Dear Friends,
There are many different ways that we connect to the upcoming holiday of Shavuot. Most commonly, Shavuot is referred to as
Chag Matan Torah
, the holiday where we celebrate revelation at Sinai and God giving the Torah to the Jewish people. We celebrate the Torah by staying up late at night and studying it, and by eating dairy out of awe of the laws of Kashrut. However, traditionally, Shavuot was referred to as
Chag HaBikkurim
, the festival of the first fruits. The festival of Shavuot was an opportunity for us to express our gratitude to God for a successful harvest, for our sustenance, and the blessings in our lives.
And in that vein, once again as we prepare to celebrate another holiday together, I want to take a moment to express gratitude to some people who have been a source of blessings and sustenance for me, and our community, during these uncertain and challenging times.
I want to begin by thanking the Tifereth Israel staff who continue to go above and beyond, ensuring that despite our building being closed, we are busier, more engaged, and more connected as a community than ever before.
I want to thank Amy Stanley, Michelle Barbour, and Illana Levinson for their creativity and passion. For navigating constantly shifting rules and regulations, while ensuring that our students have a safe space, and a supportive space, where they can be cared for and grow.
I want to thank Beth Klareich, Kandice Zelaskowski, and Linda Marus for their imaginativeness and resourcefulness ensuring that our original programming is engaging and meaningful. I also want to thank them for ensuring that the many different ways we communicate and connect with our members continues to be warm, widespread, and on point.
I want to thank Alissa Messian, Executive Director. Please take the time to stop by one of our Thursday Coffee dates and get to know her. While she is relatively new to our team, she has proven to be an invaluable member of our staff, helping us navigate the many different issues with regards to Covid-19.
I want to thank Cantor Hanan Leberman. As you may know, he was supposed to be physically with us for Shavuot, and due to the Corona Virus was unable to join us in person. Nevertheless, he has shared his energy, his enthusiasm, and his warmth. I want to thank him for providing us with creative Israel based experiences and spiritually uplifting prayers and music. Despite not being in San Diego, his presence can be felt stronger than ever in all of our homes and in all of our hearts.
I want to thank Jesus Aguero and Nubbia Alatorre for preparing our building, ensuring that it will be ready for us when we are able to return.
I want to thank Steve Cohen, our in-house accountant, for going above and beyond, trying to help us plan for the future, despite so many unknowns.
I want to thank David Ogul and the TIS Board of directors for their leadership. Thank you for making the difficult decisions that needed to be made with care, concern and compassion, helping to ensure a bright future for Tifereth Israel amidst these somewhat unimaginable times.
Most importantly, I want to thank Stephanie, my wife, who has been an amazing source of support for me, and our children. She has more than done her fair share of taking care of our children, Passover preparation, and house work, so that I could continue to teach, to preach, and to care for the Tifereth community. I would be lost without her.
Last but not least, I want to thank all of you. Personally, the past few months have not been easy. My wife and I have been trying to navigate caring for our two young children and spotty wifi, while both working from home. I appreciate your patience, your understanding and your support. Last but not least, I want to thank all of you. Personally, the past few months have not been easy. My wife and I have been trying to navigate caring for our two young children and spotty wifi, while both working from home. I appreciate your patience, your understanding and your support. I also want to thank you for welcoming us into your homes and onto your screens. Thank you for engaging with us, having faith in us, and your commitment to us.
The past few months have been difficult for all of us. Even though there are signs that we will slowly begin to return back to regular activities, albeit in new ways, there is still a lot of uncertainty. In this time, it is easy to define our experience by what we cannot do and what we do not have. But as we prepare to celebrate this holiday, centered around gratitude and sustenance, I want to encourage all of us to appreciate all the blessings in our lives, and all of the people in our lives for which we have to be thankful.
The love, kindness and compassion that the Tifereth Israel community has shown me, and we share with one another, is inspiring. It is a source of sustenance and blessings in all of our lives, for which we can all be grateful.
As always, I and Tifereth Israel continue to be here for you if there is anything you need, please be in touch.
Wishing you and your families a happy and healthy Shavuot,
Rabbi Josh Dorsch
