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Rabbi's Week in Review - 1/13/2024

01/13/2025 05:27:12 PM

Jan13

I officiated at a wedding this past week in Boca Raton, Florida, a place known for the snowbirds it attracts, many from the Jewish community in the New York tri-state area. It would not have been my first choice, a place that has been referred to as “G-d’s waiting room.” While technically I could be considered to have reached retirement age, I still feel like my job as rabbi is relatively new, and I look forward to many years ahead of having the honor of being rabbi for Congregation Kol Ami.

That said, my involvement with this particular wedding reminded me of my own vulnerability. I was there due to my connection to the bride’s family, a connection that dates back many years.  The mother of the bride is my brother-in-law’s sister. The father of the bride, Zichrona L’Vracha, of blessed memory, was one of my two closest friends from college at George Washington University. He died of cancer early on during the Covid pandemic. (The other closest friend also died, of pancreatic cancer, many years ago.)

Three of our fraternity brothers, along with their spouses, were also at the wedding, much to my delight. We spent much time telling stories that involved our friend who could not be present (at least not physically) at his daughter’s wedding. While none of us are dealing with any kind of serious health issues, we all understand the gifts of our own ongoing lives, and that tomorrow is never guaranteed.

It is that sense of vulnerability that gives more intention and purpose to how we see our own lives going forward. Mostly to appreciate that, for the three of us, we have all had families to share life with (notwithstanding the challenges that all families seem to confront), friendships that have endured over the years, and professions that have given us the opportunity to achieve and grow.

I know it is a trite cliche to say you should appreciate each day. Yet, I don’t think we (and by we, I am including me) always wake up each day with that in mind. Being with these friends, who all live on the East Coast and who I don’t see as often as I would like, renewed my sense of appreciation for the friends and family who have blessed my life, the relationships that have lasted for many years.  

Sat, February 15 2025 17 Shevat 5785