Rabbi's Blog

Dear Shaare Family,

This week’s Rabbi’s Resources will be one large Hakarat HaTov Corner. This Shabbat is the last one that Miriam and Paul Geller will be spending as residents of Dallas, before they make Aliyah on Monday.

It is hard to put into words properly what Miriam and Paul have meant to our shul, and our community. Miriam’s face has been the one that greeted our children every Shabbat but also kept them in line, with a wide smile, deep kindness and no-nonsense attitude. She deeply loves the children at Shaare, and understands them- and they love her in return. She has also been at the forefront of increasing inclusivity at Shaare, as she oversaw our partnership with Yachad over the years. Paul has been a pillar of Shaare for decades- as a Gabbai, as a minyannaire, as a participant in classes of all kinds and as a person who is ready to volunteer for anything and everything. Together, they have raised their beautiful family in our community, and their children Molly Rosenberg, Sophie Herskowitz and Ari are part of the rich tapestry of what it meant to grow up in Shaare Tefilla. Each of their children is a deeply committed Jew who is an integral asset to their communities and the Jewish people, and who all laid the groundwork for their parents’ move to Israel.

Whenever a family from Shaare makes aliyah, it’s a loss for our community, but also a source of joy, as they fulfill the destiny of every Jew and go to where the Jewish future is unfolding. We wish them every success and happiness as they actualize their dreams, and look forward to seeing them in Israel soon!

Rabbi’s Recommendation
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This is the final Selichot service that Lord Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Sacks officiated, in 2019, before COVID and his passing. It was led by Chazzanim Rabbi Lionel Rosenfeld and Johnny Turgel and the Shabbaton Choir, at the 130 year old Hampstead Synagogue.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Ariel Rackovsky