Chai from Beth El - January 2018

by Cantor Rene Waghalter Still feeling the glow and the love from a very moving installation at Congregation Beth El on Shabbat Chanukah. The sanctuary was set up with tables in the middle for everyone to light the candles, which glowed warmly and brightly throughout the service. My son, Zev, helped to light the gift of a wonderful Chanukah menorah shaped like a musical staff, complete with treble clef and musical notes. Rabbi Lobel picked it out personally, and my family will treasure this special piece of Judaica always. Jodi Buck, whom we are lucky to have as principal of the Religious School, brought the kids up to the bimah to present a gigantic Chanukah card, which the kids had all signed. Jeffrey Shapiro had the idea for this sweet gesture, and Zevi helped decorate the front with a popsicle-stick menorah. We all sang Chanukah songs and then the choir and I sang two pieces we had prepared especially for the occasion.

Of course there was a feast that followed! Alison Hernandez baked a delicious challah in the shape of a Chanukah menorah for hamotzi, and Jodi Kessler and the kitchen crew served delicious latkes and sufganiyot.

Rabbi Lobel kept all the speakers a secret, so I was pleasantly surprised when my father came up to the bimah! He of course opened with a joke. The other speakers also deeply touched my heart with their beautiful words: Cantor Katz, who has been so gracious and generous with his counsel and support; Missi and Mark Shapiro, chairs of the installation and dear friends for <mumble mumble> years; President of the congregation Yaffa Steubinger, who is the consummate captain of the ship and is so much fun to work with; and of course Rabbi Lobel, who is such a mensch and a fantastic rabbi. He has welcomed me professionally like no other rabbi has, and he and his family have welcomed me and my family personally. It is a true pleasure to be part of his team. I was truly overwhelmed by everyone's kind words and have never before felt so appreciated, honored, and humbled.

Many many thanks to everyone involved, including Missi and Mark Shapiro; Rabbi Josh Lobel; Religious School principal, Jodi Buck, and our Religious School students; Cantor Ralph Katz; President Yaffa Steubinger; my dad, Dr. Richard Waghalter; my husband, Dave O'Brien and our son, Zev; Ann and Alan Schneider, Laura Scheiner, and David Rosen, of the CBE Choir; Jodi and Glenn Kessler and all the latke and sufganiyot cooks; Norma Gonzales, Gerald and Concha, who keep our temple running; and all of you--the wonderful congregation--who offered such a warm welcome. To anyone I may have forgotten, please forgive me! The sense of community is so strong at our temple. I could not be happier to serve and be part of the CBE family. See you in 2018!