06/28/2021 08:00:00 PM
Jun28
I have been thinking a lot about my family lately. Two weeks ago, we spent a long weekend in Dallas with my stepdaughter, her husband and our grandchildren. My son and his girlfriend drove down with us. It was the first we all got together since COVID-19 shut everything down and it was so much fun to be together.
This weekend it was wonderful to have my sister, Joan Levinson, and our children, Elie and Daniel here. Joan came in town for a closing reception of her artwork at the Kranzberg Foundation High Low Gallery (https://stljewishlight.org/news/news-local/st-louis-artist-explores-intersection-of-literary-and-visual-arts/) and then to take down the show and prepare it for shipping. Many hands came together to get the job done. Elie, Daniel, Daniel’s girlfriend Sarah, Joan and I worked together to wrap and protect all the pieces being shipped and to prep the pieces sold to go to their new owners. We held things for each other, cut tape, wrapped corners, resolved problems, chatted, and listened to Joan’s selected playlist (Talking Heads, Elvis Costello, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Tom Waits and Terry Allen [I included him]) which brought out a bit of foot tapping and lip syncing while we worked. I kept thinking about how much I loved it – helping each other, having a good time and enjoying each other’s company. I am grateful for the day we spent together.
I have been asked over the years why I stayed in St. Louis, why I didn’t move somewhere else. My answer quite simply is family and friends. I love seeing people I have known most of my life and having family connections to people and places going back several generations. A few weeks ago, I got an e-mail from Paul Flotken. Paul didn’t realize he was e-mailing me; it went to the general office e-mail. I first met Paul when I was in high school and worked for his brother John. Paul let me know he had two chairs from the original Knesseth Israel building in DeMun, did I want them? Absolutely. Paul told me
that after being used by Knesseth Israel the chairs belonged to his wife Terry’s great-grandparents, Morris and Ida Berin. They were likely purchased as a fundraiser when the congregation moved to South Hanley. Morris lived from 1879 to 1956 and was the Shammas of the synagogue. The chairs are now in our chapel. I don’t know yet what we will do with them, but I love having that physical connection in the building going back generations to one of our founding legacy shuls.
that after being used by Knesseth Israel the chairs belonged to his wife Terry’s great-grandparents, Morris and Ida Berin. They were likely purchased as a fundraiser when the congregation moved to South Hanley. Morris lived from 1879 to 1956 and was the Shammas of the synagogue. The chairs are now in our chapel. I don’t know yet what we will do with them, but I love having that physical connection in the building going back generations to one of our founding legacy shuls.Throughout the summer we are having outdoor services in the courtyard. Last week we held a service for Young Families. It was a hot day, and the turnout was low but those who came had a great time. The sanctuary shades the courtyard in the evening and the breeze kept everyone comfortable. Please don’t let the weather keep you away - come to our outdoor services.
We have increased attendance in the sanctuary to 60 people. Please look at the new COVID-19 protocols on the website - we would love to see you at services.
Finally, our softball teams are making up in spirit what they are missing in wins. I am happy to say that the Ball Mitzvahs won their game last week against B’nai Amoona. Grab a chair, wear your Kol Rinah swag and head out to watch a game!
Thu, April 18 2024
10 Nisan 5784
MISSION: Create a welcoming community that embraces Torah, meaningful worship, lifelong learning, music, Israel, and tikkun olam, guided by the tenets of Conservative Judaism.
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Thu, April 18 2024 10 Nisan 5784