President’s Message - HHD Appeal 5783

August 2022

Dear Members and Friends of Habonim,

For many of us, a focus of the High Holy Day is planning for the present. Where am I spending Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and with whom, how do I make time for family and prepare meals that will provide both literal and spiritual nourishment?

The past, too, is an integral part of the High Holy Days. We are instructed to assess the previous year, acknowledge our misdeeds and seek forgiveness. Intertwined with the religious observances are our memories of time spent with loved ones, some of whom are no longer with us. For me, the High Holy Days bring thoughts of joyful meals, reconnecting with friends, the introspection and awe inspired by gathering and praying together, and, having grown up at Habonim, the Classic Habonim choir and organ service as well as long-ago services held in a packed Town Hall. 

But Judaism is not just about the past and the present. We look to the future, too. For Habonim’s clergy and professional and lay leaders, the High Holy Days signal the start of the new year ahead, with all of the holiday and Shabbat services, Nursery School and Religious School classes, and exciting educational and social programs that we offer every year. Our website, www.habonim.net and our weekly emails (sign up for them on our website!) tell the full story. 

As a life-long member of Habonim, I care deeply about the future of our synagogue community. My goal is to create a home for Jewish observance, learning and Chesed (love and kindness among people) for us and our next generations. One with roots in our traditions and our synagogue’s rich history while still reflecting our modern values. And ideally, one situated on 65th Street near Central Park in the not-too-distant future.

You already know there are only three ways that all of us together can accomplish this vision: 

• Consider volunteering  - to organize Habonim programs, serve on committees, or join the Board. Whatever you do best, we need your skills! If a small project suits you, we have plenty of those. Email me at: president@habonim.net, and tell me how you can participate. 
• Spread the word and bring a friend - we welcome guests at all of our services and programs.
• Support Habonim with a donation - in an amount that feels meaningful to you. Go here and be a part of paying Judaism forward (literally and spiritually).

I hope you will take this opportunity to help create the Habonim of the future!

Shanah Tova um’tukah – May you have a good and sweet new year,
Susan Grant, Brian & Alex King

Susan I. Grant, President