From the Rabbi - February 1999

Dear Friends,

A few odds and ends........

I write this article after returning from the annual conference of the Pacific Association of Reform Rabbis (PARR) in January. This is the third PARR conference in which I have participated since coming to Congregation Albert. As always, I return refreshed, rested and renewed by the experience. The opportunity to spend a few days with colleagues is always wonderful. At PARR, we study together with some of country’s leading Biblical and Rabbinic scholars. We discuss important issues and hear presentations by our movement’s leaders. We catch up on old times with colleagues, renew friendships forged in the seminary, make new friends and remember colleagues who have passed away since we last came together. During the convention, I was given the sad honor of delivering a eulogy for Rabbi David Shor - a past PARR President. Another aspect of PARR is the sharing of program ideas. I was very proud to be representing our congregation. There is no doubt in my mind that we are on the "cutting edge" of congregational life. I shared what we are doing in Albuquerque with eager colleagues and return home with many new ideas as well. I look forward to implementing them in the near future.

On another note: At a recent meeting of our religious practices committee we had a discussion about the awarding of honors at services. It appears that there is a shortage of individuals who have expressed an interest in blessing the Torah, lighting Shabbat candles, and participating in services. As you know, it is a great honor to participate in the service. Receiving an Aliyah to the torah is a wonderful way to celebrate an important event such as a birthday or anniversary, the birth of a child or grandchild, or other simcha. If you, or anyone you know would like such an honor, contact my secretary, Gwen Pote in the Temple Office to let us know.

On February 17th we usher in the Hebrew month of Adar. Our tradition teaches, "Mi-she-nichnas Adar, marbim ba-simcha" - when the month of Adar comes our joy greatly increases. Adar, of course, is the month when we celebrate the festival of Purim. Mark your calendars for Monday night, March 1st for our annual Purim celebration. As always, expect to be surprised by the silliness and creativity of our service.....the rest is a secret - you’ll have to wait and see what we come up with.

B'Shalom,
Rabbi Joseph R. Black

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