Dear members, friends and supporters,
     The tragedy in America has deeply saddened all of us. This cowardly attack of terror was an attack on all free, democratic people. This act of terrorism was against all of us. Still, we greeted the New Year 5762 in our synagogue with hope. May God give us, Israel, and the entire world peace.
     Our office will be closed from Oct. 9–12. Other programming will continue.

High Holidays with Cantor Francois Lilienfeld
     What a pleasure to see our little synagogue filled on the High Holidays! We were pleased to have Cantor Francois Lilienfeld lead us again this year. It was a special treat to meet his lovely wife, Petra. Cantor Lilienfeld’s words made the services meaningful to all in attendance. His stirring voice helped us to achieve the proper connection to our prayers. Many people contributed to making our services so lovely and we wish to thank them.
     First and foremost, Cantor Lilienfeld. A very special thanks goes to Mr. Samuel Arnovitz and Mrs. Bergman whose donations paid for the Cantor.
     We thank Feana Engler and her “Kitchen Committee”. Once again everything was not only perfectly organized but also beautiful! A special thanks to Mr. And Mrs. Dvortsis for the handmade gefilte fish! They were out of this world!
     Our choir “Shalom” performed Jewish songs, which were a pleasure to listen to, and Duo Markhassev-Lokchine were a special treat. Thanks to all!
     We received New Year’s greetings from all of our sister congregations in Germany and many from the USA, England, and Israel. A special Shana Tovah came to us from Rabbi Jo David and her husband Neil Yerman from New York.

Sukkoth Outing
     Rabbi Dr. Robert Ash will lead our Sukkoth Friday evening service in our Sukkoth on October 5th.
     On Saturday, the 6th, we’ll travel to our sister congregation in Cologne, where we’ve been invited to celebrate Sukkoth together with members of the Liberal Community of Cologne. It promises to be a lovely meeting of communities!

Solidarity Mission to Israel
     Debbie Tal-Ruettger, President and lay-leader of our sister congregation in Gudensberg traveled to Israel on a Solidarity Mission. She was welcomed by Rabbi Joel Oseran as respresentative of the WUPJ. Rabbi Oseran promised to do what he could in his capacity as WUPJ International Director to aide the development of Progressive Judaism in Germany.

Union of Progressive Jews of Germany
     We are proud to announce that Mrs. Katarina Seidler, President of the Lower Saxony Board of Progressive Congregations, has been named to the national commision deciding matters of integration and migration of Russian Jews in Germany. She received letters of congratulations from Lower Saxony’s Minister of the Interior, Mr. Heiner Bartling, and Germany’s Minister of the Interior, Mr. Otto Schily.
     Besides the honor of serving on this board, the UPJG, represented by Katarina Seidler, will be given, next to the Central Council of Jews of Germany, political equality and the voice of the Progressive movement will be heard. MAZEL TOV Katarina!

Support for our Congregation
     Our request for support of our social worker position has been approved. A three-year grant (2001–2003) for Faina Pelt’s position has been secured. We are grateful to the county of Hameln-Pyrmont for this show of support in recognition of the fine work Faina does for our congregation and its members.

Gemeinde Tea Afternoon
     September’s “Gemeinde Tea” was a fascinating talk from our own Inna Golbereg. She made a video presentation of her participation in Israel this past summer at the Makabbi Games.
     In October, Mr. Wendelt, a member of our Freundeskreis will present a slide show about his recent trip to Poland. All are welcome!

New Course
     As a result of the successful seminar with Adina Ben-Chorin (“The High Holidays”) last month, we will offer a monthly seminar for interested members and friends. On October 21st, at 10:00 A.M., everyone is invited to join us as we explore the history and meaning of our Friday evening prayers. A light luncheon will be served after the seminar.

Dance Class
     The new dance class, led by our member Boris Markhassev, has become a community hit! Join Boris Wednesday and Sunday evenings at 5:00 P.M. for lessons. Boris hopes to include Israeli dances soon. The more the merrier!

New Members
     Mrs. Nina Sinizina is our newest member. Mrs. Sinizina will join Mrs. Dmitrieva and Mrs. Voronova as members of our Chevra Kaddisha. This is a holy Mitzvah and the congregation is indeed fortunate to have such caring members.

Todah Rabah………Thank You
     We have so much this month to be thankful for!

• We thank Cantor Francois Lilienfeld for the lovely High Holiday Services.
• We thank Mrs. Bergmann and Mr. Samuel Arnovitz for their generous contributions, which paid for Cantor Lilienfeld’s services.
• We thank Mr. And Mrs. Dvortsis for the delicious homemade gefilte fish we so enjoyed on Rosh Hashana.
• We thank Mrs. Feana Engler, chairwoman and the Kitchen Committee, Mrs. Polina Bartelbaum, Mrs. Nina Sinizina, Mrs. Albina Vaisman, and Mrs. Riva Voronova for the beautifully decorated tables and delicious food for our Rosh Hashana dinner.
• Thank you to our music group, “Shalom” for the musical program.
• Thank you to Boris Markhassev and Natalja Lokchine for their dance presentation.
• Thank you to the Clean-Up Committee: Natalja Lokchine, Ekaterina Mindlin, Boris Markhassev, and Feana Engler
• Thank you to Mrs. Pearl Schwartz for a contribution in memory of her beloved husband, Ernest Schwartz.
• Thank you to Mrs. Laurie Bloomberg for her contribution.
• Thank you to Dr. Ferdinand Dohme for his contribution.
• Thank you to Adina Ben-Chorin for her contribution.
• Last but not least — Mrs. Sofija Kaspler, for her contribution as a sign of gratitude that the congregation helped her apply for restitution monies from the Claims Conference.

Tree of Life
     Many members noticed the beauty of our growing “Tree of Life” during High Holiday services. The golden leaves reflect cherished memories of loved ones and occasions. We invite all our members and friends to support our Building Fund by purchasing a leaf for our Tree. Leaves may be purchased and engraved for DM100.
     Mr. And Mrs. Dvortsis contributed a leaf this month.

Refuah Schlama……….Get Well Wishes
     Our wishes for a full and complete recovery to all those who are ill.

October Birthdays
     Alla Drejzer, Alla Lyubych, Nechama Jeger, Faina Pelts, Nadija Pesok, Ira Leymunska, Genrik Leimunskis, Motel Dvortsis, Marianna Rovner, Liubov Melnikova, Berta Fridman, Alexander Mindlin, and Leonid Lokchine. On Friday, October 19, we’ll have a special birthday Kiddisch after services!

Shalom!