President’s Rosh Hoshana Message 2023/5784
Shalom. Rosh Hoshana & Yom Kippur have always been holidays complete with joy and deep introspection. Honey and apples, two of my favorite foods and round challah are enough to fulfill me gastronomically. But the High Holidays for me are more than good food, good company, and lively discussion. This is my opportunity to review the past year, look at it critically, lovingly and in part, with great sadness as I seek forgiveness for wrongs real and imagined. But along with that review (or what I call, “the good, the bad, and the ugly”) comes the opportunity to be forward looking, seek understanding and prompt change in both action and thought in all areas of my life.
In one area of my life, though, I am extremely fortunate; I have the joy to work with a board of thoughtful, forward thinking and kind individuals. We really act as a team by supporting each other and picking up the slack as needed without complaint. This is a blessing I don’t take lightly. In no particular order, those individuals are Katherine Koch, Shoshanah Schwartz, Shirley Scales, Neil Goodman, Rozann Newman, Donna Small, Eric Lane and Ron Margolis. I am grateful to each one of them. We have two former Board members who continue to support us as well. Lenore Fusano writes the loveliest of thank you notes, and Jeff Winter continues to interface with our insurance carrier.
And the cherry on top of this goodness is Rabbi Debi. She is a blessing to our community. Aside from leading HHD services and Shabbats, she cares for those in need. If she hears of someone needing support due to illness, death, depression, or something else, she’s there with an open heart to listen and support or act as needed. Her personal support system, wife Traci (our Rebbetzin) is an absolute joy with her winning smile and positive attitude. Our High Holiday services are graced with a voice that is both profoundly deep and sensitive; thank you Cantorial Solist Phoebe Light (Rosh Hoshana) and Cantor Judy Karin (Yom Kippur) for once again allowing us the pleasure your voices bring to our services. Of course, all of this was possible due to the hard work and diligence of Shoshanah Schwartz. Kol hakavod to all.
Another and very dear blessing in our community is Father Randall and the St. Mark’s congregation. For many long years they have embraced us and made us feel comfortable and safe. As I ask G-d to look kindly upon our congregation and Klal Yisrael, I will ask the same for the St. Mark’s community and especially Father Randall and Billy as they move on to a new season in their lives. As yet I don’t have all the names of who will make these days memorable and beautiful, Todah rabah to all of you from a grateful community.
On a final note, you may have noticed, we have security present during all services. As Jews we have often been the object of hatred and yet never has that hatred been so openly condoned; thus, the need for security at all times. We, along with every congregation in the United States, is struggling with the same issues; how to stay open and be inclusive while protecting congregants. If at any time, should you have questions or concerns, please feel free to seek me out.
I am wishing you all a healthy and sweet new year. May we go from strength to strength. Chazak, Chazak, V'nitchazek – From Strength to Strength May We Be Strengthened.
L'Shana Tovah tikatevu,
Susie Pierson
God has given us many faiths but only one world in which to co-exist. May your work help all of us to cherish our commonalities and feel enlarged by our differences.
Jonathan Sacks, English rabbi and philosopher
