A few weeks ago, the USCJ board convened in Austin, TX hosted by Congregation Agudas Achim (CAA). Being together in person, and experiencing the vibrancy of our communities is always a highlight of these weekends.
CAA is a unique community in a variety of ways. The congregation is part of the beautiful Dell Jewish Community Campus, a location that also hosts Reform and Orthodox congregations, other key Jewish communal institutions including Shalom Austin (the Jewish Community Center that we all wish we lived locally so that we could join!). And yet, even with so much Jewish activity on that campus, over 700 families call CAA their home. On Friday as we arrived, Rabbi Neil Blumofe, invited us to “trust-fall” into the arms of the community, and we did. We experienced accessible and meaningful tefillot, heard from community members how they ended up part of the congregational family, and heard directly from Rabbi Blumofe and president Susan Klein about how their partnership strengthens the community.
We witnessed some unique aspects of Agudas Achim including – the most engaging congregational announcements that I have ever experienced, a weather report from their local meteorologist and a new melody for Adon Olam taught by their resident Adon Olamologist.
It was truly a memorable weekend, one that highlighted the strength of community and the power of collaboration, and we left Austin with a renewed sense of inspiration and connection.
