Chad’s Blog
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I am honored to introduce a very special guest contributor for this week’s edition of our newsletter: my wife, Cantor Laurel Barr. Laurel has recently accepted the position of spiritual leader of Temple B’nai Abraham in Elyria, Ohio. As the spiritual leader of this Jewish congregation, Laurel brings a profound perspective on the intersection of faith, history, and current events. Today, she shares her reflections on the opening of the summer Olympic Games in Paris, an event that resonates deeply on both personal and communal levels. Here is her article:
Today, the world will be watching the opening ceremony extravaganza as the summer Olympic games begin in Paris, France. 206 countries will be represented at these Olympic games and Israel is sending one of its largest delegations, ever.
Israel’s prowess and exceptional talent in judo and martial arts is well known, and this year they will be competing in a variety of events including soccer for the first time. All eyes will be on the Israelis for more than their sporting abilities, but also for their safety.
We remember the 1936 – 11th Olympic games in Berlin where Hitler’s rise to power had already begun and the Nazis were eager to show off their regime and racial superiority to the world. But African American athlete, Jesse Owens, proved a thorn in Hitler’s ideology and thinking, by winning four Olympic gold medals in track and field.
We will also never forget the massacre that occurred in Munich at 4:30 am on September 5,1972, when the Palestinian militant group, Black September, disguised as athletes, using stolen keys, forced their way into the quarters of the Israeli Olympic team, killing many and holding 9 others hostage. We all know the tragic results of the botched rescue attempt which included the death of Clevelander, and Olympic weightlifter, David Berger, a Shaker Heights High school graduate and immigrant to Israel . A monument in David’s memory stands today in Beachwood, Ohio, as a testament to him and the courage and pain suffered by so many on that fateful day.
Now all eyes are on Paris, where our Israeli delegation is poised to compete and bring home medals for their beloved homeland. Heightened security has been enhanced by the team’s own Israeli security personnel, as they will be required to stay close within the confines of the Israeli Olympic village during their stay.
As we each cheer on our favorite athletes from the United States, Israel, and other countries over the next few weeks, let’s remember that the Olympic games are intended to bring us all closer to one another in true sportsmanship and skill.
I hope to see exciting, safe, secure, and friendship filled competitions, where hatred disappears, and true rivalry based on talent and ability prevails. May the words of Anne Frank always be true, “in spite of everything, I still believe that people are really good at heart.” May it be so and let the games begin!
Cantor Laurel Barr
Laurel’s reflections on the Olympics remind us of the universal values of dedication, resilience, and excellence that transcend both sports and business. Just as athletes prepare tirelessly to achieve their goals, so too must we approach our professional endeavors with the same passion and commitment.
I believe in harnessing the power of strategic thinking, innovative content creation, and effective marketing initiatives to help our clients excel. The principles of perseverance, teamwork, and striving for greatness apply to us all.
As we celebrate the spirit of the Olympics, let’s take inspiration from these athletes and apply their determination and focus to our own pursuits. Together, we can achieve remarkable success and make a lasting impact in our respective fields.
Wishing you all a joyous and inspiring week ahead.
Best regards,
Chad
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