September 2022 Newsletter

Rabbi’s Message
Rabbi Meeka Simerly
Shalom to each and all;
Temple Adas Shalom, thank you each and all for all welcoming notes, texts, emails,
messages, phone calls, flowers, assistance, and for coming to greet us in person. On
behalf of Dave, our pup Oreo, and myself, please let me reiterate how blessed we feel
being here, in person, at a community we have been preparing for months now to join.
We are thrilled and grateful to start the next chapter of our lives here in Maryland with
you.
At this time, I have met quite a few wonderful people of all age groups: some were born
and raised here, some moved to this area earlier in life, and some, like us, have moved
here more recently. But the one thing we all share is that we are HERE, and we are
NOW. No one has the capacity to predict what lies ahead “in the long run.” But as long
as we continue to show up in person, virtually, or a combination of both, I believe that
together we have the capacity to bring spiritual uplift to the community and beyond.
One important thing I wanted you to know is that I am available and completely
interested in getting to know you. That is a priority to me. So please don’t hesitate: to
call or email me! Let’s set up a time to meet and get to know one another.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the “Rabbi’s Search Committee” members
under the dedicated leadership of Melissa Immel and Wendy Darbinski. You have all
been so kind, welcoming, and helpful in settling in. Thank you, Todah Rabbah, to all.
In addition to getting ready for the High Holidays, I wanted to address all students,
teachers, and staff wrapping up summer while preparing for school. This blessing is
based on Rabbi Larry Sernovitz’s words. As we all embark on another journey of
learning this year, this is for us, our children, friends, and family members:
May we begin the new school year with an open mind, and an equally open heart.
May our smiles always be there for someone who needs it and may there always be a smile for us when
we need it, too.
May we ask more questions than the number of answers we receive or give.
May we receive much knowledge but give even more to those around us.
May we remember that new things are usually hard at the start but get better once we understand the
road ahead.
May we always know that life isn’t a straight path and that we sometimes need to scrape our knees a
little in order to grow.
May we realize that life was never meant to be easy and was never about where we ended up, but about
making the journey step by step and being the best humans, we can be.
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