Living in Jewish time didn't come easily to me. But over the years, I've found that constructing a week around Shabbat has become a natural order of my life. Building a year that culminates and begins again at Rosh Hashanah is harder work. This year, however, it's easier than most, at least as I reflect on Temple Micah's recent past and immediate future.

An annual cycle lends itself to lists of things accomplished, things yet to be done, regrets and resolutions. To mention just a few of the highlights on this year's list:

Accomplishments:

Completing the new addition to the building on time and within budget, recruiting a wonderful new assistant rabbi, developing an innovative community-wide education plan (Machon Micah), winning two competitive grants and being singled out by Newsweek as one of America's 25 most vibrant Jewish congregations.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

Balancing the budget, fully implementing many of the planned changes to our educational programs, finding more and better ways to integrate all groups within our community, reaching out to unaffiliated Jews of all ages.

REGRETS:

Some long-time members are reporting less sense of connection to the temple than in times past.

RESOLUTIONS:

The temple staff and the current board are deeply committed to expanding the ways in which members are enriched by their association with Temple Micah--what Avishai Margalit calls the "thick weave" of community life. It's clear, however, that delivering on that commitment is only possible if people find opportunities to participate and act on those opportunities.

I'd like to single out five groups as exemplary of the type of community--and the kind of participation-- many have expressed an interest in enhancing.

Hineni is emblematic of our congregation's best impulses to lend a helping hand to those who need it and make it easy to ask. We each secretly hope this is help we will never need, but take comfort in knowing it will be there if we do. The group needs more volunteers, and participants are concerned they may be unaware of people who need their help. If you know of someone in need or are able to lend a hand, please contact me, the office or the coordinators of Hineni, Evelyn Sahr and Tina Coplan.

Micah Cooks has served for years as a source of wonderful food, real community and needed funds for Temple Micah. Their contributions highlight most temple events, and many a deep friendship began during the preparation for b'nai mitzvah luncheons and auction dinners. When talking about Micah Cooks, the symbolism of feeding a community is well placed.

The Choir adds incredible value to our worship experience. While some members bring considerable musical knowledge with them, membership is open to everyone. The only requirements are infectious enthusiasm, love of music and a willingness to contribute. Whether on the High Holidays or a Saturday bar or bat mitzvah, they are with us and we are all in their debt.

Micah House has, for many years, benefited from a large, active and diverse board of directors filled with people who know that the organization needs their efforts as well as their ideas. Our mettle as a community is demonstrated by the contribution these members of the congregation have made and continue to make.

Finally, there's the Temple Micah Board. Unlike some congregations where leadership is based on financial contribution, Temple Micah has worked hard to choose a board that mirrors its membership. These 15 individuals give tirelessly-- and usually anonymously--of their energies and their time, with no expectation of recognition or thanks.

I am confident that membership in these groups benefits the volunteers as much as the intended beneficiaries. It also benefits our sense of community. The board and I hope that those of you who want to become more involved in the community will resolve this new year that the time has come to step forward.

If there is anything you think the temple or the board can do to help you or others find meaningful points of contact or avenues for participation, please let one of us know.

I wish you and your families a healthy, happy new year.

[By Larry Cooley; from October 2009 Vine]