Community Corner

by Ilene Berman

It is not what we don't do; rather it is what we do! This is how I see Valley Beth Shalom and my volunteer work on behalf of VBS.

For nearly 30 years, I have given of myself to make our community a "better" place; our Schools, our Sisterhood and our Synagogue. I came to VBS as a nursery school parent and immediately became immersed in what would be my home away from home.

We are a place of learning, of growing, of feeling and of true community. I truly know what this means.

The past 18 months have been the most difficult for my family. Losing both of my parents, Wally and Myra Shapiro, who were so devoted to the VBS community and came to VBS because they wanted to be part of our synagogue lives, has been a time of great sadness for me and for those privileged to know them. I have been attending daily minyanim, most days, morning and evening and have found much comfort in that space. It is times like this that we know what it is to be part of a caring and loving community. I have seen what it means to be part of that "better" place which I am so grateful to work for and on behalf of. 

This week's parsha has the blessing given to Israel:

“Mah Tovu Ohalecha Ya'akov Meshkenotecha Yisrael"

"How good are your tents, oh Jacob, your dwellings, oh Israel!"

I am fortunate to say Mah Tovu, how good is this dwelling, oh VBS, for creating a space for me and you! And so it is what we do!