From the Rabbi - April 2004

My Dear Friends,

It seems a bit strange to be writing a bulletin article while still on sabbatical.

The past two months have been filled with a whirlwind of activity. While I was not able to fully remove myself from my congregational duties due to a number of important activities, I have traveled extensively and shared my music in many communities. I have learned a great deal these past two months. The most exciting part is yet to come, however, as my family and I are about to embark on our first family trip to Israel – along with many members of our congregation and community – as part of our JFGA Interfaith Solidarity Mission. I look forward to sharing my experiences upon my return.

I want to take this opportunity once again to thank our congregational leadership for granting me this sabbatical. These months of intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual renewal have been remarkable. It will take me some time to be able to put them into perspective. I do know, however, that I will come back to Congregation Albert with a renewed sense of both pride and urgency: pride in all that we have accomplished as a kehilla kedosha (a holy congregation) and an urgency to improve our efforts toward building on our successes and becoming even better.

I want to recognize my friend and colleague Rabbi Simeon Maslin for filling in as interim sabbatical replacement during my time away. For those of you who had the pleasure of getting to know Rabbi Maslin – through his teaching, preaching, counseling, leadership or on a social basis – you will agree that we were very fortunate to be able to host a true luminary of the American Rabbinate. I hope that Rabbi Maslin and his lovely wife, Judith, will consider Congregation Albert to be another “home away from home” and that they will visit often.

I also want to recognize Cantor Shuchat-Marx, Ilana Locke and Leah Schaer, along with the rest of the Temple staff, for all their support and hard work during my absence.

When we return from Israel it will be time for Pesach. At the end of our Seder, the phrase “next year in Jerusalem” will have more than an abstract or symbolic meaning for my family. We will be remembering and celebrating a complex and remarkable reality. For those of you who have experienced the joy, splendor, and paradox of the city of Jerusalem, you will understand when I say that once you have visited Jerusalem, your world has changed forever.

May you all have a joyous Pesach filled with renewal and hope.

L’shanah Ha Ba-ah B’y’rushalayim – Next Year in Jerusalem.

B’Shalom,
Rabbi Joseph R. Black

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