I was drawn to Holy Blossom Temple in the early 1990s as part of a personal journey to explore my Jewish identity and find volunteer opportunities involving meaningful social action. As a gay man, my congregation of choice had to view sexual orientation as irrelevant to participation or inclusion. What I found at Holy Blossom were welcoming, enlightened leaders, open-minded members, and a wide range of opportunities for spiritual and personal development. Over the years, I’ve volunteered for the Purim festival, taught elective cooking courses for teens, visited infirm members at home or in hospital, and served on the board of directors–all of which were rewarding experiences. I am grateful for the numerous friendships I’ve made, and I am even more grateful for what I learned about the many ways of remaining connected to Judaism in the 21st century.

My beginnings at Holy Blossom Temple coincided with the start of my professional career in catering. Temple members proved to be invaluable mentors who provided new opportunities for me. In the past year of pandemic restrictions, I pivoted from event-based catering services to a home meal delivery service. Once again, various Temple members were quick to offer encouragement and support.

It has been my pleasure and privilege to be part of the Holy Blossom family and to belong to a community that has provided spiritual and personal sustenance for generations.