Lesson #1

First lesson of 2010: Don't take anything for granted. On New Year's Day, I received the news that my congregation will be disbanding two weeks from now. Our rabbi had mentioned recently that the congregation was having financial difficulties, but I don't think anyone (except for the leadership) realized the extent of those difficulties. So, two weeks from now will be our last Shabbat service, and the building will have to be vacated by the end of the month.

I was shocked and saddened yesterday when I got the news. Our Shabbat service this morning was understandably more subdued than usual. But, I think the general consensus is that we are not viewing ourselves as victims of the recession. We are viewing this as an opportunity for God to use us in other places and in other ways. As for my husband and me, (most of) those other places and other ways have yet to be revealed, but we will definitely be praying for God's direction.