Throughout the past few months I have been struck by the efforts shown by many congregants to volunteer for various projects and events at our Temple and this is a very good thing. The success of our Temple stands squarely upon the shoulders of our volunteers. Everything from serving on the Board of Directors to helping prepare the various meals after our services to assisting in planning and producing big and small events to stepping forward and conducting religious services: all these and so many more fall directly into the volunteer category.

Volunteering to do something at the Temple accomplishes many things. First and foremost, stepping forward to assist gives you a wonderful sense of accomplishment. The job need not be big but any effort you put forth for the good and welfare of the institution is appreciated more than you can know. Next, the labor savings to the Temple directly translates into money saved and we all know what that means to in today's economy.

Having said all this, I find that most of our volunteers are the same people time and time again, especially when it comes to preparing and producing our onegs and luncheons after religious services. Of course there are a core group of men and women who step forward weekly but it is not an exclusive club - anyone is welcome to join in! The "M & M" team fill in conducting Friday night services when I am off. Many in the congregation know these prayers and melodies. If you want a little refresher course, I'll be honored to put one together so that you too can participate and share in the honor of leading part of all of our religious services.

The same holds for Shabbat morning: leading all or part of Shacharit, Musaf, or the Torah Service, even reading your Torah Aliyah or chanting the Haftorah on the anniversary of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah. All men and women are encouraged to participate.

The strength of our congregation lies in its membership and the participation of all members in the continued good and welfare of the synagogue. Of course your checkbooks are important however if you do not already, please try to carve out some time to volunteer in some capacity with our wonderful Joliet Jewish family. Your help will be greatly appreciated and you will feel much better - I guarantee it!

Rabbi