A Few Words from Rabbi Craig Marantz: Hinei ma tov u'ma naim

Hinei ma tov u'ma naim, shevet achim gam yachad. How good and pleasant it is for us as brother and sisters to sit together. (Ps. 133)

A difficult week culminated in a meaningful Purim experience, and how good it was for us to be together. The party and shpielSaturday night were both amazing, proving Purim is not just for kids. I'm grateful to the many adults present. We had so much fun dancing to Motown Megillah and hanging out, quite a few in cool costumes. I'm thankful to all the volunteers and staff who made the evening a hit. In addition, I appreciate the effort of our youth and adult volunteers who helped set up, run and clean up Sunday's carnival and lunch. And a special shout out to our teens, faculty, and staff for a clever Megillah reading and Sunday shpiel. And, of course, to all our cutely-clad students and cleverly-clothed teachers, thanks for adding to the festivity.

Jewish journalist Carol Saline offers the following wisdom: "Sisters [and brothers] serve as safety-nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other."

In this spirit of solidarity, please make sure to come to Friday night's Shabbat service at 8pm. We will host a number of our neighbors from ECRA (Edgewater Community Religious Association) and the Daughters of Abraham, our sisters and brothers of faith who wish to stand together with us and the Chicago Jewish Day School. They are very upset about the threat we received last week and want to do something meaningful to support us and join us in pursuit of peace and open-mindedness.

We look forward to welcoming you and our caring neighbors.

Make it a day of blessing and be a force for good!