CREATING SACRED

PURPOSE

testimonials

Honeymoon Israel

I am so deeply grateful that you were our rabbi for this Honeymoon Israel trip. Thank you for leading us, for guiding us, for teaching us at every step. Amidst a whirlwind itinerary in which there was so much to do and see, some of my favorite (and most emotional) moments were the small one that you created space for. ... Thank you for helping all 40 of us find our way, to community and family.

J.B.

Wedding Celebrations

We cannot thank you enough for all of the work you did in helping us prepare for and execute our wedding ceremony. Our session together were thought-provoking and always led to more discussion between us afterwards.

The ceremony itself was perfect---it was exactly what we wanted it to be in every way. ... We had *so much feedback* from our family and friends (mostly the gentile ones!) about how "awesome your Rabbi" was. They felt included, and really appreciated the time you took to explain things without condescension.

L.H.

Engaging our Youth

I want to visit Rabbi Keren's house [a.k.a. the synagogue]!

H.W., age 4

(H's younger sibling pictured)

Thank you for helping me prepare my D'var Torah, and for also supporting me through my study of Torah. Also thank you for teaching me all the songs I know, and especially Oseh Shalom and Modim Anachnu Lach. Thank you for everything!

I.M., age 13

Rosh HaShanah 5782

Your Rosh HaShanah sermon was exactly right for the time and challenges we all face. You confronted both our fears and our hopes in the thoughtful, honest, and insightful ways I've come to know and admire. Thank you for the sensitivity and compassion.

A.F.

Just a quick note of thanks for one of the best sermons I've heard in a long time. Your thoughts were timely, passionate and very helpful as I struggle to make sense of our world today. It's impossible not to be upset, but even more challenging to determine a constructive and effective course of action. I was moved and inspired by your sermon.

E.O.

Comforting the Mourner

Thank you for the kindness and gifts of comfort that you offered my family at the time of my mom's funeral service. ... I am grateful for the time you spent with us talking about my mom prior to the service. I know that is a standard but you did it with such warmth and interest. My gratitude over the next days includes some specific moments. The lenience and openness to doing things a bit different, especially including my children in kriah which they had not been able to do when going through this with my father. The honest guidance on structuring the service and telling me when to leave the cemetery---for I'm not sure how I would have done that without your push. For the beautiful tribute to my mom spoken with such heart. Without knowing her you captured her spirit, what a gift to piece together a few stories into that. And for the hugging, which provided a moment of calm among many moments of heartache.

D.R.