During the sermon on the last Shabbat of Pesach, my Rabbi asked us “What is holding you back?” We have been freed from Egypt and were now ready to begin a new life free from slavery. He always teaches Torah as it pertains to our lives today. Pharaoh was proud and immovable and it caused his demise and that of his people. Moses in contrast was a most humble man understanding his limitations but with the Creator by his side, there was nothing he could not accomplish. I asked myself this very important question and realized that there are times when I am content not to push myself further than I think I can go. After all I’m older now. I am retired although I am still working but with the attitude of someone retired…no pressure; I can take it easier.
The following week I received a call from a young lady, Dayna Rabin at Federation CJA. She wanted to know if I would sing at two programs for kids and their parents at the Jëwish Y. My first impulse was, “I sing for the elderly” Then I remembered “What is holding me back?” Instead of saying no, I told her that I usually sing for the elderly but I love kids so why not. I’m up for a challenge. Then the most amazing thing happened. I got a call from Zev to sing for his mother Peshale who had just turned 95 and is living at Maimonides. I performed at her 90th birthday party and know her for over 20 years so I was happy to do that. The amazing thing is that all her grandchildren were there so I focused on them. We sang Pesach songs together, danced the hora and had a ball. At that point, I knew I was ready for my meeting on Thursday with Dayna to talk about the event for the kids. You can see the pictures on my photo album from this past Sunday. It was great. I am so thrilled to know that when I say “yes” and walk through the doors that God opens for me along this path of life, there are such joy and blessings on the other side.
Yom Atzmaut Sameach 5775
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