“I’d like to welcome you to Temple Ahavat Shalom and the Men of TAS”
I was about to correct that statement to say “I welcome you…“, when I realized it is correct as it stands. For us to welcome you to MoTAS and TAS, it requires one little thing on your part: A willingness to be welcomed.
Often when we come to synagogue or are encouraged to participate in an organization or activities, a whole batch of “negatives” get in the way that prevent us from enjoying the experience. Someone was indifferent to us in the past. Someone insulted us. Something doesn’t work the way we like. We sit, stew, and get turned off.
I’d like to suggest a different tack. Let us welcome you. Let us work with you to fix what is broken. We cannot fix a problem if we don’t know about it, and part of welcoming is fixing what makes us unwelcoming. Getting involved with a smaller group such as MoTAS is much less daunting than the larger groups.
So as I said at the beginning: “I would like to welcome you to Temple Ahavat Shalom and the Men of TAS”. Let me do that welcoming. Give us that chance, and if something isn’t working, let us know. We’re here to hear you (and you can start, if you want, by commenting on this post).
For our August meeting slot on Sunday, August 10, we’re continuing with our summer theme of building relationships. This time, we’re inviting the men of Temple Ahavat Shalom and their families to join us at the 
If you are a man, and you are a member of Temple Ahavat Shalom, you’re part of the Men of TAS. It’s as simple as that. As MoTAS, we have two simple goals. First, we want to welcome you and build a relationship with you, which will strengthen your connection to the congregation and other members. Second, we want to be a role model for the rest of the congregation in everything we do. Your father (hopefully) sets the standards for you on how to live an exemplary life. We want to be that exemplar for TAS: we want to lead in relationship building, community building, and being there when we are needed. To do this, we need you to be with us.
What’s a Second Sunday without a MoTAS Get-Together. However, it’s summer and religious school is out — so let’s party! The men of TAS (well, as many as can fit) are invited to the new President’s house in Northridge on Sunday, July 13 for an afternoon/evening of socializing, chatting, and perhaps some board gaming… of all varieties. This is an informal event — come anytime during the window of 2pm to 9pm. The price of admission? Bring something to eat or drink to share. Daniel will provide coffee and tea, both regular and iced, plus a big pot of chili.* We do have a swimming pool, although (you’ve been warned) it tends to shed fiberglass.
Start your summer off right with worship, great food, and incredible music at the first 2014 Shabbabeque. Shabbabeque is sponsored and cooked by the Men of Temple Ahavat Shalom.
** POSTPONED **
