Back to the Future

Thirty-three years had passed since I last stepped foot inside the hallowed halls of Congregation Beth Shalom.

That all changed on March 29 when I attended “Bridges of Hope: Standing Together for a Better Tomorrow,” an emotionally charged, spiritually engaging event hosted by the Atlanta Israel Coalition.

The lineup of performers was incredibly diverse, including a comedian (Tehran Von Gharsi), vocalist (Ghazal Mizrahi), activist (Surinder Dhar), advocate (Mustapha Ezzarghani), and Holocaust survivor (George Rishfeld). It was more than a concert. It was more than a stand-up show. It was more than advocating for unity and raising awareness about the horrors of the Holocaust. It was all of those things and more.

The group of attendees was also just as diverse, with all sects of Judaism represented, as well as a family of Orthodox Haitian Jews.

And there was an open bar – so that’s always nice.

As I sat in Beth Shalom’s sanctuary for the first time in more than three decades, I was overcome with emotion and nostalgia. I harkened back to the Friday nights when our Hebrew school bar mitzvah class would lead services, and to the Saturday mornings gathered in the social hall, enjoying a kiddush after services.

So much had changed and yet it all felt so familiar.

As I mozied through the social hall, I retraced steps I hadn’t walked in ages. I marveled at the synagogue’s growth as I drank another glass of Cabernet.

The event’s theme called for unity and that’s exactly what it felt like mingling with guests. Everyone was warm, welcoming, and available to receive the evening’s message.

Von Gharsi, who served as the emcee, had the crowd in tears with his set, especially the bit where he leaned into his identity. Von Gharsi noted that not only is he a Black Jew, but he is also half-Iranian … and his parents named him Tehran.

Mizrahi has the voice of an angel and vocalized a medley of songs that rang over the sanctuary, leaving the crowd in awe.

Other performers included JoDavi, a soul composer and recording artist, who also serves as director of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel; and Caleiv Jean, a hip-hop producer from Haiti who converted to Orthodox Judaism.

The evening bled solidarity and the unifying vibes were magnetic. I made new friends. I reconnected with old ones. And I left feeling gratified that I attended and inspired for the future.

They say you can’t go home again … that’s not entirely true.

Congregation Beth Shalom was the first synagogue my family joined when I was a child. While Zaban and Camp Barney were my first Jewish play-places, Beth Shalom was my first Jewish home. It’s where I learned Hebrew. It’s where I learned how to pray. It’s where I learned how to be Jewish.

And 33 years after my last appearance (my bar mitzvah), the community of Beth Shalom is stronger than ever. They recently held a tribute gala to honor the service and dedication of Rabbi Mark Zimmerman and his wife, Rebbetzin Linda Zimmerman. Rabbi Zimmerman has announced his plan to retire after leading the congregation for 38 years; however, he will remain as Rabbi Emeritus.

The call for unity that night was answered. Spirits were nourished and uplifted.

I let the wave of nostalgia wash over me one last time before exiting the synagogue.

What a beautiful evening.