Yesterday was a very different Thanksgiving. Instead of a large Thanksgiving turkey for a family gathering, Mercedes and I downsized to a Thanksgiving chicken for two. We miss our family and friends, but we know we have to protect them and ourselves by staying apart. However on reflection, even with the pandemic I have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful for my wonderful wife Mercedes and our family, both genetic and annexed. I am thankful for our TBH community. I am thankful for the opportunity to create theater. And I am thankful for the opportunities that TBH provides for me to contribute to our synagogue and to Tikkun Olam.
But in these strange times, I am also thankful for the technology that allows us to gather virtually. I remember exiting the “Carousel of Progress” at Disneyland into a room that featured a video telephone among other predictions of future technology. Who knew that video phone calls could be made from a phone that fits in your pocket? Who would have imagined virtual Shabbat services, virtual High Holy Days, virtual school, virtual meetings, and even virtual theater? Virtual events are a poor substitute for in person activities, but imagine how much more isolated we would be without them. I am thankful that we can see each other, hear each other, and interact with each other even if it is on screens.
I hope you had a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving. Enjoy your leftovers today.
From the President – Nov. 27, 2020
November 27, 2020 by tbhrich •
Yesterday was a very different Thanksgiving. Instead of a large Thanksgiving turkey for a family gathering, Mercedes and I downsized to a Thanksgiving chicken for two. We miss our family and friends, but we know we have to protect them and ourselves by staying apart. However on reflection, even with the pandemic I have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful for my wonderful wife Mercedes and our family, both genetic and annexed. I am thankful for our TBH community. I am thankful for the opportunity to create theater. And I am thankful for the opportunities that TBH provides for me to contribute to our synagogue and to Tikkun Olam.
But in these strange times, I am also thankful for the technology that allows us to gather virtually. I remember exiting the “Carousel of Progress” at Disneyland into a room that featured a video telephone among other predictions of future technology. Who knew that video phone calls could be made from a phone that fits in your pocket? Who would have imagined virtual Shabbat services, virtual High Holy Days, virtual school, virtual meetings, and even virtual theater? Virtual events are a poor substitute for in person activities, but imagine how much more isolated we would be without them. I am thankful that we can see each other, hear each other, and interact with each other even if it is on screens.
I hope you had a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving. Enjoy your leftovers today.
We are Temple Beth Hillel.
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
If I am not for others, what am I?
And if not now, when? -Rabbi Hillel