Ded-i-ca-tion, noun

According to dictionary.com (second in authority only to wikipedia), the word dedication has several meanings. One reads as follows:

1. "A ceremony marking the official completion or opening of a public building, institution, monument, etc."

When we think about our new shul building, this is the kind of dedication that generally comes to mind. It conjures up images of important looking guys in suits with plastered smiles posing for the press while holding those giant scissors in preparation to cut the obligatory ribbon. (Out of curiosity, I googled ribbon cutting scissors, and apparently for the low price of about $50, you too can be the proud owner of the ever-useful 2-foot-long pair of scissors!)

But I wanted to focus on two additional definitions that I think both equally apply to our Chanukat HaBayit. Dedicate, verb:

2. "To devote wholly and earnestly, as to some person or purpose."

We've all heard jokes about the difficulty of Jewish board meetings, rife with differing opinions, temperaments, complaints, and ideas. And there's nothing like a major shul project to rile up said opinions and complaints. However, in my quiet observations, I must say that I am floored by the dedication of our members to the dedication of the new shul. That is, I'm impressed by the overall whole and earnest devotion to our shared purpose. So many of our members have really stepped up and devoted countless hours and effort to NHBZ. So I'd like to think of our Chanukat HaBayit not only as a dedication of a physical building but also a time to appreciate the culmination of our congregation's hard work and shared goals as we move forward together.

Finally, I offer a third definition as we move closer to our dedication. (Why do things always come in threes?) Dedicate, verb:

3. "To inscribe a personal signature on (a book, drawing, etc., that is one's own work), usually with a salutation addressing the recipient."

Just as an author dedicates his work, so too should we dedicate our work by putting a signature on the new building. I'm not advocating drawing on the walls, but I do encourage everyone to find some personal way to connect to the building. It's a rare and unique opportunity to be able to dedicate a new shul, so put your own signature on it by coming to the Chanukat HaBayit, buying a brick, sponsoring a kiddush in our new kitchen, or even just coming around more often.

So those are my musings of the day... see you at the dedication!