Best of 2013 (?)

2013 comes to an end: in many ways it was a wonderful, fulfilling and interesting year; and yes, in some ways it was God-awful - the pain endured by so many...difficulties at work and at home...illness, sadness and despair...and particularly the journey we shared in some minor way with those who suffered loss and disappointment. To alleviate that pain remains a most heartfelt goal...
And yet, I am inspired to think of the bright spots that dotted the calendar...and to use them to cultivate a sense of gratitude for the many blessings that keep us buoyed throughout. So here are some of those thoughts to frame this transition between the year that was, and the new one yet to be. In no particular order, just that of my rambling mind.

Music: a renewed interest in the Black Crowes, thanks in particular to one special friend; an ongoing love for all things vital like the Who, Kinks, Stones, Zep; and all things jazz...

Books: Thomas Jefferson - the Art of Power by Jon Meacham; Shai Held's Abraham J OSHA Heschel! the Call of Transcendence; World Peace and other 4th-Grade Achievements by John Hunter...

Other reads: www.supermansamuel.blogspot.com...'Nuff said...

Food: introducing V to Brazazz in Chicago; cooking with Little Jazz; culinary exploits at home and on the road...

Fun: Triple-D on Food Network (maybe I'll bleach my hair); Angel's Envy (thanks Matt); cherry Gibson...

Professional experiences: getting to sing, lead and celebrate with two very special student cantors, Dave and Lucy...

Community involvement: the sacred privilege to serve the United Religious Community of St. Joe County, committees of the CCAR, and especially the rabbinic/educational/cantorial committee (RECC) of OSRUI...

Camp: to fundraiser serve on faculty, send my children and encourage others to enjoy this most vital experience...

Inspirations: Julie, Neshama, David L., Rachel L., Gayle and always PT...

Sacred privilege: to be part of the #36rabbis effort raising funds and awareness in support of pediatric cancer research, in memory of beloved Sam Sommer, child of our dear friends Rabbis Michael and Phyllis. Your example has taught us through this unfathomable ordeal. It is a humbling honor to carry his spirit as an inspiration for the worthy work we now do.

Most undeserved status: maintaining the love and connectedness of such a great group of beloved friends and comrades, and mostly of my own immediate family. Let's do better, love more, and enjoy truly in the year, and God-willing years, ahead.

Grieve. Mourn. Love.

These were the three words that came to mind as we got ready to drive to Chicago to attend the saddest occasion I can recall. Many of you are now familiar with the story of Sammy Sommer, child of dear friends and colleagues Rabbis Michael and Phyllis. Through his 18-month struggle with acute myeloid leukemia, Michael and Phyllis have been brave enough, strong enough, loving enough to share Sam’s journey (and theirs) on their blog, www.supermansamuel.blogspot.com.

Their experience has truly informed us, not just about the horrific nature of pediatric cancers (and aml specifically); through their beautiful writing and generous spirit, Phyllis and Mike have taught us, inspired us, and challenged us to be more concerned, understanding, and thoughtful regarding others, especially our own loved ones (whom we often take for granted, even the best of us). For me, I know that they have opened my eyes to be a better rabbi, father, husband and friend. I so wish I could do anything to alleviate even a tiny bit of their pain.

I am privileged to know the Sommers as colleagues and more so as friends – a family that has become dear to mine. Our time together at camp. At each other’s homes. The shared laughs, tears, jokes, staying up together way past our bedtimes…

I am in awe of the community that they have drawn together – the circles of people from the various parts of their lives that have coalesced into a loving network of extended family. I am proud to be part of this. I am inspired by the group of rabbinic partners who have come together as #36 Rabbis Shave for the Brave to raise funds for pediatric cancer research for the St. Baldrick’s foundation (for more info and to consider a donation, please see http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/660663/2014).

And for now, I am most grateful for classmate Rabbi Steven Stark Lowenstein of Am Shalom, the Sommer’s congregation who orchestrated the most difficult time imaginable with beauty and grace. Steven, your loving care for Sam and his family and the deeply touching way you guided us through the beginning of the grieving process will always be treasured, beyond words.

For Phyllis, Michael, David, Yael and Solly – know that we all are with you – and we are better because you shared Sammy with us. His light shines…