Dear Friends, At this point, last week seems like a blur. Monday, Tuesday etc. all just merged into “days”. Coming home last Friday and making “kiddush” around the table had a surreal quality to it. “Normalcy” seemed out of place! I continue to be amazed by the efforts of those who combatted these terrible fires and performed all the associated tasks to rescue life and property. As someone said, “They all deserve medals!”

Now comes the time to slowly make necessary adjustments and regroup. It’s been heartwarming to see how the various segments of the community are coming together to support one another. I’m sharing the following items in the hopes that this information will be helpful.

1. I’ve accepted Rabbi George Gittleman’s gracious invitation for us to join Shomrei Torah for their Services this Friday evening at Congregation Shomrei Torah, 2600 Bennett Valley Road starting at 6:15 p.m.

2. Also, this Friday evening Rabbi Mendel Wolvovsky and Chabad is hosting a free community dinner at the Flamingo Hotel starting at 5:30 p.m. While this conflicts with Shomrei Torah services, we want to give people the information so they can attend this dinner if they wish.

3. Beth Ami Religious School and our Congregation will be hosting a Family Service of Comfort followed by a free dinner a week from this Friday on October 27th. The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the service, which features the vocal talents of Lisa Iskin. At about 6:15 we will sit down for dinner in the social hall.
Please call the Beth Ami office (707) 360-3000 no later than Wednesday the 25th – earlier, if possible – so that we can plan adequately!

4. Congregation Shomrei Torah is hosting a day camp while schools are out. They are in need of adults who have experience and love working with children (and don’t mind a degree of pandemonium!) to assist them. The camp runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. If you in a position to serve as a volunteer, simply stop by Shomrei Torah a little before 9:00 a.m. to sign up.

5. The Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Sonoma County is doing an amazing job in tending to all the needs that have arisen as a result of the fires.

However, please feel free to contact me directly 360-3004, rabbi@bethamisr.org, if you wish. We have received many gracious offers for help – especially with regards to housing and I would be happy to assist you in any way I can.
Important: For those who wish to offer assistance with housing, please indicate how long you feel you can accommodate; how many individuals, and if you are able to accommodate children and/or pets. Having more detailed information will assist us in trying to match a family that requires housing.

6. Finally, I invite you to join me for minyan any regular Monday through Friday morning at 7:00 a.m. for about 45 minutes of prayer and thoughtful meditation. Evenings are at 6:00 p.m., Sunday through Thursday last about 15 minutes. All these sessions take place in our chapel located in the Friedman Center apartment.

Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m honored to serve this wonderful synagogue and community.
May we be worthy of many days of safety, prosperity and joy in the months and years ahead.

b’Shalom,

Mordecai Miller
Rabbi Congregation Beth Ami