Moses Montefiore Synagogue

Moses Montefiore Congregation

Synagogue Dedication - May 4, 2008

We started by gathering at our new building

Steven S and David B,ready to celebrate

We then gathered at our old building to begin the procession to our new site.

On your marks, get set...

Go!

What's a celebration without a nosh?

Alan C is interviewed by videographers.
(filming the event as part of a project
about Jews in small communities.)

Dedication Program

President Jerry Z welcomed us *

As did Congregation Chairman, Jared B
(note: it's just the picture that's blurry -
Jared's actually quite sharp)

Cantor C directed our attention to the flags of the US and Israel,
just before leading us in singing the Star-Spangled Banner and Hatikva

Emily A presented one
of the program's readings

Sisterhood President Andrea A-B's
presentation included very funny and interesting stories from Sisterhood's past

Daniel K enthusiastically represented the teen group

Cantor Jeffrey C offered dedication prayers and remarks

Keynote speaker and past president, Bruce C, reminisced
about our past and spoke to the future

This Ner Tamid ("Eternal Light") has been with us
since our days at the Bateman Street location

Mayor Tim Hanna attended, and also delivered words of welcome on behalf of the city of Appleton.

As we returned the Torah to the Ark, we passed the scroll from person-to-person,
to symbolically remind us that it takes a community to make a congregation.

The proceedings concluded with the "Shehechiyanu", the prayer
that is said in thanks for being alive to experience a wonderful moment in life.

* President Jerry Z presented a prayer that many found quite moving. We decided to include it here:

May the door of this synagogue be wide enough
to receive all who hunger for love, all who are lonely for fellowship.

May it welcome all who have cares to unburden,
thanks to express, hopes to nurture.

May the door of this synagogue be narrow enough
to shut out pettiness and pride, envy and enmity.

May its threshold be no stumbling block
to young or straying feet.

May it be too high to admit complacency,
selfishness, and harshness.

May this synagogue be, for all who enter,
the doorway to a richer and more meaningful life.

(Likrat Shabbat Prayerbook)

Moses Montefiore Congregation
1620 N. Meade St.
Appleton, WI 54911-3764

Voice or Fax: (920)733-1848