Family Stories: David & Liz Holden & Family

Great Advice

Many people discover Traditional Congregation by word of mouth from friends. Dave and Liz Holden found it a different way - from another synagogue’s rabbi.  Struggling to find a setting that helped them explore their Judaism, they asked a trusted rabbi where to turn.  She mentioned that Traditional Congregation might just provide the path they were looking for.  Less than a year later, they’ve discovered that the rabbi well understood them and Traditional.  The Holdens have never been happier.

Liz easily identifies the moment it became clear that Traditional was the place for them.  “We had started attending services at Sukkot, and maybe a month later, around Thanksgiving, we were away visiting family.  When I checked my e-mail on Monday, I found a letter from a congregant asking if we were ok.  Keep in mind, we hadn’t joined the shul or even applied for membership. Yet people were concerned about us.  Then it was clear we had found our home.”

Their affection has only increased over time.   As Dave points out, “Traditional is just crawling with kids.  My kids look forward to Shabbat; there’s no fight in the morning—they love being with a whole bunch of other people their age.”  Moreover, he’s taken with the involvement of the congregants in the service.  “It’s refreshing to think that the people sitting around me can lead parts of a service.  It makes me think that maybe one day, I can try it, too.”

As they make their way through their first year of membership, they’ve woven themselves into the fabric of the congregation.  “I can’t even keep track of how many people have had us over for dinner,” Dave mentions.  “When we first started attending, we never felt judged or measured by anyone—the rabbi included!  People accepted us and understood that we were interested in the congregation because we wanted to explore and grow in our Judaism.  After about a year, I see that’s why they’re all there, too.”