One year ago this past weekend, Michelle and I were invited to our weekend interview to conduct services, deliver sermons, answer questions, and generally meet and greet the members of the Joliet Jewish Congregation. As I have said many times, it was a fabulous weekend and we are so very fortunate to have been selected to lead the religious element of this very fine organization. Just one year - it hardly seems possible!

And so you ask, what can be expected for this coming year? I can assure you that we have many programs planned including "Shabbat Under the Stars" in late August, a fun Chanukah program, and three programs to (a): discuss Jewish issues regarding death and dying, (b): Jewish issues as they impact upon passive / active euthanasia and one's right to life, and (c): the prayers of our Shabbat Siddur Prayerbook.

We will also be restarting Hebrew education for our youngsters on Wednesday afternoons. This is a very vital subject for our children and we will be making a huge effort to get everyone caught up with the material.

Add to all that the holiday services which this year fall principally on Shabbat, the Spaghetti Supper on the first of November, a game night, various potluck dinners, and assorted meetings and we are going into the Fall and early Winter with a very interesting and busy schedule. Please watch our Newsletters or better still, refer to our website, www.jolietjewishcongregation.com for more details.

Plans are in place for our trip to the Skokie Holocaust Museum Aug. 20. Do you have your reservation yet? If not, please call Beth as soon as possible. We have a limited number of seats that will go first come, first served. Don't run the chance of missing out.

Finally, our attendance at Shabbat services has held steady over the summer but we would be happy to see your face as well. Try to schedule in a few services on Friday evenings or Saturday mornings.

With your participation, our fine Jewish community will continue to thrive and grow. Thank you for a great year!

Rabbi