These past few weeks, I’ve found myself unexpectedly grateful.
Let me explain.
On Yom Kippur, you heard the heartfelt High Holiday Appeal given by Elliot Siegel and Mitch Lewis.
Mitch spoke about how he, and his wife Kathy, had not felt engaged to TE, or their Judaism, for a while and were thinking about leaving. They were conflicted because of all the time and memory that they had invested into Emanu-El.
And then they got a call “from some guy named Spike” (me, their new Senior Rabbi). Mitch explained that at my invitation, we sat together and talked about things that mattered, about their Jewish history, and their spiritual journey. Together we shared a vision of how things could be, and how through Temple Emanu-El, they could again explore aspects of themselves that were beckoning, but were dormant.
Our meeting was a catalyst, and one that we both can look back on as a really important starting point.
So what am I unexpectedly grateful for?
In the weeks since Mitch relayed his story, we’ve had a few congregants approach your clergy here at TE and say that because of Mitch’s experience, they, too, would like to sit and meet with us.
Yes! Of course. We would be thrilled to sit with you.
Additionally, many of you have received, or are receiving, invitations from us to sit together in our study, at a coffee shop, or in your home.
We look forward to meeting you wherever you are.
Shabbat Shalom
