I am delighted to be contributing to the newsletter this week. In the year since I took over the BES@Croxdale warden reins, I’ve tried to inject some of my personality into the role, as the submission below exemplifies!
Thank you to Rabbi Chapper, Lara and the Gabbai team for supporting me.
Shabbat Shalom
Justin Kett
Warden Croxdale
If you can keep your calm when all about you
Are scattered siddurim and the lights are low,
If you can guide each congregant to their pew,
And know each face, and greet them with a glow;
If you can check the Torah’s mantle nightly,
Ensuring scrolls are wrapped with care and grace,
And walk the aisles, so silent and so lightly,
And find your purpose in this sacred place;
If you can hear the murmured prayers and listen,
To every whispered plea and heartfelt sigh,
If you can see the chanukiah’s candles glisten,
And feel the peace that lifts us to the sky;
If you can lock the doors when all have parted,
And guard the ark with reverence deep and true,
Yet be a friend, warm, kind, and open-hearted,
To all who seek the path that brings them through;
If you can manage festivals and feasts,
From Rosh Hashanah’s horn to Purim’s cheer,
If you can calm the crowd and quiet the beasts,
And bring each holy moment ever near;
If you can tend the bimah with devotion,
And keep the sacred space both clean and bright,
Yours is the shul, its faith, and its emotion,
And, what is more, you’ll lead with love and light.