CCAR News - May 2008 - (Page 8) CONVENTION MEMORIES P I articipating in the CCAR choir, led by Debbie Zecher and Joshua Zecher-Ross, was a peak moment of the CCAR Convention for me. I sang in choirs all through school, including HUC, and have really missed it since then. The joy and energy that Debbie and Joshua brought to the experience and the chance to sing in Plum Street again were very uplifting for me. Thanks to Debbie for the vision. Let’s do it again. — Dena Feingold, C 1982 I have never been to an event that so encompassed the past, present and future of Reform Judaism. Between visiting the graves of our founders and my teachers, hearing and seeing some of the heroes of the past, meeting students who are future colleagues, and sharing substance and fun with so many old and new friends, Cincinnati was an experience of authentic shalshelet hakaballah of the Reform rabbinate. Yasher Koach to Peter Berg, Gary Zola and all the volunteers and staff who gave us such a gift. — Harry K. Danziger, C 1964 enjoyed the convention a lot. The programming was generally superb, highlighted by the visits to the Walnut Hills Cemetery, HUC, the Underground Railroad Museum, the AJA’s well-crafted presentation on our Civil Rights’ spokespersons, Doris Kearns Goodwin’s amazing lecture, and the convention service highlighted by wonderful music, Peter Knobel’s presidential address, and the opportunity to celebrate thirty-six years since the ordination of women began with Sally Priesand. As a confirmand of Wise Temple, I stood on the pulpit of Plum Street in June of 1955, and as an ordinee of the College, was blessed by Dr. Glueck, ,ז״לon that same pulpit in 1967. Plus I sang in the HUC choir all the years I was at HUC prior to my ordination. S o many memories…which stands out? A packed Hall of Mirrors where one could hear a pin drop during Doris Kearns Goodwin’s amazing lecture? Graeter’s? Five hundred rabbis studying and eating together at HUC? Hosting classmates for dinner in my home? These memories remain, yet one stands out: Monday morning at Plum Street Temple, overflowing to the rafters with colleagues, many of them remembering their ordination on that very bimah. Surrounded by classmates, colleagues, friends, I recalled the time we women were but a tiny minority. I watched Elyse Frishman and Elaine Zecher, together with Peter Knobel, be honored upon the inauguration of our new siddur; I kvelled to see once more Sally Priesand on that historic bimah; and tears flowed when Debbie Zecher embraced her sister Elaine and the two of them stood together, arm in arm, leading us in “Halleluyah.” It was my Halleluyah moment. — Margaret Meyer, C 1986 Having been a “heavy user” of the AJA in preparing my biography of Dr. Glueck, I was thrilled first to see its wonderful new building and second its wonderful work as exemplified by what I said above. My experience at the Underground Railroad Museum was mightily enhanced by our docent who just happened to be a high school classmate of mine! So, for a considerable number of reasons, this has become the most memorable convention I have ever attended. — Jonathan Brown, C 1967 pening day of baseball—what would spring be without it? A combination of memories and hope, heroes and history. This year, the game itself (coinciding with the CCAR convention) was nearly rained out, but God’s ultimate justice prevailed (well, almost, the Reds lost). Who knew that the convention itself would be like Opening Day? (I always expect less, but sometimes receive more.) Memories of our past rabbinic heroes on screen, openings to other groups within Judaism (Conservative Jews) and without (Moslems and Christians), a journey back for many to home base (aka Cincinnati). Every year, memory and hope intersect. Batter up! — Mindy Avra Portnoy, N 1980 O 8
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