A rabbi’s gift
It was a delight to read the fine article about Rabbi Ronald Kaplan and his exit from the pulpit to become a “Jew in the pew” (“Two-rabbi family, but now just one pulpit,” Oct. 3). The residents of Jewish Federation Plaza in West Orange have been part of a meaningful Oneg Shabbat Rabbi Kaplan has conducted at our facility for several years. It is held Friday afternoon at one o’clock, and it has been an experience that has enriched our lives. Rabbi Kaplan gives the residents who have had minimal knowledge of Jewish ritual, as well as those who are proficient, an opportunity to light the Sabbath candles, make blessings over the wine and the hallah, and understand the scriptural portion of the week as only a learned teacher can do. Sabbath songs are sung, prayers expressed for loved ones who are ill, and thanks expressed for the simhas in our lives. Truly a spiritual hour. Rabbi Kaplan recognizes all the individuals who attend, remembers our names, and is aware of a missing member.
We wish him a joyous and productive retirement from the pulpit, and a happy continuance of our Oneg Shabbat.
Evelyne Lerner-Savel
West Orange
comments