Rabbi’s Column: A Busy Return to the Fold

I had an excellent “first month” at MCJC—first month returning as your Rabbi, that is.  Our farewell service for Rabbi Donni was full of spirited singing and words of appreciation, followed by time to sit and talk together over a meal.  Our “first” Shabbat morning service included a thoughtful discussion on Joseph and leadership, with the Haftarah chanted beautifully by Jaci Krandel. 

Many old and new members celebrated Chanukah together and participated in a serious discussion about the future of MCJC.  My takeaway is that each of us appreciates our community, and however we proceed, spending time together in Jewish community is important to each and every one of us.

Our Jewish community has been enhanced this past year by the presence of three people participating in worship and celebration with us while studying to convert to Judaism.  Melissa Ragusin, a resident of McHenry began studying with me in the fall of 2022, while she was a student at MCC.  She is now working on her fine arts degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago, and brings her creativity and deep thinking to our discussions. 

Adam and Alexander Moliwell, a married couple who live in Harvard, continued their journey to Judaism by studying in the Conversion to Judaism Class I started here last winter.  They are both teachers in District 46.  Adam is a high school librarian and Alex is a music teacher, and

both just finished work on their masters degrees.  They have already used their skills to enhance our congregation, with Alex participating in the music aspect of our services and Adam repairing many of our prayer books.  Stay tuned as Alex puts together an instrumental group to enhance our worship and Adam eyes a position on our Board!

Their trip to the mikvah will take place the first week of January, and you are all invited to participate in welcoming the three to our congregation as members of the Jewish people on Friday night, January 5th.  At our Kabbalat Shabbat service at 6:30 pm, we will welcome them and hear a few words from each of them.  This will be followed by a Shabbat dinner (dairy) to celebrate together.  Please RSVP for this meal so that we know how much food to prepare. 

I look forward to connecting more with each of you—drop me an email and we’ll meet for coffee (or lunch).  Let’s not let the cold weather keep us from getting together.

Kol tuv (all the best),

Rabbi Maralee Gordon