From Rabbi Matt: This sabbatical has been an amazing experience and I am so grateful for the opportunities these three months afforded me and my family. To spend five weeks in Jerusalem with my family was more than incredible. We were able to celebrate both Yom Kippur and Sukkot in Jerusalem and this was a dream come true for me. To take my children to the locations of some of our favorite Bible stories built family memories that we will talk about for the rest of our lives. So many friends in Israel asked “are you guys moving here?” Laura and I responded in unison “absolutely not!” We have have far to much to do in Seattle! I have read several books for the nourishment of my own soul as well the beginnings of writing a book on the Jewish context of Yeshua, Peter, Paul and the New Testament. Writing has been both difficult and fulfilling and will continue into 2018. I can’t thank my friend and partner in ministry, Aybars Uckun, for leading these three months and by all accounts he has done a fantastic job. Our whole leadership team and wonderful volunteers have done such a great job growing our community during my sabbatical. To say I am stoked to return would be too much of an understatement because I cannot wait to get back and lead our Synagogue into the next 7 years. I believe the best is yet to come for Restoration, the great city of Seattle and all that God is going to do through us in 2018. I can’t wait to preach my first sermon after 14 weeks on the first portion of Exodus. Invite some friends and join us on January 6th. Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, see you in January!
