Dear Haverim,
As your first rabbi over the last 33 years, I have always been so grateful for how you have shared this exciting journey of Judaism and life with me. You have given me purpose, friendship and fellowship and you have made my rabbinate meaningful, allowing me to teach and comfort you.
You have always been my partners in trying to make Judaism more truthful, rational, innovative and relevant. Together, we have opened our synagogue doors and our inclusive hearts to welcome in so many people who hadn’t experienced a Judaism that welcomed them before.
We have created, here at University Synagogue, a Judaism that wants to be diverse, interesting, reflective of reality, and committed to a humanistic and naturalistic theology. We have been a “Laboratory of Living Judaism,” open to those seeking tradition and change, spirituality and learning, and Tikkun Olam and creative Judaism. No synagogue in Orange County is more open to intermarried couples, to the LGBTQ+ community, and to doubters, skeptics, and seekers than our congregation.
We don’t judge who is a “good Jew.” There are many valid and equal paths into and through Judaism. We teach Judaism and humanism and respect each person’s autonomy. We welcome people of all races, religious backgrounds, and ethnicities. We want to expand and improve Judaism, and we want to heal the world.
Together, for the last 33 years, we have created a unique congregation, and I’ve relished each moment. I was here in June 1987, when I spoke to a small havurah in a home in Newport Beach, and, for the next 4 years, I flew in occasionally to help this vibrant and interesting group grow. And then, in 1991, I moved here “for good” and, by the words “for good,” I mean “to stay,” and to do “good and meaningful work.”
My heart has been here for three and a half decades, since I first met with that havurah that became University Synagogue. I am so grateful for our intertwined lives, and I feel so much appreciation and love for you.
I also appreciate all of the kind words wishing me the best and thanking me that have been said to me recently. I’ll still be here until this summer and then, as Rabbi Emeritus, for 10 years more! So, there’s no need yet to say “goodbye,” just “L’hitraot.”
Thank you for honoring me this coming Saturday evening at the University Synagogue Gala Dinner and thank you to Susie Rothfeder and Debbie Stern and their committee for planning what I know will be such a lovely celebration. Surrounded by my family and 300 of you, my friends, I look forward to wishing you “L’Chaim!” May our lives continue to be enriched by Judaism, Mentschlichkeit and Tikkun Olam as well as by our shared community of love, caring and joy.
And, even though so many of you will be part of the large crowd on Saturday evening, don’t forget to RSVP here for in-person Shabbat services this Friday evening at 7:00 p.m., when I will continue to answer all of your many questions for which we just didn’t have sufficient time at our last “Ask The Rabbi.” Your questions are always so thoughtful and interesting and I so enjoy addressing the topics that especially interest you. It’s truly a way for us not only to learn from each other, but also to learn about each other from the diversity of questions asked. (For those who can’t be with us in person, you can always join on Livestream.)
May we always grow from strength to strength and may the work of our hands be blessed.
L’Chaim,
Rabbi Arnie Rachlis
