Stephan Becharas . . . and The Staff Of

,gh&

ry on people in his bar mitzvah speech
in the Minneapolis synagogue where
he grew up. Now, the process of writ-
ing involves a "long wind-up." It takes
him days to "marinate" his ideas, with
much walking and ruminating on the
approach. But when he finally sits
down, the writing flows.
Rabbi Leder is one of three rab-
bis serving his congregation, which has
more than 2,000 families, with many
Hollywood connections; among the
members are network presidents, stu-
dio heads, agents, directors, producers
and writers.
He began working there 12 years
ago at age 26, just after graduating
from rabbinical school, and says that
he can see spending the rest of his
career there.
"Being a rabbi in a large congre-
gation keeps you so firmly grounded,
so intensely connected to life's highest
and lowest moments. It helps me to
count my blessings and avoid taking
anything for granted. Every time I leave
a cemetery — sometimes it's three
times in a week — I call my wife. I'm
always reminded in my work how pre-
cious life is." P1

6638 Telegraph Road at Maple

(248) 851-0313

In the Bloomfield Plaza

Sincerely Wish Their Many
Friends and Customers

AVERY
HAPPY NEW YEAR

Thank you for your gracious patronage.
It is with deep sincerity
that we wish everyone the best
in health, joy and prosperity.

io rffillINIMININININI ■1■ 1111111 ■■■•■■ •

MMSM:::n...::ZAMEM.MITMEMEMMEENOMMEMEMMNWRA

When we look back at the calendar
of our lives how many pages are worth
saving? We schedule business appoint-
ments — mastering the lessons of time
management and efficiency. But do we
really manage our time well? Have we
celebrated with our children? Have we
visited our aging parents and grandpar-
ents or made that phone call to the
friend whose loved one is sick? Have
we hugged each other enough? Do our
children, our parents, our brothers and
sisters, our partners in life and love,
know what they mean to us?
Time is finite and insight elusive.
Sometimes the search seems futile,
lonely and unsure. But if there is
meaning in life — real, deep, eternal
meaning — it is hiding in that force
which drives us to be with each other.
A child's smile, the warmth of human
love, surviving pain, God's beautiful
earth and its creatures, knowing that
the music of our lives must someday
cease — therefore how precious is the
melody while it lasts — all of this is
meaning, all of this is sacred, all of this
can be ours.

— From "The Extraordinary
Nature of Ordinary Things,"
by Rabbi Steven Z. Leder

10 Mile at
Southfield Road

559-4230

e4 M119S0

and it's entire staff
Extend Best Wishes
For A Joyous and Healthy

NEW YEAR

Don't
13e A Drip!

Get Your
Faucet Fixed!

Check out the Plumbers
in our Marketplace
Home and Service
Guide.

Any Coffee • Purc

1 coupon per customer •

. 6.

Mb. .0.

...

WI*"

rei,9130199

•• ■ •

5741 W. MAPLE • WEST BLOOMFIELD • 248-865-8870
(Just west of Orchard Lake Rd.)

Detroit Jewish News

9/10

1999

R9