December 2014

Dear Friends,
As I write, Thanksgiving approaches, with its promise of family gatherings, holiday traffic, and delicious desserts. As I shared at our recent Shabbat Circle potluck dinner, I recently learned a new twist on an old Thanksgiving custom.

My colleague Rev. Viola Morris Buchanan shared that in her family, instead of just having people share something for which they are grateful, family members take time to thank each other for the ways that other people in the family have shaped their lives for the better. Rev. Viola said that often, these thank-you’s evolved into storytelling, where people would retell stories of how their ancestors made sacrifices so that they could have a better life.

I love this idea, and hope to try it out this year. To that end, I would like to take a moment to thank you for being wonderful, and for letting me serve as your rabbi.

Thank you for continuing to inspire me with your warmth and thoughtfulness, and with your encouragement to everyone to bring our full selves to the community. Thank you for being curious and asking questions about Jewish tradition and about life, which makes me feel more curious, and more excited to share what I have learned. Thank you for taking time from your full schedule to join us for services and community events, and for pitching in to make our community stronger. Whether serving on a committee, schlepping books on the High Holidays, or introducing yourself to someone you don’t know, your pro-active participation makes this community vibrantly alive.

I look forward to the year ahead with you, and if you try out Rev. Viola’s Thanksgiving gratitude ritual, I would love to know how it goes.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Rabbi Margie