Hakarat Hatov: see the good in your life and spread it! 

By Cantor Inés Szterenberg

What a joy it is to be back with all of you! This week marks my return from maternity leave, and I must confess—my cheeks ache from smiling so much. The happiness of reconnecting with so many familiar faces in the office has truly warmed my heart.  

Over the past two months, my family has grown, and we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from our wonderful community. My husband and I want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who reached out to us during this special time. From thoughtful visits to homemade meals, from children’s drawings for our two daughters to donated toys and contributions to our baby registry—each act of kindness has been a precious gift, received with open hearts.  

A special thank you goes out to Carrie White, Brooke Levinson, and Lisa Glenn, whose tireless efforts in coordinating donations and offering emotional support have made our transition to a family of four so much smoother. Your generosity and care will remain etched in our hearts for years to come.  

As I return to work, I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement. I am already diving back into preparations for the upcoming High Holidays at Caramoor and working closely with families for their B’nai Mitzvah celebrations. It is my hope that the love and kindness we’ve received can be reflected in the energy and dedication I bring to serving this community.  

This weekend, we also celebrate something truly special: the independence and freedom of our (can I call it ours? With your permission) country. Rabbi Shlobin and I look forward to joining you tonight as we commemorate the privilege of being both Jewish and American—a beautiful intersection of identities that enriches our lives in countless ways.  

Adding to the joy of this week, we are thrilled to officially welcome our Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Boxman, to the team! With her leadership now firmly in place, we are already envisioning the next 50 years of Shaaray Tefila’s growth and vibrancy. The future is bright, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.  

In the spirit of gratitude, I find myself reflecting on the Jewish value of Hakarat Hatov, which calls us to recognize and appreciate the good in our lives. This principle encourages us to seek out blessings—both big and small—and cherish them deeply. Gratitude is not just an act; it is the foundation of well-being, a way of life that reminds us to embrace the present moment as a gift. That’s precisely why we call it “present”!

As we navigate these challenging times for the Jewish people, it is my heartfelt wish that this joy and gratitude reach your hearts as well. May we continue to find strength in our community, celebrate life’s blessings together, and move forward with health, happiness, and prosperity.  

Shabbat Shalom!

Cantor Inés Szterenberg