Godfather

This Friday night we have a very special Shabbat service during which we will honor the man whom I have dubbed ‘The Godfather of Temple Emanu-El’, Lee Katz.

It is an auspicious coincidence (or is it?) that this week’s Torah portion is Lech Lecha from the book of Genesis.  In it, Abraham and Sarah hear God’s call to leave the place where they can be comfortable and not do too much, in order to go out into the world of the unknown and engage it as a blessing.  It is from these words that we Jews receive our meta-mission: to mend a world that is broken, with God as our partner.  Abraham and Sarah begin this journey the only way that they know how…one step at a time, and one person at a time.  When they see an opportunity to help another, they go out of their way to try.  When they see an injustice, they do their best to make a difference.  It’s a journey that they started in the Torah, and one that we Jews continue to this very minute.

Like Abraham and Sarah, Lee has quietly and behind the scenes helped so many individual people, and so many of our Atlanta cornerstone Jewish (and secular) organizations back to wholeness.  Whether you know it or not, likely Lee has been helpful to people who are important to you, and institutions that emit tremendous good into the world.  First and foremost to Temple Emanu-El.

I am honored that Lee has (reluctantly) agreed to let us say some nice things about him, and I would invite you to join us for a Shabbat service that promises to be both uplifting and inspiring.

See you there.

Shabbat shalom.