Rabbi's Message — July/August 2008 Dear Friends, Twenty years ago this summer, I returned from Jerusalem to the United States at the conclusion of my first year of rabbinic studies. At that time, I couldn't have guessed where my rabbinic path would have taken me. Yet, if I had been assured that two decades later, I'd be continuing to learn and teach Torah, continuing to strive to reach towards G-d and continuing to draw others nearer to G-d, I would have been pleased. I appreciate the opportunity to do all this and so much more as I serve you at Temple Or Rishon. In the last years, Or Rishon has become a congregation that teaches and touches an increasingly broad spectrum of Temple members and friends. With the inspiration and vision of our incoming President, Ted Blumenstein, we've grown from a congregation offering no independent programming for seniors to a community with rich and varied monthly programs for seniors. Over 80 seniors are associated with "Gil Ha'Zahav" (meaning the "Golden Age") and dozens participate in each event. The program currently enjoys a Federation Grant and the partnership of Jewish Family Services. At the other end of our age spectrum, the leadership and vision of our educator, Marcia Greene, has dramatically expanded our early childhood programming. Marcia inherited only a Tot Shabbat Program when she joined the temple, and she has developed three additional tracks for infants through pre-schoolers and their parents. In addition, Marcia has laid the foundation for a pre-school program which is sure to become a cornerstone of growth and educational activities in time. In the middle of our spectrum, Men’s Club, Sisterhood, and Youth Group activities, special events and holiday celebrations fill our Temple calendar. Weekly Torah Study continues to grow as a vibrant learning community, and potential Jews-By-Choice continue to seek guidance. Our adult education classes range from Beginning Hebrew to Tough Texts. This year, I’ve especially enjoyed adding “Jewish Spiritual Journeys”, “Ask the Rabbi”, and “Woman’s Torah Study” to the classes I offer. I see each services’ sermon or discussion as yet another opportunity to teach. Twenty years ago, I couldn’t have imagined how satisfying it would be to stand next to earnest B’nai Mitzvah Students on the Bimah, or how meaningful it would feel to visit the ill in the hospital or help comfort mourners. I didn’t know the power of prayer in pastoral counseling. I couldn’t have anticipated the happiness I feel as I watch Temple friendships blossom…or as I watch my son pray and play with other Temple children. I’m thrilled about the opportunity to return to Israel this summer to share the Land I love with members of Or Rishon and their family. I am eager to offer perspectives on our “second home” and to “see it for the first time” through the eyes of fellow travelers. Before our Or Rishon group arrives, I’ll be joyfully immersed in the Rabbinic Torah Seminar of the Hartman Institute in Jerusalem, continuing on the path of learning I begin in Jerusalem decades ago. I look forward to returning with new knowledge, insight, and please-G-d wisdom, to share with you as we continue to grow together. May the future offer us many occasions to share words of goodness, words of friendship and words of Torah. L'Shalom, Rabbi Sheryl Nosan-Blank