Women's League

For many of us, the holiday season is the time to set goals and intentions for the New Year, but we don’t have to wait for January to hit the reset button on our lives or facilitate change in our communities. We can make a commitment to change at any time we choose. What’s important is that we are ready to take the first steps, even when it seems difficult or scary to move beyond our comfort zone.

While New Year’s resolution offer a great excuse to peruses a new goal, we also do not need to worry that we missed our opportunity if we choose to hibernate through the winter and commit to new growth when spring arrives. A well-known proverb says it all “The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago, and the second best time to plant a tree is now”

Reflect on what it takes to make a meaningful change – in ourselves, our lives and the world around us.

You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call failure is not the falling down, but the staying down M.P.

Change will not come if we wait for some other person or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we have been waiting for. B. O.

What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. J. G.

A journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step. L. T.

Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day, with no mistakes yet? L. M. M.

If we could change, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him? This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not to wait to see what others do. M. G.

The secret of change is to focus all of our energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new. D. M.

To our Wonderful Community; Members, Family and Friends,

The High Holiday is a perfect time to think about transitions. Beyond moving from one year to the next, we experience a variety of transitions. It is a new school year, a new season, and an opportunity to begin all things new. The cyclical nature of our calendar means that ending and beginnings merge with each other. We blend the joy of newest with memories of the past. On Simchat Torah we finish reading the last lines of Deuteronomy, knowing that immediately follows the story of creation in Genesis that brings us full circle.

Both minor and major transitions affect us in different ways. The season change predictably, but sometimes severe weather causes important adjustments in life. Changing jobs, developing new relationships, shifting family structures, moving into a new home, etc.; every life stimulates new experiences and responses. Rosh Hahshana encourages us to remember how fresh beginnings can motivate our dedication to recreating our personal world and the world around us, enhancing how we embrace life and the people in our lives. 

Each year we grow older. For the young, the growth often increase vigor and responsibility. The transition from childhood to adolescence to adulthood are filled with learning how to make a unique contribution to the world. For elders the growth can inspire a different awareness. Aging encourages us to look back on life’s accomplishments and experiences, while being mindful of new limitations. Maturity adds to our wisdom, but sometimes also diminishes our bodily strength. The challenge of managing change is a big part of growing from year to year.

Yom Kippur includes Yizkor, when we remember those who have transitioned into Olam Haba, the world to come. It is a time to consider the impact dear ones have had in our lives, and what impact we can make in the coming year. A New Year is an exciting moment to embrace challenges and opportunities of personal growth and development at every age.

A New Year reminds us that each day is precious; a time to welcome the growth and opportunities that come with change. Transition can be subtle or dramatic. Together, lets move into the New Year with excitement for all our new prospects.

I am looking forward to spending The High Holidays together in prayer in our beautiful main sanctuary. From my family to yours wishing you a Happy, Healthy, Sweet New Year.

Shana Tova!

Becky Kobrowski - Cohen

I would like to bring to your attention THE STAR OF DAVID. As you know it is a symbol of divine  guidance and protection. It shines and stands out. As important, it is a symbol of a Jew. This symbol is recognized throughout the world and affects our lives in many ways.

Here at the Cuban Hebrew Congregation we have our own star that shines and stands out. This star is a very special person, not only in our community but in the Jewish community at large. We would like to honor her hard work, dedication and outstanding contributions.  

There is no role in life more essential than that of motherhood. This person amplifies the role in her own family as she does to anyone in need. We should all recognize the strong presence of starts in our lives and take the time to say thank you.  

The Women’s League honors NANCY BROOK as the star of our community and to say thank you. 

                                                        “Those who slander us shall

                                                          Have no hope, and all their

                                                            evil ways be gone (lost)

                                                                     immediately”

We are looking forward to many more wonderful years here at Temple Beth Shmuel- Cuban Hebrew Congregation. Contrary to what you have heard as awful continuing gossip we will ALWAYS be Temple Beth Shmuel – Cuban Hebrew Congregation of Miami Inc. You have heard we would close many years ago but we remain functioning and we will continue to keep our doors OPEN to the community. I thank you for your support and look forward to 2021, in which we will share and participate in many cultural, educational and social events in our beautiful sanctuary and newly renovated starlight Olemberg Ballroom.

Stay safe, distance and always wear your mask.

Happy Holidays

Becky Kobrowski, President and the WL Board

Now is the time to find the spiritual connection inside, not inside a physical structure, but inside ourselves. The community will connect with the help of technology. But we must also find the way to create our own spiritual connection. Perhaps we can make the environment in our personal home help ignite the spirit. For some candles, artwork and religious symbols could help decorate the environment, and feel like a personal sanctuary. For some it might be the presence of family or friends in the same room, or even over a computer screen. Many will want to take a quiet time before or after the recorded services, contemplating the previous year and the next year, meditating on the hopes, dreams, expectations and potential surprises the world offers. We take time to remember the blessings and the challenges, while trying to feel blessed by both especially this year. We are truly challenged to make our home our sanctuary. Let us see Hashem before our eyes, in our home and in our hearts. Starting from such holy hearts, holy homes and holy minds, together we will make it a very sweet New Year.

L’shalom, 

Becky Kobrowski