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Click the links below for additional information on our summer events:

July 14 Concert in the Park

July 22 Book Discussion on The 188th Crybaby Brigade

Dear Congregants,

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and to pluck up that which is planted". You may recognize this passage, as it comes from the book of Ecclesiastes. These words were set to music by Pete Seeger in 1959, and made popular by the Byrds in 1968 with their song "Turn, Turn, Turn". I look back to when I first joined Or Chadash, around 1996; and so many things have happened in my family's life that parallels my temple family's life. Our family has experienced weddings, births, b'nai mitzvah, graduations, retirement, and unfortunately loss of life, as has my temple family. These shared experiences, in my eyes, lie at the heart of what Or Chadash is all about: we are not alone, we have shared experiences.
 
Summer is quickly approaching, my term as president will be ending, and we are very fortunate to have competent, confident and eager individuals that will assume the leadership of our temple. Much like the organic garden that's been planted on our property, new blood will be planted on our board, and some of the old guard will move on, or be plucked, as it is said in Ecclesiastes. I am happy that we have such strong volunteerism and, if it strikes a chord, I encourage you to work on a committee or seek board membership.

It has been an honor to work with Rabbi Forman and my fellow board members. I know our future is in good hands and our accomplishments have been many.  We have a thriving religious school, wonderful programming, traditional Shabbat Services and "Shabbat Experiences". We have taken and continue to take wonderful trips to New York, Philadelphia, and surrounding farms in bucolic Hunterdon County. We have forged bonds with neighboring temples, churches, and the Islamic Center of Hunterdon County. We have had book signings by authors who are members of our own congregation, and visiting authors as well. Our children love our holiday programs; Purim plays and carnivals have been a major success through the years. Our High Holyday services are extremely moving and well attended. Within our walls Judaism is nurtured and tradition is carried on with an understanding that we live in the twenty-first century and needs to fit into our contemporary lives. We are all moving, working, building, creating. We seek things that comfort us, that are steadfast in our lives, as much as we seek change. Here at Or Chadash we have all of these things. Take a moment when you see an old face or a new one; stop and say hello. Continue to make this house one of worship, kinship, and friendship. I know you already have.  Thank you for all you have done for our community.

Sincerely,

Ross Weinick

President