Co-chair Jacqui Rudolph recently addressed our shul’s volunteers at a special thank-you tea. Drawing on Parshat Bamidbar’s census, where each person is individually counted, she celebrated our volunteers’ unique contributions. “You are the backbone of our community,” Jacqui said, highlighting how their diverse efforts—from shopping for others visiting the sick, taking a toddlers’ service, organising community events, putting out the kiddush, securing our building and our members, editing Habimah, fostering relationships outside our community, saying Tehillim, offering a listening ear to those in need, and innumerable other volunteering activities —make a profound difference.
Jacqui paid tribute to Howard Davies, who will be retiring after 48 years of volunteering. She praised his work, including his roles as Pastoral Executive Lead and the head Shamash and his involvement with the Chevra Kadisha for more than 10 years. “Howard, you are a role model to us all,” she remarked.
Jacqui reflected on the beautiful “Yekum Purkan” prayer, which seeks blessings and protection for those who engage in acts of kindness and support for the community. She then emphasised how volunteers’ kindness transforms our community from a mere place to a warm and welcoming home. “Your efforts ensure that our community is not just a place, but a home,” she concluded, urging each volunteer to “lift up your head” with pride.
Jerry Bower
