I look back on this past (secular) year and remain ever grateful for and humbled by the many ways in which I might have been of service to you. These bonds of pastoral connection and warm collegiality are precious to me, and I don’t take them (or you, for that matter!) for granted.
I can only hope that in whatever capacity our paths have crossed - no matter how frequently or infrequently, no matter whether in person or online – that I discharged my obligations in a timely, respectful and scrupulous manner commensurate with the noble profession to which I’m privileged to belong.
That profession – the “rabbinate” – is an ever demanding and relentless one! However, it also recognizes the need for rabbis to enjoy, every seven years, a short sabbath-of-the-soul otherwise more universally known as a “sabbatical!”
That time has come, for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the rare opportunity (yes; I know all too well that some of you will find this very difficult to believe!!) to disengage altogether from the routine of congregational life: no services or sermons, no lifecycle events or classes, no meetings or visits, no calls, no emails, no texts, no voicemail messages! And, yes, no Zoom or livestream appearances, either!
With the blessing of our lay leadership, I’ll be away for three months from January 12 - March 12, May 1 - 14 and June 1 - 14. Please be assured that throughout this period of time, both Rabbi Tornberg and Cantor Zarkh will be on duty. I remain ever indebted to them both, to our Executive Director, Sherrie Turetsky, and to our administrative staff for their wholehearted support.
Finally, my very special thanks to all of you, my fellow Beth Amniks, for respecting my privacy while I’m away and enabling me, together with those I love, to enjoy a time for regrouping, rest and replenishment.
Chag Chanukah Sameach to you and yours!
With love and appreciation, Robert
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