Did you see the item in the newspaper the other day? Forbes magazine ranked the Rochester area "the third-best metropolitan region in the country for raising a family." Third place! We are on the dais. We're medalists. Rochester scored particularly well for cost of living and commute times. Only Des Moines, Iowa and Harrisburg, Pa. topped Rochester.
We live in a small city with wonderful resources. We have sports teams to cheer on and cultural institutions to enjoy. We have theatre, music, film, museums, colleges, natural beauty and inviting neighborhoods. We have great medical resources and stable housing.
A similar survey conducted for Jewish communities would yield some interesting results, wouldn't it? The Count Me In Study of the Greater Rochester Jewish Community gathered 2,334 usable interviews and focuses on the Rochester metro alone. Many of us are awaiting the first results from that great effort.
I suspect we will learn that the Jewish Community Center, Hillel Community Day School, Jewish Family service, Jewish Senior Life and Hillel on campus all provide great social capital. I suspect that we will learn that the selection of our dozen synagogues is varied, rich and appreciated. Other Jewish organizations in town like Hadassah, NCJW and the Jewish War Veterans add further richness.
For family life, Temple B'rith Kodesh continues to be a great choice. Our school is an award-winning, joyous place. Our adult education program, The Rochester Kollel is robust and active. Our worship services are innovative and warm. Our social action programs, focusing on literacy, food, shelter and the environment, truly help to strengthen Rochester and heal the world. Our rabbis and cantorial soloist teach, lead and inspire at TBK and in the wider community. Our building provides a grand venue for a family celebrations and community events.
Thank you for your involvement in the fullness of Jewish life in Rochester. Even if you only partake occasionally, thank you for generously supporting TBK so that all that we offer will always be here for our families, our friends and our neighbors. I'll look forward to seeing you in our family-friendly neighborhood!
Do you have any information about this Ner Tamid? After we found it in the basement, congregant Jack Kosoff rewired and cleaned it up for CHEP (Cuban Humanitarian Educational Project). Now it is in the synagogue in Guantanamo, Cuba. Thanks to TBK member Barry Steinberg (at left) for helping perform this amazing mitzvah.
Have you noticed this new cabinet designed to hold tallitot and kippot?