Thank you so much to those of you who were able to contribute to our annual Planting the Seeds campaign.  To date, we have raised $6,535.  Every dollar helps.  If you weren’t home when we called and we still haven’t been able to reach you, please consider sending in a donation.  The campaign is open until June 30th and as I’ve said many times before, spring is a tough season for us financially.  Our expenses remain the same while most of our dues and school fees have already been received. 
       A few more financial notes – this April we received a disbursement of $10,240 from the Agudas Achim Endowment Fund.  This fund is managed by the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island and was created from the proceeds of the sale of the parsonage in 2005.  The Endowment Committee reviews the performance of the fund on an annual basis and recommends a disbursement amount to the board, based on a formula they developed when the fund was initiated. 
       In addition, we were recently notified by the Bernhardt Family Foundation that we have been awarded $10,000, in conjunction with Jewish Family Services, to continue our Kesher program next year.  We’re really excited about the success of the program to date.  I know that those of you who have met Nicole Jellinek, the social worker funded through the program, will agree with me when I say that we have created something really special with this program. 
       There are a couple of exciting programs on the horizon.  On May 2nd we will be hosting our final Friday B’Yachad program of the year.  This date coincides with Yom HaShoah.  Our family service will commence at 5:45 pm, followed by dinner at 6:30 pm.  The 7:30 pm service will be one of remembrance and will feature a guest speaker who will talk about the current crisis in Darfur.  I know that this will be an interesting and thoughtful evening. 
       Mitzvah Morning also is fast approaching.  The Social Action Committee has been working really hard to make sure that this annual event is a success and that we are all offered opportunities to engage in meaningful mitzvot.  You can read more about both events elsewhere in this newsletter.
       Spring also brings the Annual Meeting.  The Board is busy preparing for this meeting, which is scheduled for Sunday, June 8th.  I hope you will join us.  We will hear from the School Committee – they plan to share the results of their work on the Hebrew School curriculum.  Rabbi Elyse will spend a few minutes updating us on the Legacy Heritage grant.  We’ll approve the budget for next year and elect new officers to the board.  Graduation and zimriyah will also occur that morning, so it promises to offer something for everyone.  The following weekend we will be hosting an “at home retreat and block party” for all congregants.  The success of last year’s off-site retreat is the catalyst for this “at home” celebration.  We’ll share services, meals, learning, and a great deal of fun in our own space over June 13th and 14th.  You’ll be hearing a lot more about it as the plans firm up.
       I hope you and your family enjoyed your Passover Seders.  As we count the Omer to Shavout, I hope the themes of freedom and knowledge will spark some interesting discussion in your homes and in our spiritual home.
       B’shalom,
       Deb Mandell