I am so grateful for the beautiful evening the congregation extended to me last month. To state that I was moved by the event would only be a beginning.
I was totally overwhelmed by the display of appreciation, kind words and beautiful music. The night was done with magnificent tahm (taste), and I found myself surrounded by so much caring and genuine expression.
There was not enough open space in my imagination link to possibly conceive of the happenings of the night as they unfolded.
To try to grasp the magnitude of generosity and time that went in to the evening is beyond my grasp. Being an “insider,” I was somewhat aware of the number of meetings that took place in anticipation of the January 7th event, but even my sketchy knowledge of such would never have lead me to gain the slightest insight of the happenings.
It was surround sound, emotion, and surprise all woven into my heart and memory. THANKS SO MUCH!
I am writing this article just a few days prior to the Shabbat service and Kiddush lunch on January 28th. I am thrilled that the synagogue had the sensitivity to include prayer and song in our joy, which has been such a significant part of my life with you.
TODAH RABBAH,
Hazzan Dinkin
Tree Hugging on Tu B’Shevat
by Rabbi Jennifer Flam
If you’re ever looking for a weekend road trip, I suggest Leggett, California. Now, for those of you who are unfamiliar with Leggett, there’s not much there other than trees. Beautiful, serene, quiet forestry. There’s an expression, “If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound?” But that’s philosophy for another article. For now, I’ll stress the majesty of the trees in Leggett is a great way to nurture your family with nature.
Leggett has great camping, picnic areas, and a redwood tree that you can literally drive a car through. I even took the time to step out of my car, stand inside the hollow of the tree, gaze up, touch it, smell it, and listen.
Now, does that sound like a little too much tree hugging?
Not really, if you think about it. As human beings, we have an interdependent relationship with trees. They provide us with the very oxygen that we breathe. We eat the fruits they bear. We use them to build our homes. We climb them. We use them as symbols in our liturgy.
“It is a Tree of Life for those to hold fast to it and all of its supporters are happy.”
It’s rare to see a tree on its own. The branches and roots of a group of trees often intertwine, forging a bond and creating community. As a community at CBS, we put our arms around our neighbors and hold hands with one another in times of celebration. We root ourselves in our Traditions. We grow new fruits of innovation.
This Tu’ B’shevat, the Birthday of the Trees, we remember that each of us has something unique to add to our broader community and that by coming together we create a positive, sheltering, and nurturing environment. In honor of Tu B’shevat, the Torah School, Preschool and Adult Learning communities, and the Tikkun Olam Committee collaborate with a canned food drive for the Contra Costa Food Bank.
Please join us at CBS in extending our communal branches and planting mitzvot into our larger communities.
And the next tree you see? Be sure to give it a hug. You’ll be glad you did.
L’Shalom,
Rabbi Jennifer Flam
Director of Congregational Learning
Director of Gan B’nai Shalom Preschool
Save the Dates!
Family Megillah Reading and Shpiels
Wednesday,
6:00 p.m.
Purim Carnival
March 4
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. |
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