Dear friends:

    I would like to share with you the different activities scheduled for the month of September.

    On September the 6th, the Board of Directors will have a “Shabbaton”, which will take place at Conversa. In this Shabbaton, in a peaceful environment, the Board will be able to set new goals for the future, as well as revalue what we have accomplished so far.

    On the other hand, the weekend of September 19-21, we will hold a Seminary, sponsored by the Leatid of the Joint Distribution Committee for B’nei Israel. The objective of this seminary, which will be led by excellent panellists from the Joint, is to share our experiences as a Community with those from other communities of Latin America. This way we hope to strengthen our bonds even more and apply ourselves to the near future.

    Additionally, this month is very intense because of the preparations for the High Holidays, which convey a lot of organization and following. However, I’m sure they will be a success, thanks to the planning and work of Hilda, Jody, Rosario, Pilar, David, Roberto, and of course, the spiritual leadership of our Rabbi Holzman.

    And while we are on the subject of the High Holidays, this year our Rabbi has asked that we do not speak about donations or fund raising during this period, something quite difficult to do because of our Congregation’s needs. As you might remember, the campaign to raise funds to hire a Rabbi full time began last year; yet, the goal is far and we need your help. That is why, taking advantage of this space, I ask you to make your promises, and we shall try not to speak about these things during the High Holidays.

Rosh Hashanah, 2003

    On September 26 (Tishrei 1) we will celebrate our New Year. It will be the beginning of the year 5764, and on this solemn occasion, when we reflect upon our triumphs and tragedies of the year before, it is also the time to rethink and revalue our lives, it is the time to seek understanding within us and the world we live on. During this time of introspection, we pray for a sweet new year.

    May the family tie, the special meals, and the sweet tastes mark the beginning of a new era.

    I hope that all the celebrants of our Community, and of the world, can strengthen the bonds between people, between neighbours, between communities, always trying to make this world a better place for our children. Let us pray so that the peace plan continues in Israel, so that the Jewish people can achieve our so desired tranquillity.

    In the name of my family and my own, we wish you a happy holiday, with health and peace for this new year.

    L’Shanah Tovah

- Eduardo Keibel