Congregation
Shaare Tikvah
Congregation President
In May 1981, almost exactly 20 years ago, Amy and I first walked into Shaare Tikvah. My father had died a week earlier and I came to say kaddish. At that time, I knew nothing about my own religion. In fact, I didn't even know what kaddish was until a friend of my father asked me at the shivah if I was saying kaddish. But thanks to all the great people at Shaare Tikvah, including our rabbi at that time, Ralph Dalin, I learned how great it is to be Jewish. Ralph Dalin showed me all that Torah can teach me about life. Through the Men's Club's Hebrew Literacy Program, I first learned the liturgy (and the congregants were so supportive as I stumbled through my first attempts at leading services). And Rabbi Dalin taught Amy and I how to chant a haftorah. Of course, Amy has since become an expert at haftorah and Torah trop (as well as many other trops). In the last year, Rabbi Resnick has carried on that tradition by teaching Torah trop to me and many Men's Club members. Also during those 20 years, we raised two children and they got terrific Jewish educations through Shaare Tikvah's Religious School. Add to that all the fun and/or educational programs we attended over the years such as the Shabbat Shira parties, Scholar-in-Residence weekends and the Summer Bowling League.When people comment that Amy and I do so much for the synagogue, I respond that it's just a small payback for all the Shaare Tikvah has done for us. And I know that our experiences and feelings are far from unique. If you've been around Shaare Tikvah for a while, you know what I'm talking about. If you're new to our synagogue, I'll tell you there are great times awaiting you here. You only need to try us out.
Shalom,
Andy
