Our recent 3rd Friday Shabbat dinner featuring Foods from the Former Soviet Union was truly spectacular. A huge thank you to the Rozman and Trushina families—not only for their generous donation of the meal, but for proactively suggesting, organizing, and executing the entire evening. They pulled out all the stops, sharing an authentic Eastern European experience—from herring under a fur coat, Salat Olivier, Kotleti, and Vareniki to  Jennie Knies’ homemade hot borscht, adding even more warmth to an already special night.

The result? Delicious food, great company, and a welcoming, energized community—filled with both familiar faces and new and returning members.

And we’re just getting started. Our 3rd Friday Shabbat dinners are now a regular part of our calendar—including one this April (theme coming soon). In May, our Hebrew School families will host on May 15, helping lead both the dinner and the service.

We’ll also gather on Saturday, April 25, for our Social Action Task Force event to plant native trees and plants—another opportunity to come together and make an impact.

Temple Hesed is strongest when it reflects all of us. Show up, jump in, share an idea, or help host—there’s a place for you here.

I hope you’ll join us.

~Jen Novak