Dear Friends,
Earlier this week we celebrated
Rosh Chodesh
and welcomed the New Hebrew month of
Adar
. Traditionally, the month of
Adar
is considered to be a particularly happy month because it contains the holiday of Purim. The Talmud tells us “
Mi SheNichnas Adar, Marbim B'Simcha
” that simply by entering the month of
Adar
, and turning a page on the calendar, our happiness is increased.
Nevertheless, we know that emotions don’t work that way. Life, and the way we experience what happens in the world around us dictate our emotions, not a calendar. We can rarely control how we feel, all we can do is control how we act and respond to those feelings.
Last year, as we entered the month of
Adar
, amidst our preparation for the joyous Purim Holiday, we were shocked, stunned, and distraught at the sudden and unexpected passing of our dear Rabbi, teacher, and friend, Leonard Rosenthal. This coming week, will mark his first
yahrzeit
.
Adar
transformed for all of us, from a time of joy and gladness, into a time of sadness and mourning for our community, his loved ones, and friends.
A year later, we still feel the pain, and the grief of his passing. There is a gaping hole in the hearts and minds of all those who knew and loved him that can never be filled. Yet, as we conclude the first year of mourning, the tears we shed at his loss can more often be transitioned into smiles for the memories we share, and gratitude for the impact he had on our lives.
As we enter this month of
Adar
, may it be a month of happiness, of joy and gladness for all of us. May we all remember our dear Rabbi, teacher, and friend, as the mensch that he was. May Rabbi Leonard Rosenthal’s memory always be for a blessing.
And let us say Amen.
Please join us this Shabbat, there will be an extended Kiddush sponsored in his memory, as well as at Minyan on Thursday morning, followed by a light breakfast, as we officially conclude the first year of mourning together as a community.
