This Friday night, I would ask that you make a real effort to come to our Shabbat services.
Even more than usual, I strongly suspect that they will move you, inspire you, and connect you.
Why?
Because this one Shabbat each year, I find myself especially effected in a way that I would label ‘profound.’
Why?
Because our services this Friday night will be led by our graduating Confirmation class of 10th graders.
Stop.
Please take a moment to pause on these last words.
You might think I’m asking you to come to services to support our 10th graders who have been studying together for these past two years every Sunday with me in my office, who have volunteered together in our community feeding the hungry, who have committed to leading our Jewish Community, and who have traveled together to our nation’s capital to lobby our elected politicians on matters that are priorities for the Jews of Georgia.
Sure. Yes please. Come support them.
But I’m asking you to come to Temple Emanu-El this Shabbat because this service, led by our teens, will help YOU.
It will help you find renewed faith in our Jewish future.
It will engage you, in ways sublime, to generations past.
And their prayers, their music, and their earnestness will allow you to connect to your best, most ideal Jewish self with renewed vigor.
What can a Jewish child accomplish when groomed with Jewish pride and support, confidence and love?
Come and see.
Allow yourself to be raised up.
Shabbat Shalom
