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After many years of longing to be Jewish and three years of being “in the process of converting,” on erev Elul (one week after starting as executive director) I took the final step in binding my covenant with Am Yisrael. As part of the ritual, I waded into the ceremonial bath called the mikvah and emerged metaphorically reborn as ben Avraham v’sarah, a part of lineage of the patriarchs and matriarchs. It was a significantly meaningful experience filled with joy, tears, and a feeling of wholeness. I am deeply grateful that I can share this moment with the CBE community.

Meanwhile, I have been entering into a different covenant, that of the temple administrator. As equally meaningful an experience, it is admittedly more of a trial by fire than peaceful ceremonial cleansing. During my interview process with the search committee, I shared that there is nothing worse than being bored at work… And so it was written! Starting a new job can bring with it some anxiety. Starting a new job at a temple four weeks before the High Holidays… 

So here I am, out of the mikvah and headed into Rosh Hashanah 5782, and I’d have it no other way. In honoring the month of Elul, I have spent a lot of time turning inwards and reflecting on my path and on my present. The past month has presented challenges and rewards, both unlike I’ve ever experienced before. As a practitioner of both astrology and Tarot, when I give readings to people, I always remind them that it is from our challenges that we most often learn and grow the most. It bears reminding for myself in this moment. 

Of my challenges, the one that has confronted me most this past month is a story I’ve told myself far too often, the story that I must take on this world alone. But that is not the meaning of kehillah. That is not what it means to be a part of the Jewish people. That is not how Congregation Beth Evergreen operates. And through this confrontation I’ve experienced the greatest of rewards—a community of support and acceptance, ready and willing to help me. I have been moved by your kindnesses, your welcoming embrace, and your commitment to this congregation. And even as I stress about having ordered a braided challah instead of a round challah for erev Rosh Hashanah and try to figure out where in the world our new coffee pot for the social hall ended up, I am filled with gratitude to be a part of this community.

I look forward to entering the High Holiday season with you all, not just as your executive director, but as a member of this sacred kehillah, ready to provide support and acceptance to all who enter CBE.

L’shanah tovah!