After a hectic holiday season, with Sukkot and Simchat Torah on the heels of the high holy days, we are entering a quiet time in our calendar, with no major holidays until Chanukah in December. Understandably, there is a strong temptation to kick back and "forget" about temple now. But remember, there is no more important holiday than Shabbat.

Even without a holiday, our lay leaders put a great deal of time and effort into preparing a service and it is to a good end. You will definitely go away from the Temple after Shabbat service feeling refreshed, energized and yet calmer. You will have learned something or been inspired to do something from the D'var. You will have had time to socialize with your friends before and after (but not during we hope!) the service, and partaken of the delicious oneg Shabbat. In a world where so much is losing value - homes, portfolios, even our cash - it is wonderful to be able to spend a minimum of effort to get to services and be so richly rewarded. WE need to find time for our own spiritual rewards - they can more than make up for any material losses or lacking that we might have. 

Shalom,

Carla Byrnes