 | June brings summer and peak light (even if the weather has been finicky). For Shir Ami and many congregations, June is a "last hurrah" before summer break. This year, because the High Holy Days come a bit "early," June also begins a "split screen" of focus on the Now of summer light and the Then of what's next. There's a deep spirituality to fully living both Now and Then. |
By Rabbi David
Happy summer, Shir Ami!
As I write these words, there's still an oddly March-April nip in the air. The weather of spring 2026 hasn't exactly been normal, though I wonder what "normal" weather means anymore in the throes of accelerating climate change.
But sun angle doesn't lie. We're approaching peak light and longest days. I hope that you get out and enjoy them.
On the Jewish calendar, rabbinic minds already turn to the High Holy Days. I know, I know – too early, right? But this year's High Holy Day runway course begins in late July because Rosh Hashanah comes in early September.
It's become Shir Ami's tradition to come together in June with a "last hurrah" feel before a summer break. We'll do so again this year with this "all together" spirit – a special Shabbat on June 5 (see below) and Beach Shabbat on June 26 – and then go on "summer break."
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, community leaders and I will be planning the High Holy Days, and retooling some 2026-27 Shabbat services for the kinds of engagement we discussed at our Annual Meeting.
Then, always before we feel ready (because there is no "ready"), we'll begin stirring toward the Season of Meaning. The High Holy Day runway series... Yizkor deadline... High Holy Day registration... sunsets becoming noticeably earlier. You know that feeling.
This time of year (usually July, but this year June) always feels a bit "split screen." Always there's an important forward-leaning element to spiritual community: what's next? And always there's an important present-immersing element: what's now? In both my rabbinic life and my personal life, I navigate the dynamic balance between Now and Then.
I bet you do, too. And that's the spirituality of this season – in truth, the spirituality of every season, but especially so Now given the Jewish calendar.
In that spirit, may each of us immerse profoundly in the season of Now, the meaning of this moment, the fullness of life exactly Now. And may each of us also feel in our lives a lovingly productive tug toward Then, the call to be our best and fullest selves because time does not stand still.
I won't say shanah tovah just yet: that's Then, not Now. For Now, I send blessings from my heart to yours – and Now, off to enjoy the bright light of this day.
Happy summer, Shir Ami!
As I write these words, there's still an oddly March-April nip in the air. The weather of spring 2026 hasn't exactly been normal, though I wonder what "normal" weather means anymore in the throes of accelerating climate change.
But sun angle doesn't lie. We're approaching peak light and longest days. I hope that you get out and enjoy them.
On the Jewish calendar, rabbinic minds already turn to the High Holy Days. I know, I know – too early, right? But this year's High Holy Day runway course begins in late July because Rosh Hashanah comes in early September.
It's become Shir Ami's tradition to come together in June with a "last hurrah" feel before a summer break. We'll do so again this year with this "all together" spirit – a special Shabbat on June 5 (see below) and Beach Shabbat on June 26 – and then go on "summer break."
Meanwhile, behind the scenes, community leaders and I will be planning the High Holy Days, and retooling some 2026-27 Shabbat services for the kinds of engagement we discussed at our Annual Meeting.
Then, always before we feel ready (because there is no "ready"), we'll begin stirring toward the Season of Meaning. The High Holy Day runway series... Yizkor deadline... High Holy Day registration... sunsets becoming noticeably earlier. You know that feeling.
This time of year (usually July, but this year June) always feels a bit "split screen." Always there's an important forward-leaning element to spiritual community: what's next? And always there's an important present-immersing element: what's now? In both my rabbinic life and my personal life, I navigate the dynamic balance between Now and Then.
I bet you do, too. And that's the spirituality of this season – in truth, the spirituality of every season, but especially so Now given the Jewish calendar.
In that spirit, may each of us immerse profoundly in the season of Now, the meaning of this moment, the fullness of life exactly Now. And may each of us also feel in our lives a lovingly productive tug toward Then, the call to be our best and fullest selves because time does not stand still.
I won't say shanah tovah just yet: that's Then, not Now. For Now, I send blessings from my heart to yours – and Now, off to enjoy the bright light of this day.
June Highlights @Shir Ami
- Saturdays 10:00am – SoulSpa (zoom). This month our SoulSpa Torah journey continues into the Book of Numbers. Each week, 15-25 caring and supportive souls gather online for a Shabbat experience of depth and spirit. This year's theme is uplifting women's voices. Open to all, no experience required. Click here for our link and past recordings.
- Friday, June 5, 7:00pm – Shabbat of Healing and Light. We'll gather at the home of Lydia Rouzeau & Andrew Cohen (**not FPC**) for a special Shabbat dedicated to the healing and light attributes of this week's Torah portion. Shabbat words by Barry Stein. Oneg sponsored by Abby & Howard Ross. Please click here to register.
- Saturday, June 13, 8:30am-1:00pm – Interfaith Blood Drive. Don't miss our annual blood drive co-sponsored with FPC. Snacks and puppies sponsored by the American Red Cross. Gratitudes to Barbara Salop for this initiative.
- Friday, June 26, 6:00pm - 8:00pm – Beach Shabbat. It's our Brightest Light end-of-year outdoor Shabbat at Tod's Point. BYO beach chairs and dinner (6:00pm), and we'll move into a modified Shabbat celebration at 7:00pm. No zoom option.
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