People's Justice Garden at Temple Shalom

Dear Friends at Temple Shalom,

Thank you for inviting me to attend the dedication of the People’s Justice Garden last month. Unfortunately I was unable to attend because of a family matter. I was so moved by the vision of the garden’s purpose that I recommended our congregation support it as a Christmas Eve love offering. Enclosed you will find a check for the funds we received that night. We hope it will enable the community to experience divine love through the garden even more.

The Friday before Christmas Eve, December 22, I joined the Shabbat service on Facebook. The service was lovely, and I was very touched by the prayers for peace and well-being for Israel, but also, as it was said, all the descendants of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar. Know that our congregation stands with you in those prayers.

When I first arrived at Spring Valley last summer, I invited the congregation to “Bless this Neighborhood” by frequenting neighboring businesses, building relationships, and finding ways divine love was already being shared through various partnerships and organizations. I hope in 2024 and beyond we have the opportunity to build such relationships with Temple Shalom.

Shalom to you,

Rev Dr Frank Drenner, Senior Pastor