On Shabbat morning, May 7th, 17 members of the adult B’nai Torah class will be called to the bima to chant Torah for the first time. This is the culmination of two years of weekly study, but only the beginning of what they hope will be a lifelong pursuit of delving deeper into the Hebrew language, prayer, Torah study and cantillation.

I urge you to worship with them that morning and to celebrate their achievement. I hope it will inspire you to make a commitment to take a class or involve yourself in study of some kind at Temple Micah next year. I will be offering another adult B’nai Torah class beginning in the fall. Participants will learn how to read Hebrew and chant Torah. They will discuss interesting texts on prayer, Torah and God. And after two years, they will be called to the Torah. I hope you begin this journey with me.

Tot Shabbat will be held at 5:30 p.m. May 13, followed by arts and crafts activities and potluck dinner until 7:00 p.m. Jan Greenberg got rave reviews in March when she initiated these tot-friendly projects. The children made groggers and Purim masks, and some sat quietly reading Purim books in the library. We have extended Tot Shabbat into the summer so these family services will occur year-round. Please join us for this age-appropriate introduction into worship and the Jewish holidays.

Kol Isha will have its year-end retreat May 15. We will share thoughts from our study of Kabbalah, enjoy dinner together and discuss and decide on study topics for next year. All are welcome to participate and contribute ideas that will encourage more Micah members and non-members to join us as we continue to study Judaism from a woman’s perspective.

And at the end of the month, during Shabbat morning services on May 28, we will be celebrating Teddy Klaus’ 20th anniversary at Temple Micah. Helping to honor Teddy will be three choirs, the Temple Micah Mini Pickup Band, three flutists, speakers and more. This will surely be one of the most joyful Shabbats ever as our community joins together to thank Teddy for sharing his spirit and his talent with us for all those years. See you there.