Rabbi's Desk

Overwhelmed. I am simply overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from this congregation during an extraordinarily difficult period in my personal life. Never have I been on the receiving end of comfort to a mourner and never have I been more acutely aware of the importance of the mitzvah.

Since the passing of my beloved wife, you as individuals and as a community have been there for Mara and I, as close family would be, in a way that can only be described as amazing and tremendously supportive.

However, something happened to me last night as Shul. It was 7:15 and we did not quite have a minyan for our 7PM service. As a mourner, I am obliged to say kaddish in memory of Rachel, z"l and we were only able to finally muster a minyan by making phone calls and waiting for a quorum to arrive.

I realize now more than ever what an important mitzvah it is to come to shul and help others mourn the loss of their relatives with together with the congregation. What makes our community so special is that we are more than just a group of individuals who pray together. We are a family. When I lost my wife, my brother and sisters and other family were on a plane to be with me within a matter of hours because that is what family does. We are here for one another in times of celebration and in times of sorrow.

Brothers and sisters: I am asking you to make a pledge. Not of money. It will only cost a bit of your time. One of the things that makes HTAA unique is our ability to provide three prayer services a day - every day! This is something that other Conservative synagogues are unable to provide. Let us continue to be there for one another in times of prayer, grief, and joy.

To make a pledge, please respond to this email with your contribution. You will not be taken to Jewish court for missing minyan. Nevertheless, please do try to make a commitment and keep it - same as you would do for any of your family members - because that is what we are. 

Please volunteer for:

• One service per week (especially Monday or Friday evenings).
• One week a month or even one week a year.
• Volunteer to be called - especially if you live nearby - in case we are one or two short and you can fill in.

Please respond to me by replying to this email or to Jack Katz (Rites & Rituals Chair) with your pledge and the specific days or weeks to which you are committing. Click here to view our full calendar or see below for service times for this week.

With your help, others will be able to mourn their relatives in accordance with Jewish religious practice, you will support the Synagogue and, most importantly, you will be an invaluable member of our loving family.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Steven Suson