We evolve Jewishly throughout our lives. Reading how the community of likeminded Jews you stumbled upon drew you in was heartwarming. That's what a shul should be, quite literally a beit knesset, Hebrew for a house of assembly. I didn't expect you to go as far as aliyah, though. I had to reread the paragraph about the gala where you said your good-byes three times to make sure I understood, but it was a most pleasant surprise. It's the ultimate acceptance of where and to whom you belong. It's a courageous move and I commend you. Your fellow Jews already living there will welcome you home. I know. I did it six years ago.
Pulled at my heart stings for all (of the Jewishness) I lost growing up with a non believing father who came from Grodna, Russia. I never cared about capturing my Jewsihness as I grew up....and I still haven't which I regret.
Hana, I know you and Steven will be leaving soon, and all the packing and preparation that must involve. So appreciate this last essay in what must be an intensely busy time. I hope you continue to write and post when in Israel. Will be thinking of you.
PS. Who knew that all my life I have been spelling “alte kaker” wrong.
--I've never been a Streisand fan, but her avinu malkeino is gorgeous.
Nice appreciation of PSJC. My wife Shoshana and I were members of PSJC from 2007-2023 (when we switched to Flatbush Jewish Center), but our paths at PSJC appear not to have crossed, probably because you were Hebrew School parents and Shoshana and I don’t have kids. Good luck with your aliya! Shoshana and I met in Israel and spent the first three years of our marriage there.
FYI: Another beautiful version of Avinu Malkeinu is from Maya Raviv. The album art was presented upside down for years …and I have tried to get them to put it right side up. Maybe it was telling me something … https://music.apple.com/ca/album/avinu-malkenu/77337577?i=77337559
We evolve Jewishly throughout our lives. Reading how the community of likeminded Jews you stumbled upon drew you in was heartwarming. That's what a shul should be, quite literally a beit knesset, Hebrew for a house of assembly. I didn't expect you to go as far as aliyah, though. I had to reread the paragraph about the gala where you said your good-byes three times to make sure I understood, but it was a most pleasant surprise. It's the ultimate acceptance of where and to whom you belong. It's a courageous move and I commend you. Your fellow Jews already living there will welcome you home. I know. I did it six years ago.
Pulled at my heart stings for all (of the Jewishness) I lost growing up with a non believing father who came from Grodna, Russia. I never cared about capturing my Jewsihness as I grew up....and I still haven't which I regret.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful story.
Moving essay
Appreciate the candor
Hope and pray all goes well in Israel
Hana, I know you and Steven will be leaving soon, and all the packing and preparation that must involve. So appreciate this last essay in what must be an intensely busy time. I hope you continue to write and post when in Israel. Will be thinking of you.
PS. Who knew that all my life I have been spelling “alte kaker” wrong.
--I've never been a Streisand fan, but her avinu malkeino is gorgeous.
Nice appreciation of PSJC. My wife Shoshana and I were members of PSJC from 2007-2023 (when we switched to Flatbush Jewish Center), but our paths at PSJC appear not to have crossed, probably because you were Hebrew School parents and Shoshana and I don’t have kids. Good luck with your aliya! Shoshana and I met in Israel and spent the first three years of our marriage there.
Wondering if you could point me to a write up of yours re the work in the Obama Asministration? Thanks! And good luck back in Israel.
Hanaschank.com
FYI: Another beautiful version of Avinu Malkeinu is from Maya Raviv. The album art was presented upside down for years …and I have tried to get them to put it right side up. Maybe it was telling me something … https://music.apple.com/ca/album/avinu-malkenu/77337577?i=77337559
Your beautiful essay made me tear up and perfectly describes what our conservative shul feels like for our young family ❤️ thank you for writing this