Grateful for the Gratitude!
Some powerful moments from our farewell weekend at Beth Am!
Dear Readers,
It’s been a while so thanks for your patience! I’ll be sharing my recent first sermon in my new shul (text and podcast) soon, with more to come!
Meanwhile, as I’ve been in the process of transitioning from Beth Am and Baltimore to my new synagogue Hamakom of Los Angeles, CA, I’ve been reflecting on sixteen wonderful years in Reservoir Hill. An incredible committee led by Clara Salzberg and Marc Ershler put together an unforgettable weekend including joyful Kabbalat Shabbat Services in Druid Hill Park and a fabulous Nefesh Mountain concert! The incomparable Shana Kroiz compiled a stunning tribute book which I will treasure for the rest of my life. Miriam, Eliyah, Shamir, and I were incredibly touched by the gratitude expressed and the effort put into celebrating our time together.
Throughout the Shabbat of June 12-13, 2026, there were touching speeches, some of which were recorded. For those who were unable to attend, here is a playlist from Beth Am’s YouTube channel with some of the speeches and performances. In it you’ll find:
City Council President Zeke Cohen’s moving personal story about the loss of his mother and finding comfort at Beth Am
A hilarious song from the Beth Am Purim spielers
Heal Us Now performed by yours truly with my children
L’Shalom,
Rav Daniel