11/12 October 2019, 12/13 Tishrei 5780

The morning after Yom Kippur our hearts are full for many reasons. Not least, to return home and discover the attack on the synagogue in Halle. Two killed, and fear and insecurity unleashed on our Day of Atonement. We stand in solidarity with them and I want to acknowledge with gratitude those who stood outside our synagogue all day yesterday. Our members and our friend Ian Katz who comes back to give so much of his time and expertise every HHD. With heavy hearts we understand why security is necessary.

I am so grateful to all who work so hard in our community in all areas. Those who contribute to the running, security, learning and spirituality of our synagogue . You’ll see why I love Marge Piercy’s poem To Be of Use:

I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,

who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,

who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,

who do what has to be done, again and again…Hopi vases that

held corn, are put in museums

but you know they were made to be used.

The pitcher cries for water to carry

and a person for work that is real.

Shabbat Shalom and thank you,
Rebecca