High Holidays 5775

"What a difference from years ago when I was made to go and didn't like it."
"I wanted to thank you for Amichai’s High Holiday services! We all found them to be deeply meaningful. What a difference from years ago when I was made to go and didn't like it. You bring such warmth into your service and you are so touching. If there is anything I can do to help with next year’s services, please count me in. I just have to say how much I admire you.  Always,"
Bari K.

"I am back in my faith...thanks to you!"
"Thank you again for a wonderful service, soul-reaching music, and inspirational words.  I am back in my faith...thanks to you! You are such a gift...and so gifted!!!Wishing you and your family a year filled with health, happiness and....shalom. Love and admiration...."
Gilla D.

 "I am so happy to be part of Amichai."
"I wanted to take a minute to tell you that I thought your High Holy Day services were extremely beautiful to me. Your words and thoughts brought out many ideas for discussion and reflection. I am so happy to be part of Amichai."
Howard D.

 "...that feeling of belonging hearkens me back to my childhood..."
"Amichai’s High Holy Day services stirred emotions in me that took me back to my childhood synagogue and made me feel like I was with family, in my home synagogue. Our connection with you felt so strong and close. Your warmth, humor, passion and dedication were palpable and, almost, tangible; your spirituality and love for and devotion to your calling (and I see it as nothing less) overwhelmed me. It gave me clarity as to why I am drawn to services and how that feeling of belonging hearkens me back to my childhood, my extended family and comforting and far less complex times.

We shall return next year and in subsequent years. I only wish we had joined the Amichai community earlier!  You make a wonderful Rabbi, and your flock appears to be faithful followers. Thank you for making me feel at "home" in every meaning of the word. May you and your family be inscribed in the Book of Life for a wonderful year ahead. With love,"
Michael S.

"Your services 
were illuminating..."
"We appreciated the home you created for us to share the high holy days with family and in community. Your services were illuminating, comforting, and enjoyable. We feel supported by you and Amichai.  Thank you for your effort and love." 
L

"...your sermons were relevant 
and moving."
"I wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed attending your services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.  I felt your sermons were relevant and moving. You also exude a certain warmth and a feeling of all inclusiveness.  The music for Kol Nidrei services was beautiful and uplifting. Thanks so much. Warm Regards," 
Lori

"...relaxing, spiritual and inspirational."
"Thank you for the enjoyable, relaxing, spiritual and inspirational services. It was a privilege for us to participate. Happy Holidays – Peace, good health and happiness!!!"
Marty B.

"...creative, knowledgeable 
and sensitive..."
"Yom Kippur and Yahrzeit  services were exceptional, with your creative, knowledgeable and sensitive heart reaching every area of the hearts and souls of "your family of congregants". You are a Blessing! Thank you!"
Lorie S.

High Holy Days 5774

"I have never enjoyed High Holiday services more than I did at the services you just conducted..."

"Rabbi, I have never enjoyed High Holiday services more than I did at the services you just conducted; they were beautiful, heart-filling and you were wonderful. Warm regards,"
Michael S.

" Thank you for your amazing words that conjure up thoughts and 
allow me to spend time thinking about the things that are really important in life.."

"Dear Rabbi Debbie, I just wanted to reach out and tell you how much I enjoyed the Yom Kippur service today. I have been reflecting and grasping bits and pieces of the service throughout my busy day and only now have had time to really focus. So many things you said and so many references have brought up both happy and sad memories in my mind. I’ve thought about people in my life I have lost (my Mom, my mother-in-law, my father-in-law, my grandmother and my dear friend) and thought about the people I cherish every day who are in my life now. Thank you for your amazing words that conjure up these thoughts and allow me to spend time thinking about the things that are really important in life. You have truly been a gift to our family and I just wanted to tell you because the thoughts slip by and the words don’t get said. Thank you.

We are so blessed to have you guide our sons through this amazing year of their lives as they become B’nai Mitzvah and for many years to come with our family."
Linda M.

 "I just wanted to tell you how much my family enjoyed the services. 
I don’t even remember my kids attending services without asking 
“Do we HAVE to go” and they did NOT do that this year..."

Dear Rabbi Debbie, I hope that this message finds you fully recovered, rejuvenated, rested and relaxed since Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. I just wanted to tell you how much my family enjoyed the services. I don’t even remember my kids attending services without asking “Do we HAVE to go” and they did NOT do that this year!

I do not know how you remained so composed when speaking of your mother—you spoke so eloquently and personally—one can see her attributes in you. And it was so painful for you to include her in the names of those who have passed away this year that our hearts broke for you. I do think one of the most beautiful aspects of Jewish Reform traditions is the communal reciting of Kaddish—one is not alone in one’s grief. We are so happy to be included in the Amichai community and are really happy that its outreach program is so successful.

Have a wonderful, healthy and happy New Year with your family.
Barbara M.