Echoes of Elul: Day 17

This year as I reached a significant age milestone I had a “glimmer”.  I had faced this event with trepidation - “was I really now old ?”.

After pondering on the event for several days - weeks, I came to the conclusion that I was now free to be myself. I was no longer building my resume!  Actually, what it meant was that I could enjoy myself in ways that I had never considered before - I was free to do things that I would have considered trivial in the past but now had some significance. I now give myself time - the most valuable commodity that I have-  to do things like read late into the night and awake late in the morning, or watch butterflies in my garden, or take the long way around to work so I could try a new route and see more of my environs - and perhaps stop and talk to a friend. 

It’s small but this glimmer also enlightens me about myself in the way that I look at these things. 

That’s my bright and shining glimmer. 

-Joe Barker

Echoes of Elul: Day 16

This year was very challenging, so glimmers were of everyday occurrences and recollections of the past… bringing love, light, gratitude, and learning to my life.   Hope and trust that I have the resources to skillfully meet disappointments and losses, my sweet Bichon, Jesse, who died at the start of the Jewish New Year and my other Jamie, Bichon, who has health issues.   Being able to hold profound love and grief in my heart at the same time… Glimmers… my eyes taking in the spectacular sunrises and sunsets, viewing photos of my mother, Gladys, who died 7 years ago, and my beautiful boys, the Jersey boys (they are from New Jersey).  Listening to Jewish music, especially Kol B’Seder’s version of Shalom Rav, uplifting yet brought tears.   In 5785, my intention is to cherish each day, to trust, to be a source of love and light, to have a grateful heart, and to learn from everything, everyone.

-Judy Itzkowitz

Echoes of Elul: Day 15

Apparently your sermon last year, coupled with the writing I'm currently doing, has really made a lasting impression on me. So, last week I had to drop my car off at the dealership to have some work done. They arranged for an Uber to transport me to and from home while the car was in the shop. On the ride home I was picked up by a 30-something young lady, Stefani. We had a nice conversation on the drive home. She told me a little about her family and herself. And I told her about my work in genealogy. She dropped out of college before completing her degree and her real passion was writing. The thing is, she had just gotten laid off from her sales job and was doing Uber to make ends meet and it was her first week as an Uber driver. I found myself encouraging her to focus on pursuing her passion and completing her degree. I don't know if I'll hear back from her, but she asked for my card.

Then, on the drive back to the dealership a couple of days later, I was picked up by a man, Rex,  who was originally a refugee from the Congo some 15 years ago. I persuaded him to tell me his story of escaping the conflict; making his way to Mozambique, then Malawi, and finally to South Africa, all the while trying to get a refugee visa to the US. After a few years of attempting to get approval the word finally came for him and a friend to come. He and his friend would be able to come to Vermont and New Hampshire respectively. They objected saying that, NO... they wanted to come to the US. The agents at the consulate had to explain to them that they WERE coming to America. Once here, he traveled to several states until finally settling here in Nashville. He opened his own import business and was successful until the pandemic forced him to close it. He has a daughter that lives with his ex. They alternate custody of her annually as the mother is in South Dakota with family. He has since remarried. Once again I found myself speaking words of encouragement to him and suggested a business networking group he might consider attending that might be of some help. His current wife makes African clothes to sell and I even suggested they look at Etsy to market them.

Rabbi, the point I'm making is this. I have come to realize that glimmers are not just those small moments we experience in life that bring us joy, and peace. and gratitude. More importantly, we become glimmers to others by our intentional acts of kindness. I now believe this is the more important lesson to be gleaned from your sermon. One I am fortunate to have heard and internalized.

-Roy Hiller

Echoes of Elul: Day 14

The JNF mission I took to Israel in April was indeed a profound experience, marked by a powerful glimmer that connected me deeply with the country and its people. In that moment, I felt the significance of my presence there—understanding that it wasn't just about the mission itself, but about the message I was sending to those that I  encountered.

This glimmer reinforced the importance of showing the people of Israel that they were cared for and supported. It was a moment of realization that my presence, actions, and compassion had a real impact, letting them know that they were not alone and that there were others who backed them up.

This experience, and the emotions that came with it, will likely stay with me for a long time, serving as a reminder of the profound connections that can be forged through empathy and solidarity.

It was such an impactful glimmer, that I am going back on another JNF mission in October

-Judy Roth

Echoes of Elul: Day 13

Four weeks into his freshman year, our son faced a stark realization: the dream college he’d imagined was nothing like he’d hoped. He committed to finishing the year and explored transferring. Juggling a demanding course load while exploring and applying to other colleges was difficult, overwhelming, and at times discouraging. In March, while other college kids were on Spring Break, we were back on the college circuit. The first visit left us feeling deflated and discouraged. The second visit was different. We watched our son, cautiously connect during the visit – a glimmer. That night he enthusiastically talked about where and how he felt during the visit for the first time in months, he spoke with hope about college another glimmer. 

Fast forward, he transferred to the new college and the experience has been transformative. He’s found his place in a community where he truly fits in.     

- Vicki Estrin

Echoes of Elul: Day 12

The glimmer for me came in seeing our son complete and excel at his Bar Mitzvah.  This was a very important rite of passage to our family and though it was really difficult to get our son to devote time to his studies and to stay focused, with the help of our Rabbis, he not only achieved the goal but shined throughout the service.  The pride that our family members felt was contagious and so uplifting for all of us.  This changed my son's view that he can overcome hard things in life and succeed. We are looking to this next year as the year that this country will come together and be less divisive.  

-Anonymous

Echoes of Elul: Day 11

In the last year, I, along with my family, have seen an incredible number of rainbows.  The rainbows remind us of my father, who passed a couple years ago, and seem to materialize in the most striking of ways.  When my son hit his first homerun playing baseball, as he rounded the bases, a rainbow appeared, also coincidentally on my father's birthday. One day I woke up feeling sluggish on a rainy day, a rainbow came out from behind the clouds, and renewed my energy.  Driving my daughter home from gymnastics, she was feeling down because of an elbow injury, and boom- double rainbow!  There are many other examples, but the takeaway is that there is good to be found in every situation, it is all about attitude. The glimmers are all around us, we just have to open our eyes.

-Cole Geringer

Echoes of Elul: Day 9

My most important and constantly recurring glimmer is my husband’s daily thoughtfulness. As he calls friends to make sure everyone is OK, dropping everything to rush to another’s aid, daily reminders to take our vitamins, which he assembles and places by our breakfast places, (the daily list goes on and on), he is a constant reminder of why we feel Blessed and how each of us can do better for and to each other. Just watching his daily thoughtfulness brings joy and peace.

-Anonymous

Echoes of Elul: Day 7

In April, Al was told he needed a heart valve replacement and that if he didn’t get it, he would have one to two years to live.  The choice was simple.  I accompanied him to his first visit with the Interventional Cardiologist, and not knowing what to expect, we were apprehensive as we waited to see the doctor.  Coincidently, seated across from us in the waiting room was a man whom we overheard talking to another patient about his experience with the same surgery.  He was confident, full of praise for the doctor and enthusiastic as he described the procedure, his easy recovery, and how good he was now feeling.  As we listened to his experience, it felt as if a great burden was being lifted from our shoulders.  Sitting within earshot of that man was truly a fortunate stroke of serendipity, and provided us with a very meaningful “glimmer”.

-Paula Kirwan

Echoes of Elul: Day 6

When is Adonai?

By Nanette L. Avery

 

When is Adonai?

 

When willow lulav boughs are bent

And early crocus laced with ice

Appear like silver fleur-de-lis

 

And

 

Footprints marble earthen floors

Flickering sapphires keep vigil over

Palm thatched sukkas

 

Frothy milk set in a frosty glass

A look, a glance from dewy blue eyes

Warms a parent’s heart

 

And

 

The rhythm of raindrops

Perform concertos during

Topaz haze days

 

When is Adonai?

 

When a dreamy whisper of life remembered-

Forever-in clear Yahrzeit glass

Gentle hands mask a Sabbath face

 

And

 

A blessed tallit, fringed with mitzvots   

Unfolds for the first time

Embracing young shoulders

 

Eating an alphabet of fruits, Holy Day, holidays

Currents, mango, pomegranate, and kiwi,

Hunting pimentos from pea green olives

 

When is Adonai?

 

A walk up the Milky Way

On silver arced stars

Detecting explosions in prisms of rainbows

And

 

Whiffs of brisket ascend from onion-lined pot

And company coming turkey don

Fluted paper slippers

 

Goodnight kisses under a warm blanket

Cold sheets, a soft bed of sparrow wings

A lap-covered gingham apron

 

When is Adonai?

 

When the beat of a heart nests inside

And the silence of time breaths low

Flames extinguish a cornucopia of life

 

When is Adonai?

Yesterday, now, then, and tomorrow…

Echoes of Elul: Day 5

On April 26, 2024 my best friend of over 50 years, Lucy passed away from metastatic ovarian cancer.  She was 52 years old and died 6 days after her birthday and 6 days before my 52nd birthday.  Although her diagnosis was terminal and I knew that (she was diagnosed in September 2020).  I was not prepared to lose her, though I knew it was going to happen.  We discussed her thoughts, feelings, and concerns about her dying as well as mine.  No matter how much you discuss someone you love dying I don’t think you’re ever truly prepared or ready to let them go.   To say that I was devastated the day she died is an understatement.  I don’t think I have ever felt as much sadness as I felt that day and the months following.  I am still sad over her loss and will always be, but the intensity of my sadness has slowly lessened over time.  I am not a particularly spiritual person, however the day that Lucy died I began to see a red cardinal at least once a day.  I didn’t think much of it at first, but then it occurred to me that I was continuing to see a red cardinal because it represented Lucy.  I would see a cardinal most frequently at home or in my neighborhood, but not always.  At first I would see a cardinal daily, and as time has progressed I have seen a cardinal several times a week, or once a week, or a couple of times a month etc.  For at least the first several weeks following Lucy’s death, seeing a cardinal would immediately cause me to break into tears.  However, over time I noticed that seeing a cardinal no longer makes me tear up and most of the time I now smile whenever I see a cardinal.  I consider a cardinal my “glimmer” because for just that brief moment of seeing a cardinal I am able to think of Lucy and smile and feel her presence and actually look forward to seeing another cardinal soon.  Lucy was amazing person and was a perfect example of an authentic life well-lived.  She was incredibly giving of her time and philanthropy and was loved by many.  I hope that 5785 brings me closer to continuing to live my life with her as my example of how to live and be.

-Jen Duben

Echoes of Elul: Day 4

Whenever I see Mother Nature, I'm amazed.  Whether it is Joshua Tree National Park, the mountains and waterfalls in Croatia, cicadas 🫣, or just everyday shrubbery, it reminds me of how this all came about.  What "created" all this and the wonder of it all compared to any man-made "structures", some of which are magnificent (Machu Picchu or the temple in Egypt), but don't generate the "awe" that a simple waterfall can.  So I'm looking forward to more "amazing glimmers" from a spectacular fall to blooming flowers and shrubs in the Spring. 

-Anonymous 

Echoes of Elul: Day 3

As a genealogist, researching someone's ancestry gives me great satisfaction. That is especially true when I help people either discover their ancestral past, find previously unknown relatives or, as was the case with your father-in-law, Tom Rice, re-connect with relatives with whom we have lost touch.  Through my research, I was able to contact the wife of Tom’s  first cousin with whom he had not had contact for over two decades.  Because of that connection, his cousin called Tom on his birthday. Knowing this occurred through my efforts affords me great joy. It is results like this that make doing what I do so worthwhile and energizes me to continue to do the work.

-Roy Hiller

Echoes of Elul: Day 2

Wife suddenly short of breath following a minor surgical procedure. A call to 911, an ambulance ride to an emergency room and hospitalized immediately in the intensive care unit where the blood oxygen level is noted to be less than 90. The usual hospital sounds now secondary to the beeping of a bedside monitor. Forty eight hours of observation reveal no change in the numbers.........then, slowly, slowly, slowly, oxygen levels start to approach normal. A "glimmer"? No! A blinding flash of light! She will be well and so will I.

-Anonymous

Echoes of Elul: Day 1

With all the events this year affecting our people in Israel, the US, and across the globe, the most memorable glimmer was the immediate solidification on 10/7 of who I am as a Jew, my connection to Judaism and Israel, and the profound gratitude I felt to be a Jew in spite of the enormous pain of that day and the events since. This gratitude remains an almost daily glimmer growing and appearing with news stories, watching services at Micah, participating in Torah study, and other Jewish events I’ve taken advantage of.  For 5785, I continue to wish for this glimmer to become even stronger and that it helps reinforce where my Jewish identity is leading me in this adventure we call life.

-Leah Golden

Be a Part of Micah's Choir Tradition

Congregation Micah has a long standing tradition of having a volunteer choir for the High Holy Days.

Conducted by Maestro John Sevier along with Cantor Josh Goldberg and accompanist, Chris Smallwood, joining the Micah Choir is a great way for Micah Members to engage meaningfully with the community, have a robust musical outlet with support from three professional musicians, and get the satisfaction of contributing beauty and majesty to our High Holy Day Services. 

If you are interested in joining the choir for this High Holy Day season, please reach out to Cantor Goldberg at: jgoldberg@congregationmicah.org 

If possible, please indicate your voice type (Soprano, alto, tenor, bass).

Congregation Micah on JLTV!

This Friday, Jewish Life Television network will debut its newest show, Music City USA Shabbat, featuring our very own Cantor Josh Goldberg and a cameo by Rabbi Flip Rice!

Catch it at 9pm Central on Channel 481, or go to https://www.jltv.tv/watch

Find the Full Press Release and photos Below!

JEWISH LIFE TELEVISION TO PREMIERE

MUSIC CITY USA SHABBAT

FROM CONGREGATION MICAH IN BRENTWOOD, TN WITH CANTOR JOSH GOLDBERG

Friday, June 28, 2024, 6:00PM CT and 9:00PM CT

For Immediate Release, June 24, 2024 (Los Angeles, CA): When the world shut down as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Jewish Life Television/JLTV heard from its large North American audience that they were yearning for spiritual support during these difficult days. The network’s Jewish viewers who regularly attended in person Friday Night Shabbat services were unable to turn to their local synagogues for that spiritual support.

Working with Rabbi Mark Blazer, Executive Director of the Jewish Life Foundation (JLF), JLTV launched a one-hour Friday Night Shabbat Service, which immediately became popular, interestingly with both Jewish and non-Jewish viewers. Jewish viewer Barbara G. said, “My husband and I especially enjoy the Shabbat services.” Non-Jewish viewer John B. commented, “Although my religion is other than Jewish, the Friday Evening Shabbat is a Blessing that surpasses any other religious program.”

Because the Shabbat Services were so well-received, JLTV decided to continue working with the JLF as the pandemic lifted and Friday Night Shabbat Services have remained a mainstay on the network, airing at 7:00PM ET and 10:00PM ET.

Moreover, Rabbi Blazer decided to take Shabbat Services on the road, working with spiritual leaders from around the nation, including in Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, Phoenix, San Francisco – and now Music City U.S.A., Nashville, Tennessee. “When we were presented with the opportunity to produce a Shabbat Service in one of the nation’s most historic, iconic cities for music, we could not pass up this chance,” said Rabbi Blazer. “And believe me, this Shabbat Service does not disappoint.”

Cantor Josh Goldberg of Congregation Micah in Brentwood, Tennessee, heads up JLTV’s Music City U.S.A. Shabbat Service, premiering Friday, June 28, 2024, 6:00PM CT and 9:00PM CT. “I am thrilled to be partnering with JLTV on Music City USA Shabbat. We put together a wonderful group of musicians, engineers and videographers to bring JLTV viewers the most cutting edge shabbat-from-home experience possible. All the melodies we recorded are ones that I have written over the years—my own modern spin on our centuries-old liturgy,” said Cantor Goldberg.

In addition to Cantor Josh Goldberg, performing on Music City USA Shabbat are Josh Alterman (Keyboard), Brett Fromson (Vocals, Harmonica, Mandolin), Melissa Greene (Vocals), Amber

Ikeman (Vocals), Nioshi Jackson (Drums), Rabbi Phillip “Flip” Rice (Spoken Word), Russell Somer (Electric Bass), and Camden West (Electric Guitar).

For more information, imagery and/or interviews, please contact JLTV’s Brad Pomerance at brad@jltv.tv or 310/266-4437.

About JLTV

Jewish Life Television/JLTV is North America’s largest and most robust 24-7, English language, Jewish-themed television network. More cultural than religious, JLTV is available in over 50 million homes through both traditional (Charter/Spectrum, Comcast/Xfinity, Cox, DirecTV, NCTC) and non-traditional (Amazon Freevee, Local Now, Roku, Xumo) video providers. To find JLTV’s channel position in any community, please sign onto www.jltv.tv/channels.

About Cantor Josh Goldberg

Josh Goldberg is an accomplished vocalist, prolific songwriter, music producer, filmmaker, and ordained Cantor. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Josh moved to Los Angeles for his undergraduate and graduate studies, earning a Bachelor of Music in Popular Music Studies from the University of Southern California and a Master of Sacred Music and Cantorial smicha (ordination) from the Academy of Jewish Religion, CA. Josh now serves as Cantor and Music Director at Congregation Micah in Greater Nashville, TN.

About Congregation Micah

Congregation Micah, located in Brentwood, Tennessee, is an inclusive, innovative synagogue exploring and celebrating Jewish life, and committed to building community and repairing the world. Congregation Micah is affiliated with the Union of Reform Judaism, a part of the Judaism’s Reform movement.