Last year the Men’s Club regional board asked me to come up with a project to show support for Jewish servicemen/women. Searching the internet, I found "The Brave," a listserv on the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism website. It’s an online community for the families and supporters of Jewish servicemen.

I joined the listserv and through it found a project that raises money to provide spiritual kits for Jews going through training at Ft. Benning. I still receive e-mail messages about the lives of Jewish servicemen/women and their families back home.

One message I received included a letter from Rabbi Mitchell S. Ackerson, Chaplain (Colonel) USAR. He wrote about Jews participating in Jewish activities while stationed overseas. He observed that those who attended an event early in their deployment or enlistment tended to remain involved. But those who didn’t, never seemed to show up later.

I guess this applies to all of us. We’ll join an organization meaning to become involved, but one thing leads to another. After a while, we either forget our good intentions or just never get around to participating. Then, we start thinking it over and convince ourselves that if we did go to a program we wouldn’t know anyone there and that would make us self–conscious and uncomfortable.

Fortunately, Judaism gives us several times when we can "hit the reset button" on our lives and start afresh. Rosh Hashanah, coming up in just a few weeks, would be a great time to do so. Resolve to become involved in your synagogue during the upcoming year.

B’nai Moshe offers a wide variety of activities and groups – religious, as well as social and educational. There has got to be one you would find interesting. Just look here in the Bulletin, on our website, or in our e-mails (call the office at (248) 788-0600 if you’re not on the distribution list). I guarantee you a friendly and enthusiastic welcome.

So right now — while you’re thinking of it — write a post-it note, jot it down in your PDA (do they still have PDAs?) or make a calendar entry. Besides the enjoyment and fulfillment you get out of it, you’ll help make our congregation more vibrant and appealing. I’ll be looking for you.