Our dearest Charleston family,
The past two years have been momentous. We've shared great times, we've shared good times and we've shared trying times. Most importantly, all that we have experienced, we've shared as a family.
Making the decision to accept a position in Madison Wisconsin was not easy. It's a bigger decision than just our professional development. We truly feel loved by the Charleston Jewish community.
The BSBI family has warmly embraced us and we have tried to reciprocate those feelings. You have treated us like your brothers and sisters and our children as your very own. In turn, Emmy and I consider all of you, our brothers and sisters and we care for your children as our own.
However, as King Solomon says in the third chapter of Ecclesiastes, "For everything there is a time and place." Our time has come to move on and our (new) place is Madison, Wisconsin.
As our time in Charleston and as part of the Rabbinic staff at BSBI and Judaic studies teacher at Addlestone Hebrew Academy soon comes to an end, we must acknowledge our huge debt of gratitude. A debt we will never be able to repay, but one we will acknowledge nonetheless.
Rabbi Moshe and Ariela Davis: You have been our role models for the past two years. You have provided us with insight and direction. You both constantly ensured our success, professionally and personally. We wish you and your family continued success, and we are confident BSBI will continue to thrive under your leadership.
Larry Haber: In our time in Charleston you have been patient with us, you have encouraged us and you have helped us when we erred. Every successful program that we hosted, whether a Friday night dinner, a class or a holiday program is to your credit! Thank you for your constant support and tireless dedication to the continuity of Jewish observance here in Charleston. We wish you well on your move and we look forward to seeing you when we visit Stamford.
Addlestone Hebrew Academy: Every day you provide our children the opportunity to grow. Our boys have flourished under your care. They run to school every morning because Addlestone is a happy place! As a teacher, you have provided me with the opportunity to connect with a wonderful group of students. The highlight of my week is the time I get to spend with the students at AHA.
Lastly and most importantly, the BSBI family and the greater Charleston Jewish community. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to make a difference. The young adults who are just beginning their path towards religious observance, the youth who are starting to keep kosher and Shabbat and the few who have continued on to Yeshiva--all their success is to your credit. You took a risk. You took a rookie Rabbi straight out of rabbinical school and you gave him a chance.
BSBI will always hold a special place in our hearts. We will forever cherish our memories and friendships. Our sincerest wish is for you to stay our friends, to keep in touch and to visit often!
As with any relationship there have been times we offended or annoyed you. We may have said something, did something or not invited you to an event or Shabbat meal. I hope you can see past our mistakes and forgive us, as I assure you it was never our intention to hurt you.
My final message to you, the greater Charleston Jewish community, is to keep taking risks. Keep demanding positive Jewish growth. Demand it from your leaders, demand it from your family and friends, but most importantly demand it from yourselves.
With feelings of gratitude and respect,
Rabbi Kivi and Emmy Attar
