Dear Ruach Israel family,
This past December Ruach Israel held an event which I hope will become a regular feature of our calendar, The Festival of Light. Conceived of by Director of Congregational Life, Sue Nichol, the concept was a holiday concert featuring Ruach musicians and talented friends of the synagogue. Music, dance, puppets and comedy were interspersed with readings about the enduring symbol of light - the light of Chanukah, the light surrounding Messiah's birth.

But, in life, things happen. Like the flu.

Sue was not able to attend the event and I wondered, "how about all those last minute logistics? How about the sound system? Ticket sale logistics/? Food set up? Silent auction set-up? clean-up? I was not worried, but I wondered, especially given the fact that we had less than one hour to get everything ready, "How will this all come together?"

Well, if you were there you know how things went...fabulously! The klezmer band set up quickly and was ready to open the show. Diane Cohen's latke bar was in full swing by break time. Gregg Kush and his team had the sanctuary set up well under control. Etc. etc.

It was a joyful, fun filled event - at Ruach we believe fun and godliness go hand in hand. But, behind the scenes were all the people who made it happen. Even with the event coordinator's not being present to oversee the many details, the Ruach team pulled together magnificently.

There really is nothing like community.

Bravo, good friends!

Warmly,
Rabbi Rich Nichol