A LETTER
FROM DEBE BLOOM,
PRESIDENT
JCO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
November 2025
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November is such an amazing month…the air has a crispness to it, making it a lovely time to do some walking in our gorgeous Ojai Valley (don’t forget to check when Sheila is doing her morning walks---listed in our newsletter). I know this cooler weather seems to add years of youth onto my dogs’ personalities—so much fun to watch Shalee & Wallee romping in the backyard.
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I hope you had a chance to read my letter regarding our Peace Garden from last week in the enewsletter. I’m truly grateful to those who responded so quickly and generously — thank you! Your support means so much.
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That said, we’re still not quite there yet. The Peace Garden project is close to completion, but we still need a bit more help to bring it across the finish line. This garden isn’t just about landscaping — it’s about creating a beautiful, peaceful space for reflection and connection. If you haven’t yet had a chance to contribute, please consider making a donation this month. Every gift, large or small, makes a difference.
While I have your attention, I’d love to know — when did you become a member of JCO? We have such a rich mix of longtime members and fairly new faces; it would be good to know how long you’ve been a member of JCO. Send me an email…
On a lighter note, Chanukah party plans are already in the works! This year, we’re bringing back our latke-making contest. Only homemade latkes can enter, so start perfecting your recipe now. Please sign up if you’d like to be part of the contest — we can’t wait to taste your creations! And yes! There will be a prize for the yummiest latke!! And, save the date of December 19th for all this fun to happen!!
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November is always associated with Thanksgiving. The warm colors of autumn embrace our neighborhoods with the changing of the colors of the trees. We have so much to be thankful for.
And this is the entry to the winter months, which of course includes the colder temperatures. As we have been doing in years past, we will be collecting coats and jackets for those less fortunate. Please start going thru your closets now and put aside gloves, scarfs, jackets, warm boots, socks anything you can think of. We will start collecting at the first of December thru our Chanukah party celebration.
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And finally, as we look toward to the new fiscal year, we’re beginning to think about next year’s JCO Board of Directors. Have you ever thought about serving? It’s a meaningful way to give back and help shape our community’s future. If you’re interested — or even just curious about what the responsibilities involve — please reach out to me directly at president@ojaitemple.org. I’d be happy to share.
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Have a meaningful November…
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B’Shalom