Excerpts from the September, 2002
Rev. Grey's column, "Both Sides," is available here.
Lifespan Religious Education
Rev. Marlene Walker, Minister for Religious Education
This month marks a new beginning in RE. Our new church school format Way Cool
Sunday School begins with our Multigenerational Water Ceremony on September
8th and continues throughout the fall and into the winter and spring (see schedule
below).
There are many exciting aspects to this new program. One of the most exciting is that it will more fully integrate our young people into the life and mission of our congregation. This will happen in two significant ways. The first is through worship and the monthly First Sunday Intergenerational Worship services. The second is through a Social Justice and Service emphasis. The third Sunday of each month the Way Cool Sunday School activities will focus on the social justice projects that are being developed based on our theme of Unitarian Universalist Identity with an emphasis on our UU principles and purposes. One of those projects was begun this summer with our Haiti Program (see article below!). Another one will have an ecological focus, and we will continue with our Empty Bowls project and support for the Hyde Park Kenwood Interfaith Food Pantry. Our youth will be developing and choosing a social justice focus and project this month as well when our youth group the Uniteens begins meeting again each Sunday following church. They also will be holding two car washes this month to help with our overall fundraising efforts. We should all be driving very clean cars this month!
As important as it is to integrate our young people into the life of this congregation it is equally important to integrate adults into the the lives of our young people. The two go hand in hand as we reach our own hands across the generations. The Way Cool Sunday School program makes this easier to do as well. In the past we have asked adults to commit to teaching in individual classroom settings for a three to four month period of time. For many people this was a larger time commitment away from the Sunday Service than they could comfortably make, and for those who did teach, it often meant a sense of isolation from the rest of the community. With Way Cool Sunday School we ask that adults volunteer to "facilitate" as part of team of six rather than "teach"only one or two Sundays a month. Since each Sunday of the month will have a different focus you can choose the kind of focus that is of interest to you - the schedule is below.
In her article this month Rev. Nina encourages us all to begin this new year with a deep sense of interdependence and expression of caring for one another and for all beings. This is the core of our UU identity and I encourage you to consider sharing yourself with our young people by helping them grow in their faith as UU's by volunteering to facilitate in the Way Cool Sunday School program this fall. I promise you that in doing so you will grow too.
Blessings,
Marlene
Way Cool Sunday School Schedule
First Sunday - Intergenerational Worship
Second Sunday - UU Identity
Third Sunday - Social Justice
Fourth Sunday - UU Identity
Fifth Sunday - Art Sundays
Committee Meetings this Month
Adult RE - Thurs. Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Charlotte Lackner Comm. - Sun. Sept. 22 at 1:00 p.m.
Committee on Ministry - Tues. Sept. 24 at 5:30 p.m.
Criminal Justice - Thurs. Sept. 26 at 7:00 p.m.
Environmental Concerns - Sun. Sept. 15 at 12:00 p.m.
Executive Comm. - Wed. Sept. 4 at 7:00 p.m.
Membership - Tues. Sept. 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Program Council - Tues. Sept. 3 at 7:00 p.m.
Social Justice - Thurs. Sept. 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Trustees - Thurs. Sept. 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Worship & Music - Thurs. Sept. 5 at 7:00 p.m
Help Us Help Our Members
By Bette Sikes
The Special Discretionary Fund, which is used to help members of our church family in emergencies, can use your contributions. The anonymous donor is still committed to matching your donations (now up to $360). Give a tax-deductible check to the church with a notation indicating that the contribution is to go to the Special Discretionary Fund.
Come to Our Car-Washing
The newly formed Fundraising Committee of First Church is sponsoring its first events. On Saturday, Sept 7th from 10am to 2pm, the youth group, in an effort to raise funds for the church, will be having a car wash behind the church. Donations will be 'free-will." So pay what you can and get all of your friends to come by for a sparking good time. Another car wash is scheduled for Sunday the 22nd, in case of rain or simply to duplicate what will hopefully prove to be a wonderful and profitable experience. We are still looking for some assistance (of the youth or adult variety) to help out on these days. Contact David Puszkiewicz or Steve Ploum if interested. Also If you have any extra sponges, towels, etc. those donations would be great too. We'll have a receptacle placed somewhere in the church to collect these items. The committee will be keeping you informed of other neat things to come. We've got some great ideas cooking.
"MAY JUSTICE ROLL DOWN THE FIELD LIKE A WELL-KICKED SOCCER BALL" -
PELE.
The Religious Education Council is collecting for shipment to the children of
Haiti the following soccer equipment that has been used, but still in good condition:
soccer shoes, shin guards, soccer socks, soccer shorts. We encourage you to
bring such items and drop them in the collection box in the Church Office.
Environmental Concerns Group
Who: Poets, scientists, campers, park-bench sitters, hikers, sidewalk walkers, indoor bird watchers, outdoor people, people who watch the changing of the trees through the kitchen window, worried about pollution, worried about global warming, love kids, love animals, love plants, knowledgeable, seeking knowledge, just plain curious, and others What: Initial, exploratory meeting of an environmental concerns group at First Unitarian Church. What type of group this will be will depend on what we decide -- i.e., activist, idea-oriented, a combination. When: Sunday, Sept. 15 (at 12 pm if there is no forum, at 1 pm if there is a forum). Where: Chris Moore Parlor. For further info contact Ellen LaRue (elarue@ucec.uchicago.edu). Please do come.
Ice Cream Social September 8th
The Religious Education Council will be hosting the popular Ice Cream Social on Sunday, Sept. 8 during coffee hour. Help us kick off another exciting year! This year's Sundays will be one size, one price, $3.00.
Great Books September Discussion
The Great Books Discussion Group will continue to examine stories in the new series "Identity and Self-Respect". On Sunday, September 8, 2002 beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the choir room, the group will discuss "Apology Plato 2."It is in the widest sense an example of forensic oratory, in which Plato speaking in the voice of Socrates defends himself in court against his accusers. The Apology is also an important example of a fairly extensive literature designed to defend Socrates against his detractors and to present what his defenders believed to be the real Socrates. Finally, it should be noted that the Apology is a set of speeches recreated by a second party after the fact (like the speeches in Thucydides), and therefore should not be considered a word-for-word reproduction of what Socrates said on that occasion. All are invited to attend Great Books Discussions. For more information about the upcoming discussion or the new book series contact Gloria Gnatz or Kennie James.
In Memoriam: Alex Coutts
Alex Coutts, a long-time member of First Unitarian Society, died peacefully on August 19 at Montgomery Place. His care-giver, Ariel Natsayo was with him. The Memorial Service is scheduled for Sunday, September 1, at 3:00 p.m. at First Unitarian Church.
Alex was born in 1904 in Chicago. He graduated from Lane Tech High School, from George Williams College (1930), from the University of Chicago with a degree in Sociology in 1931. In 1929 he married Ethel Bain who died in 1977 and in 1982 he married Mildred Meeker who died in 1997.
Alex had three careers. The first and longest was with the Federal Government, in the Ordinance Department during World War II, the Commerce Department, the Bureau of Census, and the Department of Agriculture. Shortly after retiring, he went to work for the Illinois Youth Commission. After his second retirement, he worked for Chicago Area Projects, later as a part-time consultant until he fell and broke his arm while making coffee at the office at the age of 96.
Singing was always an important part of Alex's life. A small man, he had a commanding basso singing voice. In the 1920's he sang in a quartet on radio, much later in his life he sang for about ten years in the Apollo Chorus, and he always sang in church choirs, most recently with First Unitarian where he organized the men's quartet which he jokingly called "Three Richards and an old Coutt." At the age of 90 he gave his first recital at First Unitarian, part of which was filmed and appeared on Channel 9 that evening. He continued taking voice lessons well into his 90's. At our church choir rehearsals, Alex was always ready with a cheerful remark or witticism ("I've never overpowered an alto"). On Wednesday nights the church rang with his voice as he began warming up as soon as he came in the door. On one Sunday this summer, Alex sang a solo from his wheelchair.
Alex was proud of his Scottish ancestry. Every year at the Talent Auction he offered his Scottish Dinner, complete with haggis and other delicacies. The bidding for spots at this rare treat always went very high. Addressing the dinner, or when the choir was to sing a Scottish song, Alex could put on a thick Scottish brogue.
Alex was beloved at Montgomery Place and all the First Unitarian members there called him the Mayor of the Unitarian Fellowship at Montgomery Place. He organized the Third Tuesday Vespers Services, chose all the music for those services, and led the small First Unitarian Choir at the Vespers services. He also organized the Wednesday soup lunches. His music and his generous heart and spirit were gifts beyond measure to the people of Montgomery Place, to our church, and to the world.
Although his physical abilities diminished finally near the end of his life, his love for our church was abiding. Even the day before he died, he asked Rev. Nina, "Did the church find a minority bidder for the steeple?" His interest in and concern for the life and health of our community never wavered. His smile lit our hearts and in memory will continue to do so for many years to come.
Alex is survived by two sons from his first marriage, Curtis, of Vestal, NY and Kenneth of Pender Island, British Columbia; two daughters-in-law, six grandchildren, and nine great-grand children.
Interweave Movie Night
First Unitarian's Interweave Group announces a year long series of films focusing on stories and lives of Bi-Gay-Lesbian and Transgender people. Join us every second Friday of the month for fun, fellowship and food. Everybody is welcome. This month's movie will be shown Friday, September 13, at 6:30 p.m. A potluck supper is at 6:00. The feature is "Celluloid Closet," a film that examines Hollywood's treatment of homosexual characters in the 20th Century, presenting clips from more than 100 mainstream features. It is narrated by Lily Tomlin.
In Memoriam: Helen Hart Jones
Helen Hart Jones, a long-time member of First Unitarian Church, died July 27 at the age of 80. A memorial service was held at our church on August 18.
The Chicago Sun-Times noted that Helen spent much of her 50-year career as a lawyer helping women fight job discrimination. She made headlines in 1973 when she was one of five women who filed suit against 11 downtown men-only clubs, seeking to allow women to become full members. It took another 14 years for that to happen. For 20 years, whe was a lecturer at Northwestern, where she taught a course on gender-based discrimination. For years, she was the chief lawyer for the businesswomen's club Zonta International. She handled cases of age, race or gender discrimination and fought for better financial settlements for people whose homes or businesses were seized by the city under eminent domain laws.
With her beloved husband of 55 years, Dick, Helen was a long time member of First Unitarian Church. She attended very often for many years, including, as Dick says, often when he could not attend because of demands of his medical practice. Helen and Dick's children all attended First Unitarian church school and two of them participated in the Chicago Children's Choir. Although Helen did not take leadership positions at church, she led her life at home, at work, and in the community, in a way of integrity which mirrored the UU values which inspired and encouraged her and which she held dear. She believed in a profound freedom of thought, she lived with a deeply generous heart which excluded no one. She was an advocate and fighter for justice for all people.
In addition to her husband, Helen is survived by two sons, Christopher and Jeffery, two daughters, Ruth Backstrom and Alexandra Lyon, and nine grandchildren.
Among Us
Our warmest get well wishes to Wallace Rusterholtz as he settles back in at Montgomery Place after his time at Chatauqua.
Our deepest condolences to Scott and Blanche Roberts and family on the recent death of Scott's father, Walter Roberts . He was remembered in a Memorial Service at our church on Monday, August 12.
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Alex Coutts, who died on August 19 (see remembrance above).. Alex will be remembered in a Memorial Service in our sanctuary on September 1, 2002, at 3:00 p.m.
Our deepest sympathy to Dick Jones and family on the death of Helen Jones (see remembrance above), who died on July 27. She was remembered in our sanctuary in a Memorial Service on August 18.
Continuing warm get well wishes to Michael Donner, who is recovering well at home.
Congratulations to David Mosby, son of Evelyn Johnson and grandson of Mamie and Kenneth Gibson, on his marriage to Elodie Chopart, on Saturday, August 24, 2002.
Our deepest sympathy to Rev. Nina Grey on the death of her aunt, Dorothy Getman. She was remembered in a graveside service in New Jersey on August 11.
We continue to send our warm get well wishes to Polly McCoo's son, Paul.
We continue also to send our warm get well wishes to Harold and Shirley Moody's daughter, Michelle.
Our continuing warm get well wishes to Bette Sikes.
Our continuing warm get well wishes to Herga Taylor, mother of Grace Williams.
Congratulations to David Orlikoff, returned from Europe, where he was a judge in the 32nd annual Giffoni Film Festival in Giffoni, Italy. David was also a judge of the 19th annual Chicago International Children's Film Festival in August.
Steeple Demolition Update
By Richard Pardo
At a meeting on March 24, 2002, the congregation voted to remove the steeple due to the redevelopment of cracks in the limestone facade of the steeple which is symptomatic of continued deterioration of the inner steel support system. These cracks were observed in October, 2001 while inspecting the sanctuary roof on an unrelated matter. The congregation's decision to remove the steeple was based on a report presented to the congregation indicating that, even after the repairs carried out about 12 years ago, the condition of the steeple has continued to worsen.
After the vote, a bid package was developed by a consultant from Inspired Partnerships, John Bridges, and the Property Committee and was approved for distribution by the Board. This package specified the required work and the conditions necessary to undertake the project. At this time we have received four bids for the steeple demolition and are awaiting one additional bid response. These bids will be reviewed by a structural engineer in order to assure that the proposed methods of demolition are acceptable and to comment on their overall demolition plan.
If there are no major surprises, the Society will be in a position to award a contract in mid-September. The entire project is expected to take less than 3 months to complete. Thus we may reasonably expect that the bell tower will be standing without the steeple by Christmas.
Basement Cleanup
Thanks to the UU's for Social Justice Task Force on Homelessness for their recent mammoth cleanup work in the large basement area near our boiler room. The task force attacked this room, which had been piled high with used clothing for years, with 22.5 person-hours of effort on July 26. Members separated articles into like piles (women's, men's etc.), and then boxed and bagged the articles up for home washing. Ultimately, the clothing will find its way to local organizations for donation to homeless individuals.
The cleanup was organized by Allan Lindrup, with additional toil from Bobbi
Campbell, Finley Campbell, Elvira Donner and Gene Horcher. Working together,
this crew processed more than half the clothing in the basement. Persons who
are interested in helping out in Part Two of the cleanup effort should contact
Allan. In addition, anyone who can donate use of a cargo van (not just an SUV)
for a day or afternoon to help transport clothing should also contact Allan.
Fall Spectacular Books and Music Sale
It's time again for another great books and music sale! It will be held on Saturday, October 4, from 10 to 4, and Sunday, October 5, from 12 to 3. After the successful sale in June, we're back with more books and more chances to find gems at good prices: recent novels, art books, gardening guides, symphonies, mysteries, children's books, computer games: whatever we get from your generous contributions, as well as selected leftovers from last June.
How can you help?More than half of last June's proceeds came from people outside the church. With your help, we can do it again, all for the good of the church and its programs.
Unsold books that aren't especially likely to sell at future events are donated for prisoners' use at the Tamms Correctional Center downstate, thanks to efforts by the Criminal Justice Task Force.
For information or to volunteer, call or e-mail Joan Pederson, GeogJoan@aol.com.
UU News
UU Takeover
While trolling through the most recent UU World, Bette Sikes
noticed that two of our former ministers are now working for the UUA. That makes
three in all: Tom Chulak is a district executive on the East Coast; Michelle
Bentley is now the UUA Professional Development Director (she has a Chicago
office, not one in Boston); and Beth Williams is Religious Education
Credentialing Director.
UUSJ Announces New Web Site
Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice (UUSJ) announced that, after a gap of about nine months, it has a new web site. It can be found at: www.uusforsocialjustice.org. The organization, founded in 1990, is an Illinois non-for-profit corporation which seeks to facilitate UUs in the greater Chicago area to work together for social justice and a better world through education, advocacy, witness events and service projects. The all-volunteer organization has, since the mid 1990s, been an affiliate of the Chicago Area Unitarian Universalist Council. The web site includes information on upcoming events, Action Alerts, products from the organizations current four task forces, and will include articles from its newsletter starting this fall. The Webmaster is Allan J. Lindrup.
September 11 Observance
The Unitarian Church of Evanston invites you to join with us in memory and aspiration as we mark the first anniversary of the terror of September 11 by reaffirming our longing and determination to dwell together in peace. Liturgy readings, chants and anthems from around the world will be featured. Wednesday, September 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Church of Evanston, Ridge and Greenwood. For information, contact Rev. Ann Tyndall or Sandra Robinson at (847) 864-1330.
Green Sanctuary Workshop
For UU's interested in implementing aspects of the Green Sanctuary Program in their congregation. Saturday, September 28 at the UU Church of Elgin,10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.$10 registration fee due by September 20. For information contact Mary Alice Masonick at mamasonick@aol.com.
Wanted - Artists and Artisans
December 7th is the date we have set for a Holiday Craft Fair and Bake Sale at First U. This will be just one of the fund-raising events planned for this year -- and we're looking for help.
We need creative -- or willing to learn -- people to create special goods for this event. There will be several workshops in October and November to help you make items for the fair, but we hope those of you who already have a specialty will participate. We also will need bakers.
This Craft Fair is set for a Saturday so we can invite the community (and their dollars!) to join us. We need you to create the goodies! Watch for further details on workshops, and call Kay Mann or Cindy Pardo to discuss your contribution.
Interfaith September 11 Commemoration at Rockefeller Chapel
Pastor Daphne Burt, Associate Dean of Rockefeller Chapel, is coordinating planning for an interfaith September 11 Commemoration Service at Rockefeller Chapel. Preliminary planning indicates that participants will include Pastor Burt, Rev. Dr. Marlene Walker as well as leaders from campus ministries of various faiths, including the University of Chicago Buddhist Association and the Muslim Student Association. In addition, other leaders of various campus ministries have been invited to take part. Staff members, including our own Aneesah Ali, as well as Sara Wolfson, Nancy Beach, John Rolland, Charlie Boyd and others will offer readings and/or words of healing. The time of the service will be announced as soon as it becomes available
From the Board
By Cynthia Oakes
Congregation President
"Let us make an honorable retreat," says one of the characters in Shakespeare's As You Like It. Many of us will have done just that by the time you receive this newsletter. Our ministers will have gone on a ministerial retreat, the Religious Education Council and others will have had a beginning-of-the-year retreat, and the Board will have held its retreat as well. The Board will have engaged in community-building activities, looked responsibly at this year's fiscal constraints, set goals for itself, enjoyed communal meals, laughed together, and been reminded of the deeply held reasons that bind each of us to our liberal religious traditions. We will be energized and renewed for the exciting challenges that face us in the year ahead. Why not start thinking about a Church-wide retreat? Wouldn't it be fun to "make an honorable retreat" that we can all engage in and that will renew us both as individuals and as individuals within the larger Beloved Community? Any volunteers to get the ball rolling?
At August's Board meeting, we looked forward to our retreat and found ourselves faced with a bit of a dilemma. We would need only part of the budgeted amount to pay our facilitator Dan Wise from the Central Midwest District. What to do with the rest of the money? Traditionally, we would have used it to pay for our Saturday meals. But, as we reflected on the financial crunch the Church is in, one of our Board members suggested that we turn over the remainder of the funds to help pay for any upcoming event and that we buy our own lunches. The Board unanimously agreed. An honorable retreat indeed. We would like to challenge you, as well, to continue to find ways to cut costs, to honor your pledges, and to explore ways to raise funds for our Church programs. It will take all of us to make this year the rewarding year we know it can be.
Also discussed at August's Board meeting was the upcoming celebration of Rev. David Arksey's 25th Anniversary as Minister-at-large with First Church. The testimonials to the value of Rev. Arksey's ministry and the expressions of high esteem in which he is held were moving to all of us. We are honored to be a part of this milestone. Congratulations, David.
Other Board news:
Grace Williams, President-elect, will convene a committee to look at
the process for deciding the placement of the organ in the church
We received reports that the pigeon guano had been removed from the bell tower
and that the last of the contracting bids for the removal of the spire would
be in by 31 August
Rev. Grey, Grace Williams, and I will attend a leadership workshop sponsored
by the Central Midwest District and will, in turn, conduct a leadership workshop
for our own committee and Council Chairs and interested persons.
We are excited for this new year! The Board of the First Unitarian Society of Chicago warmly welcomes you back.
Chicago Children's Choir Red Jacket Optional
The Red Jacket Optional is the major benefit for the Chicago Children's Choir. Richard Pardo, Chair of the Board, and Carrie Hedges, Secretary of the Board, want to demonstrate the continual support of the First Unitarian Church for the Choir. We can do this if we go in together on a "First Unitarian Church" table. If you are already planning on going to Red Jacket Optional, please co-ordinate your reservation through either Richard or Carrie. If you already make a substantial donation to the Choir, why not make it toward the Red Jacket Optional and enjoy a lovely evening with fellow Church supporters of the Choir? If you have put off making a donation to the Choir or attending Red Jacket Optional, why not do it this year?
The Red Jacket Optional will be held on Monday, October 21, 2002, at the Chicago Cultural Center. A special reception begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:15 p.m. The concert, featuring world-renowned Lyric Opera basso Samuel Ramey, begins at 7:30 p.m. An ensemble table costs $3,000, that is, $300 per person. If we co-ordinate this as a group, rather than purchasing ticket individually, we will be listed in the program as the "First Unitarian Church." If you are interested in joining the "First Unitarian Church" table, please talk to Richard or Carrie.
If you are unable to attend the dinner, concert tickets are being sold separately for $50.
Les Gourmets
"Les Gourmets" invites you to join them at Chela Joe's Café on Sunday, September 8, at 12:30 p.m. The restaurant is located at 1733 South Halsted, one-half block north of 18th Street. This is our first outing of the year. Our special treat will be a set by Lia Nicine McCoo and her jazz combo. The $10 buffet includes coffee and orange juice. Please R.S.V.P. by September 4 to Pauline McCoo.
Join the Choir!
The first choir rehearsal of the new church year will be Wednesday, September 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Choir Room. This is the perfect opportunity to join this lively group. All levels of skill are welcomed (as long as you can carry a tune) and there is no audition. The choir prides itself on singing a broad variety of music, and always has a lot of fun. The old-timers are always very patient with the newcomers as they are learning. Come give us a try!
Our Teachers
A recent article in Chicago Magazine about adult education offerings
this Fall mentions two of our church members. Geza Gyuk, a research scientist
at the University of Chicago, will be teaching a course entitled "Are We
Alone? The Search for Life in the Universe," at the Adler Planetarium.
Well-known Hyde Park doctor and activist Quentin Young will be teaching a course
at Columbia College entitled "Issues in Public Health." Among the
"prominent health figures" who will be presenting workshops is our
own Susan Scrimshaw, dean of the University of Illinois at Chicago School
of Public Health.
Letter from Prague
By The Rev. Dr. Petr Dolak Samojsky
Unitarian Congregation of Prague
[The author, a former student at Meadville/ Lombard, sent this letter to Neil Gerdes]
The flooding of Prague is over. The Vltava (Moldau) river is going down, returning to the gentle but distinguished tones of Bedrich Smetana's musical poem (from "My Country"). Between 5 and 8 percent of Prague were flooded, the essential component of the public transportation (subway, metro) was flooded as well. It will take many weeks to make it work again; they say that perhaps by Christmas it should work fully again. The Old Town part of Prague where the Unitarian Church and the Czech Unitarian headquarters is was not flooded, thanks to newly installed special antiflood barriers. It was really so so. While culminating, the water in Vltava was reaching about two inches under the edge. Just a little more and the entire Old Town experienced a huge sweeping wave. According to the report, the Unitarian Church's basements were flooded from the underground with about 12 feet of water. The extent of damage is not known yet as we are not allowed to enter the area of Prague's Old Town.
Personally, I moved to Prague three weeks ago from Colorado, which suffers from severe drought. How weird it is for me to be surrounded by these huge quantities of water now! My moving has gained very surreal aspect in the light of the recent events. The container with my belongings which I sent via boat and train got lost somewhere and I have no idea where it is. Actually, I have no place to put my belongings, and in fact no place to put myself for that matter either, at the moment... I am staying with my friends in Prague's suburbs and it feels like being in exile. Does one cry or laugh in a moment like this? I am not sure. This is just too bizarre. Well, in my case, I have at least some chance that I will one day see my belongings in the container and that they will not be damaged by rain or flood; many families in my country lost virtually everything... On the TV I see so very often people in little villages showing the areas where their houses used to be; now there is just plain ground. The Metly village lost one half of its houses. The lake near the village simply broke and the wave took the houses along. People were watching this sweep from the nearby hill. In another area, about 30 miles north of Prague, the river created a giant lake, like never in history, and buried more than 30 villages.
The Board of the Prague congregation is going to meet next week and brainstorm the ways how to help. We are thinking about creating some kind of relationship with a particular village or something like that. We want to find what could be done, to do something constructive, be helpful somehow. Too many people in this country are suffering tremendously now.