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11/14/2021 09:04:11 PM

Nov14

Stacey Hudson

Wednesday and Thursday our chapel became the workspace for Rabbi Moshe Druin, our Sofer On Site. Rabbi Druin travels the country repairing Torahs. Last week he was in St. Louis. This week he is in Arizona.  I spent some time talking with him and watching him work. His job requires a wealth of knowledge about the text, a skill with ink and a quill pen and the dexterity to repair damaged and worn scrolls. He told me his job is never dull, he learns something new every day and he gets to travel and meet people all over the country. Isn’t that something we all strive for? Using our skills to help others, meeting new people and learning something every day.
 
One of my favorite things now about Friday mornings is attending the Shabbat celebration with our rabbis and the children from the ECC. It is so much fun, and there is such energy in the sanctuary with everyone singing, Rabbi Shafrin playing the guitar and the rabbis and kids dancing to the songs. It is a joyous way to wrap up the week.
Monroe Ginsburg and Steve Keyser planned the Shabbat service to honor our veterans. Ben Weintraub, a World War II veteran, told stories of his time in uniform. His stories included details of his training, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge and being at a concentration camp when it was opened and the prisoners were freed. He told the stories with humor and reverence for the situations he was in and the human cost of the war. My father, 96, also fought in the Battle of the Bulge but did not talk about his experience in the war until he was in his late 80’s. It is so important for us all to hear these stories. If you know a veteran, ask them about their experience. Perhaps they too will open up and tell stories with reverence for the experience, and some humor.
Many people ask me what we are doing in-person with our COVID-19 protections. It is a lot. You can attend Shabbat morning and evening services, sign up for the Fitness & Flexibility class, celebrate Hanukkah with a fire dancer and attend a very special weekend of singing with our scholar in residence Deborah Sachs Mintz. Check the website for all the details on these programs.
Wed, April 17 2024 9 Nisan 5784