We met at Netivot services in February 1999, when CNS was holding Shabbat morning services at the BRJCC. Lara arrived, looking for a place to sit, and sat down next to John. Lara says: “I thought I saw a wedding ring on John’s finger, and thought to myself, ‘I bet he’s a great husband!’ John was all smiley, tapping and singing along with the service.” Lichvod Shabbat, we exchanged phone numbers after services but didn’t go on our first date until December 1999. We were reconnected by a mutual friend. (Said mutual friend called John to suggest that he ask Lara on a date. Before the friend could give John Lara’s phone number, John dug up the scrap paper with Lara’s number.) We went on our first date–a hike and a Persian lunch–on December 4, 1999, during Hanukkah, and the day before Lara’s 30th birthday. John’s impression of Lara was that she was vivacious, intelligent and kind. We moved in together 6 months later, got engaged another 6 months later, and got married in May 2002.
Coming from non-practicing Jewish backgrounds, we have found Netivot Shalom to be a beautiful, warm, supportive and welcoming community, and exactly the kind of community in which to raise our son, Davíd (now almost 22 yrs. old). We continue to treasure CNS as our Jewish community and continue to have many good hikes and great meals together!