High Holy Day Services Testimonials
5780 /2019
"Your services...were intelligent, important and beautifully eloquent." |
"Your services lifted me from all the mundane. They were intelligent, important and beautifully eloquent. The work you put in is so evident. And sentiments that I’m hoping I and others can strive toward, or at least do better in our listening to others and communication attempts to bring understanding where there could be. Like Ellen DeGeneres said when defending her time with George Bush- -we can learn from each other. And, you deliver your thoughts so well which is part of your eloquence, with seeming ease, sincerity but not forced, like you are talking to us, not lecturing, all of which is hard to achieve.
And the music was beauty beyond words. I find it difficult not to clap and stand. It brought tears to my eyes; I was breathless. Both We Are the World and Schindler’s List were so very memorable but all the accompanying music perfectly blended behind it all. I know nothing about the violin, nothing, but when quality is so high, it’s recognizable by all, even “commoners” like me! Thank you and wishing a Happy, Healthy year for us all! " I. |
"Thank you for enriching my vision and patience for people and circumstances that I may not fully understand." |
"We have been fortunate to attend Amichai High Holiday services for several years. From beginning to end we were moved by this year’s services. Emotions can run high at this time of the year. The talented musicians added a soothing tenor. Your words broke down the tension and even some walls that the life we are living brings on. You and your “team” help me to bring noisy thoughts and even noisier silences to a clearer understanding.
Thank you for reviving some lost gratitude and love. Thank you for enriching my vision and patience for people and circumstances that I may not fully understand. I look forward to realizing these stumbling blocks to help build the fabric of my life."M. |
5779 /2018
5778 /2017
5777 /2016
" I have never enjoyed the high holidays so much. But this year, a new high for me. " |
"Just a note of heartfelt thanks. I have never enjoyed the high holidays so much. Since you began Amichai, it has always been a pleasure to hear your words, the beautiful music and setting and we always left feeling better, higher. But this year, a new high for me. You always energize and inspire, and the work that goes into your sermons is so evident. The historical references and quotes, fascinating, perceptive and impressive. Today it all came together even more so - the music so uplifting and achingly, hauntingly beautiful, coupled and matched by your courageous and important words. I know by the spontaneous applause that for the great majority your words struck approval.The connection you made between hurtful words and our Jewish traditions and teachings may not have resonated with us without your very well said and delivered sermon." I.M.
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"Prayer, music, |
"We want to thank you for the truly lovely services. We enjoyed being there so very much. Prayer, music, warmth and learning." M.B.B.
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"...amazing, powerful and your words are transformative." |
"What a powerful sermon! What an amazing service. Please don't ever stop doing what you are doing. You are amazing, powerful and your words are transformative." G.D.
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"We love every minute..." |
"Thank you Rabbi Debbie for filling our hearts and minds with a meaningful, soulful, blessed high holiday experience. We love every minute in your congregation." M.S.
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"Your warmth, competence,and leadership make the service unique..." |
"The services were heavenly! Your warmth, competence,and leadership make the service unique to Amichai. It was a blessing to worship with you, the staff and the entire community." M. G. & F.
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“...we are no longer wandering…thanks to you, we are anchored. |
"First I want to say that 'we are no longer wandering…thanks to you, we are anchored.' We thoroughly enjoyed the services at Amichai. They were exactly what we were looking for; a Jewish experience, with melodies and prayers that we remember and with which we connect. The entire experience was a reflection of your warmth and the joy you demonstrate while officiating.
We want to thank you for your honest and profound sermon. It took courage to express the obvious. This year has been a struggle for those of us who value civility, respect for our fellow men, honor and honesty. Thank you for that, as well. Also, I must tell you that your words during Yizkor brought tears to our eyes. Thank you." C.W. |
"...inspiring..." |
"Services were inspiring, spiritual and thought provoking. Thank you for your leadership!" H.S.
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"Bold, gutsy and |
"Bold, gutsy and necessary leadership. Wonderful service. Peace, good health and happiness in New Year Thank you!" M.B.
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"Bravo to you, together |
"There really are no adequate words to congratulate you on the amazingly heartfelt spirituality that you communicate and envelop to all of your congregants. The vision and mission that you have created, with such beautiful foresight, is so evident in the increasing numbers of those of us so appreciative and touched by your approach to inclusiveness, all relative to understanding and maximizing the best of 'the human condition'. Bravo to you, together with dedicated others, to make this happen! You are a supreme educator and leader, as we always say, who has found your calling." A.F.
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"We'd be 'homeless' |
"We are so grateful that you are there as our rabbi. We'd be 'homeless' without Amichai." E.G.
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5 7 7 6 / 2 0 1 5
"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. |
"...soul-reaching music and inspirational...!" |
"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
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"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. |
5 7 7 5 / 2014
"...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 |
"The music for Kol Nidrei Services was beautiful and uplifting." |
"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. |
"...heart reaching..." |
"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. |