[HANASHIR:3150] Shalom - Shalom (Goodbye - Hello)

[Janisbl <Janisbl...>]

Dear HNS-ites,  

I had to leave camp on Saturday afternoon (for my son's high school 
graduation) and didn't have the chance to say good-bye to most of you.  I 
missed mass hugging, picture-taking, see-you-next-time-or-at-CAJE (is anyone 
going?  I am...), singing, Havdallah, more hugging.  So, this is my 
opportunity to say bye and give you all a hug.  I love you all!

Each year (this was my 5th) Hava Nashira offers a new and memorable 
experience.  In that sense this year was no different.   Many of you 
beautifully described my own feelings, and I would add that this was the 
first time that I began to have even the slightest bit of courage to try to 
write my own songs.   Thanks to all of you who encouraged me.

Each of us brings home wonderful memories, and yes, a few complaints.  One of 
the things that keeps bringing me back to Hava Nashira is that I bring home 
ideas and songs that I can and do use.  I grow musically, spiritually and 
Jewishly each time.

How about this for a mini miracle moment:  In the middle of writing this, my 
husband asked me to move my car so he could finish mowing the lawn.  On the 
car radio, Mel, of blessed memory, was singing 'All G-d's Children Got 
Swing.'   No further comments needed!

La la la la la la l'cha dodi has been rolling around in my brain for 2 days 
now.  It got me through my first day back at work!  I wonder what will get me 
through tomorrow - maybe the bathroom blessing.

Later..........
Janis Braun-Levine

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