Dear Friends,

When I had my bicycle accident a few months ago, a few witnesses commented on how fast I was going before the crash. While I have never gotten up to the speeds they estimated, I was not taking it slow. So, it is somehow fitting that ever since, I have had to take things slow. Recovery was slower than I expected, I was moving more slowly than I would have liked, and time even seemed to move more slowly some days.

And I’ve found out that slow is okay. I have had a lot of time to think and appreciate being deliberate and even slow. There are times to hasten, and other times require more careful steps. As Kohelet taught, “the race is not won by the swift.” It has taken a lot of my own koach, my own strength, to keep from pushing too hard and going beyond my limits. I hope that we can all take from my experience a renewed or strengthened sense of patience and kindness for those (or ourselves) as we try to make it through whatever trials we face. God willing, you can learn from my accident and never have to experience the lesson first-hand!

As for me, being patient and taking it slowly have paid off. My condition is much improved. And I am glad to announce that the doctors have given me the okay to resume many activities, including building up to coming back to the office and pulpit. Still mindful of the risk of excessive speed, I am not back to full work-weeks yet. But I am returning to work a little at a time (perhaps I will start just by cleaning out my office) and I’m looking forward to being able to resume all of my duties, slowly.

I would like to thank everyone in this community for all that you have done for us since November. Everyone who sent meals, cards, and well-wishes, please know they were so necessary for us to stay nourished, and they helped keep our spirits up. Thank you to everyone who helped Rabbi Sara, who was doing double (maybe triple) duty at home and in the synagogue. And thank you to everyone who has been patient and supportive.

L’Shalom,

Rabbi Benjamin