Forty years, forty years.  That's a magic number in Jewish history.  For forty
years the Israelites wandered in the desert before entering the promised land.
Forty years ago a small band of those who wandered out to the wilds of
Greenbelt (then a distant suburb of Washington) gathered together and formed a
congregation.  I understand that like the ancient Israelites, there were
differences between the early founders.  But nevertheless they persevered,
moving from private homes to borrowed rooms in churches or movie houses.
Through these times they built a spirit of involvement, effort and courage to
tackle any job.

Hopefully, this is a spirit we will never lose.  Twenty-five years ago these
founders dedicated a building they had literally built themselves.  In the
fourteen years that my family has been a part of this congregation I have seen
this same spirit infuse a Sisterhood which does home-style professional
catering; a Men's Club that tackles carnivals, art shows, and spaghetti
dinners; a religious school which has brought us honor in the community; and an
adult programming committee worthy of a congregation many times the size of
ours.  Today we are still growing.  The years ahead offer a challenge.  How do
we continue to grow yet maintain a spirit of family warmth and a willingness to
work together?  I am certain we can succeed if we are only willing to try.  For
the years ahead we must never forget or lose the spirit which moved the
founders as we continue to build and grow.