Dear Congregants of
Temple
Beth
Boruk,
The month of Elul is upon us and we, as Jews use the month to
prepare for the High Holy Days.
This preparation includes Teshuvah (repentance), Tefilah
(prayer), and Tzedakah (charity).
These are the foundation to the Days of Awe.
This preparation encompasses our whole being, and is directed
toward God.
As Rosh Hashanah approaches, for many of us, our preparation
includes time spent with family, reconnecting with old friends, and
reminiscing about the holidays from years past.
We hold true to the memories; the sights and sounds of family
together. The ritual
items and smells of traditional foods in the home; and let us not
forget the sweetness of honey as we welcome the New Year.
It is with great anticipation and the most sincere of blessing that
I cherish the opportunity of serving you for the coming year 5768.
In many ways this is a generational homecoming for my family
and me. Many of my
childhood memories revolve around visits to
Richmond
; my grandfather helped to lay the cornerstone of the
Temple
, and my mother attended Sunday School in the
Leland
Hotel
. Now, my wife and son
have the privilege of creating memories surrounding
Richmond
, as well.
My wife, Laurie, will be sharing the honor of serving from the Bima
as she will lead us in song as our Cantorial soloist.
Our two year old son, Mose, will often make guest
appearances, however he is more interested in blowing out the
candles than kindling the Sabbath lights.
Currently, I am in my third year at HUC.
During this past summer, I had the opportunity of serving
Temple B’nai
Israel
in
Petoskey
,
Michigan
, and I spent the previous year on the Pulpit at Temple Beth Shalom
in
Ishpeming
,
Michigan
. Before beginning at
Hebrew
Union
College
, I earned a Master of Arts in Theology from
Xavier
University
in
Cincinnati
.
As your preparations continue for the Yontuf season, I urge you to
dig deeper into your consciousness, as you reflect upon the past
year. What goals have
you accomplished? Is
there any unfinished business? Were
there any moments to celebrate or losses to mourn?
What efforts did you put forth to improve the world?
How did you handle the trials of day to day life?
In the coming year, we’ll challenge these questions as together we
grow as Jews. I look
forward to being a part of your community in worship, thanksgiving,
learning and celebration. May
our time together be enriching, enlightening, enjoyable, and even
fun!
Shanah tovah um’tukah. A good and sweet new year.
Michael Weinstein
Student Rabbi
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