Elaine and I have some exciting news to share:
As many of you know, last year we were supposed to go to New Zealand for an extended stay where I would have served as the interim rabbi at the Reform congregation in Wellington. In addition, I would have participated in the introduction of a special edition of Miskhan T'filah which was created for the Reform congregations of the Pacific Rim. (The Pacific region of the World Union for Progressive Judaism was also celebrating its 75th anniversary). Sadly, our plans were cancelled because of Elaine's stroke. She has made magnificent progress and we are deeply grateful for the strong support we have received from our Beth Emet family.
On September 10, Elaine and I will depart for New Zealand where I will serve as visiting rabbi for the Reform congregation in Auckland through Simchat Torah. We will then have an opportunity to travel in both New Zealand and in Australia, where I will also have the privilege of speaking at some of our Reform congregations. In November, we will return to the congregation in Auckland, and I will serve as the rabbi of the congregation for another month. We are very excited.
A number of years ago Beth Emet generously granted me a sabbatical and Elaine and I spent five months in the United Kingdom where I was the interim rabbi at the North West Surrey Reform Congregation in Weybridge outside of London. It was an eye opening experience. I shared my impressions with the congregation in a monthly column entitled Somewhere Near the Thames. I intend to do something similar with this blog.
Elaine and I, our children and our grandchildren wish all of you a sweet, healthy and prosperous new year.
