Major Events this November

As we start November, I am aware of four major moments that await us:

The 2024 Election: There are moments when I wish I had a crystal ball to be able to see into the future. This is one of them. Despite the polls, elections for our state’s highest offices and for the Presidency have a degree of uncertainty. What is certain is that we will have a new Governor of North Carolina and a new President of the United States. There will be officials tasked with responsibilities that matter deeply to us. If you are registered to vote, please do so. And, should you wish to talk with one of your Rabbis in the wake of this election, about any issue, we will be available for you.

The Installation of Rabbi Amy Hertz: Temple Emanuel has had the honor of welcoming Rabbis to lead our community for 114 years, ever since we welcomed a Rabbi to lead our community in 1910. Rabbi Amy Weiss from Houston will join me on the bimah on Friday, November 15 to bestow blessings upon our newest Rabbinic leader, Rabbi Amy Hertz, who will be formally installed as our Rabbi Educator during our 6:30pm Shabbat service. This service is perfect for congregants of all ages, especially young kids, teens, and their families who are already getting to know Rabbi Hertz. A festive oneg will follow services.

A Concert Unlike Any Other: The March of the Living fundraising concert will feature 13-year old Eden Kontesz. It will be held in Temple’s sanctuary on Sunday, November 17 starting at 5:00pm. Ticket price is $36; youth 18 and under will be admitted at no charge.

Imagine hearing a superstar before she hits it big; that’s what this evening at Temple will be! With her powerful voice and mature presentation, Eden has been touching the hearts of many, singing the music of her mother, Grammy-winning artist Sharon Farber, as well as performing music by many other artists. Together they bring to the audience an evening of inspiration and beauty, and the power of music to unite us all. Eden's father, drummer David Kontesz, will also be performing with the duo to make this event even more special.

Our next March of the Living will be in late April-early May of 2025. High school juniors and seniors will be participating together with adults from our area. If you are interested in sponsoring this event, and/or participating on the 2025 March, please be in touch.

ThanksGIVING: My spelling of our November holiday is not a typo. For over a generation, Temple Emanuel has been a major supporter of the Greensboro Urban Ministry’s Feast of Caring which takes place this year on Thursday, November 21, from 5:00-7:00pm at First Baptist Church (1000 W. Friendly Avenue). A minimum donation of $30 gets you a modest dinner of bread and soup, as well as the opportunity for those who arrive early to get a piece of pottery. But that’s not the point of the night. The reason why Temple participated, and why we should again help pack First Baptist on this occasion, is to give to those who might otherwise go hungry. The Feast of Caring is Urban Ministry’s largest fundraiser. Our participation has fallen off since COVID. The time is right for us to correct that, and to do more-than-our-part to provide resources for those who need them most.

Praying for the return of the 101 hostages still being held captive by Hamas in Gaza, for peace, and for a better tomorrow.

Rabbi Andy Koren

Senior Rabbi