Shelley

I’m a retired librarian, and books, writing, prayers, poems, and ritual have been so important in my life, whether celebrating joyful events or experiencing sorrow. My family founded the Beth Elohim part of my congregation, B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim (BJBE), in the Chicago area, and I remain active, attending the weekly morning minyan and other worship services, and participating in classes and projects. I also have the honor of being our synagogue’s librarian. I’m connected to the wider Jewish world as well, praying with a daily Zoom Minyan, led by Rabbi Brian Stoller of Beth El in Great, N.Y., and serving as President of the Judaica Library Network of Metropolitan Chicago. This hostage prayer welled up in me after hearing the news, especially since Romi was the particular hostage for which I prayed, in addition to all of the hostages. May they all return safely!