"There is no such thing as a ‘self-made’ man. We are made up of thousands of others. Everyone who has ever done a kind deed for us, or spoken one word of encouragement to us, has entered into the make-up of our character and of our thoughts, as well as our success."
Adams, George Matthew Philosopher

When I first came to Shomrei Emunah one of my first goals was to organize a congregational retreat. At that time, a group of people put in a tremendous effort and we had a fantastic turn out—over 100 people. The ages of the participants ranged from the late 80’s all the way down to an infant. The weekend itself was fantastic in lots of ways. The most gratifying aspect of the experience, though, was the testimony of many people that they had a chance to get to know people over the weekend that under normal circumstances they might not have ever met.
The phrase Kehilla K’dosha, ‘sacred community’, gets kicked around a lot within the Shomrei community. But what does it actually mean? Like the statement of the philosopher George Adams quoted above, I believe that at least one part of Kehilla K’dosha is the connection made between people, a moment---even in passing--- when people talk and connect with each other, leaving a permanent impression.
This year on the weekend of March 28 we are having Shomrei’s Second Bi-annual Congregational Retreat. For the people who came on the retreat before it will be a wonderful reunion. For those who wanted to come last time, but couldn’t make it, here is a chance to experience it.
    The final group I’d like to address are the Are-You-Kidding?-No-Way-Would-I-Ever-Go-On-A-Retreat folks: I am asking you to seriously consider suspending your “no-retreat” policy for this weekend. The retreat atmosphere--really being removed from everyday life and environment for Shabbat truly allows a connection with others not otherwise possible. There will be good food, good company, laughter, intellectual stimulation, rest, fun.
And here’s a pledge: There will be no singing “Kumbaya”. I promise.

IF YOU READ NO OTHER PART OF THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE READ THIS: Shomrei is committed to the principle that everyone who wants to come to the retreat should be able to come, irrespective of financial concerns. So, if the financial aspect of the weekend is a barrier to your coming please tell me, the Chairs of the weekend--Marni Grossman or Renata Worob--- Larry Yermack, Jay Sabin---anyone. Kehilla K’dosha is surely about making experiences like this available to everyone.
I can’t wait to see you there!

top of page

[ Home ] [ About Shomrei Emunah ] [ Our  Rabbi ] [ Our  Cantor ] [ Contact Info ] [ Membership Info ] [ Location ] [ Activities ] [ Kadima ] [ USY ] [ Sisterhood ] [ Social Action ] [ Social Programs ] [ Calendar ] [ Services at Congregation Shomrei Emunah ] [ Education ] [ Rabbi's Column ] [ President's Message ] [ Kosher Catering ] [ Announcements ]