Goodbye to Alyth – Cindy Summer

Written by Writings & Sermons by others — 19 July 2017

My life resembles a book divided up into chapters. January 2014 was when a new chapter at Alyth began. At the time, I remember thinking that the school family I had made and left in Taiwan would never be replaced but as I now prepare to leave Alyth, it feels hard again as I have formed close relationships and have a new and wonderful family. I know that these ties will never be broken.

There was a stage in my life when I felt that my Jewish identity had been put on hold, however being in the nurturing environment of Alyth Synagogue, a gift of belonging has once again enveloped me and my spiritual life will never be on the back burner again.

When I left South Africa in 2009, I was given a book that I am sure you have all heard of …Dr Seuss’s ‘Oh the places you will go’. I did not realise how much my life would follow the storyline in the book. So here I am again, saying “goodbye.”

There are so many types of emotions associated with change.

Change means letting go …. I am letting go of the helm at Alyth Kindergarten but who better to captain the Alyth ship but Tor.

Change means to prepare for the unknown – I am going to a new job, I have a new home etc., pushing me once again out of my comfort zone. These experiences make one alert, gives one endurance as well as a preparedness for new challenges ahead.

Change can be exciting! A new Rabbi is joining the synagogue; Alyth is getting a new Head Teacher. Change can mean new prospects for our staff in the Kindergarten by allowing them to apply for new positions.

It is a chance for me to work together at Nightingale House with little ones mixed with the gems of our society, the elderly. I don’t think there is anyone ‘younger’ than 90!

I tell myself to embrace and accept all the emotions as I feel them; to understand why the feelings are there. I understand that I need to be both patient and kind to myself as I acknowledge that saying goodbye is painful. I realise that I need to prepare for the new!

To quote Alan Watts: “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”