The rhythm of the academic year makes this a season filled with endings. Graduations occur, kids get promoted, parties happen and we move into the more laid back days of summer. In the midst of this hubbub, let's take a moment to reflect.
This month, a community-wide effort to fulfill one of our tradition's most sacred duties, repairing our Torah, will be completed. This year-long "Torah Project", culminates with the return of our fully repaired, Sefer Torah. Rabbi Yochanan Nathan, our sofer ("scribe"), has educated us about the intricacies of creating and repairing a torah. In the process, we've been reminded that Torah defines us as a people, ties us to one another and to our ancestors. To all who have supported this sacred task, todah rabah and yasher koach (thank you very much for using your strength in this way!)
This year has also seen creative changes in our worship. The worship initiatives suggested by our congregational survey, created by the Worship Committee, in concert with the efforts Rabbi Weiss and Cantor Green, have led to new engaging opportunities for communal worship. Our 4th Friday Kabbalat Shabbats and new Shabbat Kehillah dinners, on the 2nd Friday of each month, have filled us with ruach ("spirit"), song and connection. If you've not been to Shabbat services in a while, you're missing some very special times. Don't be a stranger. And did I say, 'you never call!'
At the High Holidays, Rabbi Weiss asked us, "Israel, Can We Talk About It?" This year we've had three, well-attended opportunities to listen, learn and discuss very difficult issues relating to Israel and peace in the Middle East. Most importantly, the dialogue that occurred was respectful and thoughtful. Thank you to all who participated and especially to the ARZA committee for its work in creating a safe place for the dialogue to occur. I look forward to many such opportunities in the future.
And finally, to James Crowder, who has faithfully served Oak Park Temple for more than 25 years, we extend our sincere gratitude. Our thanks to you for all that you do, and have done, with efficiency, warmth and good humor to make Oak Park Temple the special place that it is.
L'shalom,
Jeff Blaine
President
No comments:
Post a Comment