Homecoming

Dear Friends,

Whoever said you can never go home didn’t know me. I grew up as part of a tight knit community in Bakersfield CA and attended University.Cal.Irvine as an undergraduate. Recently I returned to U.C.I. for a 40th year Madrigal Dinner Reunion and was rewarded generously with a Knighthood, a solo which I had done 40 years earlier and a heartwarming reconnection with all of my dear friends and conductor Joseph Huzsti. Afterward I returned to Temple Beth El in Bakersfield, my childhood synagogue and led Shabbat Evening and morning services to a warm and wonderful homecoming welcome. The homecoming reminded me that even though I have been a wandering Jew my entire adult life, the roots of my tree of life are still firmly planted in the memories and experiences I treasure from my youth. The holidays remind us that we are connected in so many ways to our past and finding the treasures which make us who we are help us stay mindful of the blessings we hold dear. May we all have wonderful homecomings this Holiday Season and may the roots we treasure be part of the blessings we hold close to our hearts. And one more thing….. may our latkes be hot and crispy! (see my grandmother Anne’s recipe below)

Namaste,

Reb Lisa