we went to services this morning…i had held out going to the temple for as long as possible because, well, i didn’t want to be let down. our jewish identity has been such a big part of our lives and our identity that the easiest way to deal with the fact that we don’t have a community in san fran is just not to think about it. but at this time of year, it’s impossible to ignore and so i stayed awake most of last night itching and thinking about what we would find when we arrived today.

and services were beautiful. without a doubt the most spiritually fulfilling high holiday experience we have ever had. i mean, no doubt, we had way low expectations…but regardless we were both pleasantly surprised by what we found. we choose the late/contemporary service which was held in the main sanctuary. no robes. no choir. no organ. the best was that instead of a cantor the singing was led by MARSHA (you know, camp song leader). she continues to have the most gorgeous voice and while some might argue that i’m a bit biased…”by the waters of babylon, where we laid down, and where we wept, as we remember zion…” it took our breaths away.