| Dear Congregation Mishkan Tefila,
I started my first day at CMT in a dark basement with 4 of us crammed into a tiny space. From the basement to the beautiful Mishkan Tefila Sanctuary, these have been wonderful and exciting years. No-one could have guessed that the beautiful space would be temporarily replaced by a Zoom screen. However, this past year has shown us that wherever Mishkan Tefila is, we are larger than the physical address. Mishkan Tefila has always been warm and welcoming, whether in person or on Zoom.
You have opened your doors and your hearts to me and to my family through what has been a difficult few years. As a community, we have experienced so much - we have laughed and cried, danced and prayed together. I have learned so much from so many of you and you have welcomed and supported me each step of the way.
I did not know much about Mussar when I started at CMT, but I have learned so much about Mussar and how it can give foundation to my life. The traits of Kavod (respect), Zerizut (enthusiasm), Nedivut (generosity), Hakarat Hatov (finding the good) are a few of the foundational experiences that have shaped these past few years. I have watched the community treat one another with Respect and Generosity. I have seen examples of Enthusiasm and Finding the Good, while always showing Chesed, Lovingkindness. These shared traits have been integral to my experience at Mishkan Tefila.
I am deeply grateful to Rabbi Plumb and Toni for your care, guidance and support. Rabbi we have been a team for over 3 years and Toni, you have been a part of the rhythm of my life these past 18 months and together we have created a working team that is welcoming and nurturing while supporting one another through long Zoom meetings, late nights and countless moments of laughter and tears.
I am grateful to Caryl Goodman for her unwavering support and guidance and to the CMT Board of Directors and Trustees for all you did to make CMT a wonderful place to work.
I will miss this community greatly and I hope you will visit me and we can share a story or a smile under a palm tree.
It has been a true honor to be a part of this community.
Until we meet again.
L’hitraot,
Yael
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