Membership News

While January 1st is not a Jewish holiday and for us, simply starts a new year on the Gregorian calendar, it still carries with it this reminder of newness and the feeling of a fresh start. I also think that it gives us an opportunity to say Shehechiyanu: a chance to recognize time, a chance for gratitude and a chance to appreciate being alive in this moment. Rabbi Shefa Gold says, “The Shehechiyanu blessing is said whenever we realize the miracle of the present moment. The blessing honors and expresses the wonder of having arrived.” She further states, “Implied in this blessing is a commitment to vitality, to sustained presence and awareness.” How wonderful that we have been sustained and have arrived to this new year of 2024. I believe that we should be aware and appreciative of all the blessings of connection, belonging and community that are so prevalent here at Kol Rinah. I am uplifted by the commitment that we, our KR community, has to vitality, to fully inhabiting life and to sustaining and inspiring others. I sense the amazing potential that this moment and year can bring. I also look forward to the many wonderful services, events, holidays, connections and gatherings that will come with this new year. 

To life, l’chaim, 

Karen