A Reform congregation in Bend, Oregon

Greetings from Rabbi Hershenson

Post card from Kaua'i:

While it has never been a part of a well thought-out plan, I have lived in or vacationed in many of the places that Captain James Cook visited in his explorations. Something about the Pacific rim, from Alaska all the way to New Zealand, beckons to me. Clearly, the same was true for Captain Cook.

Captain Cook's adventures ended in Hawaii with his tragic death. For a man who lived his adult life on the sea, his end was rather tragic. He couldn't swim. When Hawaiian natives chased him down, his only escape was his ship, docked off-shore. He couldn't swim to it, was subsequently captured, and quite possibly eaten as a warning to future white explorers headed this way.

How did Captain Cook, with years of experience among Polynesians, miscalculate how the warriors of The Big Island felt about him and his men? Apparently when Cook visited the Hawaiian islands twice before, he had arrived during an annual cessation from warring. The nations on the islands would stop their fighting for a predetermined time period each year. During that time they would feast and engage in competitive sports. Captain Cook thought this arrangement was the status quo for the people of the islands. The third time he visited Hawaii, it was not during the brief annual peace among the nations. It seems that although he felt welcomed in the past, he really wasn't.

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President's Message

Dear TBT Members & Friends,

I have some very personal thoughts to share. As many of you know, over the past several months, my wife has gone through a very tough journey dealing with a recurrence of breast cancer. This past month she had two surgeries. Not only has it taken its toll on Kathy physically, but the mental and emotional strain has been equally taxing. Of course, when your loved one is hurting, you are hurting. So, the outpouring of care, concern, love, and support from the congregation and community has been a most welcome blessing. For all that kindness, we are extremely grateful and wish to thank everyone.

For whatever reason, this year seems to be especially challenging with a number of difficult situations for several of our members. Yet, each time the congregation has risen to the occasion with the same care, concern, love and support that Kathy and I have experienced. It is who we are as a community. And it is something that should not be taken lightly.

Not all congregations are alike. When Kathy had her first battle with breast cancer 17 years ago, we did not experience the same warmth and support that we have received from our TBT community. At that time, we did not give it much thought, and managed to get through it as a family along with the support of close friends. Experiencing the difference when you have a whole community behind you, caring and helping, makes us realize how significant that can be. As a caring congregation, we should not take this attitude and closeness for granted. It is a rare and treasured gift that we should guard and nurture throughout our future.

So, with a deep sense of pride and gratitude for who we are and what we stand for, I extend my sincere thanks for all you do to care and support one another.

B'Shalom,

Mark Schindel