Brethren,

The year is starting to pick up steam. Thank you for all your support so far. We've had some fun meetings and degrees and Master's tables, but so far, it's been the usual regularly scheduled events. 

Now here are some upcoming extracurricular events I'd like you to save the date for.

June 20th, the Awards Dinner & Past Master's Roast. This is where we show our appreciation for long time members by awarding them their pins in recognition of their years of service. Also where we show Zevi how much we appreciate all he's done.

So save June 20th on your calendar, and stay tuned for details about the food and venue, and keep an eye out for when we sell tickets online.

Also on September 26th we're going to have a fund-raiser party for a charity which will probably be Ozone house or Safehouse. We're going to ask you to bring yourselves, your friends, and everyone's checkbooks to see how much we can raise in one go for a worthy cause in our community.

So save September 26th on your calendar, and stay tuned for details about where it'll be, what the entertainment will be, and how you can help (any DJs out there?). Please let me know if you want to volunteer to help with the planning!

Speaking of charity, we're still going to have the service days where we come together and put in a little elbow grease for a good cause. In fact some brothers have volunteered to form a committee to put on more of those events. Details at our regular communication!

When is that? This Wednesday! Be there and be square, dinner at the usual 6, meeting at 7!

May 6th Regular Communication 7pm
May 17th-19th Grand Lodge Session Soaring Eagle
May 20th Entered Apprentice Degree (2)
June 3rd Regular Communication
June 17th Special Communication
June 20th Past Master’s Roast and Awards Dinner

July 4th Independence Day Parade

S&F,

Steven Moazami
Worshipful Master

Greetings Brethren!

I hope the March Master's letter finds you well, so close to April's Master's letter.

The Finance Committee

In a previous letter I erroneously referenced the Summer Solstice instead of the Winter Solstice, as several of you rightfully pointed out. Well either way we're now past the Vernal Equinox and boy does that feel better. This winter is still insisting on lingering in and out but we're so close, with patience it'll be here soon.

Also in a previous letter where I mentioned the Finance Committee's motion to raise the dues, and several of you rightly pointed out that we have a fantastic portfolio that is giving off dividends and interest.

But what I was remiss in pointing out, is that that is no accident, and in no way automatic.

It's been through diligent effort and careful planning that the Finance Committee has curated our portfolio to contain diversified, safe investments that generate dividends and income. From ETFs to CD ladders and all points in between, the reason the portfolio is so healthy and generating income is through their hard work. Meeting at least once a quarter to reassess and make necessary moves.

These meetings are usually breakfast at Weber's, and all brothers are welcome to attend. Contact WB Treasurer if you'd like to be there.

So I think we owe a debt of gratitude to the Finance Committee for all their efforts, regardless of which way you intend to vote at our April regular on the motion regarding dues.

Thank you Finance Committee!

Files and Emails

Brother, do you have a log in for Grand View? It's the Grand Lodge's website with tools for our lodge. Go to https://michiganmasons.org and click on "Grand View" at the top navigation.

To sign up you'll need your member id number, which is on your dues card. Contact WB Secretary if you need your number and don't have your card.

When you log in, you'll see a big tile for Ann Arbor Fraternity at the bottom. When you click that tile, At the top there is a blue button labeled "file vault". When you click "file vault" you'll get to a page that is a repository of files.

Please create an account and log in and make sure you can get to the file vault.

WM Donald Wilson had the great idea of posting the meeting minutes and treasurer reports in this file vault.

Then all members will have access to current and past files, without having to search their emails, and without blasting attachments into everyone's inbox every month.

Check it out, and let me know if you have any feedback on this idea. There are other features in there we could start using too, let me know if any of it looks worthwhile.

Conclusion

Well that wraps it up for March, stay tuned for April!

Calendar

• April 1st, Regular Communication, Zal Gaz Grotto, dinner 6, meeting 7

• Voting on motion to raise Dues

• April 15th, Special Communication, Zal Gaz Grotto, dinner 6, meeting 7

• Tax day makes it extra special!

• April 22nd, Master's Table TBD

• April 29th, Officer's Meeting, Zal Gaz Grotto, 7pm

S&F,

Steven Moazami
Worshipful; Master

Sorry this Master's Letter is so late in coming to you. I swear I've already written a February Master's letter before ... maybe twice .

... anyway February is upon us. I always say it's the shortest month but it lasts the longest. No surprise then that I'm ready for Spring.

February teaches me the value of perseverance. Digging deep to find a way to sustain your sanity through a long cold winter. We're past the Summer Solstice, every day is getting longer, and March is nearby. This is the home stretch. Just have to push through. But then guess who saw his shadow.

It's so easy to look outside at the white and the gray and feel defeated. 

It helps to have something to focus on, and what could be better than brotherhood and charity?  As I mentioned in my last letter, joining the charity committee and/or planning charitable activities is an important and ultimately rewarding part of Masonry.

I'd like to increase our charitable works in our community. But there is something we should discuss first.

Did you know, the lodge spends more money than it collects on dues? You should, it's reflected in our budget and treasurer's report that you get every month. Luckily we're not incurring debt, but the money has to come from somewhere. Our lodge's investment portfolio's dividends have been subsidising the membership.

This by itself is not a bad thing, as long as it's an appropriate and sustainable amount. Unfortunately the current spend is not sustainable long term in part because of inflation pressures. It also puts a cap on how much charitable work we can do.

The last time we raised dues was in 2010, and that $150 is $225 in 2026 dollars. So at the February regular, I'm going to start a discussion on raising the dues, based on a recommendation from the lodge's Finance Committee.

If a motion is made, it'll have to lay over a month and be voted on at the March regular.

If you have questions or concerns I invite you to come to the meeting and let's talk about it.

This may or may not be a trick to raise attendance numbers. You'll have to be there to find out.

Calendar:

February 4th, Zal Gaz Grotto:  Regular Communication - Dinner 6pm, Meeting 7pm

February 18th, Zal Gaz Grotto: EA Degree Special Communication - Dinner 6pm, Meeting 7pm

February 25th, TBD Master's Table - 7pm

March 4th, Zal Gaz Grotto: Regular Communication - Dinner 6pm, Meeting 7pm

March 18th, Saline Lodge: FC Degree Special Communication - Dinner 6pm, Meeting 7pm

S&F,

Steven Moazami

Brethren,

They say three is a magic number. They say good things come in threes. They say the third time's the charm. We’re embarking on a journey together, to really stress test if "they" know what they are talking about.
As I start my third year in the East, after not playing a major role for a while, you’re no doubt wondering, is he gonna phone it in? Well I have good news for you, I’m wondering the same thing.

I wonder will this be like Napoleon, returning from exile on the island of Elba to triumphantly lead the French, only to lose 100 days later at the battle of Waterloo?

I wonder will this be like Michael Jordan, returning from retirement in minor league baseball to triumphantly lead the Bulls to 3 more championships?

Hopefully it won’t be decided by height.

What you don’t have to wonder about is we're starting the year with a fine group of officers.

These newly installed brothers embody the idea that Freemasonry makes good men better. They're dedicating their time and effort to making this the best lodge in the world, and to make a difference in their community. And I’m looking forward to working with them to accomplish this.

But it doesn't end with just us officers! Please reach out to me if you'd like to be involved in any aspect. To join or start a committee, plan social events, anything that makes our lodge feel special to you. Because then it'll be special for all of us. We're especially going to need help for the charity committee! (Charity is part of another magic three)

Calendar:

January 7th, Zal Gaz Grotto: Regular Communication - Dinner 6pm, Meeting 7pm

January 17th, Ypsi Bourbon Fest: Bourbon & Brotherhood Night - 7pm - 9:30pm (see email)

January 21st, Zal Gaz Grotto:  FC Degree Special Communication -  Dinner 6pm, Degree 7pm

January 28th, Aubree's in Dexter: Master's Table

January 30th, Saline Lodge #133: MM Degree - St. Mary's #4, Dinner 6pm, Degree 7pm

S&F,

Steven Moazami, PM

December Master's Letter: “As the Curtain Is Drawn Closed”

Calendar:

December

12/03/25 (Wed) Regular Communication, Lodge of Sorrows
12/06/25 (Sat) Installation (Ceremony start time: 2pm)

Brothers,

That’s it. 

This is my last master's letter. It has been (almost) a full year, and it is time for a thankful reflection.

Above my desk, prominently displayed, two frames are hanging: one is “The Master’s Obligation” and the other is “Charges to the Worshipful Master.” Throughout this last year I often read and re-read them with reverence. Am I doing right by those who put their trust in me? Am I being steadfast with my obligation and my charge? Bro. Theodore Roosevelt said: "Do what you can, with what you've got, where you are”. I sure tried, and hopefully I mostly was. 

We met on the level, acted by the plumb, and parted on the square. As this year comes to a close, we can assuredly look at ourselves, and recognize that we employed our working tools to make us less of a rough ashlar than we were twelve months ago. We did it through the pursuit of Wisdom with illuminating educationals, improving the Strength of our Lodge by bringing to light, passing, and raising an impressive number of Brothers (3rd place in the last decade!), and adorn our Lodge with the Beauty of rituals and ceremonies. 

And it was all done thanks to YOU. This is a partial repetition of my November letter, but it is only because I cannot thank you enough for your support — physically and spiritually — during this year: the Past Masters for your wisdom and knowing that I can count on your help and support when needed; the officers, for going above and beyond, and your dedication and quality work that enhanced the beauty of our Lodge; and thank you Brothers for showing up in strength at our meetings.

I am looking forward to this coming year, to Steve’s year. I know that he will take the Lodge to new heights. 

On a lighter note, borrowing a title coined by Bill Engvall, I would like to leave you with my “Here’s Your Sign” list — ten signs that you are a Mason:

1. You don’t walk counter-clockwise

2. You adore furniture made of acacia

3. During religious services when you hear “Amen”, you involuntarily mutter “So Mote it be”

4. When you pass a car with a Square & Compass sign you always look at the driver with a hopeful stare

5. When you knock at people’s doors you expect a knock in return

6. If y cn rd ts, y mt b a M!

7. You think goats are funny

8. When your daughter’s new boyfriend comes to visit you meet him with the tip of a sharp instrument

9. You try to check out the rings on stranger’s fingers

10.     

Finally, I want to wish each and every one of you and your families — a happy, healthy, safe, and peaceful holiday season.

I love you.

Sincerely and Fraternally,

Zevi Bareket

Worshipful Master

November Master's Letter: “I am Thankful for…”

Calendar:

November

11/05/25 (Wed) Annual Communication and Election of Officers
11/19/25 (Wed) Service Night at the Grotto.
December

12/03/25 (Wed) Regular Communication
12/06/25 (Sat) Installation (tentative time: 2pm)

Brothers,

Welcome to November, the month of humility. This is a month of both inwards and outwards reflections: what do we feel we owe thanks and acknowledgements for? A month when ‘self’ should be viewed in the context of ‘other’ more than in any other month. 

On this thanks-giving month, let’s be thankful for being in a position that we can give by aiding and assisting our fellow men. Bro. Winston Churchill said "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give". Our partners of several years now at the “Hope Clinic” indicated that they are in a dire need of hygiene products. Accordingly, our Lodge bought about $1,400 worth of such supplies to be bagged and prepared for delivery in our next month special “Service Night at Grotto”. In addition and in the face of the looming stoppage of SNAP benefits, we are running a Food Drive. This is what food pantries are looking for: (*)

• Hearty soups (preferably canned)

• Canned meat (tuna and chicken)

• Peanut butter and other nut and seed butters

• Ready rice or lentil packets

• Meal in a can (ravioli, chili with meat) 

• Breakfast cereal

• Pasta and Pasta Sauce

• Spices and spice blends (low sodium)

• Condiments (mustard, ketchup, mayo, salad dressings) 

(*) All food must be unopened and unexpired, AND easy-open cans are much preferred to those requiring a can opener.

Inside the Grotto next to the door, there is a large box that is ready to receive food donations. It is easy: open your heart and your pocket, and when you go shopping get an extra bag with any of the items above; drop them off at the Grotto box by our next special on November 19. 

Going up a notch in specificities, this is the month to be thankful to those who serve and protect. Possibly one of the most overlooked holidays takes place on the 11th of November — Veteran’s Day. This date was chosen marking the end of World War I which took place on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Originally named Armistice Day, it was later renamed Veterans Day in 1954. It is especially meaningful to our organization, as it is deeply imbued with patriotism: “That deeper patriotism which does not unfurl the flag on holidays alone or rattle the flashing saber in a menacing threat but rather that patriotism.” On this special day, I encourage each and every one to pause and give prayerful thanks for all those who have served this country. Especially those who made the supreme sacrifice so that we may continue to enjoy the liberties which they have secured for us with their lives. May God continue to bless and keep safe those who are defending us, wherever so dispersed.

And finally, on this next-to-last Master’s Letter, I want to go to the higher level of specificity and to thank you. Yes, YOU. My Brothers. 

Thank you for the trust you put in me in that sacred station in the East; thank you, officers, for going above and beyond and stepping up when needed; thank you for making me proud of your dedication and quality work; thank you Brothers for showing up at Lodge — figuratively and literally; thank you Past Masters for making me comfortable asking, and knowing that I can count on your help and support when needed. 

Thank you for helping me square my actions and for keeping me within due bounds with you, my Brother Masons.

Thank you.

In Friendship and Brotherly love,

Zevi Bareket

Worshipful Master

“Light comes, and light goes, but the Light of Freemasonry never wanes.”

Calendar:

October

10/01/25 (Wed) Regular Communication
10/04/25 (Sat) “Boots on the Ground” Party at Zal Gaz
10/15/25 (Wed) Chili cookoff followed by Special: EA Degree
10/22/25 (Wed) Master’s Table: at Metzger’s
10/25/25 (Sat) Tailgate at James L. Crawford Elks — UM vs. MSU
10/29/25 (Wed) Special: MM Degree

November

11/05/25 (Wed) Annual Communication
11/19/25 (Wed) Lodge Service Night

Greetings, Brothers — and a very Happy 6025th Birthday, World!

Whaaat?? OK — I should be more precise — Happy 6029th birthday.

At this point, you’re probably shaking your heads: “Our WM has lost his marbles”…
But in the words of the legendary Lee Corso — “Not so fast, my friend!” 

Apparently, through detailed research and some literal interpretation of biblical sources, an Irish Archbishop named James Ussher (1581–1656) has calculated the creation date of the world to be October 23rd, 4004 BC. He called it “Anno Lucis”, the Latin phrase meaning "Year of Light”. We, as free and accepted masons, have adopted Ussher's calculations, but rounded 4004 BC to 4000 BC for simplicity; so depending on how accurate you want to be — you add 4000 or 4004 to the present common year 2025 AD (Anno Domini) and you get 6025 by masonic engineering approximation, or 6029 by Irish math accuracy.

While we can humorously comment on the four-year rounding error, we should not do the same regarding the name — “Anno Lucis”. The "Year of Light" symbolizes for us the moment of divine creation; the moment of "Let there be light”. A moment that is heavily pondered and inherently present in all three degrees. It is the moment when light came into the world, it is what we seek mostly. It is the idea that knowledge equates light, which most likely led Freemasonry to adopt Anno Lucis as the moment of creation. Not incidentally, the Hebrew calendar considers the creation of the world to be in 3760 BC, referred to as “Anno Mundi” (“Year of the World”). This 240 years difference between Anno Lucis and Anno Mundi is due to differences with the Gregorian Calendar presently in use.

Of course, we cannot think of this coming month without thinking of what is for some the best night of the year — Halloween. Rooted in Celtic tradition, this day marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter; it is the time when the divide between the worlds of the living and the dead becomes blurred, and the ghosts of the dead can return to earth. To the world, Halloween conjures images ranging from playful hilarity to mischief and superstition. But to us speculative masons, this thinning of the veil between light and dark serves as a reminder that we have the responsibility to maintain the balance and make sure that light — knowledge and morality — shine forth.

In the words of Br. Albert Pike:
"We must pass through the darkness, to reach the light.”

And what about the small cosmos of our Lodge? In addition to a flurry of social events, October is shaping to be our “Out with a Bang” month; this is our last degree-conferring month. We will bring into the light one candidate, and raise two brothers to the sublime degree of Master Mason. I trust that you are as proud as I am in this crafty work of our Lodge, and I hope to see many of you come to participate and support this work.

Because it takes a Lodge to advance the craft.

I wish all of you a Happy 6025! May the coming year truly be a Year of Light, we all need it!

In Friendship and Brotherly love,

Zevi Bareket

Worshipful Master

September Master's Letter: “Gone the Summer's pomp and show,

 Autumn is waiting for the Winter's snow.”

Calendar:

September 

09/03/25 (Wed) Regular Communication
09/17/25 (Wed) Special: FC Degrees
09/27/25 (Fri) PM Roasting……>>>           

October

10/01/25 (Wed) Regular Communication
10/15/25 (Wed) Special: EA Degree
10/29/25 (Wed) Special: MM Degree

Brothers!

Holy Moly Guacamole - it is September already!

What does September bring? What does it mean to you? Religiously, it is a true interfaith month as it offers abundant worshipping opportunities to (almost) all - from the Islam Mawlid through Nayrouz and Michaelmas for (some) Christians, Navratri for the Hindus to the Jewish Rosh HaShana. Even Pagans, whose connection to Freemasonry has been much discussed in both Masonic and non-Masonic literature, have their day in September - Mabon.

Incidentally (or not…), this Mabon holiday is a celebration of something that is deeply connected to Masonic symbolism - the Autumn Equinox. In terms of our Masonic symbol — the circle and the two parallel lines — we are smack dab in the middle where the dot is between the two St. Johns; equilibrium between night and day, dark and light. We are getting deeper into the quiet season and stillness. Earth is in perfect balance between weaving light and dark together. Equilibrium, we need to remember, is always the point where things can, and often do change. It’s our time to meditate on what we have worked on in our Masonic journey, and make sure that such a change will be a change for the better.

We are here to make the world a better place; by the virtue of our tenet — Masonry is about "making good men better.” In the words of Brother Dr. Rudolf Steiner:

Transform yourself for the sake of the world.
Learn to practice thinking, feeling, sensing, and willing without egoism.
Let your work be the shadow that your I casts when it is shone upon by the flame of your higher self.

The other important Masonic date in September is Michaelmas (Feast of St. Michael). St. Michael is the archangel of the sun – overseeing earthly evolution. At Michaelmas we are to be reminded that the evolutionary task depends on the free and independent collaboration of human co-workers. It is not surprising that in the Waldorf schools, an anthroposophical educational system developed by Bro. Steiner which incorporates spiritual activity and intuitive thinking, Michaelmas is still celebrated as the second most important festival after Easter.

And our Lodge? How are we doing on tipping the balance towards the light? Well, here’s our year-so-far stats: we brought to light 6 new Brothers, we passed 4 Fellowcrafts, and raised 4 to the sublime degree of Master Mason. That should be considered pretty good work in anybody’s book. 

And we have more work to do. Degrees coming up, roasting of our much-appreciated, rare JPM — let’s make him well-done! 

Finally, what’s up with the KFC thing? 

So, as some of you know, we helped my older son move to Tallahassee to start his PhD at FSU. We arbitrarily picked an overnight stop at Corbin KY. In my search for wholesome nutritious dinner I found this larger-than-usual KFC store. Yum. Apparently, I landed right on the very first store where the Colonel started concocting his delicious recipe. In addition to the store, the place houses an impressive museum of KFC’s history. I then found out that Mr. Sanders was actually Brother Sanders, raised in Lodge No. 651 in Henryville, Indiana. “Colonel Harland David Sanders demonstrated the values of the fraternity throughout his life. He was relentlessly committed to perfecting his craft, a philanthropist who used his hard-earned success to create and fund charities.” 

Can you guess when he was born? That’s right - September 9, 1890… A September Mason! My Rosh HaShana festive meal this month will surely include some of Bro. Sanders legendary pieces.

I hope each and every one of you had a joyful and relaxing summer. I am really excited to get back to Lodge, and hopefully see many of you joining us in the spirit of Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly love

With the same,

Zevi Bareket

Worshipful Master

Come join us for a dignified night, where we take shots at the dignity of our newest Past Master Dakota Drake Legge. There will be a seven course dinner, cash bar, brothers saying horrible things about a friend, and quite the embarrassing slide show of pictures for everyone involved.

Event will be held at Genitti’s Hole in the Wall 108 E Main St Northville MI 48167

Tickets can be purchased through Zeffy open to Masons and Family only

“Happy 308 Birthday!”

Calendar:

June

06/04/25 (Wed) Regular Communication
06/18/25 (Wed) Special: MM Degrees
06/27/25 (Fri) Festive Board, 7:30pm, Saline Lodge

Brothers!

Well, maybe not quite a birthday, it is more like “Exposé”: while Freemasonry secretly existed prior to that, this month 308 years ago, on June 24 1717, the first Grand Lodge in the world was formed. The Premier Grand Lodge was founded, the first of its kind anywhere in the world and the origins of the United Grand Lodge of England. Freemasonry came to light, and the world was better for it. 

We are smack dab in the middle of the year: June. My personal favorite as we welcome the warm days of late spring and summer. Our year is a swinging pendulum — from the shortest day of winter solstice to the longest one on June 21st — summer solstice. We as Masons can rejoice this month as our pendulum touches the circumscribing edge side of St. John the Baptist. The world around us opens up and blooms, just like it was closed and dark at the other pendulum extreme. The outer light shines bright just as we prepare to go dark; again — opposite to fall and winter when the outer light decreases while we return to lodge with an ever increasing brightness of the inner light. 

Mid-year reflection on our light spreading so far: we brought to light six new Brothers, passed four to Fellowcrafts (three in the Detroit Temple), raised two to the sublime degree of Master Mason, and expect to raise two more this month before going dark. I hope you are as proud as I am in our Lodge.

I would like to share an experience I had this last week. 

While in Kansas helping my son move back for the summer, we took the opportunity to visit the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City. Among other areas, they did an exceptional job in conveying the horrific experiences and terrible human cost incurred in the trenches which spanned hundreds of miles from the Alps to the English Channel. One of the display areas was dedicated to “Trench Art”: while confined to the trenches and dugouts and during periods between battles, soldiers produced an array of items made from remnants such as discarded bullets and shell casings.  

One particular piece caught my eye:

It really hit me in an unexpected way and I could not stop thinking about that distressed Brother: did he survive? Was he lucky enough to be with fellow Brothers in that time of duress? Was he able to draw some support and inner strength from his Masonic journey in those grotesque surroundings? 

It was one of those “I wish I had a time machine” moments (but only if a round trip was guaranteed…)

This is the last Master letter before the summer. No worries - I am NOT going to sing “See You In September”; I know that I will see many of you beforehand. Nevertheless I wish you and yours a joyful and safe summer; Have a good time and remember to keep in the spirit of Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly love

With the same,

Zevi Bareket

Worshipful Master

May Master's Letter: “May May Bring Us More Maysonry Light”

Calendar:

May

05/07/25 (Wed) Regular Communication
05/19-20/25 Grand Lodge: 2025 Annual Communication
05/21/25 (Wed) Special: EA Degrees
05/28/25 (Wed) Social: Master's Table — TBD

June

06/04/25 (Wed) Regular Communication
06/18/25 (Wed) Special: EA Degrees
06/25/25 (Wed) Social: Master's Table — TBD

Brothers!

What might May mean for us, Masons? The month of May is most universally associated with rebirth and rejuvenation, as growth and re-emergence of flowers and vegetation surround us. Our own beloved poet Brother Burns described the beauty of this month in his poem:

It was the charming month of May,
When all the flow'rs were fresh and gay. 

Joyful and merry when it enters, May leaves us on a very solemn note: Memorial Day. May is not just about blissful, charming and fresh rebirth, but it is also about anguished and painful death. For we are all born to die. 

It is worth noting the connection that we as Masons have to that special day. Brother John A. Logan (1826-1886), a Civil War General and later a leader of the Grand Army of the Republic (a fraternal organization of Union Army veterans), authored this Memorial Day Order:

The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

This led to the establishment of Memorial Day as a national holiday. Michigan, by the way, was the first state to make this an official state holiday.

And in between these two opposing points of May — the charming rebirth and the sorrow of death — we have the light of life laudable pursuit.

From the moment we receive the first light, we are in search of and desire for more light, and more light being the object of our search. We continually ascend and better ourselves by every onward step. 

In April we gave more light to three Brothers by helping them pass to Fellowcrafts. It was a memorable ceremony in the awe-inspiring grander of the Tudor room in the Detroit Masonic Temple; I really wish more of you were there…

I would like to take this opportunity, and shed more light onto some of the numerical symbolism that plays an important and significant role in both Masonry and the Hebrew tradition. In particular, the numbers 3, 5, and 7.

The total of 3, 5, and 7 is 15 which is a significant number in numerology and the Hebrew alphabet. 3, 5, and 7 eventually bring us to the place of perfection where the letter “G” illumine the mind and conscience of every God-fearing man. This number fifteen, represents in Hebrew numerology “Yah” - “יה” - which is the abridgment of God’s name as it appears in the Bible. The basic 9-digits “Magic Square” results in fifteen when three numbers are added, either way - perpendicularly, horizontally or diagonally:

4  9  2
3  5  7
8  1  6

The ancient Hebrews held this magic square in veneration, because the central number - 5 - represents the Hebrew letter “ה” which is another abridgment of God’s name; with that sacred character in the centre, the value fifteen (Yah, יה) becomes the constant resultant from every direction.

Moreover, the priestly benediction (in Hebrew, Numbers, 6:24) is a three-versed blessing which consists of fifteen words; the first verse has three words, the second has 5, and the last verse is comprised of seven words.

24. The LORD bless you and keep you;
25. The LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26. The LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

(Yes, the word counts do not match the English version, but you’ll have to trust me that the Hebrew original is more efficient and uses only 3, 5, and 7 words in the above three verses respectively…)

Concluding reminders:

• While not part of our official trestle board, our Brothers from St. Mary’s Lodge #4 will be conducting an EA Degree at Saline Temple: 9:30 breakfast 10 am Gavel. I encourage you to attend (Regretfully, due to a happy & joyful event of my son’s graduation I will have to miss this).

• Please let me know if you have any opinions about the proposed amendments and resolutions for the upcoming Grand Lodge Session (see details in the Advanced Notice that was attached to the minutes of April Regular).

May the Fourth be with you, to be followed by the Revenge of the Fifth!

With Brotherly Love,

Zevi Bareket

Worshipful Master

“Cherish the Moment”

Calendar:

April

04/04/25 (Wed) Regular Communication
04/16/25 (Wed) Special and FC Degree Practice
04/19/25 (Satur.) FC Degrees - Detroit Masonic Temple
04/23/25 (Wed) Social: Master's Table — TBD
04/30/25 (Wed) Special: EA Degrees

May

05/07/25 (Wed) Regular Communication
05/21/25 (Wed) Special: EA Degrees
05/28/25 (Wed) Social: Master's Table — TBD

Brothers!

It’s April! And since flowers are not really my thing — I wouldn’t mind if we skip the “April  Showers” part; I’m just aching to get outside, ride, and enjoy the warm(er) weather.  This is going to be a busy and exciting Masonic month for us. We are going back to the Detroit  Masonic Temple for multiple FC degrees on the 19th, and we will bring to light two EAs on the 5th  Wednesday of the month.  

I suspect that when May comes around we’ll be looking back asking “Wow, is April over so quickly?”  So at this point, I want to urge you to pace yourselves; busy as the coming days may be — make an  effort to pause and pay attention, live in the moment, cherish the time as the clock ticks forward.

“The past is history, the future is a mystery, but today is a gift, that's why it's called the present”. Many claim rights to this well-known saying, or at least for making it so popular. Personally I believe the credit should go to Winnie the Pooh; he certainly delivers it best. Winnie has this ability to enjoy the  moment. It’s inspiring to me and I wish I could be more like that; I find that we’re too obsessed by  what tomorrow will bring and too dragged down by yesterday’s events so  that we often miss the joy  that stares us right in the eyes.  

This desire to focus on the moment, and only on the moment, is best expressed in a prayer poem which I read recently:

Whatever happens. Whatever
what is is, is what
I want. Only that. But that.   (Galway Kinnell, 1927–2014)

Isn’t this a fantastic expression of a desire to only experience the very present, and only that present?

Being present and aware of the moment is one of the reasons I love being in Lodge: other than the  social part of dwelling pretentiously-free with my Brethren in a fraternally accepting atmosphere, the  ritual work makes me focus on the moment. When the door is closed it leaves behind the hustle and  bustle of everyday life and transports us into a ritual world requiring us to be focused and present. 

Cherish the moment, embrace life as it unfolds and tune into the small details.

“What day is it?”
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day,” said Pooh.

And finally, I want to remind you of our Brother Benjamin Franklin’s words: “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”  The Ides of April is approaching fast; we can try and do our best to postpone death, but don’t mess with the IRS…

I look forward to seeing you during all 6 (six!) scheduled gatherings this month.

With Brotherly Love,

Zevi Bareket

Worshipful Master

February 25, 2025 

March Master's Letter: “More Light!”

Calendar:

March

03/05/25 (Wed) Regular Communication
03/19/25 (Wed) Special: EA Degrees
03/17/25 (Mon) St. Patrick's Day
03/26/25 (Wed) Social: Master's Table

April

04/04/25 (Wed) Regular Communication
04/16/25 (Wed) FC Degree Practice
04/19/25 (Saturday.) FC Degrees - Detroit Masonic Temple 10am
04/23/25 (Wed) Social: Master's Table
04/30/25 (Wed) Special: EA Degrees

Brothers!

What an awesome month March is! Our Lodge enters this month strengthened by the addition of two newly-made Brothers; and that’s not all — we will be bringing to light two more candidates in this month’s special. In February I also represented AAF262 in a “Mason’s Night” event, a night of fellowship and brotherhood hosted by St. Mary’s Lodge #4 in Livonia cigar bar. Yes, I know - it was rather difficult, but someone had to do it… 

Speaking of St. Mary’s: March, but more especially — March 2025, is a very special month for our Prince Hall Brothers: on March 6, 1775 Prince Hall was made a Master Mason in Irish Constitution Military Lodge No. 441. Congratulations on this 250th anniversary brothers! For us as Masons, his legacy is that of unrelenting struggle for equality, dedication to the craft, and a constant reminder that our core tenets of friendship, morality and brotherly love extend beyond any bounds of race or color.

As most things viewed in a Masonic way, I personally consider March as having 3 parts: my favorite part, my not-so-favorite part, and the let’s-not-forget part.

My favorite part of this month is the ushering in of more light. Literally. The Spring Equinox on March 20 is the time when light conquers darkness; the day overrules the night and becomes longer. Combining philosophy with my favorite instrument of physics — the pendulum — on that day the pendulum is at its lowest point and it now swings towards the light, leaving darkness behind. Viewed through Masonic eyes, the Equinox represents balance and harmony, as well as growth and renewal. The pendulum is perfectly plumb at its center point, and it now starts to move towards its furthest reach at the edge of that bounding circumscribing circle where one of the tangent parallel lines stands. Let us take this month as an opportunity for personal reflection and Masonic growth. As winter is being shed and we prepare for spring, let us shed idle burdens and make room for renewal; let us continue to seek balance within ourselves and in our relationships with others.

My not-so-favorite part of this month is the Ides of March. March 15th is a day of betrayal. It is an important and poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the consequences of betrayal. It is most famously tied to the assassination of Julius Caesar, but for us in Freemasonry, we cannot help drawing parallels to betrayal stories of our own. The Ides of March reminds us all of the importance of trust, loyalty, and vigilance. We vow to be true to our fellow Masons, yet we must be vigilant in protecting the sacred bonds we share and the principles upon which our Craft is built. Let’s try to get through that day without being stabbed.

Which brings me to the “hey, let’s not forget that part”: St. Patrick’s Day. Assuming we survive the Ides of March, March 17th will be a welcome transition from labor to refreshment. What is the connection between an Irish Bishop, a pagan-turned-Christian and Freemasonry? In March 17, 1780, while quartered at Morristown, NJ after a long winter of devastating fighting and losses, General George Washington recognized the urgent need for a moral boost and a respite from the ravages of war and winter. He issued a proclamation declaring March 17, 1780 a holiday for the Continental Army: “The General directs that all fatigue and working parties cease for tomorrow the seventeenth instant, a day held in particular regard by the people of Ireland.” That is one more thing for which we as Masons owe thanks to our very own General George Washington.

May the coming month bring us peace, happiness and a good Masonic fortune. More light cannot come soon enough.

With Brotherly Love,

WM Zevi Bareket

January 30, 2025

February Master's Letter: “Choose to Belong” 

Calendar:

February

02/02/25 (Sun) Groundhog Day
02/05/25 (Wed) Regular Communication
02/14/25 (Fri) Valentines Day
02/19/25 (Wed) Special: EA Degrees
02/26/25 (Wed) Social: Master's Table

March

03/05/25 (Wed) Regular Communication
03/19/25 (Wed) Special: EA Degrees
03/17/25 (Mon) St. Patrick's Day
03/26/25 (Wed) Social: Master's Table

Brothers!

We are one month into the year — and it was a good month! We shared a great evening with Livonia United Lodge #152 celebrating the life of Brother Robert Burns, and we brought a brother to more light, helping him grow and become a fellow of the craft. 

February is a big month in Masonic history: the 22nd of this month in 1732 marks the birthday of arguably the most notable mason and our country’s first president - George Washington. In fact, in many parts of the world this date is designated as “International Day of the Freemason.”

Freemasonry is founded on the immutable laws of Truth and Justice and its grand object is to promote the happiness of the human race. - George Washington

Individually, bringing Happiness to the human race might indeed be a grand objective; focusing on individual happiness might be a good start. And belonging is one sure way to achieve happiness.

As a human being, belonging is critical. We thrive when we belong. We need to belong. Social and spiritual contentedness is a key for health and longevity - right up there with nutrition and exercise. Feeling that you're loved, supported and that you belong drive away that dark sense of loneliness and unhappiness. When you belong you have more resilience to periods of unhappiness. 

Yes, you belong to the lodge, but do you really feel belonging? Do you just read our communications or do you attempt to find the time and attend and participate? Do you hear what is said in the rituals or do you listen and feel it? Are you present? Can you consider even the mundane daily routines to be viewed through a masonic lens? To demean yourself as becomes a man and a mason?

These are not questions of admonition rather thought challenges and invitation.

Because speaking for myself at least, I truly enjoy my time in lodge; I'm enjoying the conversation, the meaningful rituals, the brotherly love and camaraderie. And mostly I'm feeling pride and gratitude. Not a bad pride, but a good pride. Like a personal victory, and for truly showing up.

It's a big deal for me. I want you to enjoy the same.

I encourage each and every one of you to show up; you choose to belong and you belong. It’s a matter of a conscious choice and proactive action.

“Will he or will he not?” That is the question. Unfortunately, some things are beyond our ability to choose. So we put our trust in higher powers and hope for the best. Like this Sunday. Diverging from my otherwise masonic aspirations, I really, really, really hope for an overcast and dark day. Because without light there are no shadows. Without light Phil will not see his shadow…

On a more serious note, if there’s one reaffirmation that I take from January as we step into February, it is the fact that “It takes a Lodge to make a Worshipful Master.” I am nothing but fancily behatted without you. Your wisdom and strength are what make AAF 262 what it is. 

May the light of brotherly love and unity continue to shine upon us. 

With Brotherly Love,

WM Zevi Bareket

Brothers!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and may you have a Happy & Healthy New Year Wherever Dispersed   

Calendar:

January

01/01/25 (Wed) New Year's Day
01/15/25 (Wed) Regular Communication
01/20/25 (Mon) Martin Luther King Jr. Day
01/22/25 (Wed) Social: Burns Dinner at Livonia
01/29/25 (Wed) Special: FC Degree

February

02/02/25 (Sun) Groundhog Day
02/05/25 (Wed) Regular Communication
02/14/25 (Fri) Valentines Day
02/19/25 (Wed) Special: EA Degrees
02/26/25 (Wed) Social: Master's Table

Oh, yes -  we are also just past Solstice - the days are now getting longer, a few seconds at the time; there’s light at the end of the Winter ! 

Speaking of light, I hope to make this year in our lodge a year of light and of further light. It is not quite January 1st yet, but we’re off to a good start: this IS the season of light — brightly decorated trees everywhere, the 8+1 candles of the Hanukkiah in the windows, the 7 candles of Kwanzaa — generally speaking, everyone around us walks with a beaming smile (well, except the Grinches…)  I hope that we can find and further the brightness of our own inner masonic light; I hope that we get to strengthen our personal connection with (at least some of) the words and meaning of our rituals — beyond just reciting them. 

January’s significance in masonic history includes bringing into the light of this world three notable Brothers: the celebrated poet Robert Burns, the scientist who is also one of our nation’s founding fathers Ben Franklin, and the prolific composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. When Mozart’s father passed to the Fellowcraft degree, he composed the song “Gesellenreise” (Fellowcraft's Journey):

“You, who now are risen higher unto Wisdom's high abode, Wander steadfast higher, higher, Know, it is the noblest road. Only the unblighted man May approach the source of Light.”

“Happy is he who can say: There is a light upon my life's road!”

Let’s bring happiness into our lives by filling our lodge with light!

I would like to reiterate here some words from my installation remarks, talking about my intents for this coming year (“intents”, not “plans” since we know what Brother Burns told us about “the best-laid plans of mice an’ men”)…

My intent is to focus on, and advance the three pillars that are the lodge's support: Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty.

Wisdom to contrive and put forth the right designs on our trestle board. We will put it into practice by fostering our education. We should always be in pursuit of more internal and personal illuminating knowledge.

Strength is our brotherly love. We connect men of different backgrounds and cultures, and we should celebrate this diversity. This brotherly love is central to our life as masons. Brother Victor Hugo’s masterpiece Les Miserable tells us that “To love another person is to see the face of God”; what better way is there to bring deity into our lodge other than by love?

Beauty to adorn it all. No matter how smartly it is built, no matter how strong it stands — a temple is but an empty hall without the beauty of rituals and ceremonies. 

I know I’ll need help in bringing these to fruition, but I also know that I can count on your wisdom and strength so that AAF 262 maintains and amplifies its beauty in 2025.

Last but not least: as a New Year gift, attached is our comprehensive and updated LMR - Lodge Membership Roster. Use it to keep in touch with each other, as well as a reaching-out tool to support our obligation to help, aid and assist each other. Many thanks to our WB Secretary David and WB Musician Bob for their efforts of putting this list together

With Brotherly Love,

WM Zevi Bareket

Dakota Legge

9:29 PM (2 hours ago)

to aaf

My Brothers,

I cannot believe we have made it to December and the lodge is still standing under my reign of terror. We have had such an amazing year and now we only have a few more important items to attend to. I want to thank each and every one of you for such an unforgettable year. I could not have done it without your help and support. I know my successor will receive the same support that you all have given to me. I am saddened that this is my last month (Weeks) as your worshipful master, but I know that Zevi will grow this lodge even better and more elegant.

December is a month of gathering whether with acquaintances, friends or family it is a time to celebrate. Celebrate the year we had, Celebrate the present. Celebrate the future. Yes, December is the start of winter but winter also brings so many things to celebrate. I want to leave this lodge with one message and one message only. Be kind to one another, help each other, and stay 262 strong.

I want to thank you all for everything, I cannot fathom a way to repay you for this amazing year. Have a wonderful holiday season and I hope to see you at one of our events.

Calendar:

11/20/2024 - Stocking Stuffer Event

12/04/2024 - Lodge of Sorrows

12/14/2024 - Installation of officers

12/19/2024 - Grotto Holiday Party

01/01/2025 - Tom & Jerry Party at Zal Gaz Grotto

Yours Truly,

Dakota Legge

Worshipful Master

Ann Arbor- Fraternity #262

Brothers,

I cannot believe we have already made it to November. This year has flown by and has had its fair share of ups and downs. I am very proud of this lodge and all the wonderful things we do. November is a month that I use as a recharge, whether it's getting out in Nature or surrounding myself with family. Whether you surround yourself with family by blood or the family you made along the way, it is always good to be with those you love. On the day before Thanksgiving we will be having our Master's Table at the Zal Gaz Grotto and that is a great time to reconnect with your brothers!

As we near the end of the year we have a few more important dates to wrap up the year.

11/6 - Regular and our Elections for 2025

11/20 - Special Charity Event: Putting stockings together for the Masonic Home. We need your help!

11/27 - Master's Table - Zal Gaz Grotto

12/4 - Regular and Lodge of Sorrows

12/14 - Installation of Officers

I hope to see you all there. Let's finish this year strong!

Dakota Legge

Worshipful Master

Brothers,

Another Month has come and gone. We welcomed a new Entered Apprentice into our folds as well as a few plural members! I am proud of all of you for that.

October means it is officially spooky season and the beginning of the holidays! I know these are very busy times these next few months but please do your best to make it to lodge because we still have work to get done and fellowship to have. 

This is probably a good area to talk about scary movies and how the villains are just misunderstood but sadly, I don't care for scary movies all that much so I would be making it up. If you feel like you are just misunderstood, a great way to work through that is not by creating a scary movie, it is by coming to lodge and relearning the principles of Masonry.

We have a very important month coming up. At our Regular we will be discussing the budget for next year so make sure you are there to vote on it. At the special, we will be raising a new Master Mason. Finally, we have a 5th wednesday this month that happens to be right next to Halloween so we will be doing our lodge certification.

For the Lodge Certification, I cannot stress this enough but it is going to be a costume dress code and yes jokes will be made if you decide to not show up in a costume. The only rules for the costumes are no hats and you must be able to wear your apron.

This is going to be a great month and I look forward to seeing all of you.

Calendar:

10/2: Regular Business Meeting

10/16: MM Degree

10/23: Master's Table

10/30: Lodge Certification and Costume Contest

Boo!

Dakota Legge

Worshipful Master

Ann Arbor Fraternity #262

Brothers,

Can you believe that Summer has come and gone so fast?!?!?! I hope you all had a wonderful time and enjoyed your break.

It is time to get back to work and back to lodge. September is known for a few things like back to school, National Sign up for a Library Card Month, and of course the beginning of my favorite season…Football.

Let’s try to take away a few things from what this month is known for. First is back to school, The students returning to their classes whether it’s their first day of Pre-K or they are starting a new semester of their PhD they are starting or renewing a routine and ritual. Likewise we are renewing our routine and ritual of coming to lodge and performing degrees to start new brothers on their Masonic Journey. This is a time to reflect on what we have learned in the past and check our goals for the year. This is also the time to start planning our goals for the future and settings the Lodge and ourselves up to do great things. It’s a chance to educate ourselves and learn from each other. It doesn’t matter if you are a new Mason or if you have been a Mason for 50 years, we always can learn something new or see something different in the ritual when we come to meetings and talk to each other.

National Sign Up for a Library Card Month is a great reminder to not only read about Masonic history but also read Anti-Masonic history because we should learn both sides or aspects in order to become our best self. The library is also a quiet place and we should take that as a place of introspection and meditation. Look within to guide your future and reflect on decisions and actions from the past. I highly recommend that you take the time to sign up or renew your library card from your local library because they have so much to offer other than books.

Last but certainly not least, we have the start of football season, We as a lodge are a team and we should practice our virtues and work together to overcome obstacles. More importantly we should work together to improve each other and the community around us. I feel so lucky to be apart of this lodge because it is comprised of the greatest Masons that I have ever known and we work together better than any fantasy football team I have ever drafted. Thank you all for your support not only of the lodge but of all the brothers and widows, it is truly inspiring.

I am so excited to be back at lodge with all of you and cannot wait to see you all for our first regular back on Wednesday, September 4th. Remember, these next few meeting are some of the most important of the year as they determine our plan for the future between NPDs, Budget, and Elections.

Calendar:

August 28th – Master’s Table at

September 4th – Business Meeting (Dinner at 6, Gavel at 7)

September 12th-15th – Walls of Honor in Hamburg

September 18th – Special (EA) (Dinner at 6, Gavel at 7)

September 25th – Master’s Table TBD

October 2nd – Business Meeting (Dinner at 6, Gavel at 7)

Fraternally,

Dakota Legge

Worshipful Master

Ann Arbor-Fraternity #262