(Yom Kippur)
In these days of sadness, sorrows, remembrance, solidarity with all the families, whatever their nationality, near and far affected by the tragedy initiated by the Hamas Islamist extremists and the Hezbollah puppets of the Iranian régime, it is indeed good and necessary to have the possibility to anchor to, to be connected with a community, whether Kehilat Gesher or the community you belong to.
Supporting and being supported, that is what will get us, as a community, as a nation, to move forward in a better way and “to do good” as many of our ancestors said before passing away.
Being connected to and being supported by a community means having a well-functioning synagogue. This is what I want to speak to you about tonight.
Not too many details tonight because those can be found in the messages that I send periodically to all members, informing you of the financial situation and the ongoing projects in your community.
The good news: this need to belong to a supportive community is reflected in the growing number of people who have made the choice to be a member of Kehilat Gesher. More families, more children at Talmud Torah, this is a positive sign for the future and a sign of your trust. It reflects the work and enthusiasm of Rabbi Tom, the Talmud Torah team led by Javier Leibiusky, and the Board of Directors.
As of October 9, there are already 150 of you who have renewed your membership and 22 families who have registered your children at Talmud Torah.
More than 500 registrations for Tishri, a hundred more than last year.
For those who have not yet done so, please join Kehilat Gesher, a community committed to a better world.
While we are super grateful for the very large donations which some families have made, and without them we would be in deep financial trouble, it is important to remember that a community which focuses on support, participation, and solidarity depends on all members, beyond their membership fees. I invites all of us, including me, to see how, this coming year, we can give a little more to Kehilat Gesher. It is in these moments of turbulence and doubt that the community brings a plus to all its members.
I want to thank three members who helped me this past year: Pascal Tursan, Anne Nouquati, and Esther Haguenauer. And a big thanks to Jean-Marc Levy Dreyfus for his help to prepare Tishri. Without them, there is no way we could support you.
Can we do better? Of course. Do not hesitate to contact me to make constructive proposals or suggestions
I will now tell you about the ongoing or planned projects. I am at your disposal if you wish to discuss them with me.
1. Basement development for our youth.
a. we have started to empty the basement of all the junk that was down there.
b. an architect’s sketch of what the basement will be: a multifunctional space for classes, space for teenagers, storage, and if the technical studies allow it, the installation of a community mikveh, the rabbi’s wish.
c. Technical studies on fire safety and load bearing studies.
d. the next step will be to get a detailed technical and financial proposal for the project.
I will inform you periodically via the treasurer’s messages. We will need your help to carry out this wonderful project.
2. The adolescents, also known as the Teenagers !: Activities have started under the supervision of a coordinator. We must continue our efforts and we can do better. But the start is full of promesses
3. Secretariat : we greatly benefitted from temporary assistance this last year. However, we are still searching for a competent admin assistant. I have circulated Terms of References a few weeks ago and hopefully we will be able to identify someone who is a great fit. It is a necessary investment for the future.
4. A quick word on cultural activities organized by Kesher, under the direction of Ilann Girard, yes, that Ilann Girard, and Jean-Paul Chouchan, president of Kesher. Although these activities are not “cash cows”, it seems important to us, and I hope you will agree, to boost these activities: books, meetings, concerts, screenings, etc. to strengthen the link between you and Kehilat Gesher. We are working with Ilann and Jean-Paul to obtain funding from the Maayan Foundation in the coming months to improve our offer of cultural activities. But please, when we do have activities, do come!
I finish off with a big thanks to all the volunteers who serve the community. Security, cultural activities, offices, etc.. it is the demonstration of your solidarity with the community. We need you and all good wills are welcome.