Young At Heart
Our Young at Heart group was begun with a generous grant from the Lipsey family. It is especially for adults who are home during the day and want to socialize with others. We have partnered with First United Methodist Church and hold events once a month alternating between the Temple and the church. We have played bingo, trivia games, learned tai chi and heard from a physical therapist about staying active as we age. In April, we visited the National Rose Center in Shreveport where our very own member, Marilyn Wellan (past national president of the Rose Center) gave us a tour.
Introduction to Judaism Class
Each year, Rabbi Judy holds an Introduction to Judaism class that is free and open to the community. We first offered the class in November, 2023 with over 100 people in attendance. The class offers a brief overview of Jewish history, traditions, holidays, life cycle events and more with a question and answer session at the end. We also include a tour of the Temple, our Museum and a chance to taste some traditional Jewish foods. If you are interested in attending our next class, which will likely be in the Fall of 2025, please contact secretary@jewishtemple.org.
Community Seder
On the second night of Passover each year, our congregation offers a Seder which is open to our members and invited members of the community. It is customary to invite guests to the Passover Seder and we love sharing our traditions with others. This year, our Passover Seder was held on Sunday, April 13 with about 70 people in attendance. If you are interested in attending next year, please send an email to secretary@jewishtemple.org
PURIM FESTIVITIES
This year, members of our congregation performed a Dr. Seuss Purim Shpiel. It was lots of fun for all.
HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE
On Monday, April 28, we will hold our annual Community Holocaust Remembrance Service. We will begin at 6 pm with a brief service at the Holocaust Memorial in downtown Alexandria. We will continue the service in the Emmanuel Baptist Church Chapel at 6:30 pm. Our guest speaker this year is renowned Holocaust educator, Michael Berenbaum, the project director for the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC. Music will be provided by the ASH Highs and Lows, the Pineville High Chamber Choir and Rabbi Judy Ginsburgh. This event is free and open to the community.
We are selling special Holocaust memorial candles for $18 each. It is traditional to light these candles on Yom HaShoah. If you would like to purchase one, please contact rabbi@jewishtemple.org.
