As families and friends gather together to celebrate Pesach around dinner tables, at home and at shul, we have so much to be thankful for. Our family has been in Fort Worth two Shabbats in a row, first for our nephew's Bar Mitzvah, and this weekend for our seders. This year our children, Jonathan and Beth, have flown in from Boston to join us. And in our havarah at shul there was a bris this past week; mazel tov to Rabbi Kawaler, Vivian, Eric, Teecee, and kids. Mazel tov also to Joe Shavin on his 101st! And now we look forward to another simcha, Dylan Muslow's Bar Mitzvah, in a few weeks.

As we plan for our annual congregational meeting on Monday, May 12, at 7:30PM , I would like to thank the congregation by saying that it has been my pleasure to serve as President of Agudath Achim for the past 2 years, after an earlier stint of 3+ years. Of course, I could have and should have done more for the shul, and if my words, actions, or in-actions have offended or otherwise disappointed, my sincerest apologies. We have been fortunate to have an excellent staff: Carnell is always professional and courteous. He knows the shul like no one else and never "sweeps under the rug". And Laura has handled her secretarial duties diligently and efficiently. Great job, and thanks to both of you. And of course, Rabbi Kawaler, you lead us with confidence and skill, but never with arrogance, and your voice is always beautiful and uplifting. May each of you, and all members of our community - our havarah - have only mazel in the coming year.