Since Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, Hamas has fired more than 6,300 rockets and mortars at Israeli population centers – including 600 in the past six weeks. Israel began forceful action this past weekend to quell Hamas’ terrorist threat to Israel’s civilians. A bipartisan coalition of American leaders is voicing critical support of Israel’s defensive actions in Gaza against the onslaught of Hamas’ indiscriminate rocket attacks. Please call members of Congress and encourage them to issue statements in support of Israel’s right to defend its citizens from terrorism. To view the current statements of support of Israel, click here. For a list of Talking Points, click on the information link below.

Join guest speaker, Kelly Kidwell, CEO of Pacific Advisors and founder of Philanthropy International, to learn how you can unlock more of the income producing power of your assets to increase your personal income and build a lasting legacy. There is no charge for the seminar and lunch is provided. | Tuesday, January 27 | 12 noon – 1:30 p.m.

Don’t miss a unique and fun-filled evening at the Natural History Museum with cocktails, dinner, dancing, and an auction for all ECC and Elementary School parents. The evening benefits our School programs. | Saturday, February 7 | 7:30 p.m.

Join us for a stimulating afternoon that will enhance your personal connection with Israel through breakout learning sessions, a cocktail reception, and a renowned AIPAC speaker. You won’t want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind FREE event! RSVP is required and child supervision and Israel activities for children ages 2½ to 12 are available when you sign up. | Sunday, February 8 | 4 p.m.

Join one of the largest synagogue delegations in the country, and thousands of other activists, at the AIPAC Policy Conference, the pro-Israel community’s preeminent annual event. Register now to get the Early Bird rate of $399. This year the Temple has reserved a block of rooms at the Madison Hotel so that we can all share the AIPAC conference experience together as a group. Click here to make a hotel reservation. Enter SSWT as the access code, enter Saturday, May 2 as the check-in date, and the Madison Hotel will appear at a rate of $279 per night. This is the only hotel that will appear using the SSWT code. Remember that space is limited and hotel reservations are made on a first come, first served basis. | Conference dates are: May 3 – 5, 2009 | Washington, D.C.

Cantor Nathan Lam, Metuka Benjamin, Rabbi David Woznica, Cantor Linda Kates, along with the Cantors Assembly will be engaged in a historic mission to Poland and Israel this summer from June 29 to July 11, 2009. Cantors and their congregants from around the United States will make their way to Poland and Israel to extend the hand of brotherhood and friendship to those who have helped the Jewish people in times of crisis and to those whom Jews have lived amongst in times of normalcy. To learn more about the mission or to register, click on the Information link below.

Temple and School offices will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2009 in observance of New Year’s Day.