A Word from Rabbi Schulman - 4/30/21

It has taken me over a year to write this message. But I am so happy to do so: Mazel Tov to the six women who will become Adult B’not Mitzvah on May 8!

These women began their study of Hebrew with Michelle Eisenbruck almost three years ago. While they enjoyed learning Hebrew, they were not certain they wanted to become Adult B’not Mitzvah. They found it daunting to imagine themselves leading a Shabbat morning service. Even more challenging was the prospect of reading verses directly from the Torah.

But due to Michelle’s patience and encouragement they progressed in their studies. In addition, their support for one another has been vital. When a classmate felt discouraged, everyone reached out to lift her spirit.

I began regularly meeting with the group in January 2020. We studied the Torah portion with the anticipation of their ceremony taking place in May.

But then the coronavirus hit. As the shutdown turned into months, it became apparent there was no way we could safely gather in person for a ceremony. None of the students wanted the service to take place without being together.

Naturally the women felt disappointed. But to their enormous credit, they hung in there an extra year, meeting with Michelle and me via Zoom.

Thankfully, we can now gather in our sanctuary for a Shabbat Morning Service. We will follow COVID protocols. Though we will be masked, I have no doubt the joy of this occasion will be apparent to all.

I hope you will join Ann Anderson, Janine Charlton, Gigi Dornfest, Terri Gladish, Syrah Grannis, and Gerrieann Smith via Zoom on May 8. It is a wonderful simcha for each of these women and indeed for all of us. We wish our Adult B’not Mitzvah Mazel Tov and Yasher Koach!