Compassion, kindness, grace, mercy, love, connectedness, prayer, goodness, living mindfully, … were all part of a transformative experience which many TBE members and I experienced through Rabbi Rachel Saphire’s leading of “Counting the Omer” on Facebook between the second night of Passover and the eve of Shavuot.

During this period, Rabbi Saphire posted writings that covered deeply spiritual topics. Several members who read her daily posts reflected on these subjects in their own lives and posted responses. Then, organically, the respondents connected in a deep, authentic, and compassionate way, even when we interpreted the posts differently. Mike Levinger, one of the participants, organized a study group, the idea of which was spawned by these encounters (see details below).

Rabbi Saphire’s postings as well as the spontaneous responses they elicited from a group of members embody the TBE values of “comfort compassionately, challenge lovingly, listen deeply, speak wholeheartedly, reach out and welcome in.” These values are also expressed by my varied experiences in my three years at TBE—from the Shabbat when Susan Karon welcomed me, to each experience that I have had with our dedicated clergy, and with my connection with so many “regulars ” at Shabbat services.

As I drove home from Yizkor on the Sunday following the Shabbat service when Rabbi Saphire completed the Counting of the Omer, I realized how central TBE is to my life and how it guides me through personal challenges. TBE comforted me after the Pittsburgh murders, helped me grow through my participation in the Facing History Program led by Rabbi Saphire and Sandy Aronson, and provided me the opportunity to connect with our sister congregation at Ohel Avraham. And, it nurtures my soul each Shabbat through liturgy, music, and clergy sermons.

———————————————————————————————————

Join Eric, Mike, and others for Study Group on Friday, September 13 at 5:00 pm.