Have you taken the time to look at the calendar for September? It’s quite a sight – all of those Jewish holidays crammed into a single secular month.. That’s 11 days out of 30. (And it’s not counting the fast of Gedalia and the date of Kol Nidre) I hope you’ve been “in training” in order to make it through the season.

First of all, Elaine and I wish all B’nai Moshe members a Shana Tova! That goes especially for our new members. If you are a new member, please be sure to introduce yourself to me so I can personally welcome you. (Plus it will help us locate you if you are slated to receive an honor during the service.) We are glad you joined our family and want to be certain your association with B’nai Moshe is enjoyable and fulfilling for you. Any member - old or new - who has a question, an idea, or a suggestion need only contact me or our executive director, Chuck Berris.

Quite a few of our members commented to me on the article in the Detroit Jewish News the week of July 26 that discussed Jewish demographic trends in our area. Obviously, the shape of our local economy is still working against us. People, especially new college graduates, are leaving town and it seems nobody is moving in. Unemployment and underemployment remain stuck at high levels. In this climate, all Jewish organizations have to work very hard to maintain their operations

Though the number of Jews in metro Detroit is shrinking, we must do what we can to strengthen our local Jewish community. You can be assured nobody else is going to do it for us. If we fail to maintain essential services, things will only get worse. High on the list of priorities are (1) providing education so our young people know what it means to be Jewish and will identify as Jews and (2) supporting even more strongly than ever local organizations (e.g., synagogues) that support our unique needs as Jews. Support means monetary contributions to the best of our ability; giving time working as a volunteer; and recruiting others to join and help.

You may remember the story Rabbi Pachter is fond of telling about what happened in a village when its only watchmaker left town. Some people let their broken watches become rusty. Others at least kept their broken watches running. When another watchmaker finally came around he could do nothing for the ones in advanced disrepair, but those which their owners had shown care could be fixed.

Sooner or later, our economy will turn around and this Jewish community will have the potential to grow again. Let’s make sure that Congregation B’nai Moshe will remain active and vibrant so, when that day finally does come, we will be prepared for it.