Earlier this summer my husband, Richard, and I sat at a large table just having a regular meal. We were surrounded by our daughter, our son, their spouses and our five grandchildren. Richie said to me, “When we were 17 and 18 did you ever imagine us as grandparents?” No, I didn’t, but what a privilege it has been. I am certain that Alison and Russell Kaminsky had the very same reaction as they sat in the bleachers at the Ferry Hawks stadium and watched their son, Ethan, graduate from Curtis High School this past June. Where did the time go?These are the milestones in life that are the “lightbulb” moments. They are gone in an instant but make each of us need to be aware of not taking things for granted.
I think back to the baby naming of Eliana Marks. I see the entire family’s pride and feel their emotion as they watched her receive her Hebrew name. I think of the Winchel family as they gathered to name Alexa and Chris’ daughter, Harper. We were part of their extended family on those evenings.
Coming up this year are eight Bat and Bar Mitzvah ceremonies of children of our Temple Israel family. We have watched most of them grow up in our congregation. They are no longer children, they will assume the role of Jewish adults. We can be part of this amazing life cycle event.
I see Sal Mazzola, teenage grandson of Linda and Larry Hanibal, attending Shabbat services each week and volunteering every single week. He is an example of a child of our synagogue stepping up and assuming responsibility.
What am I trying to say? Temple Israel is your extended family over a lifetime. Your level of involvement is your choice to make. The time you have may be limited, but the time to spend with your family and your Temple goes by VERY QUICKLY!
I welcome you back to new year at our synagogue on behalf of my co-President, Russell and myself. Together we hope to see your family throughout this coming year at Shabbat services and at the many festivals, celebrations and activities that we offer.
Bryn Biren
Co-President
