Rabbi's Blog

Dear Haverim,

The “Final Four” usually represents the last four teams in a playoff, but for us – you and me – the next four services in July will be my “Final Four” as your Senior Rabbi.  On August 1, I will become, for the next 10 years, the Rabbi Emeritus of University Synagogue, and Rabbi Micah Becker-Klein will become your new Senior Rabbi.  I’ll still be here for you and, of course, I will always care about you, but it will soon be time to embrace Rabbi Becker-Klein as University Synagogue’s new spiritual leader and offer him the wonderful and loving support that you’ve always given me.

Be sure to attend his inaugural Shabbat service on August 2 and enjoy the gifts of learning and growth that he will begin to bring you.  Every rabbi is different in style and substance.  Cherish the past, as I will, and be open to new ideas.

In the meantime, let’s spend some precious time together over the next four Shabbatot, enjoying each other’s company and celebrating our Judaism and humanity together.

“Americana Shabbat” will be the theme of services this Friday evening, July 5, with an outdoor Kosher BBQ dinner at 6:00 p.m. and a service celebrating Independence Day with lots of patriotic, folk and Broadway songs at 7:00 p.m.  We will also dedicate the “Abramovitch Intergenerational Garden in memory of Joe and Anne Wellington, parents of Susan Abramovitch.”  (RSVP now.)

On Friday, July 12, we’ll join for “Beach Services” in Laguna Beach at Crescent Bay Point Park with a 6:15 p.m. “bring your own dairy dinner” and a 7:00 p.m. Shabbat service that will be an unforgettable evening of nature, singing and joy.  Bring a blanket or chairs if you wish (if not, there’s amphitheater seating) and celebrate summer, watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. All those celebrating birthdays and anniversaries this month will also be honored. (RSVP now.)

On Friday, July 19, at 7:00 p.m., we’ll join for a “Shabbat of Contemporary Music” with singer/songwriter Daniel Nahmod, a University Synagogue favorite.  Over the years, Daniel has shared his moving and beautiful music with us at several Shabbat services and Selichot.  He wanted to be with us, before I retired, to share his affection for Cantor Braier, me and our congregation.  (RSVP now.)

Daniel has performed his profound, heart-opening original music for over one million people and has sold over 100,000 CDs. His poetic and evocative message of peace, love and compassion across all nations, cultures and faiths has found overwhelming acceptance wherever he has performed.  He has been featured on numerous cable and radio broadcasts in over 90 countries, at cultural festivals, interfaith and environmental fairs, workshops and conferences, youth rallies, 9/11 services, and as a keynote musical presenter at benefits for such organizations as Habitat For Humanity and the Anti-Defamation League. He has presented his music and message for nearly all the world's major faiths, including Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Bahai, and Mormon audiences. 

Finally, on Friday, July 26, my last “regular” Shabbat service with you will be “Synaplex Shabbat Alive” when I will speak about “Looking Back, Ahead And Within.”  Very kindly and generously that evening, there will also be the dedication of a new Reading Room right outside the library in honor of Cantor Braier and me and in memory of Shirley Sepel, donated by her husband, David Sepel (father of Heidi Kahn).

Also, that evening, University Synagogue will be dedicating a seat in our sanctuary in memory of Katherine Merage, matriarch of the Merage family.  Katherine was an incredible philanthropist, always devoted to University Synagogue, Israel, and the Jewish people. The Merage family will be in attendance at services that evening, as well.  Shabbat dinner is at 6:00 p.m. and Shabbat Alive services are at 7:00 p.m.  (RSVP now.)

Although I may continue to lead services when our new rabbi is on vacation or at conferences, and I may be involved in other activities, July 26 will be my final “continuous service” in my 33 years as your rabbi.  I truly hope that you will be able to share this special evening with me.

As I envision my retirement, I am comforted by these words by John O’Donohue, entitled Blessing For Retirement.

“This is where your life has arrived,

After all the years of effort and toil;

Look back with graciousness and thanks

on all your great and quiet achievements.

You stand on the shore of new invitation

To open your life to what is left undone;

Let your heart enjoy a different rhythm

When drawn to the wonder of other horizons.

Have the courage for a new approach to time;

Allow it to slow until you find freedom

To draw alongside the mystery you hold

And befriend your own beauty of soul.

Now is the time to enjoy your heart’s desire,

To live the dreams you’ve waited for,

To awaken the depths beyond your work

And enter into your infinite source.”

I look forward to sharing these precious and loving weeks together with you.

Shavua Tov/Have a comforting and reflective week,

Rabbi Arnie Rachlis