".. . the task is great the workers indolent, the reward bountiful and the Master insistent". Rabbi Tarfon, Pirkei Avot 2:20 This a blog about the work, but also about life--where the days always seem too short because, happily but also maddeningly, there is so much to do.
To all my PJC friends, l'shana tova tikatayvu--may you be inscribed for a good New Year. I hope that your new year brings health, well-being and peace of mind, and success in all the good things you do. Looking forward to seeing you in shul!
Everyone is invited to try out the new chairs in my office. Thanks to everyone at PJC for all your (lumbar) support.
Monday was my Jewish Lens teacher training class. During class, we went out to E. 10th St. to take a photo representing a Jewish value. Mine was of a woman pushing a stroller in a crosswalk while talking on a cell phone. "If I am not for myself, who is for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?"(Hillel) Taking the picture taught me, these values are not complementary--they actually conflict.
I was truly blown away by Dr. Julius Wolk's remarks during our celebration of his 100th birthday today. His keen insight, wisdom, kindness, sense of humor and pride in his son were all on display. I was deeply moved. What a great way to end a very difficult week.
Illyse, Yoni and I really enjoyed marching with our PJC contingent in this year's Memorial Day Parade. As first-timers, we especially enjoyed the strong sense of community everyone seemed to have. it was a great advertisement for living in Plainview-Old Bethpage.
I used to think serving a congregation where there were simchas every week--and even multiple simchas--would be overwhelming. But at PJC, I am finding it really exhilarating to be celebrating all the time--and not just Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, but baby namings, auf rufs, anniversaries, special birthdays and trips to Israe...l. Thanks to all who are sharing celebrations with us. And keep those simchas coming.
My response to the question: Why is it hard to forgive those who wrong us? will run in tomorrow's Newsday "Ask the Clergy". If you are a Newsday subscriber, check it out.
Nov. 2, 2009
As of last Tuesday, we are now residing at 23 Acorn Lane! Every day, we get a little more unpacked and a little better settled. We have met many nice neighbors and are enjoying our very short walk to shul. Today's highlight: several tons of dirt dumped in front of our house--then moved by a backhoe into what was... onc...e the swimming pool. Needless to say, Yoni was very excited to see all the heavy equipment at work.
Oct 21, 2009
My Hay class celebrated a "mock" baby naming today in the small sanctuary. It was a great opportunity for them to get some hands on experience of a lifecycle event. I hope they will be inspired to bring their daughters up to the Torah to be... named as well--but not any time in the near future.
October 13, 2009 Thanks to our PJC family for a wonderful Sukkot and Simchat Torah. I really enjoyed the Sukkah hop, our Men's Club Single Malt Scotch and Steak night in the Sukkah, the Chinese Dinner (even though we couldn't use the Sukkah), and lulav shak...ing with our kids. To all those who participated in our Simchat Torah roll and festivities, you helped make Saturday night fun and memorable. And now, on to the rest of the year!Read More
Sep. 27th
To all my PJC friends, an easy fast tonight and tomorrow. May you all be inscirbed iand sealed for a good, happy and healthy year. And to anyone who I may have wronged, until such time as I can personally ask forgiveness, I would at least like to ask... for cyber-forgiveness. I hope to do better by everyone in the coming year.Read More
Sep. 24th I really enjoyed our Tashlich at Cold Spring Harbor yestereday. Thanks PJC, for introducing me to such a beautiful spot so close to home. May all of our sins float away from us in the coming year.
Sept. 18th I want to wish a Shana Tova u'mtukah to all my PJC friends. May you enjoy good health and prosperity in the coming year. may the changes that inevitably will come your way be for the good. And may your relationships--with G-d and with your fellow humans bring you fulfillment, at least in proportion to the effort and heart you put in to them--if not more.
Sept 17th FOUND: Man's gold ring. Ring was recovered under the seats in the main sanctuary during High Holiday services several yeas ago. Please contact Rabbi Conn. rabbiconn@plainvewjewishcenter.org
Sept. 9th Today is the first day for our PJC religious school I am looking forward to meeting my Hay class students and beginning our study of the Jewish life cycle. I am also looking forward to meeting all our other students and seeing our building full of kids and full of learning.
Sept. 7th Hello everyone! I am Illyse Conn, Rabbi Conn's wife. I just wanted to thank everyone for so warmly welcoming us to PJC. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone better
Sept. 3rd Check out our re-modeled PJC ark this Shabbat. Our bimah now has a new, unified look that makes the ark stand out even more. Yasher Koach to Arnie and Doris Cooper for coordinating, to Sisterhood for making it possible and to all our Torah schleppers.
