KoREH News

A Place Where You Are Seen

One of my favorite images from all of the Talmud comes in Tractate Brachot 6b, which translates as “blessings.” The story goes that when someone who regularly comes to minyan or synagogue communal events is suddenly absent, God inquires as to their whereabouts. I love the picture of God sitting at minyan on a Tuesday thinking, “Where’s Rivka? Has anyone seen Rivka? She wasn’t at minyan today, but she ALWAYS makes the Tuesday minyan! Where
could she be?”

The moral of the story is plain to see: if even the Creator of the Universe notices when a member of the community is missing and is concerned, we should notice as well. I am so proud of this community for all of the wonderful efforts our members take to recognize and support one another, to welcome each person in and make them feel at home, and, yes, to notice when they are not there and make sure they are ok. The way people greet one another on Shabbat and at synagogue events, the innumerable phone calls, home visits, hospital check-ins, and meal deliveries that the committed volunteers of the Chesed Committee, and many others, make, and the care with which we treat each other all serve to build a community of caring, thoughtful people. While there are always more ways we can connect to others and bring them closer to our lives and the joys of our community, I am proud to say that this is an incredible community to live, learn, and grow in. I have felt it since the moment I came here, and I am so thankful that others have shared similar experiences. 

In our Religious School community, new people and families have also been captivated by the warmth of the community and the innovative framework of our newly branded Kol Rinah Education Hub (KoREH). I am happy to report that as of this writing, our little school of just over 30 students has added 10 new learners to our classrooms for the 2018-2019 school year! That tremendous growth is due in large part to the warm and welcoming nature of this community, to the hard work and passion of our teachers and congregational staff, and to the countless hours our volunteers put in to make this place incredible.  Thank you all for the incredible work you do, and for investing your time, resources, energy, and love into this great community.