Back home for Shabbes

Last Friday was our first Shabbat back at Beth Shalom since Rita. We are definitely camping out. The lighting is poor, there is no sound system, and a good number of the seats could not be used. Most of the seats could not be bolted back to the cement floor and are swathed in yellow “Caution” tape as a warning. Still the Shabbat Queen comes for the people, not the palace. We made do. In spite of the somewhat grim surroundings, home is still home and it is a tremendous blessing to use the shul again.

Saturday morning was no different than any Shabbes morning. We davened in the green room, which was relatively untouched by Rita. Now that there are no ark curtains and such drying in there the space is useable.

We are working on plans for a temporary beautification of the sanctuary, so that it looks more like a tent in the desert than a warehouse with stained glass. Louis S. is looking into a loaner sound system so we will be ready for Arthur Green’s visit and Dara’s Bat Mitzvah.

The watchword for the year is “SAVLANUT”--- patience. The renewal of Beth Shalom will take time. Even when there is a great deal going on, it may look like nothing is happening. Be assured that there are many people devoting themselves to this project and all Beth Shalomites will have ample opportunities to offer their input.

Some mitzvot can be accomplished in an instant. This one cannot:

Let them build me a sanctuary that I might dwell among them.