Meet Rebecca W., a veteran High Holy Days volunteer and Shabbat greeter.
Rebecca explains why volunteering at Temple Emanu-El is an important act of service.
“Serving as a Shabbat greeter and High Holy Days volunteer helps strengthen the sense of community for me. I recognize a lot of the regulars who come, especially on Friday nights for Shabbat. It helps solidify and cement that sense of belonging.
My favorite part of volunteering is when people enter the building and are greeted with a smile. I think that feeling is so important.
Another one of my favorite parts of being a High Holy Days volunteer is when someone reads my name tag and says ‘Thank you, Rebecca!’ I forget I’m wearing the name tag, and then I hear someone say my name. It’s very cute. Seeing people’s expressions when someone is greeting them, you can see their face relax and smile. You can tell they are feeling the warmth of the community.”
