Come As You Are
Summer Breeze 2026
Rabbi Elie Weinstock
 
What makes a synagogue truly holy?
 
Rabbi Chaim Vital teaches that holiness is not simply something we inherit; it is something we cultivate. A holy person is someone who opens themselves to holiness. A holy time is one that awakens us to holiness. And a holy place is one that draws people who are searching for holiness.

That is what a shul strives to be.
 
There is a beautiful chasidic story about the Seret-Vizhnitzer Rebbe. A man who had drifted far from Jewish observance decided to test the Rebbe. He deliberately drove to the Rebbe's home on Shabbat, expecting to be judged or turned away. Instead, the Rebbe embraced him warmly and simply said, “Mein kind, zolst kumen vi du vilst un ven du vilst - My child, come whenever you want, however you want."
 
That moment of unconditional love changed the man's life. He had come looking for rejection. Instead, he found belonging.
 
At JCAB, we aspire to be that kind of community. A place where every Jew feels welcomed, engaged, inspired, and elevated; a place where people can grow in their own way and at their own pace; a place that embraces people not for who they already are, but for who they can become.
 
Over the past year, our community has continued to grow in remarkable ways. We've welcomed new families, expanded programming for every age, deepened our learning, strengthened our friendships. We are a synagogue that is vibrant not only because of what happens within its walls, but because of the people who fill them with warmth, generosity, and spirit.
 
That is why this year's Summer Breeze is so meaningful.
 
We are privileged to honor David Sable, whose vision, warmth, and leadership have helped make JCAB a community where people feel they belong. David has championed a synagogue that welcomes broadly, engages deeply, and continually expands its reach while elevating everyone who walks through its doors. At the same time, we will express our heartfelt best wishes to Linda and Al Marshak as they begin a new chapter after more than 60 years of loyal membership. Their friendship, commitment, and devotion have been felt by many over the years, and they will be greatly missed.
 
Our Summer Breeze is more than an annual Shul dinner. It is a celebration of who we are and who we aspire to become: a holy community that opens its doors, opens its hearts, and invites every person to enter. Please join us as we celebrate our remarkable growth, honor extraordinary individuals, and recommit ourselves to building a community where everyone hears the same timeless message: Come whenever you want, however you want. There is a place for you here.