Today I want to recognize and publicly acknowledge for the first time some very important people in our congregation.  They are part of Bet Shalom because, somewhere along the way, they happened to fall in love with a Jewish man or woman, and that decision changed their life.  They are deserving of a special blessing. 

I do not mean to embarrass you.  The last thing I want is to make you feel uncomfortable.  You matter so much to our congregation and me.

 

You are a very diverse group of people.  Some of you live as Jews do, others are devoutly committed to another faith.  Some of you are not religious at all.  We acknowledge and respect your diversity.

 

What we want to thank you for today is your decision to cast your lot with the Jewish people by becoming part of this congregation, and the love and support you give to your Jewish partner.  Most of all, we want to offer our deepest thanks to those of you who are parents, and who are raising your sons and daughters as Jews.

 

The last century saw one-third of the world’s Jewish population destroyed.  Children mean hope and life for our community.  With all our hearts, we want to thank you for your generosity in making the ultimate gift of your children to the Jewish people.

 

Please, please… do not be shy and do not feel uncomfortable.  It is important that we show you how much you have our love and respect, and there is no better time to say that than on one of the most important days in the Jewish year.  I ask your Jewish partner, spouse, children to reach out and put their hand on yours or around your shoulders or just to look at you with the love and affection that reflects the respect and heartfelt gratitude of your congregation and your family, as we ask God’s blessing:

 

Blessing:

 

You drive the Hebrew school carpool and bring the food to Shabbatons and special programs.  You explain to your kids why it’s important to come here on Sunday mornings and other times.  You take classes and read Jewish books so you can help to make a Jewish home.  You make kugel and latkes; you try to like gefilte fish; you learn to lead a Seder; you put up a Sukkah.  You help make the Shabbat table special.

 

You come to services, even when it feels strange and confusing at first. You stand on the bimah and watch with pride as the Torah is passed to your children on the day of their bar or bat mitzvah, and tell them how proud you are as they take their place in Jewish adulthood.

 

We know that some of you have made a painful sacrifice, choosing to raise Jewish children, giving up the joy of sharing your own spiritual beliefs and religious traditions with your kids.  I hope your family tells you often how wonderful you are, and that their love and gratitude, and our love and gratitude, will be some compensation, and will bring you joy.

 

I ask our entire congregation to rise in your honor now, as we offer you this ancient blessing from the Torah.

 

May God bless you and keep you;

 

May the light of the Holy One shine on you;

 

And may God grant you the precious gift of peace.