The approaching end of the school year corresponds with transitions in life at Temple Micah. On June 4, we will hold our Annual Meeting. This is the forum for Rabbi Zemel to deliver a "State of the Schul" report, and for the president to report on the operational state of the temple. The congregation also elects new board members. With so much activity around us--the completion of the capital campaign, the finalization of plans for the expansion of the building, our efforts to make our Jewish lives more vibrant--I will have a lot of territory to cover.

I have asked our architects, Robert Weinstein and Judith Capen, to update the congregation on the expansion plans. Robert and Judith have worked closely with the staff to get a good grasp of their needs, and have further explored the details of code requirements. This has led them to modify some of the plans, providing, ultimately, more space and additional creative uses for existing space.

The Annual Meeting also is a formal opportunity for us to hear from you. Members of Temple Micah are not known to be reticent about sharing their opinions throughout the year, but I invite all of you to use the opportunity to bring whatever questions or concerns you may have. (Of course, I am always available to discuss any board-related concerns you may have.)

Finally, Rabbi Zemel and I are exploring ways to make the Annual Meeting a bit more--how shall I say?--engaging. So stay tuned for more information on the meeting, and please plan to attend. There will, of course, be a light brunch.

Another transition that awaits us is Rabbi Zemel's six-month sabbatical, which will begin after the High Holidays. Upon considering the full schedule of tutoring and other services for the bar mitzvah class, services for holidays, the pastoral needs of the congregation, and the many groups and classes that meet throughout the year, the board asked Rabbi Manewith to serve full time while Rabbi Zemel is away. We were delighted that she agreed to take on this additional commitment, thus ensuring that congregational needs are met.

And as some of you may already have heard from the bima, we have created a Communications Committee to improve how we share information. This group is exploring the use of e-mail and paper communications, the expanded use of the Micah Web site, and other media for keeping everyone in the loop. I look forward to more innovation from this group, and am grateful to them for their efforts.