June 15, 2019 — one year ago today. For the last time, Shabbat morning services were held at Temple Beth El and Temple Beth Or. The Torah scrolls were taken from the ark at Beth El, and dozens of community members participated in marching them from Closter to Washington Township. In Washington Township, the brand new Kol Dorot banners were waiting, along with a waving and cheering crowd. The shofar was sounded. We sang "Hinei Mah Tov." And we made our way into the sanctuary, where our Torah scrolls were installed in the ark together, marking the beginning of Kol Dorot: A Reform Jewish Community.
One year ago today, we were so filled with hope. In the picture above, holding my daughter Lorry's hand; I remember how excited we were. And this first year has been exciting—in lots of ways we anticipated, and in more than a few that we never imagined.
Happy Anniversary, Kol Dorot. We'll have much more to say about this milestone at our First Anniversary Service on Friday. (See below). But today is a special day for us.
Shavua Tov,
Rabbi Noah
Torah for Today
Rabbi Noah
On Friday, all of the major institutions of Reform Judaism in North America released a joint statement entitled, "Black Lives Matter is a Jewish Value."
Today I encourage you to read the statement.
Following up on our racial justice discussion from last week, we have begun to put together some anti-racism action items for Kol Dorot. More information will be coming soon.
First Anniversary Service
Friday, June 19th, 6:00pm
Check your daily email with information on how to join in.
Bring out your candles! Candles from "Shabbat ShaBag," any Shabbat candles, any kind of candle... We will begin on Friday by sharing light with each other and blessing the day of rest together.
We will have our Religious School students singing (pre-recorded)! We will install our new President and Board of Trustees! We will bless our high school and college graduates! We will come together to mark the first full year of Kol Dorot.
This service will not be long—please join us if you can. Participate with your children. This is a community milestone we will look back on for years to come. Don't miss it!
In Case You Missed It
On Friday we honored Rabbi David Widzer at his final service with Kol Dorot. For those who were not able to join us, here are two very meaningful moments from that service:
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