Thank you letter from Reb Rivkah Coburn
(plus links at bottom to copies of the drashes from High Holy Days at bottom of letter)
Dear Nahalat Shalom Community,
As I return to the rainy season here in Portland, Oregon, the waves of holy sparks we raised together during the High Holy Days continue to sing and dance within my being. You truly are a kindred heart and soul community. My gratitude overflows to each and everyone of you who welcomed me with hearts of kindness and generosity. Special thank you: to Cantor Beth Cohen, along with the Alavados band members, Jeff Brody and Barbara, as well as musical soloists Ian Brody and Stephanie Sofie Shefia, Judy Brown, Batya Podos, for infusing the services with High Holy Day melodies and liturgy. To Maggidah Batya Podos for organizing the community participation, the service flows, and leading the Avodah service. To Elimelech Rael for handling more details than any of us can possibly know! To Marciel Romero for streaming the services and everything else you do! To everyone on the safety and parking committee including, Clem Wings, Robin Berman, Ann Morrison, Joan, Ewrin. To Ilene Dunn for arranging Kiddush and pot lucks. To greeters....names? To Jeff and Linda Brody for leading the Yizkor service and Nathan Lopez-Brody for leading the Martyrology service. To the pre- b’nai mitzvah students for their version of Jonah as well as other roles in the services: Bayla Wilson, Cara Baumgartel, Solomon Wilson, Phoebe Sment, Jonah Butler? To all our Torah readers: Beth Cohen, Jeff Brody, Clem Wings, Ahavah Brook, Ann Morrison. To Ann Morrison and David Roth for their incredible hospitality. To our ark openers, Torah holders, prayer and poem readers. To everyone who showed up to build the God-field together. It truly takes a village!
With love and blessings,
Reb Rivkah Coburn
