Meeting, Greeting and Experimenting: A Message From Rabbi Sigal

Hello Members and Friends,

I am excited and aspire to serve this wonderful community well. At the beginning of any relationship, we may be feeling an eagerness to feel a sense of familiarity with one another, have all things flow and be perfectly aligned, and find our collective rhythm. We know that things take time. Let’s take it one step at a time.

I extend my appreciation to all those who participated in our last Shabbat Services, whether online or in person. It was wonderful to be with you. Thank you to all those who reached out to me, I feel your warm welcome and support.

During our last Shabbat Services, in case you missed it, we took a few moments to acknowledge the high expectations surrounding my arrival, recognizing that they may be weighing us down. Together, we released them, recognizing that overly high expectations can often lead to significant disappointments. Instead, let us embark on this journey with a shared commitment to simply journey together with open hearts and open minds. Let us cultivate a space where genuine connections and growth can flourish.

I see this initial phase we are in now as a time for meeting, greeting, and experimenting.

In our services, I will offer a blend of familiar and new experiences and learning opportunities. By including different flavors, pieces, and modalities, I aim to demonstrate the breadth of experiences and possibilities that lie before us. Please be open to try them on, to experiment and reflect on how they resonate with you. Please be patient with me as I teach and present some things that may be new to you, and as I learn Kol HaNeshama’s traditions. I hope that this approach will enable us to engage in meaningful reflections and conversations. I hope they expand and enrich our communal prayer life, practices and learning.

Let’s Chat

I invite you to connect with me. Whether it be for lunch, coffee, a Zoom meeting, or a phone conversation, please do not hesitate to reach out. If you prefer meeting in a group setting with others in your neighborhood, please let me know. Additionally, if you know of individuals who are not yet connected to our community, kindly extend them an invitation to connect with me. And to those reading this who are not currently members, I encourage you to attend our services and connect with me for a chat. Your presence and perspective are valued.

Please remember that building strong relationships takes time and effort. Open, kind and constructive communication is essential. I encourage you to ask questions, express your desires, and actively contribute to our collective conversation that will add to our growth and joy. It is my sincere hope to serve as a valuable resource and guide as we navigate this journey together.

We will gather for the eve of the 9th of Av, Erev Tisha b’Av, which falls on July 26; we will gather together at Ruth’s home in Pelican Cove to observe together. The evening will include learning, contemplation, prayers, and some chanting from the book of Lamentations (Eicha). I hope you can join us. Please find details about 9th of Av, the gathering and RSVP below.

I look forward to see you Shabbat morning at 10:00 AM for services.

Shabbat Shalom and many blessings,

Rabbi Sigal