Dearest Congregants,

As we move into the spring, we are reminded by our Hebrew Calendar of our Earth’s Cycle. In February, we celebrate the Trees with Tu Bishvat. Trees are donated through their purchase by religious school children throughout the world and planted to reclaim the desert in Israel. During March, we celebrate our redemption by re-enacting the tale of Purim, when the Persian Jews were saved by acts of courage. Next month, of course, we celebrate Passover, which commemorates when we were delivered from slavery.

This month we will celebrate Purim on two different nights. On Friday, March 9, 2001 at 8PM we will perform our annual Purim Shpiel. This year ‘s shpiel is guaranteed to be a knockout! LIVIN’ LA VIDA LOCA will have everything from a Conga Drum to a Mexican Hat Dance. Please come and bring everyone you know for outrageous fun. Before the Purim Shpiel we will read from the Megillat Esther during the Shabbat Service. Members of the congregation will read in Hebrew and English. As it is the custom to say the names of the ten sons of Hamen in one breath, we have eight children from the religious school who will be testing their fortitude that evening. Please come and cheer for them.

On FRIDAY, March 16, 2001, we will present a music festival after the service honoring LEONARD BERNSTEIN and his music. This is going to be an evening to remember, with beautiful singing and beautiful music. We will be performing the last

movement of the Chichester Psalms as well as some of his more popular Broadway works. An Oneg Shabbat will follow. Please invite your friends to come.

On March 23, 2001, the women of the Rosh Chodesh Group will present the Rosh Chodesh prayer.

Lastly, during February, ten women of the congregation visited the Woodmere Mikvah. It was an informative and lively visit, and Mrs. Jacobs, the overseer, was helpful and insightful. We followed the trip to the mikvah with lunch and a discussion. The trip was a huge success. I am looking forward to planning other visits of interest to Jewish Women during this year and the next. Please let me know if you have any suggestions.

Best wishes to you all for good health.