Congregation Shir Chadash

A Happy 5th New Year (?!) and an Update on Plans

So it turns out that as Jews we have 4 “New Years” each year (how extravagant of us!). Somehow it sounds like the old joke of if you have two Jews, you have three opinions… but there really are 4, and January 1st makes a 5th. As the Rabbi discussed last Shabbat, each is an opportunity for reflection, renewal and change. And so it’s not altogether unfitting for us to look back and to look ahead as a congregation, today.

Specifically, I wanted to bring you up to date on our plans for finding a permanent home. Our original idea of building on the beautiful land on Freedom Road (so appropriately named!) has hit some stumbling blocks, mostly a question of cost. Other options for moving ahead are being considered, such as acquiring an existing structure, or using space to be built by the church as they renovate. As I write these words it is important to keep in mind that we are in many ways an extended family, and no road will be chosen without the endorsement of the family. Whatever we do, it’s only going to work if we are in it together.

At this point we’re gathering information on the various possibilities. In the near future we will setup a congregational meeting to present the information, and to allow congregants to consider and to discuss. Your Board and Building Committee, under the leadership of your president, are working to get questions answered so that we’ll be able to have an informed discussion… together. Until then, please be patient.

Meanwhile, the engine that will fuel any future plan is the vibrancy of our congregation. We offer a rare and to be cherished Caring Community in this 24/7 fragmented world. A place where everybody knows your name. If you are reading this note and you’re not a member, ask yourself why not? What are you doing on Friday night at 7:30? Or Saturday at 9? Or when we serve dinner to the homeless, or when we learn or when we teach our children or when we share our joys or when we share our sorrows? If you are a member, wonderful… be more of a member. If you have your toe in… put an ankle in. You’ll find the congregation’s warm!

Happy New Year!

Michael Rothman

Chair of the Building Committee

Dear Friends,
Over the years, we have discussed our congregation having a place of its own.  The board has investigated numerous possibilities – from building on our land to buying commercial or residential space or developing a more permanent space within the renovated church building.  Now, we MAY have a viable option: a residential property in Lagrange.
The process of determining whether or not any space will work for us is a complicated one.  We have budget constraints.  Funds available for purchase, construction and carrying costs are limited.  Our dreams are expensive; our budget is that of a congregation where no one is turned away for lack of ability to pay.
At this point we have more questions than answers.  The building committee is working diligently to get the facts.  When we have answers, and if the purchase looks viable to the board, we will call a meeting of the congregation, with plenty of notice.
Then the congregation, not the building committee and not the board, will be called upon to answer the hardest questions of all: How do we prioritize our wish list?  Do we want to buy this property?
At the present time, we have spent nothing, made no permanent commitments and continue to look for alternative locations.  With regard to this location, we are investigating costs, viability with the town, physical options for the property and many other details.
While that process is ongoing, we have arranged three open houses at the property for our members to view it.  The address is 991 Noxon Road, Lagrangeville.  We strongly encourage you to come and see it for yourself on:

1.  Tuesday, December 16th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, or

2.  Thursday, December 18th from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, or

3.  Sunday, December 21st from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Please contact Susan Feit at rebef2@cs.com or 845-489-4319 to let us know when you plan to come.  The house is currently occupied so the opportunity to see it is strictly limited to the times above.  Please do not come early or plan to be there late.
We are interested in hearing your questions, but we do not have all the answers yet.  While the committee and the board are working hard to compile important details to those answers, we encourage you to join in our process so you can do your part:

1.  Look at the property, its location and its potential.

2.  Think about what you need in a Shir Chadash home and what you don’t.

3.  Consider what you can contribute.

Your participation now will ensure that when and if we come to a congregational meeting together, you will be in a good position to ask questions, evaluate answers and ultimately to vote.

Shalom,
Victor Feit, President
Congregation Shir Chadash Board of Directors

We gathered together, unscrolled the Torah and danced and sang.