Rabbi’s Reflections

by Rabbi Toba August

Like Moses’s discourses in Deuteronomy, remembering the stops on the 40 year journey to the Promised Land, I too want to recall our almost 25 year journey of Lev Eisha.

We started with only a few women around a dining room table who shared a dream; that dream evolved into a dynamic and inspiring women’s group. In addition to our monthly services which open our Lev Eisha “hearts,” we have held fabulous retreats at Camp Ramah and the Brandeis Bardin Institute where we sang, prayed, danced, laughed and cried together. Over the last years we brought in Women’s Jewish Theater, which enhanced our services and touched our souls.  During various years many women attended my Friday morning Torah classes and other learning opportunities.

Remember – before COVID, our Breakfast and Bracha sessions met an hour before services; these always prompted spirited conversations. The long lunch after services provided a time to shmooze and catch up as we shared our lives with one another. Over the years, we held fundraisers, workshops and other delightful events, creating wonderful memories.

These “stops” along our journey only happened because of our talented and devoted leadership. We have been blessed with great presidents, creative board members, and other devoted volunteers who are the foundation of Lev and the reason for our success.

Now is the time for each of us to step up and commit to another inspiring year.

We need each other.

We lift each other up, celebrate milestones and are present with healing during dark times.

Lev Eisha creates a unique space of inspiring music with Cindy Paley and our singers and musicians.

We cannot imagine a better place to pray!

I love seeing everyone at services and am excited to continue with another meaningful year.

Remember, your membership and generous donations sustain Lev Eisha.

Let’s make this happen!

President’s Message

by Carol Wispe Burns

Dear Lev Eisha Members and Friends,

Another tumultuous year is behind us. Hopefully, the year ahead will be filled with more nachas than tsuris. We are looking forward to inspiring services where our Lev Eisha community may continue to pray together. With Rabbi Toba August guiding our spirituality and Cantorial Soloist Cindy Paley filling our hearts and souls with new and familiar music, how can we not be filled with excitement to again be with our Lev Eisha friends?

We are a small, caring, joyous community of Jewish women whose mission for 22 years has been to engage ourselves in prayer, study, and spiritual growth. While we are currently gathering in person at services, we do not know when we can share wonderful kiddush luncheons. We will continue to share our joys and sorrows by honoring loved ones with donations. No matter how you access our Shabbat service, you will find great comfort in being a part of loving community. We are here to give you what Lev Eisha provides so well – a place to nurture our souls the first Saturday of the month, September through June.

Please send your membership in early and share the love of Lev with anyone looking for a community filled with warmth and Jewish enrichment. We all need that, especially now.

B’ahava v’shalom,
Carolyn Wispe Burns, President, Lev Eisha