You see, finally, after so much time of not feeling like our family belonged anywhere, the rabbi at our temple, Temple Beit Torah, gave us a sense of belonging. He also became part of my family's life. Not only did he officiate at my mother's Colorado funeral, but he is the one that made Rebekah's Bat Mitzvah possible.
Now, Rabbi Levy is leaving. Last night, the congregation said good-bye to him and his wife Clara.
He truly cared about his congregation. He gave me a feeling he truly cared about me. He liked teaching Rebekah. He liked Annabelle. He cared about my father when my mother died. He loves Judaism. He passed that love on to everyone he met in Colorado Springs.
He said he does not know where his family will be in a year. He also said that sometimes we have to leave a place where we feel comfortable and secure and loved to go to to whatever God has in store for us next. He explained that the temple is not about him, but about the people that are there. His great love and knowledge and joy of God shows in all he does. I know in advance I will miss him greatly.
This year has been one of change for our family. There have been very painful changes. My mother died. Our ice dance coaches were taken away from my kids. Now, our rabbi is leaving.
I know God's love does not change. I am convinced of that, but still, losing this rabbi at this time, is hard for me. I wonder what the future will bring.
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