I Love Life
Last night, I
spent a couple of hours returning pictures that David had used
for a school project to our photo albums. I really enjoyed my
trip down 16 years of
It was amazing
how many of the pictures were either from events at CBA or from
times that we spent with friends that we made at CBA. It was fun
to see the picture of David and Rachel Adelsberger dressed up as
royalty at the Jerusalem 3000 exhibit in 1996 – not only
were the kids extremely cute, but it was also when we became
friends with the Adelsbergers. I smiled when I saw the annual
pictures of the three musketeers (David, Rachel and Stephanie
Roebelen) doing original plays at the synagogue for the different
holidays.
Seeing the boys’
Bar Mitzvah pictures brought back so many terrific memories. We
have pictures of the Board of Directors from various years. We
also have pictures of various award presentations, synagogue
socials, religious school picnics and miscellaneous other times.
In short, turning the pages, I really appreciated how many great
people Cay, Brian, David and I have had the honor to get to know
and enjoy spending time with because of our involvement with CBA.
Our lives are so
much fuller because of our involvement with CBA. Neither Cay nor
I could have imagined what was to come from her statement to me
many years ago that “now that we have decided to raise our
children Jewish, you have to get more involved with your
religion.” Never in my wildest dreams (or hers) could I have
imagined that I would become the President of a Conservative
Synagogue. I was, as many of you know, the 13-year-old who felt
like the warden had opened the prison door when I had my Bar
Mitzvah, as I knew that I would never have to go into a synagogue
again. I am so glad that Cay pushed me to get involved. I have
definitely received much more than I have given.
I will never
forget all the “who’s that kid” that I heard the
first time I spoke at the Congregation Meeting where the main
subject was whether a struggling CBA should merge with (a.k.a. be
swallowed by) another synagogue. In less than a month, I went
from being a “High Holy Day member” to President of the
synagogue. Fortunately, due to the hard work and commitment of
many people, we are not in a crisis mode anymore; instead, CBA is
continuing to grow and thrive. The only way we are going to
continue on the upswing is if more “who’s that kids”
step forward and get involved. I am confident that if you do, in
16 years you too will be able to look through your old photos and
have many happy memories about all of the great friends that you
have made at CBA and how your life has been enriched. There are
many opportunities to get involved; please call me (688-5545) and
we can determine what the best opportunity is for you and your
family.
I look forward
to hearing from you!
-Harry