We (Sam, Olya and I) are getting ready to move back to the Bay Area. We are returning because Tahoe has not been kind to Olya’s health or Sam’s peace of mind. So we are returning. Not to our old home, which we sold a few months ago, but a little further north, in Petaluma, in Sonoma County. I have had to face the reality that my family needs this change, despite the joys I have experienced as the North Tahoe Rabbi.
Leaving has been challenging—I am quite attached to many people, young, old and in-between, and leaving them is heart-wrenching. I am thankful for Facebook for the opportunity I will have to watch some of the children grow up, and to keep me informed about their lives, at least peripherally.
I find I don’t know how to stop being someone’s rabbi, and have been told, well, you don’t. People who connected with me will stay connected. I pray that this is so.
And so I am reminded yet again of one of my favorite literary characters from my childhood—Anne of Green Gables. She defined the concept of kindred spirits—those people we know in our souls, the people whose bond transcends time and space. I discovered that Tahoe is home to many of my kindred spirits, Jewish and not, Democrat and Republican, liberal and conservative. One thing they all share is a commitment to kindness.
As we read parashat Toledot (Generations) this week, I am reminded of a teaching from Reb Mel Gottlieb about Isaac, whose wells were blocked numerous times by the Philistines and the Gerarim. Each time, Isaac just moved on, moved over and decided that wells were not worth fighting over. Meanwhile, Isaac was blessed with prosperity. His willingness to move on rather than fight doesn’t always sit well with me, but in this moment, this season, this year—I hear his decision to move on as my call to move on for the sake of my family, taking care of them, and pray that the rest will fall into place.
I know that adjustments are ahead for the community and the congregation, as well as for my family. I pray that North Tahoe Hebrew Congregation will prosper under its new rabbinic leadership. I look forward to finding ways to serve in the North Bay, through teaching, life cycles, spiritual guidance and love. Because in the end, it is love that I carry from Tahoe to Sonoma.
Hi Meredith, what a beautiful website. I look forward to receiving more notices that you have posted new article. Please put me on your mailing list. Lovely photo.
Ani
Hi, Ani,
Thanks — you can subscribe by clicking the rss button in the top right corner… and the photo is of our lily pond… I am hoping to lead study sessions next to it come spring or summer…
You have touched many lives, dear Rabbi Meredith, some near and some far, as you move in the world. “Moving on” with grace is the most challenging task in life. Sometimes, the move occurs at the discretion of the individual. At others, circumstances beyond our control initiate “the move.” In either case, let each move be made with kindness and love. North Tahoe’s loss is the North Bay’s win!
And we can hardly wait to see you again. Is the lovely photo part of your new scenery?
Marian
Yes, Marian, it’s the lily pond that is part of the back garden that enticed us.
Rabbi, what a beautiful post! You will always be MY Rabbi-:) and of course, a dear friend and an inspiration to me and fortunately, to so many in this community.
There are no goodbyes necessary, only more opportunities to make a plan for “hellos”!
Xoxo-Caroline
Thank you, dear Caroline! No good-byes, I know… You know how to find me… and I, you.