ASDF: TAO - The South Florida Center for Jewish Renewal, Kabbalah, Spritual, Meditation

November 22, 2009
Chairperson Penny Cheever wrote...

"It was a fabulous night at the beautiful home of Robert & Dottie Zveibil, who lent us their home knowing they would be unable to attend. Thank you to the most generous host and hostess of the year.

63 people attended. We had a new vendor, David Zemach, an Israeli artist who has beautiful glass artwork. There were, our own TAO vendors: Iris Susser, Fleur Heaton, Fran Davis, Elyn Zerfas and Karen Tina Sheskin.

The night began with Bob Heaton and Joyce Goobic playing music and a Havdallah lead by Rabbi Marc. It was followed by the best fish and vegetarian dinner ever catered anywhere on this planet. Chief cooks were Myrna Wolf, who prepared all of the fish, thank you, thank you, Renee Greene, Annie Goldberg & Sandy King who made most of the side dishes. So many others donated and brought food, I didn't get all names. More than one person asked me who catered to have their card for their own functions! Way to go TAO! And of course kitchen master Richard Kramer and his assistants did a phenomenal job.

Eating, singing, shopping and drumming continued through the evening. The silent auction featured 30 donated items. Each donor was so kind and generous. Many professional services were donated as well as art work, jewelry, books by our TAO authors, framed sports memorabilia, organic fruit baskets, and more! We had TAO siddurim, CD's, and Grab Bags (contents donated by Rabbi Phil, Gail Rogers, and Traditional Judaica from Festival Flea Market, Natalie and Terri Cheever). What a bargain at $5 each, some had gift cards worth up to $25, some had jewelry. Joyce Finn, who says I am not volunteering, only did all the prep work for the silent auction, preparing bid sheets and thirty certificates, we couldn't do it without you!

Then the program! Judi Gulko lead us in a gratitude meditation. Followed by Gratitude Dancing indoors to Creole Music led by Cecile Dumornay and drumming outdoors lead by Debbie Kugelman! Thank you so much for guiding us in our gratitude expressions.

Richard Kramer, Tim Cohen, Richard Horowitz, Keith Kandor, Les Berger, Steve (Gail Rogers' guest), Sandy King, Carole Constad, Sandy Goldman, Trudie DeGraziano, Gail Rogers, Fern Cedola, Robin Wolfer, Dee Sacks and of course Renee Greene and Annie Goldberg schlepped, worked and cleaned until almost midnight. And I don't want to forget Aaron Cedola who had the difficult task of telling people they couldn't park in the driveway! What a great kid to take on that volunteer job. (We couldn't of paid someone to take that position!)

I have most likely forgotten three, four or more people who were essential. Please let me know if I left your name out! I am so grateful for all of you! And may inner peace be with our members and community, today and every day.

"Hiney Mah Tov." How good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together!

Inner Peace and gratitude to all, love,
Penny

Fran chimed in...

I went to bed smiling. I woke up smiling! I can't believe I found such a great group of people. Lots of hard work went into last night. Grateful thanks to Annie, Renee, Penny, and everyone who made it happen.

The food, by the way , was amazing. Kudos to the chefs!

Love all around,
Fran

Which prompted this delightful email from Gail...

Actually, Penny, the Thank You goes to you! The evening was fabulous! I woke up with the warmth of so much "shnuggling" in my heart!! May we all continue to hold the energy and love that this wonderful TAO community engulfs us in.

Anyone ready for New Year's Eve?!!

Love to all,
Gail