I remember reading the first Rabbi Small novel, Friday the Rabbi Slept Late, not long after it was published. It was a mystery set in a small town in Massachusetts, and the protagonist and detective was the local Rabbi, Rabbi David Small. It was a success (the author, Harry Kemelman, won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel), and the series continued until Kemelman’s death, though I quit reading after the sixth or seventh book.

This morning, the (incoming) Rabbi texted me to wish me Shabbat Shalom; I returned the sentiment and got back to proofreading the photo book Diane is making about our most recent Tulip Time trip.

Several hours later, I looked at my phone again and found I’d missed another text from Rabbi Nico – he didn’t just want to wish me a Shabbat Shalom, he wanted to talk. It’s as though he’d read my blog posting of yesterday – but he’d actually read the committee minutes I’d sent out yesterday afternoon and wanted to discuss what I’d written there.

It was a good conversation; I’m looking forward to his official arrival.

Shabbat Shalom!

This morning, I gave the final speech in the Toastmasters “Develop Your Vision” project; I talked about my plan for the Shir Hadash Ritual Committee in the upcoming year as our new Senior Rabbi begins his tenure with us. It wasn’t the best speech I’ve given; it wasn’t the worst, either, but it was probably the one which would have benefited most from handing out a glossary in advance!

I have one more speech left to complete the “Visionary Communications” path. The last speech in each of the Toastmasters paths asks you to “Reflect on Your Path” and talk about what you’ve gained from the experience. When I completed “Engaging Humor”, I tried to make that speech funny; I’m not sure how I’m going to work visions into the speech this time, but I’ll try.