Lay Leadership Speeches

PRESIDENT JEANNE FREEMAN’S EREV ROSH HASHANAH SPEECH 5777/2016

Shana Tova, and welcome to Temple Beth Tikvah, I am Jeanne Freeman, and honored to be the president. Standing here I look out upon my dearest old friends, my new friends, and friends that I have yet to meet – but will.

When I came to Central Oregon seven years ago, I knew that finding friendship and camaraderie was most important to help me feel that I truly belonged. Since I wasn’t a young mom rooting for my kids on the soccer field or sharing lunch break at the office… it was harder meeting people. I searched for friendly faces at art groups and book groups and floral groups and neighborhood groups, but I was unsatisfied and unable to meet people with whom I felt a connection.

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PRESIDENT JEANNE FREEMAN’S KOL NIDRE SPEECH 5777/2016

When Rabbi Hershenson was diagnosed with breast cancer, there were concerns for her health, concerns for the synagogue, concerns for the High Holy Day services.

And yet, look at where we are.

We have joined our Rabbi in her fight against cancer – with food, with Reiki, with companionship during chemo, with words of encouragement, and with love. This community, our Rabbi’s community, has her back and she knows it. We are her large extended family and we have come together to support her. Demonstrating the power of our love and connection.

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