“Praying outdoors is a wonderful, peaceful experience …“

As I sat outside Temple Judah at the Silber Outdoor Sanctuary this past Friday evening during shabbat services, I couldn’t help but think our congregation is blessed to have the facilities and the rabbinical leadership to continue to thrive as we see other congregations folding or selling their buildings to survive. It was such a peaceful setting. As the sun was beginning to set, we were sitting in the shadow of the building with the wind blowing just enough to keep us cool. The wildflowers on the hillside above us were swaying in the light breeze. I was calmed by the large Arborvitae trees moving in unison, and the sound of the birds chirping. At one point in the service, a squirrel began to chatter in the background reminding us we were outside in nature (or we were invading his space). The Rabbi asked for a moment of silence for personal prayer and the birds even stopped chirping. As he resumed the service with a soft guitar lick and began quietly singing Shalom Rav, one bird began chirping, as if cued by the Rabbi. A truly special, quiet, and meaningful moment of prayer shared by everyone in attendance.

I think we should give thanks (and a pat on the back) to the Silber family and Robert Becker for the beautiful changes made to the outdoor sanctuary. This is a treasure, a great and wonderful facility for our members to come together as a congregation to meditate and pray. If you haven’t attended an outdoor service, you need to put it on your bucket list!

I also want to thank Dr. Rabbi Todd Thalblum for his tenure of leadership and service at Temple Judah. August 1 is his 15th anniversary with us at Temple Judah and you are invited to attend a special Oneg Shabbat, next Friday, August 2, 2024, following services. Please join us for this joyous occasion! (Thanks for the suggestion, Mitchell!)

I know, I know, I mention this every month … but I really believe it! I always keep in the back of my mind that, as a member of Temple Judah, we are all one large family. We come together to celebrate wonderful occasions like Bat and Bar Mitzvahs, baby naming’s, conversions, high school graduations and marriages. But we also support those who are ill and sit shiva with our members who have lost loved ones.

Please join the Temple Judah family and do your part and contribute to keeping the flame alive and burning bright. Don’t sit on the outside, looking in. Participate!!

Shalom.
Brian D. Cohen
President