October is a busy month for me in general. It’s my birthday, my grandson’s birthday and many of my friends' birthdays as well.  In addition, this month is full of holidays.  Everything from Rosh Hashanah to Simchat Torah is packed into  October. A few times over the years my birthday fell on Yom Kippur. Those are the years my dad offered to sponsor the Kiddish.  Ha Ha dad !

 

Different holidays that we will experience and share together will have different memories and experiences. I share some of mine in hopes you will share some of yours when I see you.

 

I was 6 years old and still living in New York. I would walk to and from Services with my dad. I loved holding his hand. It was so big and strong and I felt safe. I would get all dressed up in my new Holiday clothes and shoes. In New York this included a heavier coat too. My shoes being new were making blisters on my feet.  I called them Blintzes. This particular night my dad and I were walking our usual route. It looked very different at night. Almost spooky. Halloween was approaching and some houses were already decorated. We we’re approaching a house with a white picket fence. I froze and pointed. My dad stopped to look at what I was pointing at. It was 2 big red eyes. As my dad was explaining it to me there was nothing to be afraid of the eyes came racing towards me and now I could see big white fangs and a large head on a large body. It made it to the fence and stood up on its hind legs. I was convinced I was going to be   eaten. I don’t know how but the “wolf” I saw was called off. My dad calmed me down and  we continued on our walk home. But now, my tights were wet because the “wolf” scared me so much I had an accident. But I was safe. I continued to walk to services with my dad for years to come even after moving to California and even after getting married. 

I was always safe and never saw that “wolf” again. But, I remember him every year and wish my dad was still here to tell me everything will be okay.

 

Upon arriving in California in 1971 TBE has been my home. Like many of you, I had my Bat Mitzvah here, married here and my daughters were named here.  

 

My career took me to another congregation for awhile but TBE has been my home.  I look forward to sharing another High Holiday season with you. 

 

Thank you for supporting all of Womens League’s programs from honey, baked goods and greetings. Thank you to Becky and Carren for seeing everything through.  

 

L’Chaim to many more years together !