Coming Home in the Words of TI Members

“What was it like for me to come back to TI after the Covid quarantine? For me it was more than coming back – it was my first in-person Shabbat service at TI. Of course, I attended Zoom meetings but being there in person felt familiar yet so different. I felt the space was so stark, imparting a sense of humility and reverence. Cantor Stillman’s voice was even more beautiful, and the people were so warm and friendly. It was like coming to a home I just discovered was my own.”

–Sylvie Kossodo

“Hallelujah, I am home again in the sacred sanctuary of my beloved Temple Israel. I felt such joy and spirituality being there for the first time for Qabbalat Shabbat services since February 2020! I want to express my gratitude to all the wonderful people who worked so hard to keep Temple Israel alive on virtual only services. You know who you are! Your hard work and long hours helped keep me sane during those terrible weeks of isolation – Todah Rabah!!!!” –Adele Sheinfield

“Our family has felt so blessed to re-engage in Temple Israel's recent in person services, as we had really missed being able to attend Qabbalat Shabbat service in person these many months. To see the smiling faces of our fellow members, and hear their voices again has meant so much. The bluegrass based service with Kol Kahol was fantastic! And it's been a treat to finally get to know our new (ish) cantor, Alicia Stillman, too!” –Mark, Leila, Maya and Stacy Seide

“During the pandemic shut-down, I was consistently amazed and grateful for the creative ways that so many institutions, including Temple Israel were able to invent and innovate ways to keep us connected, even while we were apart. It was not until I stepped back into the Temple Building for the June annual meeting that I realized how much I missed the irreplaceable feeling of sharing a sacred space with members of our community. Never before last March had I been unable to enter the place that has been a consistent home for me over decades of growth, transition and transformation. Never before had I realized how important that everpresent safe haven was to my spiritual and emotional well-being. Stepping into the atrium, abuzz with greetings, moving together into the synagogue surrounded by the tangible energy of a multi-generational group left me feeling more at peace than I had felt at any other time during the shut-down.” –Jessica Greenfield