5 Years!!

I can't really believe that it was five years ago that a white Toyota Sienna was driving up the hot and monotonous I-5 highway. 

Inside, excitement and apprehension as our family embarked on a new journey, motivated to create a vibrant and warm community in Petaluma. New beginnings, similar to the "Six Days of Creation" read from the Torah this week.

Would the world be overrun by the selfish and wicked, or would this land be cultivated into a glorious garden, blank canvas filled with dramatic and striking colors, materials fashioned into a harmonious symphony?

As we drove, we pondered what would be the outcome in our mini globe. Would there be challenges and setbacks? Would we succeed in bringing smiles and joy? Could our hopeful and ambitious efforts grow into a community? What surprises and treasures might we encounter in this uncharted territory? Would our faith and good spirits allow us to sail the waves and plant the beautiful garden we envisioned?

Along the way, in between the fields and orchards, (and cows), we found a small playground, perhaps used by the farmers' families in the evenings. For us, it was like a spring of water, life in midst of a desert, a tire swing suspended in the arid heat. To us, it was a sign that with smiles and connectedness (like the links of the chains), - and a bunch of cute kids - a joyous and lively atmosphere would surely sprout forth as the nutritious greenery across the dirt road.

Five years. It feels like yesterday, and yet so much has transpired. (We even had to go back and recreate the picture to see how the time has flown). Chabad of Petaluma may have started in our living room, but has since expanded to our wonderful downtown location, to the streets (#chanukahattheriver), to our community partners, and grown to encompass so many homes across our small valley. We are so grateful for the hundreds of friendships, the thousands of memories, the innumerable moments. I'd like to take you for a walk down memory lane, but I'd likely run out of virtual ink, and anyways isn't that what facebook is for? 😉

Devorah and I feel incredibly blessed to live in such an amazing community, without whom, none of this would be possible.

We are so enthusiastic about the next five years - and many more - and can't wait to share so many precious moments together with all of you!

Of course, stay tuned for a special celebration, just as soon as the situation allows, may it be soon!