President's Message

I recently reported to the Fulton County courts building in downtown Atlanta, ready and willing to serve the people as a State Court juror (as usual, I was sent home without being selected). Once all prospective jurors had been checked in, we watched a video on the importance of the ordinary citizenry participating in the time-honored common law tradition of jury service. Now, this production wasn’t exactly an Oscar candidate, but I was struck by a segment featuring former Georgia Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears, who remarked that “Service to the people should be an honor, not a burden.”

Service as an honor rather than a burden; it’s a broad concept that’s rather difficult to dispute. It’s a belief that applies, or most certainly should apply, to how we, the congregants (“citizens”) of Temple Kehillah Chaim, view our relationship to our congregation. Service is commitment and dedication, but at a community of faith, it’s also very much a covenant.

All of our temple’s past presidents – myself included - have issued various calls and appeals for volunteer assistance and/or financial support. You’ve heard the same messages at your previous affiliations, too.  But while there is no doubt that, as our membership numbers slowly decline, our Kehillah would greatly benefit from access to additional human and monetary resources, I do not write this month to ask for such. Rather, I am appealing for all of our congregants to come join us for worship in the near future (over and above Yom Kippur, that is). Come and hear Metro Atlanta’s longest-tenured Reform clergy tandem. Come in – drop your troubles by the entrance for a time – and enjoy about 75 minutes of spirituality and edification, followed by fellowship and noshes at Oneg Shabbat. Experience the sights, the sounds, and other sensations of Shabbat. Come on in – you might find an old acquaintance, perhaps even make a new friend. You may find more than you were expecting; you might even find an interest.

That’s all I’m going to ask this month – please come attend one of our services very soon. I truly think we can exceed your expectations. If we can get more worshippers into our Sanctuary on Fridays (and some Saturdays), then I know the challenges we face, such as stabilizing and growing our membership ranks, rejuvenating our cadre of volunteers, and strengthening our financial base will be successfully met.

G’mar tov,

Tim Weiss