One of my best friends, Matt Katz (DDS) visited with his lovely bride Barbara a couple of weeks ago. He had introduced me to people at his small haimish shul in Longmeadow MA (Congregation B'nai Jacob) when we moved there in 1991. It was a warm, welcoming place where everyone greeted one and another and helped each other. The Rabbi and Rebbetzin were deeply caring people and wonderful teachers with a self-deprecating sense of humor. Matt told me that he intended to come to Shabbat services when he came to town. He said, "I have to see for myself, this shul of yours that you crow like a deaf rooster about". So he came and saw. He had a Kohane aliyah and broke bread. When all was said and done, he surprised me by telling me that he thought that Beth Israel was even more haimish than his beloved B'nai Jacob (which, alas, closed its doors some years ago). Matt isn't one to lavish praise undeservedly, I can tell you. Of course, for those of you who attend and are involved with our shul life this is old news. Still, it is good to be reminded of how lucky we are. Very recently I visited a CBI member in the hospital who fell suddenly ill with a serious ailment. He/she looked at me, in my white coat, and sputtered, "Oy! Now my heart's bad too!?" After I gave assurances that I was visiting merely to comfort, he/she relaxed. I learned from our member about how our community responds. As soon as he/she was in trouble, the "Chesedic" (not to be confused with the black hat variety) swung into action visiting, advising, comforting, cleaning, cooking and driving long distances to ease a mensch's suffering. I know these people. You know these people. They never stick out, most of the things they do are anonymous. They inspire us by their unselfishness and caring. An emmisse meisse.

I want to thank everyone who has pitched in while the Rabbi was away and my Executive Board members who covered for me while I was traipsing around Africa with my Sara for a few weeks. I hope to be able to share some great stories and photos with you when I return.

See you at shul,

Alan H. Wiseman