In the last few weeks, Israeli wine tasting; former ambassador Dennis Ross; author Jeffrey Goldberg; Rabbi David Saperstein, head of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism; Rabbi Larry Hoffman, a leading liturgical scholar and rabbi to Rabbi Zemel, and Bowling Together have filled our calendars. Amidst these special events, groups routinely gathered to discuss the poetry of Yehuda Amichai or books of Jewish interest; Kol Isha probed women's perspectives of Judaism; the Downtown Discussion Group provided a forum to contemplate various readings; Temple Micah Cooks poured their creativity into catered delights; the choirs and Pick Up Band enhanced our worship services; and MiTY, our youth group, found ways to develop leadership, disguised as having fun. The list goes on as our community offers varied ways to broaden our perspectives and deepen our connections with Temple Micah and one another.

These groups and gatherings can serve several purposes. At the wine tasting, we added a culinary dimension to our celebration of Israel at 60, and discovered new tastes and, perhaps--while swirling a wine from the Galilee--new friends. The other community-building aspect of the evening was the very process of organizing the event. In volunteering to lead the first-ever wine tasting, our in-house sommeliers and event chairs Robin S., Lorri M. and Sabrina S., found another way to create connections within the Micah community. This group worked as a team and then reached out to others to make a special event for us all.

Temple Micah provides an array of opportunities to link with other people and activities. Our annual Purim auction, guided by Carolyn Margolis, always relies on numerous volunteers to solicit items, host auction events, inventory contributions and tally results. The High Holiday committee depends on people to organize the greeters, handle security, manage tickets, help support the office during an exceptionally busy time of year, and countless other critical tasks. Micah House board members help support and sustain a home for women in recovery from addiction.

Volunteering to help organize or manage one of these activities is so much more than simply performing a job. It is supporting the community, it is reaching out to other members, it is finding new ways to enrich a community for which we all are responsible. Actively engaging in a committee or study group is a way to build meaningful connections with our community.

I invite you all to think of one way, one activity, that you can pursue at Micah to deepen your involvement. You will get a tremendous return on your investment. You will meet new people and expand your Micah network. You may work with Rabbi Manewith or Rabbi Zemel, and coordinate with administrator Susie Blumenthal. Whether studying Torah on Shabbat morning or sorting items for the Sukkot Fair, you will make yourself part of the Micah fabric. Temple Micah has a tremendous amount to offer, and it is all within your reach. Take a minute; look through the Vine or the Web site. Find something that sounds interesting and go for it. We all will be the richer for your involvement.