It’s Family Weekend at Georgetown – our first time seeing Jacob since we dropped him off in August. We have texted, snapped, facetimed, emailed & talked, yet nothing replaces the experience of seeing your child in person, hugging him, holding his hand. The gift of an uninterrupted conversation (well, interrupted only by me asking more questions before he had the chance to finish responding to my previous questions). The chance to witness the transformation of the person once new to campus in August, to the student who is quickly adapting to life in this new setting.

On Friday night, I found myself in the most unexpected place on this Catholic campus…a Shabbat service.

It’s been a while since I’ve attended a Shabbat service. When I was on the Board for my temple, I used to go to them more frequently because it was part of my ‘job’. When my term ended, so too did my attendance to services. What I realized on Friday night during this Shabbat service is that there is something really special about taking time out of life to reflect, learn, listen, sing & grow.

Of all of the jewish services, Friday night Shabbat services are my favorites. These services are shorter than the average Saturday morning services. The darkness of nightfall sets the mood, wrapping us with a sense of peace, calm & quiet. The service begins with song, the music ranging from somber to lively, some songs so infectious you can’t help but spontaneously slap your knee or your prayer book with your hand to join in on the festivities. I always walk away from Shabbat services filled with a sense of peace and quiet joy.

This Shabbat service was just this, and more. The Rabbi, Rachel Gartner, created an experience that was spiritual mixed with a splash of bohemian flair and casual accessibility. She spoke of Bob Dylan and the words of Forever Young, the words pulled from a traditional Jewish parent’s blessing over his or her children. The words resonate to my core, the message powerful, inspiring and timely. I hope you enjoy reading the words as much as I do.