By Barbara Shuman

We’re out of the closet! Over 4000 Reform Jews observed a 24 hour Shabbat at the Biennial. What a wild and beautiful day we had – filled with music, prayer, learning and dance. Yes – we were dancing in the aisles, praying with our feet, celebrating with all our limbs. And we were challenged and charged by Eric Yoffie to commit to a fuller observance of Shabbat when we return to our homes. We go home with a full deck (52 cards – one for each week of the year) of suggestions for transforming Shabbat into a special day. The Shabbat initiative has the potential to transform each of us, our congregations, the Reform movement. It will be very interesting to hear reports of our experience at the 2009 Biennial in Toronto.

It’s hard to single out a single experience from the past day, but one stands out above all others. I went to a performance of the Mikveh Monologues, an extraordinary theatrical and musical piece that beautifully conveys the stories of the men and women who have immersed in the living waters of Mayyim Hayyim, a community mikveh and learning center in Newton MA, founded by author Anita Diamant. It evoked laughter and tears and a profound respect for the power of the ritual bath.

I go home with a head full of ideas and melodies, and a heart full of joy. It is an honor to be part of this vibrant movement.