From The President-Elect

An Open Letter to Pastor Bruce Metcalf of Hilmar Covenant Church

Dear Pastor Metcalf,

Every day we hear stories about people taking advantage of elderly people, but we rarely hear about people doing wonderful things for our seniors.

During the weekend of June 5-7, several members of Congregation Beth Shalom were privileged to work alongside members of your congregation in performing a Mitzvah, a good deed, for one of OUR congregants. I have never worked with such a hard-working, devoted group of people, who unselfishly gave up their weekend with their families to help a woman that many of them didn't even know.

What began as a small window washing project last summer, developed into a relationship of caring, trust, and friendship between two special women, Phoebe Shevlin and Chris Waterson, and resulted in Chris's vision to help a 95 year old woman who had just become overwhelmed with her living situation. Chris was the motivating force behind encouraging members of your church to do what we call in Judaism Gemilut Chasadim -- an act of loving-kindness.

Members of Hilmar Covenant Church did not need to be cajoled, coaxed, bribed with food or other rewards to step forward. They were told of the need, shown pictures of Phoebe's living situation, and stepped forward, willing to do whatever it would take to help this woman. It is refreshing to see a community that cares enough about the elderly to adopt as one of their own to take care of. What a lesson you are teaching your children and grandchildren!

As the incoming President of Congregation Beth Shalom, I would like to continue and nurture our relationship with your members. Working side by side for Phoebe, the two congregations developed close connections with each other and I would like to see these relationships continue in the future. We would like to welcome you to come join us for our Shabbat worship on a Friday night and socialize and meet our other members afterwards in our social hall.

If I could remember the names of everyone from your church that I met and worked with, I would name each one of them here, but since I don't remember all, and don't want to leave anyone out, please do me a favor. Please ask anyone who helped, whether it was making phone calls, donations, or did physical labor, to stand and be acknowledged by the rest of your congregation for helping to save a life -- because that is what they did.

We do no proselytize in Judaism, but if we did, Chris and Keith Waterson would be the first two people I would go after! What a great team. Without the two of them, none of this would have happened, because they got the ball roling. At one point during the weekend, Keith came up to me and said, "Do you want to see a picture of the most beautiful woman in the world?" I said, "Okay." He then turned on his cell phone and up popped a picture of Chris. You're right, Keith, she is the most beautiful woman in the world!

When we study the Torah (the five books of Moses), people ask all the time why G-d does not show Himself to us like He did in biblical days -- the burning bush, the ten plagues, the parting of the sea, and other miraculous events. I believe that G-d does still speak to us, although maybe we're not listening or we don't hear as well because of all the cell phones and ear buds stuck in our ears. But someone heard when G-d told us to help Phoebe -- and no one can deny that what transpired was a true miracle!

Thank you, thank you, Hilmar Covenant Church -- and as we say to each other on the Sabbath -- Shabbat Shalom -- may you have a Sabbath of Peace.

JLTV' Completes Its First Year of Broadcasting

JLTV -- Jewish Life Television -- stands out among the small number of cable companies that broadcast life programming. In addition to its cable carriage, the Jewish television network can be viewed streaming live at www.jltv.tv.

"America's Chosen Network" celebrated by airing a live one-hour special in celebration of the 35th anniversary of its sister publication, The Jewish News, on February 17.

Ambassador Dennis Ross, who played a leading role in shaping U.S. involvement in the Middle East peace process and shared his experience as a highly skilled diplomat for both the Clinton and George H.W. Bush administrations, was interviewed on February 3 in a segment of JLTV's daily news magazine program, "To The Point."

Emphasizing that JLTV appeals to all Americans, the 24/7 network added several communities in the state of Georgia, representative of a significant part of the nation's population that resides in rural America. Phil Blazer, president and CEO of JLTV commented that "Jewish Life Television introduces to all Americans the culture, history, religion, and values of the Jewish people. Many in this country -- urban, suburban, and rural -- have never had the opportunity to properly understand and appreciate how the Jewish people in America have positively impacted the United States and its neighbors. This is one of the key attributes and goals of JLTV in educating and unifying the community."

Lost & Found

Found:  Gold bracelet with heart; inscription "My Love Forever 1961."

Please inquire during office hours.

Remember, half of every subscription to J- will go to Congregation Beth Shalom.  See your Bulletin for details.