“O give thanks that spring will always come to make the heart leap.”

My mentor, Rabbi Chaim Stern, of blessed memory, wrote that as editor for our previous prayer book, Gates of Prayer. Though put to print more than 50 years ago, Rabbi Stern’s words speak to me this week. As the winter feels like it is finally beginning to break, being outdoors is proof of Rabbi Stern’s promise “that spring will always come.”

We welcome the spring season for the warming weather and the increased hours of daylight. We also welcome the spring, as Jews, for the upcoming holiday celebrations of Purim and Passover. To be sure, we have our share of solemn observances, as I think of the Holocaust commemoration day, Yom HaShoah which follows soon after the two joyous holidays I just mentioned. Yet, we are entering well-earned weeks of celebration during particularly trying times.

Purim will be celebrated in Israel as well, and as always, Purim costumes were starting to appear in stores when we were in Israel just last month. It will, no doubt, be hard for many in Israel and here to summon joy these days. Yet celebration of Purim, Passover, and the spring come together “to make the heart leap,” as our Jewish tradition would have it. 

So, please join us for Purim and Passover, and more, this spring, as we “give thanks” even as we are mindful of those in Israel and all who seek peace. 

With wishes for a Happy Purim,

Rabbi Dennis Ross