Just a quick one

I described what we would be doing in the last post.  It's been a week since we arrived, and everything has gone as planned.  It's been a fabulous trip, and today we are heading shortly up to Long Island and then NJ.

Meanwhile, I have only gained one pound, up to 282.5 this morning.  I think that's pretty good considering what I've been eating.  LOL!

Here are some pictures from the trip so far.

Friday night we had dinner at Lowell's house, and he grilled chicken breasts.  We also had corn on the cob and asparagus. Delicious.

Cindy and Ken with Lowell's dog, Ozma.

Shabbat dinner with the family.  L-R, Ken, Cindy, Lowell, Mark, Emily, Phil, Pat

Mona and me.

Me and Reuben

The honored family, Rabbi Jonathan Cohen, son Reuben, and wife Mona.  Rabbi Cohen is now Rabbi Emeritus!

Incoming Rabbi Saul Oresky

Mark chatting with the synagogue president, Steve Ungar.

One of three beautiful cakes.

Two of my friends and former choir members, Jan Bloom and Mona Baumgarten.

Frank waiting for the show to start.

Cantor Greenfield was master of ceremonies.  He has worked with THREE rabbis at this synagogue, over 30 years!

Mayor of Greenbelt presenting a certificate to Rabbi Cohen.

The choir, under Rachel Greenfield's direction, performing an original composition by Josh Rosen.

One of the many skits and performances of the day.

Their son Reuben gave a wonderful speech to his dad.

Incoming Rabbi Oresky also gave a fabulous speech.

Outstanding final song by just about everybody from the choir and a few folks who aren't.

Mona gave some farewell remarks.  They will be moving to a  rental house in Montreal on August 1.

Rabbi Cohen ended the afternoon with his good byes.  At 19 years he is the longest serving Rabbi at our synagogue and the only one to retire from there, so they gave him Emeritus status.  Very nice.

Me and Rena Sodie, my Hebrew teacher!