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So many thanks to our “Bimah team” of Andi, Allen, Mara, Kate, Rebecca, and Hannah who were responsible for bringing so much kavannah to our services. Having such a diverse group of leaders bringing, in turn, such diversity to our prayer experience, has now become the norm in our congregation, and this clearly resonates with our wonderfully varied membership which Paul describes so eloquently in his column.
And, on the subject of diversity, could one imagine two more different presentations on recent events in Israel than those offered by cousin Noa Zalud from Rehovot and our own Harvey – both of whom, of course, have so much love for that country. Among the most memorable moments for me – the heartfelt prayers and rich harmonies aside – were:
- seeing Joanne holding on her lap Joe and Jennifer’s grandchild; and
- having the children of our congregation leading the Sh’ma at each of our services, and then responding so avidly during the Neilah reading of the Jonah story. (Thanks again to Mara, this time in her role as Education Director, for preparing the kids so well and for leading the children’s services.)
Paul and I also loved talking with many of the parents of our adult members who had come to spend the High Holidays with us. We were asked again and again if we realized how special this congregation is. They expressed delight that their children and grandchildren were part of such a congregation; some said they wished they could be with us all year long. Let me add my thanks to Marty, Faith, Abe, Laura, Johnny Lee, Erica, Mira, our choir, our Ritual Committee and the many many volunteers who made these holidays so special for all of us.
B'shalom,
Jim |
