High Holy Days 5777
"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."
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 The historical references and quotes, fascinating, perceptive and impressive.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.
Weddings
"You so beautifully intertwined the Jewish wedding customs
with personal words about Becca and Mike..."
"We want to thank you so much for officiating at the marriage of Becca and Mike. The ketubah signing and wedding ceremonies were so wonderful. You so beautifully intertwined the Jewish wedding customs with personal words about Becca and Mike to create such a meaningful day for everyone who attended. We will always remember this very special day. Many thanks again."
Alice and Bob
Alice and Bob
B'nai Mitzvah
" She added a sense of grace and familarity."
"Rabbi Debbie Nesselson conducted our daughter's Bat Mitzvah. It was a beautiful service enhanced by Rabbi Debbie's involvement. We were all nervous and excited for our daughter. Rabbi Debbie's presence created a sense of calm. She added a sense of grace and familiarity. Thank you, Rabbi Nesselson, for helping to make a special day in Jenny's life even more meaningful and memorable."
Ellen and Michael
Ellen and Michael
Baby Namings
"(Rabbi Nesselson)...made a joyous time in our lives
even more meaningful and wonderful."
"Rabbi Nesselson's baby naming ceremony made a joyous time in our lives even more meaningful and wonderful. She met with us in advance to assist us in selecting our children's Hebrew names, explaining their relevance and connection to the relatives after whom we named them. During the ceremony she was engaging, warm, and helped everyone present to understand the blessings.
When she blessed our babies, she brought tears to our eyes. Anyone who has been around Rabbi Nesselson knows how much she loves children. She not only managed to conduct the ceremony beautifully, but included our entire family as well. We consider Rabbi Nesselson our rabbi and are grateful she is part of our lives."
Lisa and Willie
When she blessed our babies, she brought tears to our eyes. Anyone who has been around Rabbi Nesselson knows how much she loves children. She not only managed to conduct the ceremony beautifully, but included our entire family as well. We consider Rabbi Nesselson our rabbi and are grateful she is part of our lives."
Lisa and Willie
Funerals and Dedications
"...the traits that come most readily to mind are
caring, compassionate, learned, articulate and friend."
"When I think of what a spiritual leader should be, the traits that come most readily to mind are caring, compassionate, learned, articulate and friend. Rabbi Nesselson is each one of these and more. She worked so hard to capture the essence of my mother for her eulogy, staying up until the wee hours of the morning to get it right.
The result was beautiful, moving and comforting. I think Rabbi Nesselson understands the challenges facing Reform Judaism today. She will be a force for positive change."
Richard
The result was beautiful, moving and comforting. I think Rabbi Nesselson understands the challenges facing Reform Judaism today. She will be a force for positive change."
Richard
Yahrzeit Remembrance
"The warmth in the room....was amazing! And you, Rabbi Nesselson, officiated the most beautiful... service I've ever witnessed. "
"The Yahrzeit Remembrance of Andrea that you officiated at our home this past November was beautiful and warm and so very unique.
Previous years we had always gone to a Friday night service at our former synagogue for Andrea's Yahrzeit. Each year her name was read by the Rabbi along with a multitude of other names. Each year we sat among congregants - some we knew, most we really didn't - to remember and honor her passing. I always came away both happy and sad and didn't give it much thought afterwards.
This year we are no longer members of a synagogue and I asked you during the High Holidays for suggestions regarding her Remembrance service. You quickly suggested we have a service at our home, inviting friends and family members. At the time I don't think you knew what a phenomenal idea it was!There were 10 of us present, all close friends and family – no one we did not know. EVERYONE was connected to Andrea and there to honor her - and only her memory. We all told stories and laughed and cried together. The warmth in the room was more than palpable--it was amazing!
And you, Rabbi Nesselson, officiated the most beautiful 15-20 minute service I've ever witnessed. Thank you, thank you, thank you for making that a truly special day for all of us! It is one that each of us will remember, talk about and share forever. Warmest regards."
Marty Z.
Previous years we had always gone to a Friday night service at our former synagogue for Andrea's Yahrzeit. Each year her name was read by the Rabbi along with a multitude of other names. Each year we sat among congregants - some we knew, most we really didn't - to remember and honor her passing. I always came away both happy and sad and didn't give it much thought afterwards.
This year we are no longer members of a synagogue and I asked you during the High Holidays for suggestions regarding her Remembrance service. You quickly suggested we have a service at our home, inviting friends and family members. At the time I don't think you knew what a phenomenal idea it was!There were 10 of us present, all close friends and family – no one we did not know. EVERYONE was connected to Andrea and there to honor her - and only her memory. We all told stories and laughed and cried together. The warmth in the room was more than palpable--it was amazing!
And you, Rabbi Nesselson, officiated the most beautiful 15-20 minute service I've ever witnessed. Thank you, thank you, thank you for making that a truly special day for all of us! It is one that each of us will remember, talk about and share forever. Warmest regards."
Marty Z.
