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On Tuesday, March 22nd I boarded a flight to NY and to my great surprise I found that my good friends Rabbi Joel Soffin, his wife Sandy, Michael Friedman and his wife Brynn were sharing the same flight! What a small world J Rabbi Soffin and the group visited me at Or Hadash just a couple of weeks prior.
On March 23rd, I landed safely in Boston after a short delay in NY due to weather. It was very cool to land into a white snowy scene. Turns out it was only cool for me, my hosts and dear friends were pretty fed up with winter this year.
My hosts and dear friends Don and Sandy Perrin picked me up at the airport and we drove to their home, where I settled comfortably for the duration of my visit.
That afternoon I met with Larry Tobin who is a senior development officer for the CJP in Boston. Larry Tobin was also Andrew Perrin’s Bar Mitzvah tutor (Andrew is Don and Sandy Perrin’s grandson) and we had a wonderful discussion and exchange of ideas for Andrew’s upcoming celebration. I also met Andrew’s parents, Scott and Amy Perrin.
On Thursday morning, March 24th, I visited one of my closest friends, Rabbi Eric Gurvis, at Temple Shalom of Newton. Eric, who is a gifted musician, lent me his guitar for Andrew Perrin’s Bar Mitzvah ceremony on Saturday.
At Temple Shalom I met the Temple Educator, my long time friend Julie Vaneck and the temple’s wonderful and dedicated educating team who are doing an amazing job with the young ones. I had lunch with Don Perrin and enjoyed spending quality time with him. Lunch was delicious!
That afternoon, I was on my own, so I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with another very close friend, Cantor Roy Einhorn from Temple Israel of Boston. I also met dear friends Rabbi Elaine Zecher, Rabbi Jeremy Morrison, and I met the new colleague Rabbi Matthew Soffer. I also met Anne Abrams the Temple’s librarian.
One of the highlights of my visit was spending many hours with my teacher and Rabbi – Rabbi Ronne Friedman, who is a role model for me. We sat down for a few hours and then went out to dinner with Ronne’s wife, Irene. Ronne and Irene took me to a restaurant: “The Fireplace” in Brookline, owned by a lovely Jewish man, Chef Jim Solomon. Just to give you an idea how small our world is, turns out Chef Solomon’s mother was at that time visiting Israel on a congregation tour with Rabbi Neal Gold from Temple Shir Tikvah of Wayland and was about to visit Or Hadash the next day. I also met there my friend Carol Michaels who’s late husband, Michael Michaels z”l, is very missed by everyone.
In the picture: Rabbi Ronne Friedman, Rabbi Bernard Mehlman and I at the Perrins.
On Friday, March 25th I spent the day at Temple Shir Tikvah, where I had lunch with 10 lovely women, among them my friend the educator, Deenah Bloomstone and Rabbi Greg Litcofsky, who took me to see the Rashi School in their new building. There I met Rabbi Sharon Clevenger (who was the associate Rabbi of TBE and visited Or Hadash with a youth delegation). I met the Rashi school’s principal and was deeply impressed with the beautiful building and the preschool educational program. I also met the delegation heading to Israel in the next few days. The delegation will be hosted in Haifa by our good friends from the Leo Baeck School, as part of the wonderful and friendly connection between the Rashi School in Boston and the Leo Baeck School in Haifa.
That evening, Sandy and Don Perrin joined me at TST for Shabbat Services where probably for the first time in history, a Reform congregation in Israel and America exchanged pulpits. It was such an amazing and extraordinary experience! I still remember it was where I first met Joan and Peter Hoffman when Rabbi Herman Blumberg introduced us.
On March 25th Israel time, Rabbi Neal Gold gave the sermon to a full synagogue at Or Hadash in Haifa. Cantor Hollis Schachner and our volunteer soloist, Vered Ivtsan added their amazing musical talents to the evening. Services were followed by a celebratory dinner for Shir Tikvah and Or Hadash congregants.
TST congregants welcomed me with open arms and weknow that the 52 visitors from TST, Rabbi Gold and Cantor Chachner also enjoyed their visit and our reception at Or Hadash.
Later that evening I was invited to Diane and Chester Black’s home for a special dinner they hosted for me. Diane and Chester Black are old time friends, ever since they were co-chairs of the Boston-Haifa partnership for many years, and I thank them for such an uplifting and wonderful evening. At the Blacks home I met Temple Beth Shalom of Needham Cantor, Marcy Jonas, her husband and many wonderful friends. Dinner was delicious and I very much felt at home, surrounded by very good friends.
On Saturday, March 26th Andrew Perrin, son of Scott and Amy Perrin, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in a very special ceremony at their home. It was truly one of the most touching ceremonies I have ever experienced. My eyes teared listening to Andrew’s parents and grandparents speaking. Andrew’s Bar Mitzvah was very special to me for another reason: I had the honor and privilege to lead a prayer with my teachers and Rabbis – Rabbi Ronne Friedman and his Rabbi and teacher - Rabbi Bernard Mehlman. I was touched beyond words. This was an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Rabbi Freidman and Rabbi Mehlman blessed Andrew together in a unique and spiritually moving way. I also met many family members of Don and Sandy Perrin and made new friends. I especially connected with Sandy’s older sister, Marilyn, who is absolutely a lovely lady! We spent the whole day together.
In the picture: Don, Sandy, Scott, Amy and Andrew Perrin at Andrew’s Bar Mitzvah celebration
On Sunday morning, March 27th I had the privilege to visit and spend time with Rabbi David Kudan and friends from Temple Tiferet Israel in Malden. I lectured about the importance of Elijah the Great Prophet in front of around 50 congregants who came especially to hear me.
Later on that day I joined the Perrin family for a special Brunch at the Belmont Club in honor of Andrew’s Bar Mitzvah. It was delicious and the atmosphere was very festive.
That evening Don and Sandy organized a dinner for friends of Or Hadash in their beautiful home. Some of the friends who participated were: John and Louise Lowenstein, Al and Judy Bernstein, Libby Keller and David Savitz. We discussed matters concerning Israel, Reform Judaism and Or Hadash.
In the pictures: Rabbi David Kudan and TTI in Malden.
On Monday, March 28th I spent some quality time with Barry Shrage, CJP President and one of the most important leaders of Boston Jewry. Barry has been CJP President for more than 20years and under his leadership has done amazing things for the vast Jewish community in Boston. I was privileged to have a full hour of his time to learn about his visionary leadership.
In the picture: CJP President Barry Shrage and Edgar
In the evening, prior to my visit to Temple Beth Elohim, I was graciously invited for dinner by Henry and Laurie Kay at their home.
In the picture: A wonderful dinner with friends at the Kays
That evening I had the privilege of spending time in the new Temple Beth Elohim of Wellesley building. Last Sept. when I led our 9th youth delegation to the Boston area, I visited the TBE building while it was being renovated. This time I was able to experience the change and it was extremely impressive!! I brought Cantor Jodi Suffrin who is one of my best friends a hand-made fabric wall-art of the 12 tribes as a house warming gift for the new TBE building. We spoke about the importance of Elijah the Great Prophet and about Tikun Olam projects. I had a wonderful time and enjoyed spending quality time with my beloved friends immensely. The evening was arranged by Rabbi Rachel Saphire and Scott Brightman – head of Israel Committee and with the help of Jeff and Naomi Stonberg.
On Tuesday, March 29th I visited Temple Israel of Boston and met Helen Cohen, Francis Jacobson Early Childhood Center Educator. Up until then every time I visited Helen I only had very little time to spend with her at the school. Fortunately, this time I made sure I had enough time to have a meaningful, long visit and I`m happy I did. I met all the Frances Jacobson Early Childhood Center teachers who are wonderful and doing a very educational and important work. I also had the opportunity to sit down with my good friend Cantor Roy Einhorn in a very special room donated to the preschool by the temple’s sisterhood.
In the picture: Helen Cohen and the wonderful staff of FJECC and my good friend Cantor Roy Einhorn
Later that day I visited Temple Isaiah in Lexington to teach and speak with Tichon Isaiah’s 9th graders. It was a fascinating and very enjoyable experience. I spoke to them about Israel and about Elijah our Great Prophet. I love interacting with our youth, they have such deep insights and they are fun to hang out with. At Temple Isaiah I met Cantor Lisa Doob and Educator Meir Sherrer who has been our friend for over 10 years, ever since he was the Educational Director at Temple Israel. I was delighted to also see my long time friend Marilyn Stern who is the Director of Congregational Learning and who has helped Or Hadash immensely, especially after the Carmel fire in Dec. 2010. Marilyn was relentless in gathering and donating gifts to children who were victims of the Carmel fire. She organized and sent us boxes full of gifts which brought a much needed smile to the children of Kibbutz Beit-Oren and many other children who jumped for joy with the great gifts they received.
On Wednesday, March 30th, Sandy Perrin and I visited a very good friend of ours, Margot Einstein from Temple Beth Avoda in Newton. We had a wonderful and lengthy discussion about Israel and various topics concerning Israel.
That Wednesday afternoon I went back to Temple Isaiah to teach 5th graders about Israel and – you guessed it, the Prophet Elijah. Before class started I had the pleasure of meeting again Jill Smillow and we had a great time talking. The students gave me hand-made special beaded pins, as gifts to take back with me to our youth at Or Hadash. I was very touched by the gesture and their thoughtfulness. They are simply wonderful kids; I enjoyed being with them very much!!
In the picture: On the left – Tichon Isaiah’s 9th graders. On the right – Temple Isaiah’s 5th graders
 
After class I had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Diane Exter, who is one of the most impressive and wise women I have ever met. Diane and Neil Exter are among Or Hadash greatest benefactors and supporters in the last decade and we are always in gratitude for them for allowing us to literally help thousands of people each year thanks to their kindness and generosity.
On Wednesday night my hosts and adoptive family Don and sandy Perrin organized the first evening of “Friends of Or Hadash” at their home. Around 30 good friends of Or Hadash came and it was very significant. I would like to take the opportunity and thank Don and Sandy for everything they are doing for us and more so, for taking upon themselves the responsibility of co-chairing and organizing this very important group of friends. We decided not to become an official 501 © association, but rather a group of close, connected and dedicated friends in the city of Boston. We plan on continuing to work as we have been so far, cooperating with sister congregations, Rabbis, ARZA and WUPJ.
In the picture: Friends of Or Hadash at Don and Sandy Perrin
On Thursday morning, March 31st, I visited TBE again, where I met Rabbi Rachel Saphire, Rabbi Joel Sisenwine and Cantor Jodi Suffrin. This time I didn`t lecture to congregants I spent quality time with people I love, catching up on our lives and discussing various issue. I was given the TBE book as a gift and in it found a beautiful article about the connection between Or Hadash and TBE. I noticed Or Hadash is the only Israeli congregation mentioned in the book. I was delighted to also see a picture of our Executive Director Ami Perelman and myself with Rabbi Sisenwine and congregants in one of their visits to Israel.
In the picture: Rabbi Rachel Saphire and Rabbi Joel Sisenwine.
Later that day I visited another good friend, Rabbi Jonathan Kraus of Temple Beth El in Belmont. Jonathan gave me a tour of the Temple’s renovated building which is very impressive. Later on we went to visit Mayim Chayim Mikveh, the only “New” liberal Mikveh. I met Mrs. Aliza Klein, the Mikveh manager and her assistant, who showed me around and explained about their spiritual and educational mission.
I also had the privilege to meet my colleague Rabbi Todd Markley of Temple Beth Shalom in Needham. I didn`t meet Rabbi Jay Perlman since he was on a sabbatical in Jerusalem. Some of our very good friends in Boston belong to Temple Beth Shalom; among them are Peter and Joan Hoffman and Susan and Richard Brisk. I also met Rabbi John Franken from Temple Ohabei Shalom in Brookline.
That evening I visited Temple Sinai of Sharon and lectured about Elijah the Prophet to some 70 congregants who came to hear me. My friend Rabbi Joseph Meszler welcomed me with open arms and hosted a special dinner for me with all the members who have visited Israel. I also had the joy of meeting there two very good friends: Cantor Jeff Klepper and Rabbi Arnold Cohen who gave me a lift during a snow storm which was a lot of fun for me (and probably for me only J).
On Friday, April 1st, I spent the morning in Temple Shalom’s preschool, bringing gifts to the children. I had lunch with my long time friend Fred Cohen and my adopted sister Dr. Phyllis Scherr. Phyllis and I spent some quality time together all afternoon at her home, where I saw her son Ross, who celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at Or Hadash many years ago.
In the picture: Fred and Stephanie Cohen with my adopted sister Dr. Phyllis Scherr
Later that afternoon I was invited to Rabbi Gurvis home and met with his son Jake and lovely wife Laura. We went back to the synagogue for Shabbat services which were beautiful and ended in a festive dinner hosted in my honor and included around 100 guests. After dinner I was invited as a scholar resident to give my lecture about Elijah the Great Prophet. I was welcomed so warmly and received such wonderful feedback on my lecture, it touched me very deeply.
Although I visited 10 sister congregations, I was not able to see all our good and cherished friends and I would like to apologize to those I missed this time: Rabbi Allison Barry from Temple Beth David in Canton, Rabbi David Widzer from Temple Etz Chaim of Franklin, Rabbi Ira Korinow from Temple Emanu-El of Haverhill, Rabbi David Meyer and Rabbi Debra Kassoff of Temple Emanu-El of Marblehead, Rabbi Arnold Fertig from Temple Beth Shalom of Melrose, Rabbi Keith Stern from Temple Beth Avoda of Newton Center, Rabbi Jodi Seewald Smith from Temple Chayai Shalom of North Easton, Rabbi David Thoman from Congregation Beth El of the Sudbury River Valley, Rabbi Boaz Heilman from Congregation B’nai Torah of Sudbury and Rabbi Jeffrey Wildstein from Temple Beth David of Westwood. Next time I`ll try to stay longer.
On Shabbat, April 2nd I left Boston to fly back to Israel. I landed in Israel on Sunday April 3rd, tired, very happy to have seen so many beloved friends and missing them already.
As soon as I landed I received the grieving news of our very beloved friend Daniel Lyons z”l passing and I was heartbroken. Daniel z”l and Bente Lyons are among Or Hadash dearest friends and greatest benefactors. Everyone at Or Hadash is mourning Daniel’s (z”l) passing and we say his name at the Kaddish. Ami Perelman, our Executive Director represented us along with Rabbi Moti Rotem at the funeral in Florida. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with Bente and the Lyons Family. I can`t imagine a world without Daniel (z”l).
We miss him terribly.
I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart to Don and Sandy Perrin for opening their home to me, for their loving hospitality and for all their tremendous help to Or Hadash. I would also like to thank our good friends in the Boston area: Rabbis, Cantors, Lay Leaders, Educators, congregants, members, staff and cherished friends for their ongoing support and friendship.
We would not be who we are without you.
Today I`m leaving for Zurich, Switzerland, to visit our friends at Congregation Or Hadash in Zurich.
Wishing you Shabbat Shalom,
In Friendship,
Edgar
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Updates |
| | Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Talia’s Bat Mitzvah |
Dear Friends,
Shalom!
Last week found us in the midst of commemorating significant days between Holocaust Memorial Day and Israel’s Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers and terror victims.
As in previous years, our Holocaust Memorial service was led by Or Hadash youth.
Mor Freund, our youth coordinator, led a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony with participating congregants and many guests who filled our synagogue.
The week ended with celebrating Israel’s Independence Day and our country’s joyous 64th birthday.
To welcome Yom Ha’Atzmaut we held a unique ceremony called Ayelet Ha’Shahar which we have been celebrating at Or Hadash for the past 12 consecutive years. The ceremony, held out in nature, begins with a prayer at 4:30 AM, ending at sunrise with blowing the shofar.
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| | How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together |
February, 2012
Dear Friends,
Shavua Tov,
Last Shabbat we read Parashat Yitro, including the Ten Commandments. It is always elating and very moving to see a whole congregation arise to read the Ten Commandments, as though we are on Mt. Sinai.
I am very proud to belong to the Jewish People who have bequeathed such inspiring values to mankind. |
| | Friends from America at Or Hadash, Bat Mitzvah group ceremony, Interfaith activities |
January 2012
Dear Friends,
Hodesh Tov, A Good Month!
The new secular year 2012 got off to a great start for Or Hadash. Although it has been very cold in Haifa the last few of weeks, it doesn`t compare to what our East Coast friends are experiencing in America these days. |
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