Dear JCOGS Family,
I'm reaching out while on sabbatical to send my love from New Zealand. With grief from the October 7 attack still acute, the ongoing hostage situation, the loss of life from the war, the rampant antisemitism-this is truly a difficult time, beyond measure.
Recently, our family visited The Shire (Hobbiton), one place in NZ where the book-turned-movies were filmed. The kids LOVED the visit and it was a true joy to see them so immersed. The Shire is a simple place, not so different than rural Vermont-where people (well.... Hobbits) lead lives in harmony with the simple world around them, even as war rages on far from home (war based on the author's own WWI experience). In our time of war, I couldn't help but think of you all while visiting The Shire, praying for the peace of our Shire and for your health and safety.
This sabbatical, with its personal learning, prayer, meditation, and family time is a blessing of light in dark times.
Wishing you each and all a light-filled Chanukah Sameach Happy Chanukah! (This Chanukah, we celebrate during Summertime!)
With Comfort, love, and blessings to you all, my JCOGS family,
Rabbi David
