Rabbi's Blog

Dear Haverim,

Before I write about our upcoming Shabbat services, I just want to say how much Ruti and I were so sad to hear about the death of our dear friend, Dr. Ruth Westheimer. Thank you to those who wrote to us over the past few days offering their kind condolences. 

For three decades, Dr. Ruth was part of our lives, annually at The Renaissance Think Tank Institute Conference, and also when we visited her in New York. She loved our children and especially enjoyed our son Michael's imitation of her at comedy shows. (He even did a private performance for her!)

Whenever we got together with her for lunch or dinner in New York (Sardi's was one of her favorite spots), the meal was interrupted frequently by people who wanted an autograph or selfie, which she cheerfully gave.

During Covid, as you may remember, I did a Zoom interview with her for a Shabbat service for University Synagogue. She was originally going to speak at our congregation, so we weren't going to let the pandemic interfere with her visit. Zoom became a good "second best." 

Ruth's tragic early losses during the Holocaust were always painful, but somehow she compensated for the death of her parents and the upending of the stability of her childhood by becoming a joyful and fun person with a message for the world of both sexual liberation and personal responsibility. Zichrona livracha/May her memory be for a blessing. (Click here if you wish to watch the Zoom interview.)

Over the years, Ruti and I have always strived to make services spiritually uplifting and joyous. By creating "Shabbat Alive" with our band and "Sababa Shabbat" with poetry, singing and drumming, we've sought to introduce new melodies and words to help us all "explore within and sing out" our deepest aspirations, ideals and values. 

On this coming Shabbat, July 19, at 7:00 p.m., we will introduce "Harmonia Shabbat," an evocative experience of new and familiar melodies with sublime harmonies. 

Our newest musical service will feature University Synagogue members Amy Ganser, Steven Hirsch and Zach Nelson singing with our Cantor in a way that blends performance and group participation. The Cantor's intention is to create, from time to time, an exciting, spiritually moving service that will focus on special melodies and that will include various members and other singers. 

In addition, singer/songwriter Daniel Nahmod, a University Synagogue favorite, will offer "A Shabbat of Contemporary Music" in this service and he will be performing his lovely and stirring original music. Daniel wanted to be with us before I became Rabbi Emeritus, and we so appreciate that. 

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. (RSVP ​​​​​​ Now). 

Save the next date, please, because 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). The Sepel/Kahn family will be with us that evening, as well. This Reading Room will be filled with many of the books that I have read and collected over my many decades as a rabbi!

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.)

As I did on July 5, I will continue on July 19 and 26 to give away books from my library during the Oneg Shabbat. I want you to have them, read them and enjoy them. 

This month of July has been so joyous with large crowds for "Americana Shabbat" on July 5 and "Beach Services" in Laguna Beach a few days ago. Let's keep the celebration and joy continuing throughout this month with "Harmonia Shabbat" and Daniel Nahmod on July 19, and "Synaplex Shabbat Alive" on July 26!

We will also add to this week's service a blessing for our country to find a way to lessen hateful rhetoric, reject violence and express mutual respect for each other. 

Shavua Tov/Have a joyous week,

Rabbi Arnie Rachlis