main sanctuary. With the space and ability to social distance, we will start back having all services in the main sanctuary as opposed to the chapel when we return to having services in person. At this time, we will still continue to require mask and social distancing according to CDC guidelines. You will be required to adhere to these rules even if you have had both vaccinations.

The Board of Governors at our last meeting did vote to continue with having online services along with in-person services. We have many out-of-town members who are able to participate and
be part of our service with our online delivery. We feel it’s very important to be able to continue to include our out-of-town members and guests in our services. Doing meetings online has also offered the chance to include input from out-of-town members who resided in Middle Georgia in the past.

I have really appreciated the input from Jay Freedman, Chip Koplin, and Louis Schlesinger on the various projects we have been working on.

We have for years talked about the importance of strengthening our building fund. I am very thankful for those who had the foresight to set up this fund. We are at the point that we will need to replace the main HVAC unit in the Social Hall and the Chapel. The cost of these systems will be covered by the building fund. Without these funds set aside, we would have to initiate a major fund drive. Thank you to all who have donated to this fund over the years in addition to the regular monthly payment that is part of your dues.

I want to make you aware of some work related to our Social Media presence. We have recently developed policies for our Facebook pages, updated our website, and set up an Instagram page. We are asking that our members share any pictures or movies related to our Kehilla that are relevant and appropriate to this email address: CSI.Media.Macon@gmail.com for the CSI marketing committee to review and post.

Gary Simson has been doing an excellent job of working with Long Range Planning with a focus on governance structure. There will be more to come on this shortly. Thank you to all the hard work on this project, Gary.

Thank you to all the parents and teachers as we have worked through online Hebrew and Religious school. We realize this has been a tough year. Thank you for all your work and patience.

Lastly, a big thank you to the Sharona, Zohar, and the Rabbi for all they do with the online services. Yosher Koah!