A Message from Our President

Greetings,

November was a whirlwind of a month with a lot of hustle and bustle around the Temple. It started with all the planning and preparation for Sisterhood’s Annual Bake Sale. Sweet goodness could be smelled throughout the social hall as cakes, cookies, and other delights were prepared. That doesn’t even begin to take into account all of the hours spent in volunteers’ homes, baking and cooking for the big day. As in years past, I worked as a cashier. It’s always fun listening to the stories of buyers. One customer told me she has been coming to the Bake Sale for the last 25 years purchasing cheesecakes along with other treats. She said our cheesecake may be the secret to why she’s married today. When I asked why, she said she gave her then boyfriend a piece of the Sisterhood’s cheesecake shortly after they started dating. Fast forward twenty-five years, he still reminds her every year to come back for more! And as in the past, the Bake Sale was a huge success. Thanks go to everyone who participated by contributing money, time, and effort.

On the heels of the Bake Sale we hosted the SC Jewish Historical Society’s meeting. As an outsider looking in, it felt like a high school reunion as the halls were flooded with individuals from near and far who made the trek to attend. Learning about Spartanburg’s past, meeting people who grew up in our Temple, and visiting Spartanburg’s original Temple were all memorable events. As some of our members reminisced about the “old days” during a panel discussion, it felt as though I was sitting around their kitchen tables. We hosted about 150 people throughout the weekend. The success of the event would not have been possible without the hard work of some of our congregants and Rabbi Liebowitz who spent countless hours planning and working in preparation for the event.

Finally, the Congregation just elected its Board members for the upcoming year. For those of you who have served on the Temple Board, or the Board of any other organization, you know it can be rewarding, and at times challenging. As President, I have been fortunate to serve with a great group of people the last two years and look forward to the upcoming year as the Board works to serve the best interests of our Congregants and Temple.

It takes everyone’s financial support, time, and energy to ensure that the Temple offers what you want from YOUR Temple. Don’t hesitate to contact me or any other Board members with your suggestions or to volunteer around the Temple. Your ideas and input are always welcome and appreciated.

Warmest regards,

Sandy