But I sure did love that room......

Here is an excerpt from a letter from Jane Paznik, Carole Sharoff's friend:


but I sure did love that room...all the wood and scroll work. And I loved that little side room where the congregation davened in the summer. This was, of course, "my" place. The room was small and bright and looked out at lovely trees, and the sound of the small group of people wafted up and permeated the space, and it was prayerful and lovely. I felt quite at home there in ways I generally don't feel in a synagogue. I did feel those things when I was a kid, in Camp Ramah, and we davened outside under a tree, so this was HUGE for me, to find a place that felt physically and spiritually like home and childhood. I can't and don't compare myself to people who have spent their whole lives intimately involved in the synagogue, but I feel the sadness. And I am sad to know that someone lost his life in the fire.
I can't even imagine what an enormous task it will be for you, your co-president, and Sam to find the strength to help the community regroup and rebuild. Awesome, like the kids say. And expensive. I can't help thinking, though, that Sam is the right person to take on the spiritual task, and you are the right person to take on the business stuff. Not that I envy you.
I wish I could do something. I wish I were there.